Zalanthan attractiveness

[SMuz]

What's considered attractive to Zalanthans?

I've always RPed an ability to fight as being attractive for both sexes - i.e. a muscular redhead would be more attractive to my char than a skinny, catwalk blonde. Bonus points if she can lift a big-ass sword. And magick would be downright disgusting, something along the lines of a hot female with leprosy. Fatness seems kinda iffy - in ancient world civs, fat people were considered attractive for being rich, but in Zalanthas, it seems like they'd sweat themselves to death and won't be able to outrun a gortok.. but they'd survive longer without food.

Also, how much are Zalanthans willing to accept ugliness, like rotten teeth, multiple scab wounds, flaky skin, bald patches?

What about non-humans? Male humans regardless of culture seem to like curvaceous. And breasts for some strange reason (apparently other animals don't care that much about mammaries). Female humans tend to be more attracted to strength or cuddliness.

Elves? Maybe the ability to run? Skinny bodies and strong legs? Would masses of muscle actually be unattractive to an elf? Do elves have like a fetish for long ears, necks, or feet, the way humans like tits? I'd certainly assume that they'd respect thieving ability more - elves who could steal well are the equivalent of celebrities.

Half-elves would have something of the type of both humans and elves?

Dwarves? I'd assume they go for thickness and shortness. Being short would probably give them better balance or something. So would a male dwarf consider a woman made of muscle (ew) as highly attractive, regardless of race? Maybe they'd even develop crushes on more focused, more ambitious types?

Do halflings go for cuteness and big eyes? Chibi types?

Half-giants would probably be something like dwarves I suppose, but with a preference for muscle and height. And kindhearted, family types, I'd assume.

Finally - muls. Since they're sterile, are they attracted to anything at all? If they were, it'd probably be something of a mix between human and dwarf fetishes, then? Big breasted warrior females or something. Heh, probably half-giants.


Sometimes I think too much

[Reiloth]

I find that in Zalanthas, with a lack of celebrity obsession, forms of 'beauty' take many shapes.

I think depending on the culture -- Strength, physical prowess, ability in battle, might be considered attractive traits. In Tuluk, being an intellectual, or smarmy, or awkward might be attractive.

I think that the 'outside' matters less to a planet of sand and heat, blood, sweat, and tears. I think in a land as destitute as Zalanthas, in whatever form it comes, people would just want to fuck like crazy and not think about tomorrow. I don't think they would care if you were missing a few teeth, had a horn sticking out of your ass, or whatever else you can think of. Physical beauty would be looked past, for what is apparent on the surface just beneath. The way people talk, what they say, what they like, what they don't like.

[Maso]

I second Reiloth. Pretty much what I was going to say. Though there is a touch of 'celebrity obsession' in noble culture, which can be seen in commoners wearing silks, make-up etc.

[Jingo]

I think in Allanak, gladiators should be sex icons.

In Tuluk.... maybe skilled criminals or bards?

Just a thought.

[Cutthroat]

All of these are good ideas. In the end it comes down to what a specific character would like (just like IRL there are normal people, and there are the weird ones).

[Kronibas]

Finally - muls. Since they're sterile, are they attracted to anything at all? If they were, it'd probably be something of a mix between human and dwarf fetishes, then? Big breasted warrior females or something. Heh, probably half-giants.

I believe muls, if free, would be attracted to whatever their bond mate was in captivity.  And you have to think, some championship
gladiators would have luxuries granted by their owners, including bond mates that might be some of the healthiest, sturdiest female/male
humans or dwarves in Allanak/Tuluk.

The really fucked up thing for free muls is that, naturally, these advances, if a freed slave ever managed to get his shit together long
enough to even make them, would typically be rejected on account of the aura of fear and danger surrounding these sometimes
monstrous (in most's eyes) and horribly mangled (because of gladitorial bouts) people.  This might serve to further drive a freed mul
into anguish and rage, for what he once had is no longer available to him unless he takes it or buys it.

