Controversies

Quest For Glory (like many other Sierra series) contains material which some have found controversial, and it has had its own share of controversies over the years.

This page discusses a number of the controversial aspects of the series as defined by reviewers and players over the years. Note: the 'controversies' are the personal opinions of different individuals, critics, commentators and writers.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the cited authors, critics, writers, commentators and other individuals, and do not reflect the official policies or positions of this wiki.

Background

The page includes topics that have garnered controversy or may be potentially controversial subject matter and materials in the QFG and Hero-U universes and in the games. Not everything listed is necessarily caused controversies or outrage but are simply references to common stereotypes that are portrayed in the series, that some people might find offensive under certain contexts and post-modernist perspectives. Though the series was never intentionally offensive and intended to represent the Cole's philosophy of respect for all people.

Most importantly some things that are used in the game’s are consistent with the period they are set in, add dramatic storytelling, and should be looked at with objective cultural relativism rather than with outrage.

Some jokes in the games maybe joke references to controversial material, or controversies existing outside of Quest For Glory proper (material which has become controversial over time), some of these are mentioned here as well.

Political Correctness Policy

This wiki is not really a place to parse terminology and introduce new concepts or theories, or to advocate or be used as a soap box. The articles themselves must stick to topics, based on terminology and descriptions used by the games, official guides or other official documentation (including development materials, where applicable), and limit any speculation concerning any subjects being discussed.

Discussion of the games from a modern perspective where subject matter is found 'offensive' should only be added to this article, and in this article only. Or in very limited fashion pointing to the 'controversies' page in the "Behind the scenes section' of an article. Note: However note that this page is restricted (changes by non-admins must be vetted and discussed first, before a decision is made). This policy was made due to trollish behaviour attempting to insert personal attacks (ad hominem) on the developers. While 'ad hominem' controversies might appear in other blogs, threads, and articles and will be referenced here. They are not to be directly introduced as that goes against the 'neutrality' position (and choosing a side). This page must remain as 'objective' as possible in displaying both arguments and rebuttals to accusations.

If you wish to discuss soapbox and advocacy against certain topics refer back to Number 1 of Advertising and Off-topic discussions (in GK Omnipedia:Canon Policy])...

1.Advocacy, propaganda, or recruitment of any kind: commercial, political, religious, sports-related, or otherwise. Of course, an article can report objectively about such things, as long as an attempt is made to describe the topic from a neutral point of view. You might wish to start a blog or visit a forum if you want to convince people of the merits of your favorite views.

Some might see this as a 'soapbox' in and of itself (based on their side of the 'arguements' being discussed, or related documentation). In that case, consider this article to be the exception to the rule. As it is the only location where critical comments, disagreements and related rebuttals are listed. Some sources may include supporting documentation, as in articles pertaining to history of why somthing might be found offensive based on current societal, cultural, or political trends).

However, remember that no side is taken by the wiki.

Political Representation

• When making the QFG games the Coles were inspired by Libertarien political views.

Corey: Our political views are in some sense in the games -- We believe strongly in the importance of the individual, and the right of the individual to overrule traditional laws when they aren't "good".

Lori: …we are registered Libertarians, actually.

According to Corey the term for “anti-socialists” is Libertarian.

Corey: I should warn you that I'm a fan of Ayn Rand's writing... about as anti-socialist as you can get! How will Socialism help us? Then *all* the decisions will be made by the fat cats and there will be no place at all for individual creative efforts. Problem with socialism is that there is little incentive to excel. OTOH, our current version of capitalism is broken, with too much disparity between the rewards of top managers (whether or not they excel) vs. everyone at the lower levels.

They are no longer libertarians in present times.

Corey Cole (Former Libertarian turned Liberal, Former born-again Christian, former Pagan, now nonbeliever):

Do famous artists understand that they can hurt and alienate their conservative fans when they speak out against conservative ideas and leaders?”

Yes, we do understand that. And we often bite our tongues and try not to make controversial statements. But sometimes that’s impossible.

Creating art is a way of expression; great art speaks truth. When called upon to support something the artist hates, it is hard not to speak out.

My wife and I have made a series of games with “Hero” in the title, starting with Hero’s Quest and most recently Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption. The term “hero” is popular with both conservatives and liberals, and we have fans of all political and philosophical stripes.

Through our storytelling, we present some concepts that may be uncomfortable to conservatives. Our games teach that when the laws are bad, good people may feel called upon to break them in service of what is good. We teach players to help the weak and the poor, which are generally considered liberal ideals these days. (I don’t quite understand why, but I guess that makes me a liberal.)

But you know what? These are our stories to tell. If we tried to make them “politically correct” to ideas not our own, we wouldn’t tell them very well. But it also doesn’t seem to matter all that much. We get fan mail from dyed-in-the-wool conservatives as well as from far left radicals.

Each player pulls from our games what they want to find. That’s just fine with us. Some people don’t like our games. That makes us a little sad, but we’re ok with that too. We make games designed to appeal to literate players who want more of a mental than a physical challenge. Those include both liberals and conservatives, but maybe more of the former because our brand of humor may be skewed that way.

Although I've been a registered Republican at times, I'd be hard-pressed to say I was ever "conservative." But this answer definitely agrees with my journey from (sort of) Ayn Rand "libertarian" to (more or less) AOC "progressive" today.

…Atlas Shrugged” Oh, wait, that last one is canonized by many Objectivists / Libertarians. It took me a while, but I finally figured out that Ayn Rand was also “just a writer”, not a divinely-inspired agent of Truth. Her books are novels with a philosophic bent, and she too made mistakes in them.

• The QFG games occasionally make reference to politicians, presidents, and events from American political history. While majority of these are fairly neutral, they may offend those with opposing political views, or be offended by jokes at the expense of some political individual that they may like (examples include George Bush/Georgia Bush in QFG1VGA, QFG3 and QFG5, Woodrow Wilson, and even Nixon and a reference to his "I'm not a crook" speech, the reference to Teddy Bear in QFG4 is an indirect reference to Theodore Roosevelt for which the bear got its name. Dan Quail is references in the line "It's a george bush, there's a quail behind it.", and Ross Perot is referenced in "It's a perot plant, part of a grassroots movement."). Corey Cole has stated the games have offended people both liberals and conservatives; "Through our storytelling, we present some concepts that may be uncomfortable to conservatives. Our games teach that when the laws are bad, good people may feel called upon to break them in service of what is good. We teach players to help the weak and the poor, which are generally considered liberal ideals these days. (I don’t quite understand why, but I guess that makes me a liberal.) But you know what? These are our stories to tell. If we tried to make them “politically correct” to ideas not our own, we wouldn’t tell them very well. But it also doesn’t seem to matter all that much. We get fan mail from dyed-in-the-wool conservatives as well as from far left radicals." Unfortunately, sometimes the Coles do buckle under the pressure and remove or change things out of an attempt to not offend individual player's politics.
• A joke in QFG3 compares to Venomous Vines to politicians; "Venomous vines are really vile. They've got nasty spiky bits covered with poison all over. Bad karma, man. They like to move around, hide under the rocks, and stick it to you -- a lot like a politician." More politician jokes and comparisons to them being thieves is included in the Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School: Advanced Adventuring Course manual. Another joke can be found in QFG2; "You were pressed for time, but only politicians can press the flesh and get away with it." Yet another Politician joke can be found in HERO: The Journal of General Job Adjusting: Issue IV.
• Similarly there are jokes about lawyers in QFG5, which may offend lawyers.
• A joke in Hero-U. Shawn finds a compass that only points left. He thinks its broken until he realizes its a moral compass. This is a reference to left-wing politics/view points.
• The reference to Persian Golfer and Mirage aircraft were also references to Gulf War that started not long before the game's release. The reference by the Persian Golfer to Glastnost may also be a reference to Cold War Russian policies.
• School For Heroes website could sometimes get into political debates discussing the US political parties and who to vote for, and what they believed. In the chat discussions Corey and Lori gave their positions and what side they would choose to vote for, and what they thought of the opposition's decisions. The successor to School for Heroes forums is the Hero-U discord chat rooms.
• The peasants make reference to political correctness when talking about burning gypsy at the stake in QFG4CD.

Religious Representation

• Religion can be a controversial issue with many people. Perhaps due to this the Coles have actively avoided blatant use of real world religions in their games, choosing instead to focus on generally extinct or fictional religions. Though references to major active religions are not completely avoided. They are just not expanded upon or explained, and largely left outside of any context related to religion. The Coles themselves are not religious but consider themselves pagan, or atheist, and treat all religions as equally fictional. Though they have generally been respectful of differing fan's religious beliefs in the past in How To Be A Hero, and School For Heroes where specific religions were sometimes referenced. The Coles writing from the perspective of Moira Glenshannon and other characters from the game would acknowledge that acknowledges the deity's they believe in as real when replying to the other writers respecting their beliefs.
• While it may or may not have caused any controversies for Quest For Glory directly. For some Christians pagan and occult can be considered offensive and even dangerous. QFG apparently has material that went much deeper into occult, magic and magic initiation than D&D ever did. Something that apparently Gygax avoided due to the fact that D&D was already being accused of being satanic by some fundamentalist Christians Symbols such as pentagrams (five pointed stars) might be offensive to evangelical Christians (due to its association with Baphomet imagery), however the "Satanic" version of the pentagram is inverted (the version that appears in the games is the point at the top, and currently associated with Wiccans/Pagan religions). As for actual "Satanic" influence, the Coles have stated that the name Avoozl was taken from a spider god in Anton LaVey's "The Satanic Rituals". Other people may have been offended by the use of Tarot cards (in fact many that were real Tarot cards) in QFG4 as well. The usage of the six pointed star was intended to be a reference to Qabbalistic lore though some were offended that it was somehow derogatory to Jews. Some view the series as being particuarly anti-Christian in nature for some reason (though the developers themselves intended to not criticize any religions).
• Wiccans complained about the stereotypical portrayal of witches for example the case of Baba Yaga (although technically she isn't a human witch but an Ogress, in the game she is still referred to as a witch by the narrator). "The biggest problems we had weren't with fans, but with people who complained about things that weren’t really in the games. For example, a Wiccan complained about the stereotypical portrayal of witches in Baba Yaga. Of course, she isn’t a witch, but an Ogress, and she’s lifted straight from Russian fairy tales, on which we based her appearance, the chicken-footed hut, and the laser-eyed skulls (ok, that might have been a *slight* variation) on the fence." "No – Baba Yaga was an archetypal wicked witch! (er.. Ogress. She was a “hag”, not a “witch”, in the old Slavic tales. We didn’t want to offend our Wiccan friends by perpetuating the wicked witch image, so we decided she was an Ogress rather than a witch." The Authorized Guide refers to her as a witch on multiple occasions.
• While not particular controversial over the years people have sent letters and made posts about the influence of Quest For Glory on their spirituality. Some who have left religion or were introduced to and joined other religions like New Age, Wiccan or eastern philosophy through the games. This might be seen as controversial to some in much the same way that D&D was accused of leading people away from religion. It's an interesting fact on the legacy and impact on the series and its players over the decades.
• The attempt to avoid religious connotations went as far to avoid putting priests into the game world, and an attempt to make paladin's not associated to any deities. According to Corey Cole: "Note that there is no "Cleric" or "Priest" class in Quest for Glory. Lori and I wanted to keep religion out of the games. Our Paladins are paragons of ethics and morality, but are not driven by religious beliefs." Despite this, Corey was a little surprised when it was brought up that the term "Priest" does in fact get mentioned in Quest For Glory 4, due to the normally trying to avoid that term. Despite this, priests or clerics do appear in Cole's D&D related games, such as The Tower of Indomitable Circumstance which is set in a version of the Cole's universe where Gods have more influence.
• According to Corey Cole, there was some controversy related to one of the programmers being religious. There was some... "controversy developing the first Hero's Quest game. The original lead programmer (who is religious) refused to work on the project because we had a Thief class, and he felt that it was immoral to treat Thieves as Heroes. I can see that, but hey, it's a game. :-) Because he quit the project, that gave Sierra management the opportunity to make me the lead programmer. Originally they thought of Hero's Quest as "Lori's game" and me as a systems - rather than a game - programmer."
• Here is an anecdote about Christian parents who were offended by Shema's dance in QFG2 as representing sick sexual perversions. According to Corey Cole, "The animation was done by Jerry Moore, who was also one of our main artists on Hero's Quest. Incidentally, Jerry was and is a devout Christian, and obviously did not have any problem with animating a sexy pixelated Katta dancing in a bikini."

