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Kamuraki
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Oct 2008 : 17:08:41
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| Originally I posted this over in Ed's question thread, as it's something that made me think of Ed's novels. But it applies here as well, so I thought I'd share. I give you Bill Bailey's Medieval Porn Music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQtNEDQZS-I |
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams |
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2008 : 19:53:49
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Excellent Kamuraki! keep spreading the love! 
I'm now a devoted Bill Bailey fan... |
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Kamuraki
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 01:12:55
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| Speaking of spreading the love, I wonder if there's any form of contraception in the realms. They used to make condoms out of sheep intestines back in medieval days after all. |
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 15:18:44
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Good question, Kam.
I would venture to suggest that there are such things as sheepskin/intestine-based condoms, which are only dodgy when it comes to preventing conception and almost not at all effective against diseases.
I'm sure there are also teas and the like that can be brewed, either in a prescribed regimen (like modern oral birth control) or "morning-after-teas" (like the emergency contraception we have today). I'm sure there are abortion mixtures as well.* All those are pretty common in fantasy (thinking here of Martin's "moon tea" and the like).
*Note: We're not getting into real-world birth-control/abortion talk. No politics, please!
Also, let's not overlook the implications of one of the things the FR has that we don't (at least not much): Magic. There are numerous spells in the BoEF (that is, Book of Erotic Fantasy) that deal with conception, pregnancy, and birth, including a 0-level wizard & cleric spell that checks on the status of a female's pregnancy (in your games, you might have her glow purple for pregnancy, blue for none  ), and a 1st (?) level spell that prevents conception absolutely for 24 hours (unless, of course, countered by greater magic--and yes, there are such spells).
I also imagine that important/rich lasses--such as noble daughters or merchant heiresses whose lives can be quite complicated by an unwanted pregnancy--wear little charms, like bracelets, anklets, amulets, or rings (i.e., ring of "protection") that keep them from conceiving. Thus allowing them to keep up with the young noble sons and their wenching whilst suffering much the same consequences. 
I'd be curious if we have any official Realmsian lore on this topic--Ed must have covered it by now (Kuje? Wooly? Sage?), or I'm sure Lady THO can enlighten us.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3252 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 15:27:00
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From Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (3rd Edition):
quote:
Herb, Cassil: Cassil is a small shrub similar to a mustard plant. Its seeds are ground into a fine, tasteless powder that suppresses male fertility. Men who want to avoid fathering children use this herb. A male humanoid who eats about a teaspoon of cassil is rendered infertile for a period of 3d4 days, although it requires about an hour before the herb takes effect. Stories abound of disloyal courtiers dosing their kings or lords in order to prevent the conception of a royal heir. Using either the Heal skill or Profession (herbalist), the effects can be detected with a DC 15 check and countered with a DC 20 check.
Herb, Nararoot: Nararoot is a black, woody tuber with a licoricelike flavor. Shavings steeped in hot water make a strong tea that renders a woman infertile for d4+2 days. Chewed raw, the root tastes unpleasant, but the effects are more potent, lasting 2d4+4 days. Women who do not wish to become pregnant use nararoot. Using either the Heal skill or Profession (herbalist), the effects can be detected with a DC 15 check and countered with a DC 20 check.
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I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 15:36:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
I'd be curious if we have any official Realmsian lore on this topic--Ed must have covered it by now (Kuje? Wooly? Sage?), or I'm sure Lady THO can enlighten us.
I'm seem to recall Ed delving into such topics briefly from time to time. I'll have to search the archives though. I'm at work moment, so my time here is short. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 18:31:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
From Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (3rd Edition):
quote:
Herb, Cassil
Herb, Nararoot
Right under our noses! Well done, Ashe.
I wonder if (mechanically speaking) your body makes saving throws against the herbs' effects? Like using a poison or a drug.
I figure a birth-control is 95% effective if the DC is so high you have to roll a nat-20 to make it (5% chance).
And a long over-due, slightly off-topic comment:
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Flight of the Conchords is great stuff.
I think HBO is planning another season, but I'm not positive. Anyone know for sure?
What I heard was that FotC exhausted their songlist on the first season, so they *do* plan to do a second season . . . they just have to write more songs first.
Cheers
"A kiss is not a contract . . . though it's very nice . . . it's very VERY nice." |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 23 Oct 2008 18:36:44 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3252 Posts |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1732 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 19:08:58
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The return of this topic made me chuckle.