It would be like losing the same girlfriend from the time you're five until freedom, and undoubtably the mul would have a hard time
getting over this.  I'd speculate that many cases of mulish rages and escape attempts would be the result of something happening
to their bond mate or them being separated from them for whatever reason.

They would definitely feel attraction, though, because sterility doesn't equate to a decreased libido (does it?).  Also, you have to
remember that they are half human and would possess emotions and deserves natural in both dwarves and humans.  Now, if the
mul was a eunuch for some reason, like the Unsulllied Ones from George R R Martin's books, then physical attraction might not be
as big of a deal.

Grin, I don't think muls would be anywhere closely attracted to half-giants.

[Niamh]

Fact: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Dwarves won't find some hairy human or scrawny elf attractive.  Humans wouldn't (or shouldn't!) be attracted to stumpy dwarves, mudblood halfbreeds, or elves-- they call them skinnies for a reason.  Among races ass far as for hair and eye color, body shape, and the like go, it's all a matter of personal preference.  This is why we ask that people not use subjective descriptors (like pretty, ugly, handsome, homely, comely, etc) in descriptions or emotes.  What one person finds attractive isn't necessarily attractive to the next.

Opinion: Regionwise, fair hair and skin would be much more attractive in Tuluk than in Allanak, IMO.  Lighter coloration is much more prevalent in the north tan the south, so I think at best in Allanak it would be considered somewhat exotic.  (Or heathenistic, perhaps.)  Among the high society, a well-fed physique would be more attractive than a malnourished one, I would imagine.

[jcljules]

Fact: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Dwarves won't find some hairy human or scrawny elf attractive.  Humans wouldn't (or shouldn't!) be attracted to stumpy dwarves, mudblood halfbreeds, or elves-- they call them skinnies for a reason.  Among races ass far as for hair and eye color, body shape, and the like go, it's all a matter of personal preference.  This is why we ask that people not use subjective descriptors (like pretty, ugly, handsome, homely, comely, etc) in descriptions or emotes.  What one person finds attractive isn't necessarily attractive to the next.

Opinion: Regionwise, fair hair and skin would be much more attractive in Tuluk than in Allanak, IMO.  Lighter coloration is much more prevalent in the north tan the south, so I think at best in Allanak it would be considered somewhat exotic.  (Or heathenistic, perhaps.)  Among the high society, a well-fed physique would be more attractive than a malnourished one, I would imagine.

Is it alright to play PCs with strange, fetishistic attractions to those of other races? I've considered doing this with a few of my PCs, though I'm well aware its nowhere near the norm on Zalanthas.

[Lizzie]

I feel this way:

The average Zalanthan, by American standards, is underfed, malnourished, unwashed, uneducated, and living in a world without indoor plumbing or electricity, or body lotion, or shampoo. That's "average." Anything better than that, would be attractive. However...

if you make an "average commoner character" exceptional by those standards, then expect to be treated as an anomaly. There's lots of room for deviation from the norm. But when you get into the anime perfectly round perky big-titted shapely flawlessly pale skinned shiny luxurious tressed manicured fingernailed, perfect except for a tiny dot on your chin..then you sort of have to expect people to assume you're a concubine, or raised in luxury. If you aren't a concubine and weren't raised in luxury, then expect people to be suspicious.

[Niamh]

A bunch of stuff I agree with.

In response to jcljules:
Yes, it is okay to play someone with freaky disgusting fetishes.  But fully expect your character to be shunned, ridiculed, berated, abused, beaten etc etc etc by everyone else that finds out about your dirty secret.

[SMuz]

So, when a human does it with an elf and makes a half-elf baby, it was a result of a disgusting fetish?

[Reiloth]

So, when a human does it with an elf and makes a half-elf baby, it was a result of a disgusting fetish?

If you consider rape a disgusting fetish.

