this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2024
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There's also an issue where fantasy fiction can't get away from this idea of fantasy "races" with "cool powers". It adds this additional layer of representation that needs to happen when it's already difficult to make real human cultures and groups feel represented in a game without infinite NPCs or world-building. Humans tend to be one or two cultures and the other "races" get coded as others. Most games would be better off without including the unquestioned trope of "fantasy races" (yes, D&D included) unless they actually built their setting and game around the idea (which most have not).
There is an advantage of "baby's first introduction to the idea that different peoples can have different cultures, and they're all valuable." - for some people they've never experienced or ever thought about this... and it's "simpler" to grasp than (the much better design) of different regions having different cultures, and each region having a mix of races.
On the other hand, there's a massive disadvantage in portraying "all people of this race are (stereotype x), all people of that race are (stereotype y)"
DMs and GMs, this is a place where you can shine with your worldbuilding. Make towns that have a mix of races, and give towns their own culture. It's worth it and much more immersive.