When building worlds for RPGs, relying on stereotypes can harm your players' experience and flatten your story. Stereotypes, like portraying all orcs as savage or all dwarves as greedy, reduce depth, reinforce biases, and alienate players. Instead, focus on creating nuanced societies by separating biological traits (like lifespan or physical abilities) from learned behaviors (like values, skills, or traditions). Avoid tying entire groups to one uniform identity and consider introducing diverse communities, internal conflicts, and unique traditions shaped by geography and resources.
Key takeaways:
- Separate biology from learned behaviors: Traits like intelligence or morality should not be biologically predetermined.
- Create diversity within groups: Avoid monolithic portrayals; consider multiple factions or traditions within a single ancestry.
- Avoid direct parallels to real-world cultures: Borrow ideas responsibly, focusing on the "why" behind practices instead of copying surface-level elements.
- Encourage player collaboration: Allow players to shape their characters' backgrounds, adding depth and variety to your world.
5 Essential Steps for Avoiding Stereotypes in RPG Worldbuilding
How Stereotypes Affect Worldbuilding
Grasping how overused stereotypes limit depth in storytelling is crucial for creating worlds that are both engaging and respectful.
The Problem with Overused Tropes in RPGs
Imagine crafting a world where every orc is savage or every dwarf is greedy. These tired tropes strip characters of individuality and reduce entire groups to shallow caricatures. It doesn’t just flatten the characters; it also stifles your creativity, making your world feel static and predictable.
At the core of many fantasy tropes lies racial essentialism - the flawed belief that biology determines behavior. When a character’s species is used to dictate their morality or intelligence, it reflects a harmful framework that echoes real-world prejudices. For example, portraying goblins or orcs as inherently barbaric reinforces colonialist narratives.
"When a person is an identical member of a horde instead of someone with their own personality, appearance, and identity, their life is no longer valued. This makes it easy to justify violence against them." - Mythcreants
Tropes like the "noble savage" or the "mystical shaman" reduce rich cultural traditions to simplistic, one-dimensional portrayals. While some argue that archetypes serve as useful storytelling shortcuts, relying too heavily on them populates your world with generic placeholders rather than compelling, unique characters. These choices not only limit creative potential but can also alienate players who crave a more nuanced experience.
How Stereotypical Worldbuilding Affects Players
The consequences of stereotypical worldbuilding extend beyond the narrative - it directly affects the players. When marginalized players see their heritage reduced to a "spooky" costume or an "exotic" backdrop, the game stops being an escape and instead becomes a reminder of real-world exclusion. A 2023 survey revealed that the publishing industry remains overwhelmingly white, perpetuating these harmful patterns.
In a country where 40% of Americans are people of color, many fantasy settings still default to all-white casts. This lack of diversity isn’t limited to characters; it seeps into the worldbuilding itself, where kingdoms are often depicted as monolithic and centered around a single ancestry.
"Whitewashing can also be the creation of entire worlds where people of color simply don't exist." - Mephit James
The problem becomes even more pronounced with stereotypical coding. Even when not directly referencing real-world ethnicities, using familiar stereotypes - like accents, clothing, or social structures tied to marginalized groups - can perpetuate harmful biases. A well-known example is Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, which faced backlash for portraying the Neimoidians with Japanese-inspired traits and the Gungans with Jamaican-coded characteristics. While presented as "fantasy", these choices reinforce offensive stereotypes.
When a world portrays entire races as inherently deceitful or evil, it does more than shape the narrative - it validates prejudice. Players pick up on these patterns, and for many, it can make the gaming table feel less like a safe space and more like a reminder of exclusion.
Separating Culture from Ancestry and Biology
One of the best ways to steer clear of stereotypes in storytelling is to stop tying biology to destiny. By distinguishing what a character inherits physically from their parents (like height or lifespan) from what they learn through their upbringing (like values and skills), you open the door to far more creative and flexible character development beyond rigid race-based systems.
Why Culture and Biology Should Be Treated Separately
Ancestry refers to the biological traits a character inherits - things like their height, lifespan, or even physical adaptations like darkvision or natural armor. Culture, on the other hand, encompasses everything a character learns from their surroundings: languages, skills like weapon training, tool use, and the values instilled by their community.
"Ancestry provides those heritable traits that a character might receive from their biological parents... Culture, on the other hand, is an integrated system of beliefs, values, and symbolic practices shared by a particular group or community." - Eugene Marshall, Author
When these two concepts are blurred, it forces species to be defined by personality traits or mental abilities, which can lead to reinforcing harmful real-world ideas. Linking cultural behaviors to biology perpetuates the flawed idea of biological essentialism - the belief that certain groups are "naturally" more intelligent, stronger, or even more aggressive based on their species. This not only limits creativity but also makes your fictional world less believable. Skills like weapon use or language proficiency aren’t genetic - they’re taught and learned through experience.