I've just heard back from my 96 year old grandmother who thanked me for dedicating Blackstaff Tower to her and Grandpa.
Then she scolded me for writing sexy scenes in a book intended for teenagers. (She was referring simply to the playful teasing of Vajra and Samark in the Intro. Good thing she hasn't read to the bit where Vajra faces off against the spirits of Blackstaff Tower.)
It just hits me every so often how different each generation bench-marks what's considered "sex." For someone who was a teen before the Great Depression, it's overt flirting.
Steven
who loves his grandmother dearly and simply smiles when such generation gaps gawp between them |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Edited by - Steven Schend on 23 Oct 2008 19:11:31 |
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Kamuraki
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 21:07:56
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| We should also note that given the evidence, Azoun IV NEVER bothered with any of the aforementioned contraception methods. |
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 22:39:13
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Oh I'm not so sure.
Maybe he *did* use such methods, but just fell prey to the law of averages (specifically, the nat-20/5% rule).
Now if he *didn't bother*, you do the math . . . that's a substantial Realm right there.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
244 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2008 : 23:13:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Kamuraki
....add in a conservative amount of demonic taint.
WARNING: Demonic taint is potent stuff!
Demonic taint....eeeewww 
(Sorry I could not resist. I'm a horrible person.) |
"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker
FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 00:06:36
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I'll swallow that demonic taint (ummm, tangy!) and come back for more . . .
love (she said breathily, lips parted),
THO |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3252 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 00:28:42
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
I'll swallow that demonic taint (ummm, tangy!) and come back for more . . .
love (she said breathily, lips parted),
THO
It's quotes like those that get me through a cold Minnesota winter.
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I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 00:52:21
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. . .
[shock]
. . .
*Psst! I think we broke him.*
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Kamuraki
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 01:22:10
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*Blinks in surprise at Hooded One*
...
Someone get that woman a tentacle! |
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 02:26:13
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
I'll swallow that demonic taint (ummm, tangy!) and come back for more . . .
love (she said breathily, lips parted),
THO
Oh, I really hope the Lady K isn't reading this scroll. She'd order the fury of Talos itself upon me if she knew I was here reading this. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
244 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 02:47:10
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
I'll swallow that demonic taint (ummm, tangy!) and come back for more . . .
love (she said breathily, lips parted),
THO
Mental image processing...(right-click-save-as...)
Yup, I'm still a horrible person...but it sure is fun.
Best,
JPDavis |
"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker
FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0 |
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Kamuraki
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 03:14:37
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| Y'know I think I like the sexual tendencies of the realms because it seems as though upper and middle class women there aren't forced into the mandatory modesty that society places on them here in the real world (In the US specifically). I'm not saying every woman in the realms gives it away, but it just seems they're freer socially to give it away if they so choose. I specifically point out the female freedom because as far as men are concerned, we're pretty much the same horny dolts everywhere. Doesn't seem to matter much what species you're talking about either. |
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 15:27:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Kamuraki
Y'know I think I like the sexual tendencies of the realms because it seems as though upper and middle class women there aren't forced into the mandatory modesty that society places on them here in the real world (In the US specifically).
OK, I can't keep silent here. I can't believe you picked out the U.S. as an example of a country where women are "forced into the mandatory modesty." I find that absurd. What about Saudi Arabia, Sudan, or numerous other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia? Women have much more freedom in the U.S. than they would in other countries, and not only with regards to modesty.
I am a woman in the U.S., and I don't feel like I'm forced into mandatory modesty. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 24 Oct 2008 15:46:25 |
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Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 16:17:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
OK, I can't keep silent here. I can't believe you picked out the U.S. as an example of a country where women are "forced into the mandatory modesty." I find that absurd. What about Saudi Arabia, Sudan, or numerous other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia? Women have much more freedom in the U.S. than they would in other countries, and not only with regards to modesty.
Yes, women do have more freedom in the US than in those states. But those are either failed states or states renowned for their repressive regimes. Are those really the benchmarks you want to measure your country against?
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I am a woman in the U.S., and I don't feel like I'm forced into mandatory modesty.
The thing about social conditioning is that it tends to be almost invisible to those who live under it.
It is certainly no secret that standards for what constitutes overly sexual content in the US are significantly stricter than in other Western democracies.
Even things with no sexual connotations, such as breastfeeding, are restricted by law in many US states. The appearance of female seconary sexual characteristics on television is treated as a massive scandal. Video games face less criticism for encouraging graphic acts of mortal violence than for the mere suggestion of sexual activity. Some states or countries still regulate sexual activity, even between married couples, with archaic legislation such as sodomy laws.
