[& Sword] Source Material Humanity Definitions

[angelfromanotherpin]

This is a question, mostly for Ron because he's so good at this, but anyone can chime in.

What's the Humanity definition used in the Conan stories?  The Fafhrd & Grey Mouser stories?

It's like porn, I know it when I see it, but I can't define it.

[MetalBard]

I'd say that the humanity definition from the hero section of Sorcerer & Sword would pretty much cover it.  Is the source material really concerned with something like humanity, though?  I guess you could extrapolate it, but it seems that it is more of a game mechanic that is better decided upon within each game.  Not sure, though.  Ron probably has a much better answer.

[Ron Edwards]

Check out Premise in S&Sword and let me know where you are with that discussion, and then we'll pick it up again here.

Don't forget that Premise is not easily identifiable from written/finished stories, although Theme is.

Best,
Ron

[angelfromanotherpin]

Very, very helpful, especially the bit about not being part of the harshness of the world.

I guess my interpretation of that would be Compassion.  Not understanding the feelings of others, but rather relating to their position as if you were in their shoes.  Treating others as you would wish to be treated.

Demons challenge this by demanding master/slave relationships, no matter which member is servile and which tyrannical.  This is why Conan releases Livia in The Vale of Lost Women: He cannot take a lover who would be a slave in the context of the relationship.

One piece I missed from the original S&S Humanity section is that it says Humanity only concerns 'people the heo knows or has shared danger with.'  The relationships that form between the protagonists and their respected enemies can be just as binding as  those of friends and family.

Issue resolved to my satisfaction.  Thanks all.

[Ron Edwards]

High five.

That point about enemies is a good one. It's a shame Thak had to die. But when Nabonidus decides to kill his comrades who now trust him, Conan kills him with no shadow of doubt or regret.

Best,
Ron