Race & Minority Representation

Racism, Stereotypes, & Cultural Appropriation... The Quest For Glory and Hero-U games are not intentionally racist, and in fact often have wholesome messages against racism. However, that hasn't stopped the series from being accused of containing materials that some people might find offensive or problematic in certain way (or under Critical Race Theory's views might be considered holding institutionalized views of race, or even being white supremacist in viewpoint/culture, based on the newer broader definition of the term) Under this broader term: “The assumption or theory that whites are superior to all other races and should be in power or control. White supremacy as a term captures the pervasive magnitude, and normalcy of white privilege, dominance, and assumed superiority. It is embedded within systems as well as an attitude or culture of individual White people. The term white supremacy has often been associated only with extreme hate groups. However, this terminology captures the magnitude of a larger system and way of being.” ...and “Drawing from critical race theory, the term “white supremacy” also refers to a political or socio-economic system where white people enjoy structural advantage and rights that other racial and ethnic groups do not, both at a collective and an individual level.“, and “White supremacy is a historically based, institutionally perpetuated system of exploitation and oppression of continents, nations and peoples of color by white peoples and nations of the European continent; for the purpose of maintaining and defending a system of wealth, power and privilege.“ (Some argue that these definitions only confuse things and those allies under the bus... creating deeper wedges between people. However understanding these definitions makes it easier to understand where critics are coming from and context behind their arguments.) One feminist writer criticized the entire series, claiming the series is filled with negative racial stereotyping which it never really stops doing as the series progressed (She had intended to write an entire critical review of the series based on feminist and critical race theory viewpoints, however, she only completed her review for QFG1, and only hinted at what she would be discussed in later games. Overall she felt that it had problematic depictions of race and characters as stereotypes throughout the rest of the series, which it never truly bucks in her view.). Often times the series attempts to be antiracist (but is still accused of underlying racism), and while it may have characters who show prejudice, but these are usually villains or ignorant people, or part of a institutionalized government. A common theme as mentioned in Hero Journal is "you can't judge an individual by racial stereotypes." The Coles have also stated that "The Quest for Glory series was always playing off stereotypes and gender expectations." as a means to the story and to show how characters rise above them. Most players would argue the series; "...gets past the temptation for casual stereotyping." That's not to say that stereotypes aren't utilized at all, and some of the stereotypes might be seen as superficial dressing.

• There is occasional complaints by some of the fans that the games main character is a white character, and there is no diverse choices (although it was originally planned). Some see this as representing a kind of form of white knighting, or white savior complex. I.E. the act of a white Anglo-Saxon male savior figure being the hero/savior of characters of other minorities. These stories of white people saving the jungle, have a problematic history tied to colonialism,, and falls within the broader definition of systematic “white supremacy”A common complaint in modern gaming is how the heroes in video games are "overwhelmingly male, white and straight." One person commented in comparison to QFG and Ultima; "Is the blonde white male really a "blank"? Most humanities scholars would say no, and add the assumption that this is a "blank" identity essentially goes hand in hand with treating other identities as, well, "other." ...This isn't to accuse the Coles of constructing a racist game... the choices made were, for whatever reason, not towards a "blank" but to a blonde white guy." Corey Cole has stated in rebuttals elsewhere that "We've always tried to be racially and gender sensitive in Quest for Glory. That our hero is an Aryan white male shouldn't be a big deal, since in the games he treats everyone as equals - women, cat people, dog people, shape-changing leopard people, etc. I'd say that tolerance was one of our biggest messages - things go very wrong when people start becoming intolerant, and it's up to the Hero to make things right." Under CRT’s broader definition of “white supremacy“ treating other people as equals is not enough, it comes from white privilege (falling under same offensive categories as “race-neutrality” or “color-blindness”). “There is no good reason to treat people as equals because they are manifestly unequal... Injustice arises as much from treating unequals equally as from treating equals unequally.“
• Editors on TV tropes accused the games of race swapping/whitewashing Nawar: “Race Lift: Has darker skin in Quest for Glory II, but in V is seemingly white.” However, QFG2 is a 16-color EGA game and has limited skin tones. Nawar shares the same light red color used for white characters including the Hero himself. Persians (known as Iranians in present times), are often considered lighter skinned/Caucasian. There are in fact darker skinned girls in the harem as well (with brown skin tones).
• Some see the use of foreign cultures by the developers who are themselves white, as cultural appropriation of those cultures. Sometimes for monetary gain. However, the developers themselves consider the use to be respectful cultural appreciation. Corey's use of "Aryan" (to mean white person) is somewhat problematic considering its ties to Nazism, and their definition and use of the word to mean white European (though the term itself never actually applied to whiteness before the Nazis). The word was used by the Indic people of the Vedic period in India as an ethnic label for themselves and to refer to the noble class as well as the geographic region known as Āryāvarta, where Indo-Aryan culture is based. The term is generally considered offensive by most people now, at least in western countries.
• Quest for Glory One/Hero's Quest has been criticized as being problematic for a number of reasons.
  • One feminist writer was concerned with the lack of racial diversity in QFG1, and that all or most of the human characters appear to be white (with the exception of in her view highly stereotyped Abdula Doo).
    • "Oddly, but also hardly surprisingly, every character in this first game is white...Throughout the series, you play as the Nameless Hero–a white, blond-haired blue-eyed male (though I think he does somehow dye his hair light brown at some point). The original idea was to offer the player a choice between races (fantasy races; more accurately: species) in addition to class, but the technology was too limited at the time1. In today’s world, choice of race and gender, sometimes even species, are pretty much expected in RPGs. The choice of avatar does, however, fall in line with both the setting progression of the series as well as the intended evocation of other fantasy heroes like Luke Skywalker. It also makes sense in the context of SYWTBAH alone, with its Germanic/European-fairy-tale setting.'
• Quest for Glory II has its critics who find aspects of it offensive or problematic. The previously mentioned feminist author, said in a response to her article that Quest For Glory 2 having been influenced by western Orientalism, and mentioned within the article, it also has race issues (which began with Abdulla Doo in QFG1). Orientalism is a romanticizing of mythology and stories from the Middle East and the Orient, that is often problematic including cultural appropriation, and questionable stereotypes. Another author brings this up in a review as well stating: "QFG2 Takes place in the fictional land of Shapier which is heavily based on Middle Eastern themes though highly Orientalist, stereotypical harem/Arabian Nights fantasy." In another review of QFG2, the writer claims that portrayal of Arabian culture in QFG2 is made up of largely superficial stereotypes (such as clothing and a few sprinkled terms).
  • Some of the portrayals of "Persia/Shapeir" may also be more of a romanticized Hollywood/western/fairy tale Orientalist interpretation/appropriation of the culture rather than historical or accurate. The setting and certain themes are based on Arabian Nights/1001 Nights stories, and other westernized Arabic or Persian fairy tales which were written or adapted by European writers in Victorian times (the stories originally were set in China, moved to Middle-east in many of the translations. These along with Disney's Aladdin in recent years have been accused of being racist, and containing offensive racialism, and Orientalism. Elements from Quest For Glory I, as well Quest For Glory II have not been spared from these accusations as well. Some accuse QFG2 as containing negative stereotypes and subtle racism they see as an undercurrent in many Sierra games.
  • Ad Avis is a character partially modeled on the stereotype of the evil Vizier, and Lovecraftian "Mad Arab" character Abdul Alhazred. The latter who has arguably been described as one of the worst examples of anti-Arab stereotypes. "Lovecraft’s character Abdul Alhazred, the “half-crazed Arab” who authored The Necronomicon, seemed enticingly mysterious when I was a kid, but once I became an adult he began to seem like an exotic stereotype, or maybe something worse, something hateful." A number of people have claimed KQ6's Abdul Alhazred, and similar kinds of characters are evil racist stereotype. King's Quest's vizier like Ad Avis is modeled on the fairy tale and fantasy stereotype of the evil Vizier (see Alladin), and taken directly from Lovecraftian "Mad Arab" character Abdul Alhazred.
  • The depiction of character Abdulla Doo, his humorous name, stereotyped Arabic/Persian demeanor could be seen as a prime example of westernized Orientalism, and what some view as being Islamaphobic. As Avis as he appears in QFG2-4 also shares many of the westernized stereotypes of the "Wicked Vizier" trope. The previously mentioned feminist writer, had to say, that there was only one example of minority character in QFG1 (who would later return in QFG2) "...except for Abdulla Doo, a guest at the inn in Spielburg. Race–and Abdulla Doo–will definitely be revisited in posts about Trial By Fire and Wages of War, the second and third games of the series... For now, I’ll just say that Abdulla Doo marks the beginning of a trend of racial stereotypes that the series never really bucks..."
    • Arguably by sprite color Abdulla Doo is as white as the Hero (pink-rather) but with dark hair in QFG1 and II. He has blonde/reddish hair in the VGA version, but still relatively light skinned. The most questionable or problematic aspect about him is his costume and his exaggerated Hollywood-style Persian turban.
    • Most of the rich and ruling class characters in Shapeir also have same light skin (pinkish skin) that the Hero has (and often portrayed with blue eyes), but also have same exaggerated stereotyped fantasy turbans.
    • Note: Persians and many Arabs often do get lumped together as white (some of QFG's Persian inspired characters have blue eyes and even blonde/reddish hair (as in the case of VGA Abdulla), which many might think is uncommon among the Middle East.) Iran (once persia) actually shares roots with the modern European term, "Aryan", under some influence by Nazis, after they pointed out similaraities to their ideal of "race". Note, there is some alternative views to how or when the name first appeared (but many of the ones that suggest it occurred earlier still link it to the term Aryan, which actually came much later in Europe, and didn't exist in earlier times), this revisionist history is generally pushed by Iranian Arayanists. US Census also treats Persians and Arabs as white, although not all who would identify with those groups would agree with the census. Like many things the issue is complicated, and people shouldn't be categorized into boxes.
    • The only real diversity in the game as far as humans go, comes from Uhura and Simba. Whom some already consider the former as a stereotype of an "African warrior". There is some additional diversity among pink and brown skinned members of the crowds/audience seen during Ali's balancing events, or at the end of the game. There are also a few random civilians who walk around the city who have darker skin, or also show up as a member of the Eternal Order of Fighters. But none of these "extras" characters have much interaction if any.
  • Other similar stereotypes QFG2 might be seen as slightly antisemitic. Alichica and Ali Fakir (the names themselves are Arabic, or pseudo Arabic) are both depictions of prominent actors of Jewish heritage. They are both portrayed as stereotypical swindlers (and cheaters). Fakir is also a term that can mean swindler. They are also depicted with exaggerated large noses... this imagery actually hearkens back to antisemitic medieval stereotypical portrayals of Jewish people as cheats and swindlers. Bringing to mind Shakespeare's own portrayal of "Shylock" from The Merchant of Venice. In a similar vein they have been accused of actual antisemitic by some individuals", for example one "...complaint came from a woman who felt we were anti-Jewish because the villain used a six-pointed star for his rituals. She didn’t bother to read up on the Seal of Solomon or the other research on which we based that." "We got a letter threatening to report us to B'nai B'rith and the Jewish Anti-Defamation League because Ad Avis used a "Star of David" in his evil magic. Apparently associating a six-pointed star with evil is defamatory. (It is/was the Star of Solomon from Qabalistic lore to us, but yes, that does have its roots in Judaism."
  • Sitar, the Katta plays a very slow rendition of the song; "The Streets of Cairo, or the Poor Little Country Maid". This song also known as the "the snake charmer song has become controversial as it is a representation of a western musical stereotype (what Europeans thought music in the Middle-east sounds like. As such it also represents a form of Orientalism.
  • Keapon Laffin says "So solly, Chollie", this a reference to "So sorry, Charlie" and pokes fun at stereotypical Asian, Chinese, or Japanese accent. Often considered insulting to Asians.
• Some fans consider QFG3 to be the most offensive games in the series. The above feminist writer also mentions QFG3 as being problematic as well for its race portrayals, and said she would have gotten back to discussing that in a future article as well. She claimed that the series had a 'trend of racial stereotypes that it never truly bucks...'. Another reviewer also points to this interpretation of QFG3: "In some ways this is probably their most culturally offensive game there's actually quite a few stereotypes and racial undertones but it's still a really fun game to play as long as you can look past that."
  • According to the Coles QFG3 was intended to showcase their philosophy in life, and promote anti-racism. However some people complained that the characters had stereotypical accents. "QfG3 takes a stand against prejudice and racial stereotyping. That makes it a bit ironic, in that we received some complaints about the black people in the game having accents. We were one of the first to include diverse characters including strong female and non-White role models in the game, so we were pretty shocked by that reaction." They have stated further that "The one that really floored us was the complaint about the black people in the opening scene of QG3 using poor English usage and strong accents. We based Uhura’s accent on a Jamaican co-worker from my first job in Vancouver. We wanted people to have strong personalities, so we did that with memorable accents. Stereotyping? Maybe, but that’s what you have to do in the limited conditions of a game or film. But what really got us was that we were the first people to come out with a game with strong black role models, and that really made use of an East African setting... but instead of being applauded, we were criticized for the way we did it. That woman should have been our champion, not our critic! Uhura, of course, was inspired by Star Trek, but particularly by a Star Trek folk song with the words, “My name in Swahili means ‘freedom’.” "Another "fan" complained that Uhura speaks in "Black English" at the start of Quest for Glory 3, while other characters are more grammatically correct. I based Uhura's accent on a friend and co-worker from Jamaica. I worked with her at my first full-time job for Geac Computers in Vancouver, BC. Smart, highly educated, was a mentor to me. Apparently by trying to duplicate her accent, we gave the opposite impression to some people." Still while their reasoning may be sound, it may still be considered a form of cultural appropriation under views of modern critical race theory, and for that people may still be offended regardless of the good intentions. Still some argue that Africa is often viewed as exotic, much in the way that Orientalism made Middle East/Asia exotic and leading to a number of stereotypes associated with the setting. Some argue that for a game to capture the spirit of African mythology correctly, or any culture-specific piece for that matter, then it should be developed by people who have that perspective (by African developers), because its difficult for non-African developers to form accurate perspective without inserting their own relative westernized viewing into it.
  • QFG3 refers to pygmies in a few places this term is considered problematic in some circles, since it can be used as derogatory term.
  • Corey has stated that QFG3's script underwent overzealous editing to remove all references to native to replace them with indigenous which the editor considered less offensive. But this broke certain phrases where the game was discussing native flora and fauna which he felt was grammatically incorrect. In the final game this appears to have been fixed, as 'native' is actually used. However, indigenous flora and fauna is correct if more technical/scientific usage than native.
  • Some players have complained about QFG anthropomorphic races (including shape-shifting humans, such as the Leopardmen being able to transform into anthropomorphized leopards), as being problematic and offensive; "I still hate that they humanized animals as tribes. I´d rather they have done aliens or just fictitious civilizations." To add to this idea that anthropomorphized humans or humans who shapeshift into animals might be considered as racist in some peoples eyes; similar allegations have been made for various races in World of Warcraft for example, and even children's books.. There are some that go as far to argue that fantasy's reliance on humanoid races (including traditional mythological or Tolkienesque races such as dwarves, elves, fairies, orcs, etc) and cultures as having a root in racism and cultural appropriation by attempting to divide them into different groups based on physical appearances, culture and abilities. However, it should also be pointed out that the same argument made against fantasy races has also been levied at alien races as well, which often are influenced on human culture and behavior and certain stereotyped tropes as well, which maybe seen just as problematic. Comparing humans to animals (of various types; rats, dogs, pig, cockroach, snakes, weasels, monkeys, jackass/donkey, raccoons, etc) has always been used to dehumanize different groups, and thus considered problematic, offensive, or even racist to many people. "Many animal metaphors are straightforwardly offensive rather than simply representing a particular trait. Calling someone a pig, rat, ape, monkey, dog, maggot or leech carries a derogatory meaning and a strong emotional and moral charge. But what is it about these animal comparisons that makes them offensive?...When people call others apes, monkeys or dogs, for instance, they are likening them to animals that are not disliked, unlike rats or snakes. However these metaphors convey the message that these people are literally subhuman." Some simply find any form of specism in language as offensive.

