Hello there! I'm currently in the process of building a Homebrew setting for a game I'm going to be running, based heavily on the "Wild West" and American Folklore. However, we all know that Native American imagery often comes up in these types of stories, but it's often misconstrued/poorly written. I really want the Indigenous tribes in this setting to be as authentic as can be, while being respectful. What are some good "Dos and Don'ts" of representing these groups in a fantasy setting, that allow the tribes to be authentic and respectful to real life in their presentation? Additionally, is there any website or book that feature stories of Native American legends and folklore, preferably written by Native people? I would like to use real, genuine stories to influence the creatures the characters might come across in the world. Thank you, and have a good day/night!
This is a good goal, but it feels difficult on the surface. There's a LOT of misrepresentation in media, but firsthand knowledge is not exactly pop culture.
My best suggestion is to remember that there are many Native American peoples. You may find it easier to contact one that you feel a connection with and ask for their guidance on what to read, etc., to build a fantasy setting around their culture respectfully without having to make a perfect 1:1 match.
I think, more than anything, it's doing your best to do the right thing that matters most. More than spending a decade studying Native American cultures before doing anything.
Two questions. Is this "Wild West" placed IRL (In like Texas or something) or is it a brand new world not associated with our own? If it is an IRL setting, look into what those cultures in that area were like back in the Wild West days in that area.
If it's not based off of an Old West IRL setting than I wouldn't worry to much about it. At that point its your world and you get to create the culture, history, and how they behave which could be the Stereotypical version or the Accurate to IRL, ultimately, it would be your choice in your world.
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Hello There. I am a worldbuilder and proud DM that is creating a huge world called Eldredom. I'm pouring many hours into it and I may make some things later...
There is a bit of a schism with adventure games and history. Most people were just living, not adventuring.
Be very careful with authenticity in a setting that revolves around adventures. Things often get bent or broken to make things exciting rather than factually accurate.
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Human. Male. Possibly. Don't be a divider. My characters' backgrounds are written like instruction manuals rather than stories. My opinion and preferences don't mean you're wrong. I am 99.7603% convinced that the digital dice are messing with me. I roll high when nobody's looking and low when anyone else can see.🎲 “It's a bit early to be thinking about an epitaph. No?” will be my epitaph.
Honestly, it should not be a real trouble adding Native Americans to a campaign. It's up to you how you want them to be represented. Like many tribes or just one central group. This is all up to you how detailed and how much real-world content you want to add to your setting. I have an idea for an Old West-themed game that I will eventually write but now you bring this idea up I would also consider adding Native American-like tribes in my realms for the story. However, this type of theming has been done before. In the Gazetteer for BECMI DnD "GAZ14: Atruaghin Clans" you will find they created a whole land using what can be seen as Native American. I have not read it but I have heard some YouTube videos about it.
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I live my life like a West Marches campaign, A swirling vortex of Ambitions and Insecurities.
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Hello there! I'm currently in the process of building a Homebrew setting for a game I'm going to be running, based heavily on the "Wild West" and American Folklore. However, we all know that Native American imagery often comes up in these types of stories, but it's often misconstrued/poorly written. I really want the Indigenous tribes in this setting to be as authentic as can be, while being respectful. What are some good "Dos and Don'ts" of representing these groups in a fantasy setting, that allow the tribes to be authentic and respectful to real life in their presentation? Additionally, is there any website or book that feature stories of Native American legends and folklore, preferably written by Native people? I would like to use real, genuine stories to influence the creatures the characters might come across in the world. Thank you, and have a good day/night!
This is a good goal, but it feels difficult on the surface. There's a LOT of misrepresentation in media, but firsthand knowledge is not exactly pop culture.
My best suggestion is to remember that there are many Native American peoples. You may find it easier to contact one that you feel a connection with and ask for their guidance on what to read, etc., to build a fantasy setting around their culture respectfully without having to make a perfect 1:1 match.
I think, more than anything, it's doing your best to do the right thing that matters most. More than spending a decade studying Native American cultures before doing anything.
Two questions. Is this "Wild West" placed IRL (In like Texas or something) or is it a brand new world not associated with our own? If it is an IRL setting, look into what those cultures in that area were like back in the Wild West days in that area.
If it's not based off of an Old West IRL setting than I wouldn't worry to much about it. At that point its your world and you get to create the culture, history, and how they behave which could be the Stereotypical version or the Accurate to IRL, ultimately, it would be your choice in your world.
Hello There. I am a worldbuilder and proud DM that is creating a huge world called Eldredom. I'm pouring many hours into it and I may make some things later...
There is a bit of a schism with adventure games and history. Most people were just living, not adventuring.
Be very careful with authenticity in a setting that revolves around adventures. Things often get bent or broken to make things exciting rather than factually accurate.
Human. Male. Possibly. Don't be a divider.
My characters' backgrounds are written like instruction manuals rather than stories. My opinion and preferences don't mean you're wrong.
I am 99.7603% convinced that the digital dice are messing with me. I roll high when nobody's looking and low when anyone else can see.🎲
“It's a bit early to be thinking about an epitaph. No?” will be my epitaph.
Honestly, it should not be a real trouble adding Native Americans to a campaign. It's up to you how you want them to be represented. Like many tribes or just one central group. This is all up to you how detailed and how much real-world content you want to add to your setting. I have an idea for an Old West-themed game that I will eventually write but now you bring this idea up I would also consider adding Native American-like tribes in my realms for the story. However, this type of theming has been done before. In the Gazetteer for BECMI DnD "GAZ14: Atruaghin Clans" you will find they created a whole land using what can be seen as Native American. I have not read it but I have heard some YouTube videos about it.
I live my life like a West Marches campaign, A swirling vortex of Ambitions and Insecurities.