| From: | Hobbes Patrol Headquarters <TYGER@****.WINONA.MSUS.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Dino Totems, some thoughts |
| Date: | Thu, 17 Jun 1993 18:57:06 -0500 |
>Ok, since I've had dino on my mind for the past 24 hours or so . . . .
Just a thought, should I add dino-morphs to the shadowfurry listing? I do
have "draco-forms"... It'd just be a snap...
>How about this . . .
>DINO-TOTEMS!
>Can you imagine going up against a T-Rex Shaman or a 'Raptor Shaman?
>OUCH!
>*heh heh heh*
Then...
J Roberson writes:
>What's the basis of Dinosaur Totems? All of the totems already used
>are still alive. Dinosaurs aren't. Granted, Totems are metaphysical constructs
>and don't need to be alive.
>As far as I can see, Shadowrun magic is based on the assumption that various
>myths and legends involving magic were real or had some basis in fact. They've
>done a fine job of creating a magic system that encompasses a wide variety of
>beliefs and legends adequately. But I know of no legends (other than latter
>-day sci-fi and horror) that involve dinosaurs.
Not true! There was a theory that branched from ancient rome (or was that
Greece?) that stated that when they first found dinosaur bones, they though
it was the remains of a 'dragon'. So it could be argued that the legend of
dragons came from dinosaurs. Also, the original Grimore stated that there
was enough belief in 'aligators' in the city sewers to let 'aligator' be a
city totem. So I could see a connection made.
Also, a thought. Consider that Shamans get their magic from the totem
because they BELIEVE in, and follow the ways of it. (Hence, the fact that a
follower of 'Dog' will be loyal to friends.) It's all part of being a
shaman. So, in theory, if one believes in the power of dinosaur, they may
be able to follow it's ways. (Don't thwap me. I'm not a mage type. I'm
the local 'technomancer'...)
And, from Highlander:
>Dino-totems wouldn't work, would they? There is no living representitive
>of the totem on earth.
My theory of Shadowrun totems is that the game designers wanted to have
role-playing solutions to 'balance' game play for shamans. Think about it,
the shaman is the better mage! Instant spirits, bonuses to certain spells,
and the like. So you have to stay within 'totem' personality. And, let's
face it, they don't know the personality of something that isn't around
anymore. (I havn't seen the movie yet. I get a check on Monday...)
> ...the dinosaur is a force that no longer
>exists, that has no impact on the world, aside from the discussions its
>remains raise (and movies: LOVED Jurassic Park).
If it's a force that no longer exists, then why do movies like Jurrasic
Park enthrall humans? Why do children gawk at the bones at the Field
Museum in Chicago? (Hometown plug!) And why are we facinated with
something that's been technically 'dead' for so long?
>Hmmmm...how about a dino free spirit that's been around since the time of
>the dinosaurs?....
Yeek! That, my friend, is frightening. Ever seen the RPG Vampire? And,
on the shadowy end, what would Dunkelzahn say?
That's my end. Seeya later!
-Tyger
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!Nikki was a loser. A street kid, left to fend for himself at a young age.
!He was independent, and unpredictable, but harmless. Except now !
!he had a philosophy, and that made him dangerous. !
! -From "Operation LIVEcrime" !
! Queensryche
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