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    Corey Cole has admitted in his view that the use of monkey people could be seen as problematic and potentially offensive. "I can see someone being offended by a "tribe of monkey people," as blacks have been degraded by being called "monkeys." It's a legitimate concern." According to Lori Cole, this lead to changing of "Mona the Monkey" to "Riki the Ringajou" in Hero-U, because they saw monkey as a potentially offensive symbol, that could be harmful to people. Lori Cole: I don't think the changing the word Gypsy (or turning Ifetaya's sidekick Mona the monkey into Riki the Ringajou) as censorship. It's simply being aware that words and symbols are powerful. My job is to entertain - and do no harm in the process." She later stated; "Mona the Monkey was changed into Riki because of a lot of racist associations that I did not want to feed." Following this line of thought Apemen, reference to Smokey the Gorilla, and the reference to King Kong, and the Monkey King in HU1, may be interpreted as having racist undertones as well. Apes/primates have a long history of being used to dehumanize others in propaganda (often during war times) such as Germans, Japanese, and even allied powers, and others.
    • Unfortunately in an attempt avoid loaded terms they might have actually stumbled into using yet another potentially racist symbol and trope... Apparently the kinkajou which ringajou takes its name has been used to stereotype aboriginal people as seen in the song "My Boomerang Won't Come Back To Me" by Charlie Drake.As of 2015 the song has been deemed racist, and has been banned on Australian radio stations Or in 1962 Allen Drury novel, A Shade of Difference, a character named Senator Cooley refers to a black character as a "Kinky-haired Kinkajou" not intended to be racist, but could be considered as such, since it refers both to woolly hair, and comparing to a primate. Kinkajous aren't technically primates but part of the same family raccoons originate from (raccoons have unfortunately been used in derogatory comparisons to black people as well).
• In current times, any written form of accent, or those that appear in movies, (and this would include the CD-Rom games played by predominately white actors) have been accused of being blackface/yellowface/brownface and offensive to minorities. Wolfie for example has extremely exaggerated Indian accent, mannerisms, and the fact he's a dog might be found offensive. In recent times this had lead to characters on shows (such as the Simpsons) to either get rid of a character, or replace the actor with a member of the ethnicity being portrayed.
  • Corey Cole once received criticism for how black characters were written in exaggerated and stereotypical accent types (similar to complaints made for Uhura, and other black characters, and in QFG3). Corey Cole responded by comparing standard Oxford speech to making the character into a white person in blackface: "It's a tough choice. The word choices are not supposed to so much reflect bad grammar as to give the flavor of a lilting Jamaican accent. If Ifetaya spoke with an Oxford English accent and grammar, she would just be a "white character in blackface". Of course, the ideal solution would be to use professional voice actors and write the dialogue "straight", but currently that's far above our budget." This comparison and excuse is actually somewhat problematic and tonedeaf in and of itself as it assumes that black people can only speak in stereotypical accents, and not in local dialects where they are currently living.
• Quest For Glory IV is criticized as offensive often for it's portrayals of Roma (Gypsy) peoples.
  • The term Gypsy is sometimes seen as offensive in modern context (by some), and Hero-U changed it to Rover (Hero-U) instead to avoid offending anyone after at least one of the game backers complained about the use of the term in the game... It however also doubles as a pun for "Rover = Dog". There people who continue to complain and start arguments when discussing events and characters of Quest For Glory 4 in online discussions even when they are respectful, and have nothing to with attacking actual Romani people.
    • Furthermore the portrayal of Roma as Gypsies in QFG4 (and their Rover counterparts) are based on western romanticized stereotypes of the Romani. As Corey Cole stated; "To us, the Gypsy people are mysterious and wonderful - Lori even gave them magical powers." This in itself could be seen as problematic in the same way that Native Americans did not appreciate being treated as different, otherworldly and magical by Harry Potter J.K. Rowling.Hero-U well as adding to long history of sexualization of Romani women, and Roma as thieves, and magical/fortune tellers. Historically, Romani people were portrayed in Victorian and modern British literature as having "sinister occult and criminal tendencies" and as associated with "thievery and cunning", and in English Renaissance and baroque theater as incorporating "elements of outlandish charm and elements which depict [them] as the lowest of social outcasts," connected with "magic and charms," and "juggling and cozening." In opera, literature and music, throughout Europe, Romani women have been portrayed as provocative, sexually available, gaudy, exotic and mysterious. Hollywood and European movies, as well as popular music and other forms of pop culture, have promoted similar stereotypes. While Quest for Glory and Hero-U mostly avoid the negative stereotypes it still maintained some of the others such as their ties to magic and occult (see Romani in Fiction). Quest for Glory 4 includes Magda, which phuri dai' (grandmother, matriarch) stereotype which became part of the Gypsy myth created by non-Romani people. The culture has also been depicted as careful and hypersexualized This can also be seen in the case of Davy handing his wife over to dance the hero, ending with her changing shape and laying on doggie kisses, before the screen fades out.
    • "...the werewolf “gypsies” are drawn a bit like racial stereotypes and talk about their way of life in a way which genuinely makes me think that Lori and Corey Cole thought that Romani people are mythic figures, not an actual ethnicity that actual people belong to and has been the target of actual genocide. That said... the Mordavian’s antiziganist prejudices are depicted as a bad thing, so whilst clumsily handled, this far from Sierra’s worst awkward depiction of racial diversity from this year.
    • Gypsies in QFG4 are even portrayed as cannibals as can be seen during the death scene "Wolf Stew", if the player attacks them in their wolf forms (the death scene explains they then eat the player). Igor also mentions that Gypsies are accused of eating people. Gypsies in real life have been persecuted and accused of cannibalism throughout history. This could be seen as reinforcing one of the negative stereotypes about gypsies.
    • During the Glory Story Time reading of By the Book Ch1, Corey and Lori discussed the use of the term Gypsy, and certain outdated ideas they included in the chapter (related to racism towards Gypsies and Foundlings), that made them cringe. Corey said there was a need to make it politically correct. Lori said that's not it, they just didn't want to offend anyone.
    • If Davy is allowed to be burned at the stake, the game ends with Davy giving a vengeful curse on the villagers who destroyed him, along with the Hero. The idea that Romani give curses was... "often used to demonize the Romani, portraying them as revenge focused, not justice focused, uncaring of collateral damage and inspiring selfishness in others." Along with other negative implications about their culture. Some of the superstitions passed by the Mordavian towns people are taken from Gypsy curse poem from The Wolf Man (1941 film). The film which is also portrays the stereotype myth associating Werewolves with Gypsies. The movie includes a Gypsy named Bela (played by Bela Lugosi) son of matriarch Maleva. Bela bit the film's protagonist turning him into a wolf. It seems to be a major inspiration for Davy and Magda (though the game turns stereotype upside down by making the entire tribe shapeshifters rather than a curse). However the game, and the movie it took inspiration from are still based on outsider superstitions about the Romani people.
    • In an adlibbed line in QFG4CD, one of the villagers compares the gypsy burning at the stake to Joan of Arc and an Piker. Piker could be a reference to offensive slang used in Britain and Ireland (see pikey, pikie, pikee, or piker) in reference to traveling Irish compared/similar to Gypsies, it is considered a pejorative term. In Australia it has a similar meaning to welsch/welch as someone who withdraws form commitment to something. Which loosely puts in the same category as gypped.
    • In the QFG3 Explorer's guide is the reference; "How not to be Gypped in Egypt". Gypped is a term meaning swindler, often seen as derogatory. Some interpret to be a reference to Gypsies (which the offensive interpretation originates), but may originate from Gyps, a type of Old World vulture.
    • Just simply changing the name to rover by itself, may not be enough to clear the stigma associated with Hollywood's and Coles use of cultural stereotypes and superstitions among people offended by them. Hero-U still maintains many of the stereotypes surrounding Roma people (it's not really hidden by a simple name change). Also, under certain circumstances even the term Rover might be considered offensive on its own. As it appears in sea shanties and other songs as a representation of a man who prays on women, and moves from one bed into another, or a ne'er do well, a traveler (another term sometimes associated with Roma and similar cur cultures) ,or even a pirate. The former interpretation could also fit in misogyny/sexism category too (i.e. female representation.).
  • The humans of Mordavia in general might seen as heavily exaggerated (for humor sake), bad Hollywood-style racial stereotypes (with bad accents) of Romanian, Slavic, and Russian people, wearing stereotypical clothing, and mannerisms expected more from early Universal Horror film or 1970's Hammer film. Like QFG1 they show a lack of diversity, being largely white European culture, who are suspicious and xenophobic.
  • Bella Markarov has a distinct Yiddish accent in the CD-Rom version might be seen as that used as Jewish mother stereotype and thus problematic or even antisemitic.. The last name appears to be derived from the Russian/Yiddish name Makarov name from the town of Makariv.
  • Monsterous Animalistic creatures like Vampires are also believed to have antisemitic roots such as to idea of Jewish blood libel."“The two other predominant antisemitic zoomorphic motifs are the blood-thirsty vampire and the octopus. The vampire image is a classic theme used by anti-Semites. I have not found any other people besides the Jews represented as such. This genocide-preparing design originates in Christian imagination." There is some association of werewolves to Jews, both positive and negative. The negative connections again have ties to Nazis and White Supremacy where the antisemitic groups view themselves as wolves hunting Jews, while the positive associations have more to do with Jews being the werewolves and fighting back. In general most of the negative tropes related to Werewolves are targeted at Romani (Gypsies).
• Punny Bones makes reference to his Aunt Chamima. This is a reference to Aunt Jemima, a pancake/syrup brand. Aunt Jemima has been seen as a racist caricature in recent years. She was based on a historical person who had become a successful businesswoman in her own right in the 1800s. Other African-Americans portrayed the part as well, and the character was updated over the years to be less of a caricature. In 2021, the company dropped the branding to change its name to Pearl Milling Company in order to stop controversial logo/name, and to try to not offend people. This however offended some of the descendants of the women portraying Aunt Jemima who felt their own part of history was being erased. "Erasing my Aunt Lillian Richard would erase a part of history,” says Harris, who serves as family historian for the Richard family of Hawkins. “All of the people in my family are happy and proud of Aunt Lillian and what she accomplished.", "This is an injustice for me and my family. This is part of my history, sir,” Evans said Thursday. "The racism they talk about, using images from slavery, that comes from the other side — white people. This company profits off images of our slavery. And their answer is to erase my great-grandmother’s history. A black female… It hurts." "This woman served all those people, and it was after slavery. She worked as Aunt Jemima. That was her job,” Evans said. “How do you think I feel as a black man sitting here telling you about my family history they’re trying to erase?" "We just don’t want my aunt’s legacy — what she did making an honest living at the time — to be wiped away,” she said. “Her story should not be erased from history. If we wipe out our history, we have nothing to strive for in the future," she added. "Our history will help us prosper in the future."
• Hero-U has been criticized for a number of things, many that reflect materials from the Quest For Glory Series, but some of its own controversies.
  • There have been calls to remove or censor other words to avoid racism as well including "welshed/welched". However, the term may actually have nothing to do with the welsh people originally.
  • In Hero-U is the holiday Nights of the Dead, some might consider this cultural appropriation of a real holiday; Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos and/or Día de los Muertos) with elements of Halloween thrown in. It shares similar practices like decorating with bones/skeletons, ghosts, and candles, and honoring ones loved ones. It could and should be argued as cultural appreciation however, as the story details related to it involve characters saving and honoring their deceased loved ones, which are treated honorably and respectfully.
  • A line in Hero-U when examining a mask makes reference to cultural appropriation and makes light of it. Joking that stealing the mask would be the most blatant form of cultural appropriation.