[Maso]

So, when a human does it with an elf and makes a half-elf baby, it was a result of a disgusting fetish?

If you consider rape a disgusting fetish.

It probably is, yes. :x

[SMuz]

No, I mean, the human wouldn't rape the elf at all if there wasn't some kind of attraction. It's like.. raping an ostrich. Ew, that is disgusting.

[jcljules]

So, when a human does it with an elf and makes a half-elf baby, it was a result of a disgusting fetish?

If you consider rape a disgusting fetish.

It probably is, yes. :x

Its a twoofer. You're a rapist -and- you rape disgusting elves.

A bunch of stuff I agree with.

In response to jcljules:
Yes, it is okay to play someone with freaky disgusting fetishes.  But fully expect your character to be shunned, ridiculed, berated, abused, beaten etc etc etc by everyone else that finds out about your dirty secret.

Of course, that's the fun in playing out the freaky disgusting fetish. Well... for those of us who don't actually want to RP the mudsex.
...
...
I swear.  

[Ramblingman]

Personality.

Oddly enough the characters I find least attractive are those designed to be "most attractive" in-game.

There was a craze awhile back for pale-skinned and honey-haired, short and skinny. Which at the time the joke was made that they were sun-fearing, green-haired midgets that were too weak to live. This was an OOC joke of course, playing on the concept that in-game honey is green.


I dont find the waifish, slender, ritzy-high-class girls attractive, or fun to be around in real-life, or in the game.

One of my favorite PCs in the game, I think was played by Tortall in the Byn some time ago. She would get drunk and dance on the bar, was fairly strong, could hang with the guys, but was also distinctly feminine.

Rugged beauty, like some of the gypsies I've seen is attractive.

There is more, I just can't think right now.

[Ourla]

Oddly enough the characters I find least attractive are those designed to be "most attractive" in-game.

[brytta.leofa]

Its a twoofer. You're a rapist -and- you rape disgusting elves.

I hate to be the one to say this, but, culturally, the former subject of disapprobation is probably considered rather less important in the specific context of the latter.

[Ramblingman]

I think some realism is sacrificed for the sake of playability. The fact that some people have "perfectly straight, bright-white teeth" is unrealistic... yet some people do it. I just make a habit of avoiding certain areas. I don't talk about my character's smell, teeth, etc. Just like I don't roleplay going to the bathroom.

Everything played realistically, the average person would have rotten teeth, smell really bad, have dirty hair, and any of a number of other problems. They would be generally tan with calloused hands and feet. Likely be malnourished. Scrawny. If they didn't wear protective clothing they'd be blistered and sun-burned.

The fact that the actual game doesn't stick to the documentation has people creating different character concepts.

I've never had a character worry about food or water. Not even have it enter his mind as a concern. Yet food and water are supposed to be extremely scare. Diseases would be more prevalent with the lack of proper sanitation, food storage/preparation, etc. The sun is blistering hot... with temperatures more than in the deserts of our world... yet people are frequently outside in nothing more than a loincloth.

The life of an Allanaki citizen is one of strife--expensive and degenerate living conditions, a nearly omnipotent ruler and His Templars watching your every move, and no place to hide except the burning wastelands outside the city gates.

These types of things should be considered when discussing attractiveness. If -survivability- is one of the key driving factors behind society, than those things will be considered attractive by the people. Strength, ability to bear children, provide/defend, etc.  For females, large breasts and hips are a sign of a healthy mother on an instinctual basis.   If one does not have surviving, or their progeny surviving, as a main concern, then they can lapse into the lust-attractions.

[Armaddict]

Fact: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Dwarves won't find some hairy human or scrawny elf attractive.  Humans wouldn't (or shouldn't!) be attracted to stumpy dwarves, mudblood halfbreeds, or elves-- they call them skinnies for a reason.  Among races ass far as for hair and eye color, body shape, and the like go, it's all a matter of personal preference.

