I know many of us, myself included, prefer games to just be fun. Often an escape, a way to forget problems or school and exist in something not just fun to play, but in many cases a better world. A lighter, brighter world. Unfortunately, sometimes the real world gets dark enough that we have to talk about it. Right now, that’s the US presidential election. Whatever your position on policies or who you voted for, I ask yall to join me in looking back on the lessons Legend of Dragoon tried to teach us for the past twenty-five years. Perhaps then, we can understand why these lessons matter not just in games, but in real life.
Our story begins with a young man who was on a long journey seeking revenge on the one that killed his family. He does not find answers, instead getting swept up in a failing truce between two nations. He helps his childhood friend and a knight break out of a vile place. All three head to Bale as security of the region is discussed. The war is stopped, thanks to this young man and his growing party choosing to fight an oppressive ruler who can’t get over his darkness.
In Chapter 2, the party learns of a bandit problem and decides to do something about it. At first, it’s about rescuing a minor character’s partner, but it turns out the bandits had big plans and were taking over Fletz starting with the castle. Sound familiar yet? The party puts a stop to it. They also pick up a few new members who don’t look or act the same as them.
In Chapter 3, the team arrives in another new country and pursues a mysterious man’s cryptic plot. Another kingdom is in danger because of him, and the party learns of a grander scheme at play. They are motivated to keep fighting, because what else should they do? After many obstacles including the struggle of peoples staying isolated, the party learns even deeper truths that sting to the core for some of them. It is a scary end to the chapter.
Finally, in Chapter 4, the party attempts to regroup after some terrible revelations. They seek help from people who, again, do not look the same as most of them. They gear up and press on, exploring relics of the past in an effort to save the world – to save lives. They fight hard despite the antagonist often being one step ahead of them, rendering their efforts wasted and futile. Despite how absolutely grim things get, even at the very end where the last barrier is broken.. the party pushes on and fights to the bitter end. They fight a dark fate. They accept each other despite their differences and flaws. They unify in the name of the right to exist – and to co-exist with one another. No matter how scary and powerful that final obstacle is.
After overcoming the greatest evil, we are shown a small sampling of the world becoming a better place. Seles is being rebuilt. Trade flourishes in Lohan. Serdio is no longer fractured. The citizens of Kazas come to accept a new leader, replacing the previous oppressor. Nello’s hope for a greener Tiberoa are coming to light. Winglies and humans come to interact and live among one another. There is more room for recreation and practicing new skills, without having to spend time saving the world.
Many pieces of entertainment draw from the real world and its challenges. In truth, everything is political. It influences the games, TV shows, movies, and music we experience. It also applies outside the product itself: for example, the politics of the gaming industry are what make archival and preservation efforts – including my own – very difficult.
Our policies in the LoD fandom, which span multiple social media hubs as well as the LoD website, are quite clear about who is welcome and what conduct is expected in our fandom:
- We are inclusive of marginalized folks no matter what flavor they come in.
- We believe in healthy conflict resolution and provide examples of how fans can implement it with one another.
- Hatred and life endangerment are not okay.
To these ends, the elected president fails to meet any of these criteria. Frankly, neither candidate is great, but this outcome is far worse. The rights and lives of marginalized folks – be they women or people of color or trans people and beyond – are in grave danger.
Why should you care? Well, let’s think about it. Have you enjoyed reading about the extra lore shared from the Japanese Guidebook? The vast swaths of unearthed concept art and high-res image renders? Severed Chains? Dragoon Modifier? This Website? Much of that came from the work of LoD fans who love the game just like you, and who happen to be gay, trans, a woman, et cetera. We have always been a part of this fandom. As a community we have always supported marginalized groups, and many contributions to the fandom have come from members of those groups. Without them, our fandom would be a dimmer place.
With the conclusion of the US electing a president who, frankly, seeks to criminalize non-conformists, we want to state clearly: we are here, and we are not going away. We will continue to provide a space welcoming people of any race, religion, orientation, and gender identity. We will also continue to make awesome contributions to help yall enjoy LoD for years to come via our assorted events, SC, mods, and other services.
To the entire queer and trans umbrella: you are welcome, and you belong here. Stay safe, do what you can, and work together.
“We are the Dragoons!! We are ready to fight against fate!!“
[A shorter version of this post is available here from legendofdragoon.org]
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