• The series may have used terminology that has become problematic, offensive or controversial in 21st century, often seen as racist code words or dog whistles.
  • The term thug which appears in assorted games, is another term that has been accused of being a racist code word in modern times. The term originates from the 'Thuggee' cult in India in the 1830s. The term has become controversial in recent years interpreted as a racist code word derogatory to blacks (though its often used in the context of robbers and thieves of any race). It has seen more criticism in light of Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
  • The term "Indian" is referenced in a few QFG games including QFG2 and QFG4, such as in the references to "Indian Giver!" and "Indian Tacos" (as a literal reference to Baba Yaga's 'cannibalism', literally eating "Indians"). The word "Indian" in these contexts are speaking of First People/Native-Americans, and the term Indian has become somewhat problematic, offensive, and even racist in some circles in modern times.. The saying "Indian Giver" maybe especially problematic as it implies that Native Americans give things and then steal them back. To actual indigenous Americans, none of these terms maybe considered proper, instead preferring to use a term from their own languages that refers to their people.
  • Goon is usually mild insult in that it means stupid or simpleton (but may be derogatory to some people, or in some contexts assumed to have racial connotations). But it has sometimes had association with same use as 'thug' and been used against people of color (sometimes in place of using 'thug', as thug was already coded) which some might see as having racial connotations'. Some consider it a slur, and it has sometimes been used in coded racial slurs. While originally not a 'slur', in Britain it originated as a reference to "The Goon Show", it may have become slightly 'more offensive' in recent times in Britain, British Commonwealth, Australia and/or Ireland. In America its generally fairly tame, if/when used an insult and did not originally have anything to do with race. This maybe similar to the situation with 'spaz/spastic' being derogatory in the UK, but not in America. It has sometimes been used as a coded insult towards black people, and has also been accused of being used in place of a particularly similarly sounding word but with extremely derogatory usage/meaning that beings with a 'c'., and in some cases a language misunderstanding mixing up goon with a word that ends in k.
  • (The term 'turkey' in reference to the bird named after the country and it's peoples, is sometimes used as an insult, often implying that the person is cowardly. It can also mean someone with no appeal, or a loser, or even dull or dimwitted. This probably originated as a racist slang towards people of Turkish descent.
  • The phrase 'chink in the armor' appears in QFG3; "What's this? A chink in your armor? No, it's just a rust spot." The phrase has become controversial in recent years after many sports casters faced accusations of using a racist dog whistle. Several losing their jobs. Even the US Army was accused of being racist for using the phrase, despite having no context to race at all. Some have even called for the term to banned claiming it has racial connotations, despite it having nothing to do with race. There is obviously no context to race in its use in QFG3, and it clearly is being used in original context in relation to literal armor.

• As mentioned above, 'anthropomorphized' animals may be seen as problematic or offensive stereotypes of 'human race".
  • Other anthropomorphic animal races such as the Doggies of Inja may in itself have racist undertones in some peoples eyes in light of controversies with Simpsons' character Apu (exaggerated voice acting to mimic Indian accents), and colonial British treatment of Indians, and treating them them similar to dogs. ""No dogs or Indians" used to be the sign outside British establishments during the Raj..." The general treatment and characterization of Kalb is in the similar vein (as his treatment of food is rather unsanitary and revolting), when one considers that in many middle-eastern nations and Arabic Egypt that dogs were historically treated as pests and nuisance scavengers (ironically in Ancient Egypt dogs were actually revered, hence the pharaoh dogs, and Anubis). Dogs could also be found in war propaganda posters portraying various 'races' as different breeds of dogs fighting each other, and incompatible with each other. Dog has also been a dehumanizing insult used by different groups against other people throughout the years, and often under xenophobic contexts. This this insult is even included in the QFG games such as in QFG2 (Dogs were traditionally considered harem in many Arabic and Islamic cultures); "The Blue Parrot Inn is a meeting place for dogs who lick Khaveen's boots and then growl at him behind his back." By order of Khaveen, you are not allowed to leave the city without showing your visa, yellow-haired dog. ", "By order of Khaveen, foreign dog, you are not allowed to leave. Let me see your visa.", "By order of Khaveen, you dog, you may not pass without showing your visa.", and "Only mad dogs and hero men go out in the noonday sun." In fact many of the jokes and puns related to Kalb play off the idea of dogs being distasteful and subhuman (worthless dog, dirty dog, etc). Of course the term 'bitch' when referring to women.

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    Likewise in the case of Ratties (Fenrus, Gregor, Maus and the sentient Drat Queen), like apes could be seen as a 'harmful symbol' to some people. Various minorities have been compared to rats over the centuries (artistically drawn as anthropomorphic rats) to dehumanize them as well. Jews have often been compared to rats since the Middle-Ages, into the present. Nazis jealous over the success of some Jewish business owners further compared them with rats in their propaganda; claiming they "...carry contagion, flood the continent, and devour precious resources.". These kind of connotations could make characters such as Gregor (Hero-U) the rat/kobold problematic symbol of racism for being a literal rat-like business owner. Perhaps creating an unintentional link to Kafka's famous character in Metamorphosis, Gregor who became a large bug (translated as cockroach, beetle, or dung beetle in some versions). Gregor was also a subtle argument against antisemitism, and the mistreatment of Jews. Jews to this day are compared to rats and other vermin (much in the same way ape is misused as a symbol for black people) by antisemitic individuals and organizations. The name Gregor is however more of a strange coincidence, as it is based on D&D Kobold character used by one of the Cole's late friends (and not intentionally intended to be a link to Kafka's story, despite similarity in names). Incidentally the character of Maus, might conjure references to the graphic novel called "Maus" which covers a story set in the Holocaust concentration camps with the Jewish characters portrayed as mice/rats, and the Nazis portrayed as Cats (and other cultures portrayed as other anthropomorphized animals), the symbolism was chosen specifically because Jews were often compared to mice, rats, and other vermin historically. The word Maus also reminiscent of the German verb mauscheln, which means "to speak like a Jew" and refers to the way Jews from Eastern Europe spoke German—a word not etymologically related to Maus, but distantly to Moses. The classic film, An American Tail is also about Russian-Jewish family portrayed as mice coming to America and being mistreated by 'antisemitic' cats so the theme runs very deeply in society Sadly, the rat-like kobolds of WOW (which Ratties/Kobolds might remind some players of), have also drawn comparisons to Jews as well by some people. This association with rats with Jews often comes up in antisemitic cartoons in Arab countries and White Nationalist websites today. Similarly during the Second World War there was xenophobic propaganda equating the Japanese with rats. Comparing individuals to rats and vermin has been used in modern times when comparing asylum seekers, immigrants and illegal immigrants entering into other nations so it has a particularly long history as a negative symbol.