By keeping ancestry and culture distinct, you can create characters with rich and unexpected backgrounds. Imagine a human raised by elves who speaks Elvish and is skilled in archery, or a gnome brought up by orcs who values strength and directness. This separation enhances character depth and opens the door for diverse cultural narratives to unfold.
Building Multiple Cultures Within a Single Ancestry
Instead of assuming that all elves or dwarves share one unified culture, consider how factors like geography, climate, and available resources might shape distinct communities. For instance, elves living in a tundra would develop entirely different customs, clothing, and survival tools compared to elves in a tropical empire. Real-world societies evolved in much the same way - environment has a far greater impact on culture than biology ever could.
A great way to add depth to your world is by introducing internal cultural conflict. Give a single ancestry at least two major factions with opposing goals or beliefs. For example, one group of dwarves might honor a forge god through loud, celebratory craftsmanship, while another might see the same deity’s fire as a sacred force that demands quiet reverence. These internal differences make your world feel alive and dynamic, rather than just a collection of interchangeable characters.
"If NPCs don't have cultural traits, then everyone in your game is just some random bag of quirks. ... Good culture design changes PC behaviour, at minimum by giving them something extra to think about." - Johnn Four, Roleplaying Tips
By moving away from uniform cultural assignments and introducing diverse traditions within a single ancestry, you’re not just avoiding stereotypes - you’re crafting a world where every character can surprise and engage players. This kind of internal diversity lays the groundwork for avoiding direct parallels to real-world cultures as your worldbuilding evolves.
Separating cultural influences from biological traits doesn’t just help avoid stereotypes - it also brings a sense of authenticity and depth to your game, making every character feel like a meaningful part of a larger, evolving world.
Avoiding Direct Parallels to Existing Cultures
The Risks of Cultural Appropriation
Borrowing elements from real-world cultures without understanding their deeper meaning can strip away the richness of those traditions, turning them into shallow stereotypes and weakening the depth of your fictional world.
"When GMs and players borrow elements from these traditions without understanding their deeper meanings or cultural significance, they risk reducing rich and complex cultures to stereotypes or tropes." – Inn at the End
This issue isn't just about misrepresentation - it can lead to fetishizing cultural elements, treating them as exotic novelties rather than appreciating their complexity. Additionally, when creators from more privileged backgrounds profit from cultural elements they've borrowed, it can overshadow and marginalize creators from those very communities. A prime example is Pixar's 2013 attempt to trademark "Día de los Muertos" for Coco, which sparked a backlash for what many saw as cultural theft. In response, Pixar hired cultural consultants, and the film ultimately resonated deeply in Mexico, becoming a celebrated success.
Inspiration vs. Imitation
To create worlds that feel fresh and respectful, it's important to understand the difference between drawing inspiration and outright imitation. The key lies in focusing on the "why" behind cultural elements rather than simply replicating the "what." For instance, instead of mimicking specific aesthetics like clothing or rituals, think about the environmental or societal factors that might shape traditions. If a culture in your world relies heavily on animal products, perhaps it’s because their environment lacks abundant plant life. Apply this logic to your setting, using entirely original resources.
"When you're doing worldbuilding research, focus on the why of the culture, not the specifics." – Mythcreants
Avoid using real-world labels or terms in your fictional cultures. For example, if you're inspired by consensus-based governance, create a unique system around that idea without directly borrowing terms like "Spirit Quest", which are tied to Native American traditions. Similarly, don’t mix unrelated cultural elements into a single society - this approach erases the distinct identities of the groups being referenced. Instead, build your societies from the ground up by exploring sociological questions: Does your culture prioritize individualism or community? Is status earned through personal achievements or inherited through lineage? How do they perceive time - linearly with strict schedules, or more fluidly, where "soon" might mean anything from an hour to a week?
If your world draws heavily from a specific marginalized group, it’s crucial to bring in sensitivity readers from that community to ensure your portrayal is accurate and respectful. Better yet, support creators from those communities by promoting and purchasing their work. For example, the TTRPG Coyote & Crow was developed entirely by Indigenous writers and artists, offering a rich perspective built from authentic voices.
sbb-itb-b8b00a5
Practical Steps for Better Worldbuilding
Research and Diverse Perspectives
Creating respectful and engaging RPG worlds begins with thorough and thoughtful research. Dive into books by authors from the cultures you're exploring, listen to Indigenous voices, and consult scholars or cultural leaders instead of relying on stereotypes from popular media. Taking the time to immerse yourself in these perspectives can profoundly shape your understanding over time.
"You will have to immerse yourself in multiple worlds that are not your own, and this will not be a fast process. You will hit points where you think you know nothing... That's a good sign." – Mod Lesya, Writing with Color
Invest in sensitivity readers or cultural consultants during the research phase. Their insights are invaluable and can help you avoid missteps. It's also important to recognize that some cultural knowledge is sacred or restricted - respect those boundaries and steer clear of replicating ceremonies or rituals that aren't meant for public use.