In most cases, I find a cultural kinship with Americans, just as I feel with most other people living under some kind of constitutional democracy. But when the subject turns to 'sex', I often feel like I'm talking to aliens. It's as if some people there really do believe that even thinking about sex in any other sense than for procreation will send them straight to Purgatory. |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
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Edited by - Icelander on 24 Oct 2008 16:18:31 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 16:23:11
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Once again, somewhat sensitive topics are coming into discussion here in this scroll. I'd rather we stick strictly to discussing "Sex & the Realms." Let's leave the discussion about real world civil rights and political matters to private chatter.
Thank you. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 16:23:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
Yes, women do have more freedom in the US than in those states. But those are either failed states or states renowned for their repressive regimes. Are those really the benchmarks you want to measure your country against?
I didn't say that. I resent your implication that that's what I think.
quote:
The thing about social conditioning is that it tends to be almost invisible to those who live under it.
No, that's not necessarily the case with me. You don't know me, so who are you to say decide such a thing? I find that to be extraordinarily presumptuous. I could just as easily say that you might not be as informed as you think you are, and that your view of my country is highly simplified.
quote:
Even things with no sexual connotations, such as breastfeeding, are restricted by law in many US states. The appearance of female seconary sexual characteristics on television is treated as a massive scandal. Video games face less criticism for encouraging graphic acts of mortal violence than for the mere suggestion of sexual activity. Some states or countries still regulate sexual activity, even between married couples, with archaic legislation such as sodomy laws.
Yet you cite no sources for any of these these things. I'm not saying those things don't exist, but you aren't making a specific, debatable argument here. Also, some states are much more liberal than others.
quote:
It's as if some people there really do believe that even thinking about sex in any other sense than for procreation will send them straight to Purgatory.
Some people here think that, some people don't. I don't believe in Purgatory--I'm not even inclined to think there's an afterlife. What's your point? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 24 Oct 2008 16:36:37 |
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Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 16:48:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Even things with no sexual connotations, such as breastfeeding, are restricted by law in many US states. The appearance of female seconary sexual characteristics on television is treated as a massive scandal. Video games face less criticism for encouraging graphic acts of mortal violence than for the mere suggestion of sexual activity. Some states or countries still regulate sexual activity, even between married couples, with archaic legislation such as sodomy laws.
Yet you cite no sources for any of these these things. I'm not saying those things don't exist, but you aren't making a specific, debatable argument here.
Come now. That's unworthy of you.
I mentioned the current legal situation and some events from headline news. I believed that it was superfluous to add cites for these events, as the only people unaware of them lived under rocks without Internet access.
Or do you perhaps deny the existence of any such laws and the media furor that greeted Grand Theft Auto and the glimpse of Janet Jackson's nipple in the Superbowl halftime show?
If so, here are cites for all of the things I mentioned:
The Uniform Code for Military Justice, article 125 (Sodomy laws, looking up the current status in the Carolinas, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Lousiana, Michigan, Mississipi, Utah and Virginia is left as an exercise for the reader).
Way to go West Virginia (Breastfeeding treated as indecent exposure).
Grand Theft Auto Hot Coffee controversy (two consenting adults having cartoon sex is considered much more dangerous for teen viewers than normal gameplay, which basically consists of mass murders).
Nipplegate (it was a good game, I don't know why anyone bothered to note what two mediocre musicians were doing or what they weren't wearing).
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Some people here think that, some people don't. I don't believe in Purgatory--I'm not even inclined to think there's an afterlife. What's your point?
My point is, that aside from your personal beliefs, the US 'national consensus' that the Supreme Court likes to cite is far more puritanical than any other Western democracy of which I can think. So maybe Kamuraki's point has some merit. |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
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Edited by - Icelander on 24 Oct 2008 16:49:20 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2008 : 16:56:06
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Okay, I think we all need to take some time away from this scroll once again. Maybe it'll be re-opened at some future point. But, to be honest, this scroll has been to this same point again and again -- entirely too many times for my personal tastes. Thus, I think it might just be more appropriate to keep it sealed permanently this time.
I'll discuss it with the other Mods. In the meantime, I suggest those participating in this recent side-discussion take some time re-familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct, and consider any and all potential contributions to this scroll should it be re-opened.
*Scroll sealed* |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 24 Oct 2008 16:59:13 |
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Sex & the Realms
Topic Locked