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    Hezbollah Propaganda Poster

    Humanoid cockroaches like the case of Lorre Petrovich or the Proach, might be offensive or problematic to some. An offhand reference to Metamorphosis and Cockroach (or 'Vermin') are mentioned by Lorre Petrovich in QFG. This link intentional or unintentionally also brings back the theme of antisemitic dehumanization of the Jewish people as 'vermin' which the original book was thematically touched upon. Jews were also compared to cockroaches in antisemitic Nazi propaganda.Incidentally Peter Lorre was also an actor of Jewish descent, and also a Holocaust survivor. The Nazis even went as far to compare him to the 'typical Jew' in their antisemitic film the The Eternal Jew, and it was Goebbels (who was an unlikely fan of the actor) that warned him, allowing him to escape from the Nazis. In recent times Hezbollah has also compared Jews and Israel to cockroaches, and like Nazis they compare themselves as exterminators. It's a theme that continues to crop up in political cartoons. As well as by antisemitic politicanss. The symbolism still appears in antisemitic artwork, propaganda and graffiti in Arab countries and by white supremacists.

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    Katta compared to some of the xeno races probably has the least amount of baggage, other than use of Orientalist Arabic/Persian stereotypes which they share with Abdulla Doo and other Shaperian/Raseirian humans. There have been a few uses of cats as racist symbolism. In American propaganda and some cartoons Japanese cats were treated as sly cat infiltrating into the country. The two Siamese cats in Disney's Lady and the Tramp, with their racist caricatures Asians/Chinese fall into that category. Some argue that Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat is an example of blackface minstrelsy, and a racist depiction of a black person. More so there tends to be an overall sexualization of cats, often used to compare human females or female anatomy. Cats being associated with females goes back to suffrage movement (where cats were used both positively and negatively to depict women). Cats still have an influence on a few negative terms, such as "catty"; which has taken on the meaning of being "deliberately hurtful in one's remarks; spiteful." "spiteful, malicious, mean, nasty, cruel, unkind, snide, backbiting, hurtful, wounding, barbed, cutting, hateful, ill-natured, bitter, venomous, vitriolic, poisonous, acid, hostile, rancorous, vindictive, vicious. Similar to the use of 'bitchy' towards women. This negativity may come from medieval superstitions towards cats as well, seen as bad luck (especially black cats), and sometimes association with witches. The Nazis associated themselves with cats hunting the Jewish mice, something which the graphic novel Maus utilized in its own imagery. Giving cats negative predatory connotations. As well as the antisemitic cats of An American Tail. Shema is obviously sexualized and eroticized, but Katta in general are fairly mellow, and kind, with no indication of any negative predatory traits.
  • However, the other big cat inspired species such as Cheetaurs and Liontaurs do share some negative predatory traits. The Liontaurs practice a form of racial segregation in their city, and treat humans and other races as second class citizens.It is one of the prime examples of what TV Tropes calls "Fantastic Racism".
  • Dark Ones: Many of the otherworldly invaders resemble detested animal creatures like Cockroaches, Fish, Rats, and octopus/squid like creatures. Lovecraft utilized these symbols, which some find offensive and racist (see below). Nazis also utilized symbols of octopus/squid-like creatures and giant spiders, to dehumanize Jews in propaganda art. There are some that argue that game developers should stop their infatuation with Lovecraft and utilizing his ideas because of this deep seated racist symbolism.
  • Other forms of 'speciesism' include; Both Ad Avis (and former apprentice) and Ugarte are compared to 'snakes'. Ugarte is also compared to a weasel. In Hero-U Joel Kyro is also compared to a weasel.
  • In the library in Hero-U is a book on Xenology, which discusses prejudice and mistreatment of anthropomorphic humanoid races by humans. This is clearly an analogue reference to how poorly humans treat each other based on race.

• The Quest For Series makes references to a number of authors and works that while important part of pop-culture, the authors and sometimes the works have been pulled through the mud in recent years, and accused of racism, antisemitic, and other bigoted material. There have been attempts by some people to censor, ban, erase, or cancel the works of these authors (or the entire author in some cases). Below is a list of some of the authors and sources references in QFG games.
  • QFG4, and Hero-U take much influence from H.P. Lovecraft in their ideas of ancient and powerful horrors from beyond (see Dark Ones, Chernovy, Proaches, Drats, Tentacles Horrors, GOGs, P. H. Craftlove, etc). In recent years Lovecraft and his works have been re-examined as having come under fire for antisemitic themes. There are some that argue that the works should be buried alongside other antisemitic and White Nationalist works of the time. " Daniel José Older argued that the best thing to do with Lovecraft was to de-canonize him — implicitly relegating him to the same sort of backwater reserved for such works of racist pulp as Thomas Dixon’s contemporary, and mostly forgotten The Clansman. For Older, Lovecraft’s racism is central to his themes and his horror; his vision of hapless New Englanders besieged by degenerate chthonic monsters is insistently racialized, and the terror of the non-human in his work is inseparable from the eugenic disgust at the less-than-human.". One author opines; "Right down to their core, right down to the very themes that recur throughout his works, you'll find the hateful perspective he had of the world: the ignorance of someone who viewed anything unlike himself with revulsion. While he drew inspiration from works predating him, what Lovecraft gave to the genre of cosmic horror was his hate...Which is now video games' problem. For decades video games have been regurgitating the themes, plots and aesthetics of his stories with not one ounce of scrutiny. The half-breed monsters that embody the very essence of Lovecraft's revulsion, the troubled white male heroes that contain his arrogance and his gross simplification of mental illness are recreated in video games with no subversion, no critical thinking. In doing so they are breathing life, again and again, into Lovecraft's hate...It's time to let go of Lovecraft. No more tentacled multi-eyed monstrosities, no foggy fishing towns or ancient aliens posing as gods. These are jokes and the remnants of a poisonous world view." "But there are good reasons to dump Lovecraft beyond over-saturation of the source material. Lovecraft was a racist who was terrified of women... the problem with Lovecraft is that the latent themes of xenophobia are inescapable in his work. Many of his stories, including Call of Cthulhu, include thinly veiled references to cultures and people Lovecraft found alien and objectionable...deeply toxic material..."

• • 

    Dr. Seuss like Lovecraft, has become controversial in its own right in the ever widening court of public opinion. Similarly to how Lovecraft is accused of being racist, with people calling to ban his books. Quest For Glory has had a few influences and references to Dr. Seuss used throughout the series. In QFG5 script is the line; "Horton Gores a Who". QFG1 VGA references 'Octember'. In 2021, six books including his historically relevant first published book were banned and removed from publishing by Dr. Seuss Enterprises for being considered culturally offensive to minorities. Other stores have chosen to pull and destroy unsold copies, and Ebay has chosen to prevent resell of second-hand copies as well. Dr. Seuss's step-daughter, has criticized this move as being censorship, and believes the books should still be published but with a forward warning describing the book in the context of its time. Like the Coles, Dr. Seuss was an anti-racist writer. Similarly he wrote children's books with with fun puns and wordplay. Like the Coles some of his materials contain Orientalist depictions of characters characters from Asia, India, and Africa (wearing stuff like turbans and pointed straw hats). Like the Coles he created anthropomorphic humanoid races, some depicting 'monkey men" and 'apemen"-like species in Africa and African-like settings. Like the Coles, even though a story might have an anti-racist message, it hasn’t stopped critics from finding racism or even “white supremacy” within the stories; “ In light of this new information, you may wonder about Dr. Seuss books featuring non-human characters. At Teaching Tolerance, we’ve even featured anti-racist activities built around the Dr. Seuss book The Sneetches. But when we re-evaluated, we found that the story is actually not as “anti-racist” as we once thought. And it has some pretty intricate layers you and your students might consider, too. The solution to the story’s conflict is that the Plain-Belly Sneetches and Star-Bellied Sneetches simply get confused as to who is oppressed. As a result, they accept one another. This message of “acceptance” does not acknowledge structural power imbalances. It doesn’t address the idea that historical narratives impact present-day power structures. And instead of encouraging young readers to recognize and take action against injustice, the story promotes a race-neutral approach.“ Under CRT and inter-sectionalism “race-neutral” or “color-blindness is considered a form of white-supremacy in culture that perpetuates racial inequalities an doesn’t acknowledge the differences and uniqueness in people.
  • Rudyard Kipling is yet another author who has become controversial over time for similar reasons (racism and colonialist imperialism). QFG makes allusions to materials from the author including Riki-Tiki-Tavi, and Gunga Din.
  • Sanford and Son has in recent years (and even when it was released) came under fire as a form of 'blackploitation' and racist comedy towards the black minority, furthering negative stereotypes through its black characters. It was a show that routinely used racial stereotypes as part of its comedy. While the show did have episodes that fought against 'racism', for some it is a show that hasn't aged well, rather than being anti-racist (like similar shows All in the Family or The Jeffersons), has racism in its core. In this sense QFG3 using some of these stereotypes, and largely as a joke, maybe considered problematic and offensive to some.
  • T.S. Eliot is referenced in QFG1VGA. "It must be Tease Eliot, the ghost poet!" He is yet another poet who has become controversial for racist and antisemitic viewpoints in recent years.
  • Edgar Rice Burroughs is another influence who has become controversial in modern times. His Tarzan is a character also referenced in QFG3. "Tarzan is not just king of the beasts, his superior Anglo-Saxon genes make him smarter, stronger and nobler than any native African he encounters. It’s a narrative that plays out again and again in “white man in the jungle” stories..."

