In the FromSoft games, there are a plethora of NPCs that populate the world. there are some universal favorites, and then there are others. In the RKG playthrough of Elden Ring, Gav and Rory have taken an irrational dislike to the NPC, Boc. Rory hates Roderika, too. The reason Gav gives for hating the former is because he’s “whining” about being half to death by his people. Er, monkeys? Monkey-people? Demi-humans. Rory’s reasoning is even more specious–he doesn’t like Boc’s voice.
He’s a bit more concrete in his reasoning for not liking Roderika, but it’s also because of her limp lettuce voice. And she’s been traumatized by her experience, but he thinks she’s just a sad sack complainer.
On the other hand, they both loved
Alexander, pot/jar friend, because he’s hale and hearty, and he’s very jolly! In other words, it’s not really the person they are reacting to, but the attitudes. It’s funny because in watching old episodes, Gav complained about almost every NPC for one reason or the other. Very nitpicky things that were incomprehensible. Rory once said about Gav, “I have no idea what is going to set you off.” Gav tried to deny it, but it’s true. He get upset about the smallest things that make no sense.
It really irked me about Boc becaus it’s that toxic mentality that ‘men should be men’ and anyone showing emotions is being whiny and a crybaby. Which, quite frankly, I’m so done with that attitude. The funny part is that Alexander is so inept, but they don’t know that yet. But it’s the same with the Onion Knight from the first. He’s a lovable oaf who is a terrible warrior (which is presumably his job). His questline is really tragic, but he as a person personifies mediocre white guy (literally white) who gets praised for being a nice guy.
He’s a fan favorite for being jovial even though he’s a hot mess. It’s interesting because the second iteration of him (in Dark Souls III) is exactly the same–except he can actually fight. He still gets into pickles and jams that you, the protag, has to get him out of, but when push comes to shove, he actually fights valiantly by your side. Unlike Siegmeyer from the first game (the one in the third game is Siegward). (Side note from future me: Siegmeyer does actually fight by your side later in the game. I forgot about the Chaos Eaters in Lost Izalith.)
There’s another fan favorite, Solaire, who is searching for something he’ll never find. He’s the fan favorite by far, but he’s never been in my top ten. I don’t hate him, but I am not particularly drawn to him, either. Krupa asked me in one stream who was my favorite NPC from the first game and why was it Solaire? That’s the mentality of most From fans–that of course Solaire is your favorite NPC.
So it’s not surprising that…look. Here’s the thing. I have a theory of dudes that the more dudes you add to a group, the more laddy they get. And teher’s a certain level in the gaming industry because it’s still predominantly a male industry. And, as it happens in other male industries, the women who succeed in the industry tend to adopt several of those so-called male traits. i cannot speak to other genders because there are so few of them who are out in the industry.
I tried to find a first time playthrough of a From game that had a non-male player who was not all ‘bitch this!’ and ‘bitch that!’ or talking about how magic is for pussies or how they had to be a real gamer by soloing all the bosses, no shield, no armor, only fists.
I could not. And I was sad.
Then I watched the latest RKG episode and while they do not have that (much), there were other things that irritated me. Maybe it’s just me hating on the gaming industry in general (very possible), but I’m not happy about the attitude.
As I mentioned, there’s the irrational hatred of NPCs for eye-rolling reasons. I don’t even care much about Boc! I don’t hate him, but he’s not my favorite or even in my top five. But to go on and on about him because he’s upset about being beaten almost to death by his kinfolk, well, that’s rather harsh.
Also, I’m getting tired of the childish jokes that are being made. Look. I am not against dirty jokes. I really am not. I am quick to offer one when it’s appropriate. But I feel like when more than one guy gathers, it’s almost automatic to go to the bottom of the sewer/toilet. To see who can get there the fastest. And it’s, quite frankly, tiring.
I’m sure it’s partly because Elden Ring is one of my favorite games of all times, but so is Dark Souls III, and I did not feel quite the same impatience during that playthrough. Though I did get impatioent several times. Their last From game was Demon’s Souls, and I think that was one of their best if not their best Retry ever. But I did get impatient with some of the behind the scenes musings because it was so provincial. Like making fun of Americans who are obsessed with British culture. Or claimed an English Premier League team as their own. Like, why is the fact that they’re American mean they can’t root for an EPL team? It’s especially irritating because Gav roots for the Vikings (our football team) because of a woman he used to like was from here. If I wanted to be a jerk, I could say that he’s not allowed to root for the Vikings or any American football team because he’s Welsh, but quite frankly, I find it amusing that he roots for the Vikings.
It’s just…so nationalistic in a way I don’t understand. If Americans are to be scoffed at for liking Downton Abbey, then they’re not allowed to like the Simpsons. Except for Rory because he’s American as well as British. In a previous series, they went on a rant about Americans who hyphenate (like Irish American) in a way that showed they don’t understand the complex history of nationalities in America. Which, I don’t expect them to, but then maybe don’t go on and on about it.
I know they have to fill air, but sometimes, I just get disheartened. Plus, the soft sexism that exists from being in society. In this case, the specific brand of Western sexism. I think they are the best I’ve seen at not showing isms. In fact, they have heartily denounced racism–which should not be such a plus, but sadly is in the industry. But, as I said, we all live in a society that is riddled with isms. In their case, Britain. In mine, America.
It could just be me getting to the end of my patience.e This happens to me with almost everything and overyone. So, yes, it could just be me. But if something doesn’t change over time, doesn’t grow in some way, then I start to lose interest. Maybe it’s time to move on, but I can’t find anything I like better. That makes me wonder if there is better. No ‘fuckboys’, no ‘bitch’, no sexist remarks, no toxic masculinity. I honestly don’t know if it’s possible. I was watching a woman who was pretty low-key and seemed ok, but then she started the ‘big girl pants’ and ‘I have to do it solo or I lose gamer cred’ in a very posh English accent.
And I just felt so drained. Because this is baseline of what is happening out there. She’s decent. She’s not offensive in other ways. She’s earnest (it was her first From game). And she’s decently bad at the game. (I don’t want someone who is terrific.) But…I just did not want that mentality. Plus, I did not gel with her completely. But she’s better than 90% out there, so I may go back to her. She’s also done Dark Souls…ah…Remastered, I think.
I’ll keep looking, but I don’t have much hope in finding someone more to my taste. I just may have to be that person.