Statements conflicting.  Though you could say it as a general rule, like documentation is meant to be.  In which case we'll have some muls and half-elves everywhere in no time!

Edited to add:  And the latter part of that, by the way, is supposed to be very tongue-in-cheek, not serious.  XD

[SMuz]

I do like the insightful comments in this thread

I don't think being good looking is all that unlikely. People have an ability to adapt very well to their environment.

True story.. I'm born in the hot, humid climate of seaside Borneo. I'm used to living at a minimum of 32 C with plenty of humidity. When I came to Sydney, it was 12 C and the air was so dry that I coughed and wheezed for 2 weeks. My skin got all flaky and I'd spend half an hour in the shower just to get the humidity back. But after a few months, I think my skin started producing more oil or something, and it's no longer as ugly as it used to be. Heck, it's back to normal. And I have plenty of time in the sun without protection; but I took enough time to adapt to it that it doesn't affect my appearance at all anymore. I don't use beauty products either. And even with a lot of exposure to the sun, I still maintain quite a fair complexion.

And I have met a lot of tribals and poor people in my life, some who are so destitute that toothbrushes and showers are a luxury, and I find quite a lot of them quite attractive. Except maybe teeth. Tooth quality seems consistent with living quality.

But yeah, there is something about the ritzy girls which I don't like. The most attractive character I felt as a player was this rather boyish ranger who would cover herself a lot with a thick cloak. Hot sdesc, but I really liked how she was a real character who could handle herself in a fight and actually took a great deal of effort to clean herself up and look pretty after bashing a gortok's head in. Actually, as a player, I seem to be more attracted to well-developed characters.

[staggerlee]

And I have met a lot of tribals and poor people in my life, some who are so destitute that toothbrushes and showers are a luxury, and I find quite a lot of them quite attractive. Except maybe teeth. Tooth quality seems consistent with living quality.

I would argue that your average Nakki commoner should look like hell. Tribals are another matter. Extreme poverty in a repressive, urban state is going to leave a much different mark on someone than the challenges of survival in a more egalitarian society, even one pressed for resources. Tribals are theoretically going to be adapted to their environment, it's the cities that have cesspools and rampant diseases.

Furthermore, the tooth decay issue:  Through studies of recovered jaw fragments and teeth it's been established that the shift to agrarian lifestyles corresponded with a dramatic decline in the health of teeth.  Basically as societies move to more homogeneous diets dominated by complex sugars and well pounded grains, people consume more natural sugars that erode tooth enamel and less gritty, tough things that would clean teeth.

It's not unlike domesticated dogs... in the wild they eat all kinds of crap that scrape their teeth free, in captivity they live off of kibbles and their teeth fall out.

In short?  I've always played my poor city dwellers as filthy, uncultured and disgusting. I play my tribals as alien, but much healthier and cleaner. (Unless the docs demand otherwise.)

[BuNutzCola]

Attractiveness in this game at least seems directly related to the player of that pc

You can be the ugliest bastard around and people will clamor to get in your pants. A certain "charred steak" of a diminutive female comes to mind.

[Kryos]

Really depends on the PC I'm playing how they judge beauty.  One looked to prowess as attractive, primarily physical, but even mental prowess caught his attention, especially since he was in Tuluk.  One looked for how 'maintained' the other person was in appearance, reflecting his pampered childhood.  But yeah, basics covered here I agree with.  Race, background, and living place all likely have a fairly large impact on qualities people use for attractiveness.

[Agent_137]

Attractiveness in this game at least seems directly related to the player of that pc

You can be the ugliest bastard around and people will clamor to get in your pants. A certain "charred steak" of a diminutive female comes to mind.

charred steak is a little aggressive. she was a good example of zalanthas attractiveness. Powerful, not fugly, and meaty enough to breed. Burn scars are JUST the sort of thing a zalanthan couldn't give a fuck about.

http://www.armageddon.org/original/showSubmission.php?submission=345