• Under certain circumstances, the white hero is a "minority" character in the lands he visits. Sometimes the races such as Liontaurs are racist to humans, or cultures are racist towards skin color of the character. Such as is the case of the Leopeardmen skinchangers. One article describes this as 'racial profiling'.
• A couple of jokes in relation to character Fenrus bring up the subject of racial stereotypes: "Hey, I resent that remark. It promotes negative stereotypes of my racial species.", "I thought you didn't believe in stereotypes."
• Asian representation is rare to the series, other than few spattering of references in Quest For Glory, and some expanded background material in Hero-U.
  • Some of the jokes such as Talk Fu: A Martial Arts Pronunciation Guide, "Made in Japan/Made in Taiwan" (simlar terms the games associates with countries that only export 'cheap junk'), Chinese takeaway/Chinese food, Ding Dynasty, fortune cookie wisdom, use of the term "Oriental" (when describing Asian or far east topics), references to eastern mysticism (Zen), etc, might be seen as promoting negative stereotypes of Asians, and Asian culture. Other Asian-style "Xenos" such as Tanuki or Kitsune might be considered cultural appropriation of specific fictional creatures in Japanese mythology. While very little is known about these races as of yet, some of the current portrayals with stereotyped clothing and mannerisms might be considered offensive or problematic to some (such as is the case with banned Dr. Seuss book ('And to Think I saw it on Mulberry Street"). As some of the depictions share style or appearance of depictions of Asians from 19th and early twentieth twentieth century during the 'Yellow Peril' period or by early Hollywood ("Yellowface"). Most of these depictions in the game were added by third party backers of the game, and not necessarily directly the fault of the Coles. Similarly to how highly stereotyped Wolfie was introduced by a series fan.
• One of the more recent controversies involves Quest for Glory IV's use of John Rhys Davies who has in recent years been retroactively been considered a racist due to his political views in Britain, or for his involvement for playing characters in brownface/blackface such as Sallah in the Indiana Jones movies, or his character Dogati in King Solomon's Mines.. This has lead to some guilt by association fallacy' arguments and poisoning the well for the game, after Corey Cole mentioned his like of JRD, and their work on the game. Some examples include "In 2004, Rhys-Davies stated the following in an interview with World magazine about the Muslim population, stating: There is a demographic catastrophe happening in Europe that nobody wants to talk about, that we daren't bring up because we are so cagey about not offending people racially. And rightly we should be. But there is a cultural thing as well. By 2020, 50 per cent of the children in Holland under the age of 18 will be of Muslim descent. His comments were endorsed by the British National Party. Rhys-Davies is a supporter of Brexit." "Anti-immigration rhetoric in Europe has long been an infallible marker of racists and right-wing populists. Since "native" European population is almost wholly white, and immigrants are almost wholly not, it's became a way for Europeans to express racist sensibilities without explicitly referring to race. For example, the last sentence in that quote above means "50 per cent of the children in Holland under the age of 18 will be brown" and nothing else.", "It is irrational (and racist) to associate immigration with economic and social instability when the real root cause of it is wealth disparity." The writer of the review responded to the criticism with "It doesn't have anything to do with his acting skills, but this sub-argument started with my observation that Rhys-Davies seems like a decent fellow aside from his acting talents. Mass immigration didn't work out so well for Rhys-Davies' native land (Wales), nor for American Indians or lots of other indigenous populations. Entire ways of life and cultural traditions were destroyed. I can see why someone would fear that it could happen to Europe, or the United States, or any number of other locations during this century. That doesn't necessarily mean that you hate the individual immigrants...Let me follow up because I'm in danger of misrepresenting my own position. My concerns about any of these things is very mild. I'm much more concerned about promoting human rights and creating diverse cultures. My core argument is simply that Rhys-Davies is not a bad person for voicing these concerns, and that it's wrong to categorize him with the more extreme people who voice the same concerns, at least without more specific evidence.", another person responded as well: "Probably worth noting, too, that Rhys-Davies apparently found it distressing to be quoted by an overtly racist, fascist group such as the BNP.", and another "Great. Since the voice actor expresses anti-immigration feeling, he must be a racist, then we should cancel this game. Oh, JVC is also a sexist since he put Scorpia in MM3. Let's cancel MM! Bard's Tale? Cranford is a sexist and anti-Trans. Heck, let's cancel BT! Pretty soon, this blog should be called "shovelware addict...Ironically I was actually in agreement with you and my post is in response to people complaining the VA of being racist because he was opposing immigrants. Oh well.", the final response included; "The issue is that having an internet mob decide what "problematic beliefs" are and act on it is a terrible idea. And responding to what you believe are "problematic beliefs" with a mark-and-destroy mentality (what so called cancel culture is about) is a very problematic belief by itself. You know what humans need? More empathic and nuanced communication, even (especially) when arguing tough, touchy subjects of much consequence. Censoring and cutting people off is the opposite of what we need." Another person's response included: "I love the fact that on the same blog post we have one of the games creators commenting and then also people calling John Rhys-Davies racist and saying that married people can't be heroes. "

Female Representation

Sexism, Misogyny, Feminism, etc... Despite much of the game's having been written by a woman; Quest For Glory has sometimes been accused of by critics and even the Coles themselves as having sometimes sexist or misogynistic elements. Sometimes this is for plot (to show the unfair treatment in societies the Hero visits, and characters he defends) and other times it might be for titillation/gratification of the player. Villains such as Ad Avis or Ferrari may show hatred or superiority over women (enslaving or mistreating them and treating them as second class citizens).

• Are All Heroes Men?

The "ego" is a surprising source of controversy and debate in the series. For one thing, Lori and Corey have insisted that - even in animated introductions - his ego should never carry on a dialogue. They feel it will destroy the identification a player must have with his Hero if he sees someone else's words pop up in the dialogue box.

The more intriguing controversy; however, is that it's a man, and female players have asked the designers if they could provide an optional female ego.

"Adding a simple choice to ego gender would increase art requirements by at least 30%," Corey estimated. "Not out of the question, but not advisable," he maintains, "because the story would remain the same." Other characters would still respond to the Hero in the same way, whether the Hero was a man or a woman, and in places like ancient Arabia or medieval Germany, that simply wouldn't make sense.

"We have created a very egalitarian world," said Lori, "where you have woman warriors and woman role models throughout the game."

Lori said another reason for maintaining a male character is the romance element. Starting with Wages of War, the Hero's romantic life will begin, culminating two games down the line when he'll have a chance to choose a wife from female characters he'll meet throughout his adventures. Of course, he'll also have the choice of remaining single. In another place she stated: So it came down to telling one character’s story – the hero’s. Did I forsake my position on the role of women in society and in games when I designed a game with a male rather than a female protagonist? Should I be stripped of my “Uppity Woman” status because I conformed to traditional game tropes and perpetuated stereotypes?

I knew from the start that I wanted romance in the game. Wages of War was a tease – Johari really was attracted to Yesufu from the start (opposites attract ) Erana’s story needed closure and the Paladin was the right person to return the love that Erana needed. Most of all, Shadows of Darkness would have been a very different game if the Hero had been a Heroine. We might have had the first lesbian relationship in a computer game. I assure you, Ad Avis would never fall in love with anyone other than himself.

• Usually it's enough to be a female character (not necessarily human or alive or single) to be immediately open to casually take flowers and other gifts, while most male characters don't even have a message for such attempts (thus producing a standard "this item can't be given to this character" message). Although see LGBTQ Representation. In fact, even minors like Hilde Pferdefedern and Tanya Markarov can be given flowers. Tanya sees it as a marriage proposal, while Hilde can even be asked for a date, but she rejects both on account of her father.
• Female characters in QFG are often depicted in 'sexy', erotic, and sensuous. Corey stated that there was some controversy with the Rusalka when the game was developed; "The scene in QfG4 that got us in trouble was the Rusalka. Even though her 'sensitive regions' are completely covered by her hair at all times, several people complained that her 'nudity' was completely inappropriate in a Sierra game. We felt that it shouldn't be a problem since Lori pulled the idea of the Rusalka from Russian mythology. If we had depicted her as an ugly old hag with a similar amount of hair and clothing, I doubt anyone would have complained. Because she is beautiful, some parents equated her with Playboy pictures."
• There's actual sprites of Uhura during her bridge fighting animations where her beads fly up and you can see nipples on the sprite, revealing that she doesn't wear anything under her beads.
• It is possible in many of the games to make unwanted flirtation or advances to many characters. Although some characters are fine with the flirtation, others become uncomfortable with it after awhile. In case of the Rusalka, treating Elyssa romantically (to show her love) is the only way to even free her from her curse. While not every woman is depicted as physically perfect, most which the player is offered the choice to "flirt" are. In some of the earlier parser games "date" or "sex" may work for propositioning certain characters (for example Dinarzad).
• An easter egg makes the Hero's eyes and tongue pop up when Johari is revealed in her scantily clad form.
• Dr. Cranium is building "Frankie" to be his girlfriend, which goes as far to imply sexual context, with many moments of innuendo. This could be interpreted as sexist and sex-slavery. But this is played for laughs, with no direct consequences to the characters actions.
• Kattas, especially Shema, are depicted as sexy, erotic and sensuous creatures. Shema, for example, has a sensuous and erotic belly dance routine (which some women consider objectification of women, while others consider it a clear case of cultural appropriation). Some of this may go back to a potentially sexist trope linking cats and feminine together. Cats can be associated with the idea of an "old cat lady" which some see as sexist (see Max and Olga Stovich), as well as the association with "cat calling."
• The Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School: Advanced Adventuring Course uses patriarchal language and leans on the stereotype that "Heroes" are male figures, and that the people they save are of the female gender. "To be a Hero is, of course, one of the preferred occupations for Fighters of all times and climes. Receiving the adulation of a grateful peasantry (and often as not a few members of the fairer - which is to say, preferred - sex)" Similar positions are used in other materials such as the Hero: The Journal of General Job Adjusting. However, these are all from the perspective of in-universe characters who are chauvinistic to begin with. Corey is of the position that all articles in the Hero Magazine are actually Famous Adventurer writing under pseudonyms (see Famous Adventurer (Hero-U). The series itself is filled with strong independent and heroic women.
• Feminist Frequency used Quest For Glory as an example of women being used as background decoration or sexual titillation in its examples of misogyny and sexism. It showed scenes from the infamous X-Ray Glasses Scene in QFG2, a scene which allows players to use x-ray glasses to see a female character undressing behind a veil. The scene, while tame, has lead to a number of rumors including that the action would lower honor points, or a loss of Paladin Points, and prevent the player from becoming a Paladin at the end of the game. This was even stated by Corey Cole, possibly to try to distance himself from the implications of the scene. However, in the actual game it has no affect on the honor, and this is confirmed in the original QFG2 Hint-book as well (which lists off the specific actions which do affect Honor).
  • "Zay takes my spare set of clothes (I’m not strutting around in the buff, thank you) and goes to change in what has to be the most pandering bit of animation that this game has to offer. I can see teen boys in the early 1990s squinting at these pixels trying to make out the nudity. Rumor is that if you bought the x-ray specs from the magic shop back in Shapeir, you can see everything. I am thankfully not that crude."
• The Coles have discussed sexism in video games. They admit that there might be some details which some might find sexist such as Hero rescuing the Brigand Leader. They further explain why they believe their games went beyond sexism with powerful and independent women. In one article Corey laments the "sexist harem scene" included in QFG3. As well as what he describes as the Harem scene in QFG2 which he describes as "gratuitous sexual exploitation". However in the same article it exlains: "Although the women in Raseir are forced to wear veils and stay in harems, we wanted the player to feel righteous indignation that any culture would treat women that way." Though he seems to be describing these in somewhat tongue in cheek manne, others take this view seriously, making similar observations.
  • In Women as Background Decoration (Part 1) – Feminist Frequency, Anita Sarkeesian shows the harem scene in a blink and you'll miss it montage of other things she calls "incidental eye candy", and 'hypersexualized women as ornamental objects', and what she defines as “Women as Background Decoration: The subset of largely insignificant non-playable female characters whose sexuality or victimhood is exploited as a way to infuse edgy, gritty or racy flavoring into game worlds. These sexually objectified female bodies are designed to function as environmental texture while titillating presumed straight male players.”
• The Coles discussing why they chose to use a male character in Hero-U instead of allowing players a choice between genders. Though they admit some people might be offended by the lack of choice.
• As with the previous topic above, the accusation of 'white knighting' has been leveled by some of the player base in relation to the sexism/gender issues with the white male hero saving other women (see Brigand Leader for example).
• Boob Armor/Sexy Armor, kind of a joke and meme in recent years has been found in many fantasy games and movies. It is a kind of fetishist trope objectifying women, and is heavily criticized in modern discussions. While there are no specific references to Quest For Glory being targeted directly for its inclusion of Sexy Armor, the games do include examples of it: Elsa von Spielburg wears Boob Plate armor in the original HQ and QFG1. When she appears in QFG5 she is wearing even less with her entire midriff and legs exposed and bikini armor. It is not only impractical, it is dangerous.
• QFG5 underwent censorship by Sierra and its editors, some of Nawar's and Gnome Ann's commentary was seen as too risqué. Some of the material can be found in the files of the demo or the game itself, but are left unused.
• QFG4 literally lets the player "cop a feel" on the sleeping Katrina, this rapey choice is played for laughs and has very little impact on the actual story. In fact, she actually ignores what happened and only gets truly mad if you kiss her instead (see Katrina's gallery). In any case, the game's ending still progresses on in the same fashion and, of course, it has no impact on the fifth game as story choices are not used over. Surprisingly, at the time the game was released it caused no controversy. When Corey was asked about the "age appropriate scene" (as it was described when he was asked about it) and any controversy it might have caused, he stated; "Not in the least...But the dungeon scene? It amused people, but I didn't see any complaints about it." In recent years, there have been increasing complaints about it among fans, and Facebook (as well as those who defend off-color humor and free speech).
• There is a joke about 'hookers" (prostitutes) in QFG4, "They don't allow hookers in here; put your grapnel away."
• In Hero-U you can flirt with older teachers and/or adult authority figures. Some flirt with Shawn. This might be seen as rude, disrespectful, sexual harassment or uncomfortable to some people. Shawn is able to continue to flirt with individuals who may not be comfortable with his advances. Some might see this as "toxic masculinity."
• Some words used in QFG have fallen out of favor, some people find the words offensive or demeaning with regards to gender policies. There have been calls to remove these problematic words from the English language. One such word is "mistress." In QFG series "mistress" comes up quite often when discussing Katrina (see Mistress of Darkness, Women of Glory 4: Dark Mistress for examples)
• There are rumors that sexist actions such as flirting in several of the games could lower honor, and/or Paladin Points, and prevent one from becoming a paladin. One Readme, for example, included in the Quest for Glory Collections (see Readme (Collection)) claims that flirting with Janna Jamil in QFG3 would prevent the player from becoming a Paladin but this rumor is not true. In fact, the Hero can keep flirting with her despite her constant requests to stop since she's married. Theoretically, even if it did lower 'honor', it would have been possible to regain it by other actions, including repeatable actions (since QFG4 is the only game with ways to lose honor for good). One exception is that in the case of Aziza, unwanted flirting might fall into the category of being impolite to her, and end up with the character losing the chance to earn PP needed to become a paladin in QFG2 if they are kicked out of her house. However, a little bit of 'flirting' might be seen as a compliment and have no effect on PP and Honor.
• One person says that QFG has a mix of feminist but has some rather not so feminist ideas as well. The author decided to break down the series with a feminist critique: Quest for Feminism, Part I: So You Want to Be a Hero?
  • One of the articles criticisms is with how females both magical and Elsa are portrayed: "The occupations of the female characters are overwhelmingly magical, especially if you include Erana." This, unfortunatelym feeds into the same stereotype common in RPGs: women as magic users and men as melee fighters (though the latter is balanced a bit by Erasmus and the ability to choose to play as a magic user). The only exception to this rule appears to be Elsa.
  • Ah, Elsa von Spielburg, a slight twist on the tired and very un-feminist damsel in distress trope... When it comes down to it, Elsa needs to be rescued by the male hero, and yet, the storyline isn’t totally offensive because of one important fact: the only thing the enchantment changed was Elsa’s memory, meaning that her leadership and oft-mentioned sword skills are 100% her own doing. (After the enchantment is broken, Elsa mentions wanting to learn to swordfight before she was kidnapped, but the elitist Weapon Master refused to teach a girl, so she had to learn on her own.) However, we do have to wait until Dragon Fire to find out what happens to Elsa after returning to her (seemingly boring) place as the Baron’s daughter…"
  • She continues on with her critique of Baba Yaga: "Baba Yaga is the primary antagonist of the game. Unfortunately, it’s obvious the game falls into the “beautiful = good, ugly = bad” trap, with our antagonist being an ugly ogress. While it’s clear that she is the willful cause of everything bad that happens in the story, it’s also clear that everything she does is for her own gain first and foremost. In that she is a step above most fantasy antagonists, as a character: she has some motivation, rather than just being evil for the hell of it. The Baron slighted her first, so she put a curse on him. The hero’s first encounter with her allows him to strike a deal; luckily she needs mandrake more than she needs to kill him."
  • To sum up, So You Want to Be a Hero? is, for the most part, typically unfeminist fantasy fare, though it does show signs of wanting you to think a bit about your actions...
• "This chapter examines representations of female experience in several Sierra games designed by women in the 1980s and 1990s, specifically Roberta Williams’s King’s Quest series and Phantasmagoria, Jane Jensen’s Gabriel Knight: The Sins of the Fathers, and Lori Cole’s Quest for Glory I. This chapter concludes that female designers have not necessarily produced more female-centered games, but also that these designers have used their games as a platform to express and comment on the experience of living as a woman in gendered spaces characterized by gender disparity and sexual violence. This study finds that women in these games typically have more limited options than the men in the same games, and these women often experience or perpetrate more violence than men in these games."

