Re: Canon

From: Jane Williams <janewilliams20_at_...>
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 07:27:43 +0100 (BST)

> GS:
> >> While YGWV, in the canon this is wrong.
> >
> > No, it's not given that canonical write-ups of the
> Ralian
> > Orlanthi Cults do not exist.

GS:
> Whether they exist in published or unpublished form,
> or not, is not
> the determinant of canon.

>...

> Nonetheless, as long as I live, the determination of
> canon lies with
> me and, now, to a great extent, with Moon Design,
> which has been licensed to do so.

I'm sure we've been round this one once or twice before....

The definition of canon as used by Greg is indeed dictionary correct:
"the body of works that are considered to be "genuine" or "official" within a certain fictional universe."

But we then wonder whether the definition is useful or relevant: and if it means that things which are canon may also be inaccessible to the people actually using that universe, then, no, it isn't useful or relevant.

It really doesn't matter in the slightest what the "canon" definition of, say, Orlanth worship in Ralios may be: if there's only one version of it accessible to the gaming public, then unless it's complete and obvious nonsense, that's the version that's going to be used by them. And if no versions are available, they'll make it up. And if, finally, a "canon" version becomes available/useable as well as being canon, it's wildly unlikely that everyone will drop what they've been using for years in favour of the canon one.

At present, AFAIK, there's no writeup available at all. Time to make it up. And since these lists exist, the whole community can discuss the matter and come up with something that's generally agreed. Now, we can if we want to take note of what Greg says is canon *at the moment*. But, as Peter says, that's liable to change, and by the time it's available for use, may not bear any resemblance to what's canon (but unavailable) now. So, it's just one more idea among many - probably a good and well-informed idea, but the fact that it's "canon" or not is just irrelevant. Potential clashes with sources that *are* available and in use (canon or not) are a much more deciding factor, since they're the potential game-wreckers.                                   



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