Editing In the Shadow of Elsport (section)

=Thematics and Creative Agenda=

Blue Rose is an RPG with a specific tone, and therefore it is worth talking about some things explicitly.

==Initial interests==
In the recruitment thread, players made the following list of things they would like to see:
* The distinctiveness of Blue Rose's setting is front and centre.
** This includes the romantic nature of the setting, where society is viewed in a generally positive light and there is optimism in the world.  As the books says:
*** "Romantic fantasy novels are often set in highly egalitarian societies, where people’s occupations and aspirations are not limited by fixed gender roles. In these books,cultures and individuals that are sexist or homophobic are either ignorant and see the error of their ways somewhere in the series, or they are enemies who are eventually vanquished.
*** "The heroes of romantic fantasy novels are usually environmentally conscious. Protecting wilderness areas and animals from depredation is a common plot element. In all romantic fantasy worlds, nature is a positive magical force, and anyone who protects it is on the side of good."
* Cultural diversity
* Misguided villains, in addition to or instead of truly evil villains
* Maybe some Jarzoni antics
* Inspiration from Miyazaki and/or Earthsea
* The PCs focus on helping people, either as freelancers or working for the Sovereign
* Possibly a love story for a PC or two.  Emotional investment at the least.

Additionally, several things were explicitly requested to 'not' be in the game:
* Sexualized violence
* Puzzles that are impossible or that have no clues or hints
* Graphic or Elaborate depictions of violence and misery

==Applied to the game==
The GM has promised to avoid the things players requested not to be in the game.  Additionally, he will do his best to include the things on the requested list.

===What is Romantic About Elsport?===
With its discussion of the unliving, a lost demonic tomb, crime, and pirates, Elsport has the potential to be a "darker" location in Aldea.  Certain elements of the setting will be emphasized to highlight the fact this is still a 'romantic' fantasy setting:
* Elsport is a small but robust, prosperous, and cosmopolitan city.  Misery and suffering happen, but they are not the defining traits of life.  Though there is some ethnic tension, there is no rampant xenophobia.
* It is true that there is a thriving criminal underworld in Elsport, and The Silence until recently was very powerful.  However, the Silence by definition does not encourage a criminal reign of terror.  The fact that things in the city are destabilizing is a concern.
* It is true that there are active shadow cults and Delsha Artanis' lost tomb, but a defining element of the city is struggling with the question of 'how can we move on from horrible things?' History is not guaranteed to repeat itself.
* It is true that there are a disturbing number of unliving rising in Elsport.  However, there is no "zombie apocalypse" occurring. Instead, the unliving represent a flaw that can be corrected.  'As the natural order of the world is strengthened in Elsport, the unliving will decrease.'