LGBTQ Representation

LGBTQ matters and characters are something that is rarely discussed in the games. Although the question has come up from time to time with regards to lack of diversity in the games. This changes a little bit in Hero-U.

• Since flowers and other gifts can usually be given only to female characters (see Female Representation, the uniqueness that Boris Stovich can take flowers from the hero may lead gamers to suspect if a male that accepts flowers from another male hints of LGBTQ intentions.
• QFG3 has a pun which would be considered offensive by today's standards. "It looks like a California Creeper -- full of fruits, nuts, holly, wood, and vines." "Fruit" is a derogatory reference to homosexuals. Nuts refers to someone with a "mental illness", "Creep" has the association of being an unpleasant or obnoxious person.
• In QFG3 is a line referring to someone as a twinkie. This can have offensive connotations: “US offensive, slang a young homosexual man, esp one who is boyish”.
• QFG4 has another pun that appears to have a double meaning. Punny Bones calls himself 'gay' as in happy, but also says not to 'take it the wrong way' which usually is in reference to someone saying they are not 'homosexual'. If the player uses the thief sign towards him, he thinks that the Hero is propositioning him for kinky sexual acts, and points out that he doesn't swing that way.
• Eunuchs appear in QFG2 in the harem, although its not known if these are 'eunuchs by birth' (some interpret the term used for homosexuals or transgendered, but historical interpretation meant 'born infertile' or even intersex (formerly hermaphrodite, though this term has fallen out of favor and considered offensive) or had been castrated by others/accidents. The term eunuch is seen as derogatory or offensive in some contexts. Though the game itself as using it in historical context of castrated/infertile men who guarded harems in Arabic countries.
• Lori has stated: "...Shadows of Darkness would have been a very different game if the Hero had been a Heroine. We might have had the first lesbian relationship in a computer game. I assure you, Ad Avis would never fall in love with anyone other than himself."
• Technically if Adventures of a "Wanna-Be" Hero are taken into consideration Marti McKenna's version of the 'Hero'; McKenna the Magnificent is actually female, the character is based on herself (as per the story). So this would have opened up some interesting possibilities as she 'traveled through Spielburg, other lands, and finally Silmaria. It is not known what McKenna's character's sexual preference is however, and if she would have been interested in dating any of QFG5's given options. Had she though, as a magic user she would have had access to all the potential options (effectively making McKenna the Magnificent lesbian if so chosen).
• It is a common aspect that in RPGs and many games that sexuality is made more of a player's 'choice' rather than inherent 'born that way' trait. Some may see this unrealistic to real life where people cannot just 'choose' to love someone of another gender. Only a few games such as "Dreamfall Chapters" have examined characters who have clear immutable homosexual identities (the player is not allowed any control over the matter, such as in the case of Kian Alvane). The Coles games tend to either restrict things to heterosexual romance (in the QFG series), or making it a 'choice' (Hero-U) like many other mainstream RPGs such as those made by BioWare or Bethesda (which often rely on an unrealistic 'bisexual' choice, rather than designing well developed characters with a strict sexual identity).
  • In QFG5 it is possible to try to proposition several of the male characters to marriage with the Ring of Hera, only to get rebuffed by them. This at the most a bisexual 'choice' (as the character has clearly showed an interest in women throughout the series, including what some players see as an implied sex scene in QFG3 (Note: QFG5 states that he is a virgin in an one of its jokes, and the novelization in the authorized guide clearly doesn't go beyond the hero making out with her). While there have been some rumors that Andre had a boyfriend, this is not actually the case as he actually brings up his girlfriend he wishes to wed. Rakeesh jokes that he is not interested, and that his wife would be jealous if he and Hero wed. Wolfie comments that such a 'mixed marriage' would not be practical (which might also be referring to the fact he's a different species, more so than his sexuality).
  • Hero-U opens up the 'choices' by allowing certain characters like Aeolus & Joel can be pursued for romance. But again these are often portrayed in a sexualfluid/choice/bisexual way, as some of these characters are actually interested in characters of the opposite sex before you woo them (as is the case of Aeolus who is interested in Miranda, and then every other female character in the game as well, at least those he has met). Joel appears to be strictly homosexual.
  • Shawn's personal sexuality essentially multiple choice with case Thomas for example has responses that conform to bisexual, gay, or straight choices. He can state he has no sexual/gender preference, or say he only likes guys, or that he only likes women.
  • Further muddying up his sexuality is a few lines where he claims to have had at least one previous girlfriend. Though the game also points out that he is a virgin at the time of the game as well, and thus did not pursue any sexual relationships with any previous dates.
• Joel is based on Joel Cairo from The Maltese Falcon who was a gay character in the novel but censored in the movie (except in sub-context). The character is viewed as a negative homophobic stereotype by some. Hero-U though attempts to avoid the homophobia displayed by Sam Spade in the original novel/film. Similarly both Lorre Petrovich and Ugarte are based off the same character, however their sexuality is not really touched upon (however it's confirmed that Ugarte at least had a wife, the mother of Joel).
• Lori once played Buccaneer Brucie during a Gloriana D&D gaming session, a foppish, presumed gay male paragon played by Lori. The first time she rolled into gaming session dressed ta the nines as Buccaneer Brucie - scarves, flintlock, cutlass, powdered white wig, tricorner hat, and all - there were several seconds of awed silence before the gale force laughter hit everyone. Buccaneer Brucie and his merry band of misfits had many adventures (and few NSFW episodes) over many years of play. It also involved Prince Robert (Bobby) who eventually became Queen Bess of Albuman. There are dimension who might be offended with the use I’d then “flamboyant homosexual stereotype” used for laughs. Apparently it is also argued that cis drag individuals acting out in drag, hurts trans individuals as well.
• Among those looking for transgender inclusion there is a certain level of criticism for "women in disguise" trope in fiction. The reverse of this would be male cross-dressing although this almost happens in QFG2, the hero never gets that far (except in a "death" scene if the player managed to lose his extra clothing).
  • Depending on the context and version of the game Elsa/Brigand leader is played up as a woman in disguise trope. With at least certain characters thinking that she is a 'he'... Lori states that in some versions of her novels Elsa intentionally tried to hide her gender, and wore a mask to obscure her face. It's explained in further versions of the story: As she grew older, it became obvious that being a woman was a sizable disadvantage in dealing with other brigands, so she assumed the persona of a man she called Wolf. Under her leadership, the older brigands became rich enough to retire, and the newer brigands never realized who their leader really was. Interestingly, Elsa in the guise of the Brigand Leader in the EGA game is generally not described with any gender aspects, except in a couple of line where it gives her gender as female. In the VGA version, the brigand leader is described with male descriptions such as he or his., although one of the lines indicating her gender as female still remains in the script In QFG5 when discussing herself as the Brigand Leader, she seems to indicate that other brigands knew that she was a female (by her beauty), and only way she could get the brigands to respect her was to prove her prowess in combat. It's also clear that she always knew she was a female, although she didn't know who she was. In all versions Brutus and Bruno know very well she is female and mention as such during their conversation where they also refer to her as "Nibs" and plan to murder her after she kills the Hero.
  • Zayishah escapes from Raseir by cross-dressing and disguising herself as the Hero, and taking his pass. The hero almost was forced to wear her clothing, but had an extra set (including a wig for whatever reason).
  • If the player somehow lost this extra set of clothing, it leads to a joke death in QFG2. The game forces the Hero cross dressing, and then becoming married to Khaveen; "You exchange clothes with Zayishah since you no longer have any spare ones. You don't look very Sheik in her veil, but it's a nice fit. Suddenly the guards break in and drag you off to the Harem. In two weeks, you are married to Khaveen, and you both live happily ever after."
  • The Hero cross dresses and dances on stage in QFG5.
  • The Backstory for Wren is that she is actually a girl, who disguises herself as a boy. According to the developer's she has had a flirtation with Nawar, although they never got married. The closest the series has gotten to a lesbian romance. It is unknown what her true sexuality is and if she ever found someone to be with. In fact the idea of women falling for Wren (thinking she is a 'cute boy') was apparently to be a running gag throughout the How to Be A Hero series. Hilde Pferdefedern (Hero-U) tries to seduce Wren to go on dates with her, several times with little success.
  • Some of the backstories for Katrina might indicate that she has assumed identity of her previous master, or that individuals thought she was a man (and/or male vampire). It's not clear if she dressed up in masculine clothing to disguise herself at times. But it might be possible.