To go deeper, use sociological frameworks to explore the inner workings of a society. Ask questions like: Does this culture prioritize individual success or community well-being? How do they view time - are they rigidly scheduled or more flexible? What defines social status? These kinds of questions help you design societies with meaningful depth instead of simply borrowing surface-level aesthetics.
By grounding your worldbuilding in this kind of research, you lay the foundation for integrating diverse communities in an authentic way.
Making Diversity Normal in Communities
Construct fantasy settings where diverse ancestries and cultures coexist naturally. Instead of segregating groups, build central locations like bustling port cities or trade hubs where different communities interact organically. This mirrors real-world dynamics, creating a setting that feels alive and believable for your players.
Avoid assigning uniform cultural traits to entire fantasy ancestries. For example, an elf raised in a coastal trading hub might have customs and beliefs shaped by their environment, vastly different from an elf living in a secluded mountain monastery. Culture evolves based on factors like geography, education, and socioeconomic influences rather than being tied to biology.
This approach creates a vibrant cultural tapestry, giving players a rich backdrop to explore and personalize.
Letting Players Customize Cultural Identity
Invite your players to help shape the world through their character backstories. When players contribute to the setting's lore, they bring fresh perspectives that can deepen and diversify the game world.
"Whenever you can, encourage players to build the world with you - the more hands that touch it, the more diverse it will naturally become." – JJ Otto, Writer, EGD Collective
Allow players to define their characters' cultural identities. Instead of mandating that "all dwarves value honor and craftsmanship", empower players to decide what traditions matter to their characters. One dwarf might proudly uphold mining traditions, while another might reject them entirely - both choices adding layers to the story and encouraging authentic representation.
This collaborative approach enriches storytelling and ensures that every character feels unique and meaningful within the world.
Conclusion
Let’s recap some of the key strategies for respectful worldbuilding: separating biology from culture, steering clear of monolithic portrayals, and rooting your world in thoughtful, well-rounded research. These steps help create settings that feel dynamic and believable.
The foundation is simple: treat every group as a rich mosaic of individuals, design multi-ancestry communities that mirror real-world migration patterns, and explore the deeper reasons behind cultural practices instead of relying on surface-level imitations. Keep in mind that words carry weight - fictional stereotypes can unintentionally reinforce real-world biases and normalize harmful ideas.
Approach your creative process with both imagination and respect. Let environmental factors shape traditions organically, include internal conflicts and factions within cultures, and avoid reducing any group to a caricature through exaggerated traits or "quirky" stereotypes. When drawing inspiration from real-world cultures, go beyond the surface - study their depth and complexity rather than treating them as decorative elements.
Your players will notice the difference. A world where diversity feels natural, where cultures have logical motivations, and where characters are free to define their own identities will create stories that resonate deeply. By applying these principles, you can craft a game world that fosters trust, inspires creativity, and leaves a lasting impression on your players.
FAQs
How can I create RPG cultures without relying on stereotypes?
To steer clear of stereotypes in your RPG worldbuilding, start with deep research into the cultures or ideas that spark your imagination. Dive into their histories, traditions, and nuances to ensure you're not boiling them down to oversimplified tropes.
Work on creating cultures that reflect diversity within themselves - no society is entirely uniform. Showcase a range of perspectives, customs, and beliefs within your fictional groups. This makes them feel more dynamic and authentic. Think about how these societies might grow and change over time, instead of locking them into static, unchanging molds.
Lastly, take traditional archetypes and give them a fresh twist. By adding depth and complexity, you can avoid overused clichés and create stories that feel layered and captivating for your audience.
How can I create diverse cultures within a single ancestry in my RPG world?
To portray a variety of cultures within a single ancestry, focus on emphasizing internal diversity rather than presenting the group as uniform. Highlight variations in traditions, beliefs, and social practices to capture a more authentic and layered cultural dynamic.
Be cautious about associating physical traits with specific behaviors or cultural norms, as this can unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes. Instead, delve into how factors like historical events, geography, and external influences shape distinct subgroups within the ancestry.
For instance, people from the same ancestry might speak different languages, create unique art styles, or follow region-specific customs based on their environment. This method not only enriches the world you’re building but also respects the complexity of real-world cultures while avoiding oversimplifications or harmful generalizations.
Why is it important to separate physical traits from cultural behaviors in RPG worldbuilding?
When designing RPG worlds, it's crucial to distinguish physical traits from societal behaviors. Blending the two can lead to oversimplified portrayals of characters or entire cultures, inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes or biases.
Instead, building diverse and well-rounded cultures that aren't dictated by biology opens the door to richer storytelling and more complex characters. This method not only deepens the game's narrative but also creates a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players, enhancing everyone's experience.
