That said, I was talking with my wife last night about the possibility of using Native American folklore instead of fantasy trappings. Here in St. Cloud are some indian tribes and some research centers and such where I might be able to get good info. I believe the local tribe here is called the Ojibwe (sp?)
I haven't looked into this enough to even know if they have a folklore with a good spread of monsters and creatures, but if they did, I think it'd be pretty unique to use them. I've also been tinkering with the idea of trying to get some funding from them if I go this route; it couldn't hurt to ask, right? I think it'd ultimately be educational, at least compared to the usual elf and kobold stuff.
This is an area where you'd want to tread carefully, as sensitivities tend to run pretty high in general. You'd definitely want to do your research, and get everything right, so their culture isn't misrepresented. You'll probably end up with some critics that appreciate the nod, and then others that say you're exploiting their culture and history for entertainment's sake. But if it was all done right, the end product could be pretty cool and educational.
I hate to say it but I cant agree more with this.. native Americans seem to "protect" their hertiage in a finatical way (opinion is mine and not reflective of AA in any way). Rmebering it, teaching it, wonderfull, deciding how I view it and use it.. not so much. I just watched the 100% BS of a fight over a Name and none offencive depiction of a Native american for a sports team cost $1000's of dollars and when it was all done, one group of native amercians wanted the Icon to stay (if they got paid) and one didnt.. NO COMPROMISE.. just lots and lot and lot and lots and lots (did that get the point across?) wasted money and time over something that basicly didnt matter. I suggest NOT using them in any way or form.. use the stories, just change the names .. even a slight mention of them without prior request will get you in trouble.
I have been called every name in the book, I watch other countries villianize the American .. and I could give a crap less.. words have never hurt me, never will, percepctions of who i am by un informed people will never bother me either.. AND this is the reason it so sad this happens..
That said, I was talking with my wife last night about the possibility of using Native American folklore instead of fantasy trappings. Here in St. Cloud are some indian tribes and some research centers and such where I might be able to get good info. I believe the local tribe here is called the Ojibwe (sp?)
I haven't looked into this enough to even know if they have a folklore with a good spread of monsters and creatures, but if they did, I think it'd be pretty unique to use them. I've also been tinkering with the idea of trying to get some funding from them if I go this route; it couldn't hurt to ask, right? I think it'd ultimately be educational, at least compared to the usual elf and kobold stuff.
This is an area where you'd want to tread carefully, as sensitivities tend to run pretty high in general. You'd definitely want to do your research, and get everything right, so their culture isn't misrepresented. You'll probably end up with some critics that appreciate the nod, and then others that say you're exploiting their culture and history for entertainment's sake. But if it was all done right, the end product could be pretty cool and educational.
I hate to say it but I cant agree more with this.. native Americans seem to "protect" their hertiage in a finatical way (opinion is mine and not reflective of AA in any way). Rmebering it, teaching it, wonderfull, deciding how I view it and use it.. not so much. I just watched the 100% BS of a fight over a Name and none offencive depiction of a Native american for a sports team cost $1000's of dollars and when it was all done, one group of native amercians wanted the Icon to stay (if they got paid) and one didnt.. NO COMPROMISE.. just lots and lot and lot and lots and lots (did that get the point across?) wasted money and time over something that basicly didnt matter. I suggest NOT using them in any way or form.. use the stories, just change the names .. even a slight mention of them without prior request will get you in trouble.
I have been called every name in the book, I watch other countries villianize the American .. and I could give a crap less.. words have never hurt me, never will, percepctions of who i am by un informed people will never bother me either.. AND this is the reason it so sad this happens..