Thomas Kent (Shakespeare in Love)

• • Thomas is viewed as transgender by some players,

, and others see the character as a cishet crossdresser who identifies as female (the character is only disguised as male). Some players were upset or at least disappointed that Thomas/Janet is either not treated more directly as a trans character (with cis normative implications), or is a problematic treatment of a trans character. “May be upsetting or uncomfortable for trans viewers. (Certainly was for this trans player.) Thomas's father's ghost reveals why Thomas isn't a Paladin student…”, or they believe she is a trans male character. Some might read the character as genderfluid, bigender or non-binary and still on their path of discovery. As Lori Cole explains; “The Thomas character was inspired by one of my favorite movies - Shakespeare in Love. I did not know at the time that they were going to disappoint many of our fanbase. I honestly plead ignorance and apologize to you and others. I tried to go out of my way to create a game that would appeal to everyone.” In the game, Thomas Kent is portrayed as a female in disguise as a man (and asks if Shawn is disappointed that she isn't a boy, or if he only likes boys), she is however not a transsexual or transgender (or a transvestite), just simply in disguise. She may be based in part off of Wren's backstory. While she hides the fact that she is a female from others, she still thinks of herself as female. According to some of the conversations it appears female is her preferred gender and she is happy when Shawn acknowledges it. However, a couple of responses depending on players actions may indicate she is still trying to figure out who she is and who is her “true self” be it Thomas or Janet. For players who interpret the character as transgender, may find the dialogue responses (and by proxy the Coles) at worst misgendering a trans character, or at least using imprecise language in describing a trans character. One trans critic finds the Thomas story problematic and transphobic including a number issues such as Thomas father and Shawn deadnaming Thomas, misgendering Thomas despite the character choosing to present as male, Shawn having the ability to out Thomas to others, and Shawn questioning Thomas gender. The critic also finds it problematic that the game objectified Thomas by calling “him” cute or perhaps thinks a different description such as “handsome” would fit Thomas preferred identity. Corey Cole responded to interpretation;

Shame, that. We write our games to be as inclusive as we can make them. But they'll never be perfect for every player. As Lori Cole mentions, she took even the name from a film. The trope in the film was in turn taken from a common situation in Shakespeare's plays (viz. As You Like It).

I read recently that a crew putting on free showings of Midsummer Night's Dream had to get legal advice because of the many cross-dressing characters in that play. In Shakespeare's time, all female roles were played by men "in drag," and it was scandalous to even consider a woman actor. Which is the main plot in the film.

It's completely ridiculous that certain segments of our society have become so prudish and repressive that they can't allow others to enjoy the work of the greatest playwright of all time.

As for transgender players of our games, we want them - along with all of our players - to feel welcomed and comfortable. To the extent that some of the other characters belittle what seems to be a transgender character (even though she wasn't conceived as such) is a pretty good reflection of what actually happens to people who don't tick every box of a "usual and normal" lifestyle. It's a shame, but we'd be cheating that audience even more if we whitewashed it.

• Considering that "McKenna the Magnificent" is a female character, and interpretation of the "Hero of Spielburg". Some might view that character as somehow having gone through sexual reassignment to look male as per the games themselves, and representing a trans male. However, there is not enough context from Mckenna's backstory what her gender preferences/identification for her character actually are (other than it's a version of herself).
• There are occasionally words that have innocent meanings when used in correct context, but sometimes have offensive alternative meanings that relate to the LGBT community. These terms have nothing to do with LGBT in QFG, but may have controversial and insulting meanings under other contexts which are targeted at the LGBT community. In QFG2, the term 'queer' appears; "Raseir, I fear, is very queer, and if you do not interfere, I think that it will disappear.". Though the context has nothing to do with LGBT issues, the word has through the years taken on a meaning as a pejorative towards members of the LGBT community. In some cases taken back by the community as a desired 'identity'. A similar words with unfortunate meaning appears in QFG2; ""The fiercely flickering fire needs another f*aggot of firewood.". The term f*aggot in this context applies to the meaning relating to a bundle of sticks, but the term has also taken up offensive connotations meaning a homosexual man.
• The QFG3 Explorer's manual mentions; "You never know when you might get caught in a goblin pygmy trap just when twenty of the little buggers are converging upon you for a late night snack." Bugger is a term that originated from word 'Bulgerian' and related to homosexual males.
• Some people find seemingly innocuous words like 'he' or 'she' ("him" or "her", 'boy', and 'girl', 'male' and 'female', 'brother' and 'sister', husband and wife, mother and father, etc) offensive, as a form of 'labeling' and forcing gender binary concepts on stories. There have been discussions arguing for the removal of these words from the language. Obviously gendered pronouns are very common in writing, and appear everywhere in Quest For Glory, and there are too many references to count. And trying to remove such words would only stunt the quality of the writing, and its descriptions.
• Punny Bones may acknowledge other genders outside of the binary: "Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen and all you others. I'd like to say how glad I am to be here -- I'd like to say it... Seriously, folks, staying at the Hotel Mordavia has been like staying at a resort. A last resort."

Animal representation

Speciesism prevails as animals are divided into 2 groups:

1. Those that went through the change and are thus treated like regular people by their "ruler" humans.
   • The exception to the rule is the sole city of Tarna in which humans are the lesser species, but the ruling species of Liontaurs are still humanoid and are arrogant enough to be considered as speciesists themselves.
   • Some humanoid animals can be abused like the fox without ending the game prematurely.
2. All non humanoid animals are either treated like monsters that should be killed on sight or can actually be abused for Puzzle Points like the Pterosaur Pteresa (who is thus chased away for good from her boyfriend Pterry), sometimes even obligatory like Spore-Spitting Spirea and Merv the Griffin. Starting in Quest for Glory 2 it can at least reduce one's likelihood to become a Paladin.

Profanity and Vulgarity

This only applies to the parser based games. But the early HQ and QFG 1-2 both understand some vulgar slang terms in their parser. This leads to random easter egg shame messages.

• Oaths/curses/profanity appears in HQ/QFG/Hero-U, from mild terms suchas "damn"/"hell"/"God" to medium terms such as 'shit'/'bitch'/'piss', stronger words like 'cock'/'dick', to even the strongest of terms such as "fuck"/"motherfucker" in the parsers. Mileage will vary with profanity and some consider 'shit' to be rather mild, leading to its apppearance in PG-rated children's movies over time. In America, due to changing culture, 'slurs' (see racial/racism) are more offensive than what were once considered 'profanity'.
• The term 'Gosh' are mild explicative or curse word meaning "God". 'Golly' is another one meaning 'God'. Likewise, 'Egad' is another mild explicative or curse meaning "Oh, God", "Ye God", or "A/Ah God" in reference to God. The term "Gadzooks" is another explicative meaning "God's Hooks" (as in the nails used to nail Christ on the cross). The term "ods bodkins" is a explicative meaning "God's body/God's dear body" (as in the body of Christ, or to the tools/nails used pierce Christ during the crucifixion). Finally the term "dagnabit" (Dag-nab-it) means "God damn it". The phrase 'By George" is another minced oath, in place of "By God and Saint George". The term 'bloody' may refer to 'God's blood' (as in the blood of Christ) Drat is 'God rot it' (another reference to Hell).
• Corey Cole now appears to consider gypsy to be as vulgar and profane as the word 'shit', and he considers both 'shit' and 'gypsy' to be just one step down from F-word. Despite this view, shit, fuck, and gypsy have both made it into the games. First 'shit' and 'fuck' are are in the parsers of Hero's Quest/QFG1 EGA, and Hero's Quest 2, and Gypsies make up a large plot of QFG4, and are mentioned in QFG4. Shit finally made its own specific debut in Hero-U itself! In actuality, 'shit' appears in PG level movies (in limited amounts) such as in Star Trek: Generations, and Back to the Future ("holy shit"), or even the children's movie "Flight of the Navigator"., and has become quite common on reagular broadcast tv, and regular 21st century parlance (showing every changing evolution of language). One article notes: Shit originates from the Old English scitte ("diorrhoea"), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schijten, German scheissen (verb). The Dutch and German words from whence shit came share the same meaning as the English word; that is, they all essentially mean "poop" or "to poop." They don't mean "to defecate," as that word is a bit too classy and non-vulgar to really reflect the meaning of shit. Some more interesting history for you: the words from which shit originates come from even older words meaning "to part with, separate, or cut off." (Don't think about that one too much.) Even more interesting is the fact that the word shit actually used to be neutral, with no vulgar connotations. Medium suggests that only really bad word in the English language is 'fuck', and that all other curses are tame in comparison... It compares "shit " to the word "cake", and 'bitch' (perhaps this should be seen in context that Medium often uses the 'shit' word in its articles). Some lists consider 'shit' to be medium level term not much higher than 'mild' terms, and no where near 'fuck' (strongest level of curse terms in English language)
• HQ has these lists: 1127 boff, cocksuck, fuck, hump, motherfuck, screw. 1120 crap, defecate, dump, fart, manure, poop, shit verb, noun 2461 cock, dick, dork, hardon, penis, phallus, schlong noun 2462 cocksucker, motherfucker noun
• QFG1EGA has these lists: 1115 crap, defecate, dump, fart, manure, poop, shit. 1122 QFG1EG has these lists: 1127 boff, cocksuck, fuck, hump, motherfuck, screw. 2461 cock, dick, dork, hardon, penis, phallus, schlong noun 2462 cocksucker, motherfucker noun
  • While the game treats most of these the same, some of these words like penis, phallus, defecate, manure, etc are technical terms and not profane at all. Fart, poop, and dump are particulary tame as well. "Crap" has varied oer time to some finding it offensive, and others finding it rather tame.
  • FCC has changed its regulations and some of these terms have becoming more common on prime time, and regular usage (even among public figures and politicians and presidents). Even f-bombs appear regularly on new Star Trek shows.
• QFG2 has these lists: 2173 cock, dick, dork, hardon, penis, phallus, schlong. 2174 cocksucker, motherfucker.
• Hero-U has different standards and words such as “shit” and “pissed” are used by characters in-game.
• Using these terms in HQ/QFG1, will give you messages such as "I'm sorry, but this game is PG.", "I'm not programmed to do that sort of thing.", "ODS BODKINS!", "You didn't really say that, did you?" C'mon now! That's HARDLY a heroic action! Didn't your Momma teach you any better than that?", "The pressure gets to you after a while, doesn't it?", "GADZOOKS!", "That wouldn't be appropriate."
• The Coles have used terms such as 'bitch' with a sense of irony on their various websites including School For Heroes.
• A quote in QFG4 makes reference to 'fanny'; "There is absolutely nothing in the little rabbit's fanny pack. (Well, maybe a pocket watch, but you don't need one of those.)" While this is largely innocuous in American lingo meaning 'butt', to English and some Australians its slightly naughty, but some articles accuse it of being offensive. In those nations it is slang referring to a female's genitals. While largely innocent, still likely to cause some laughs. Fanny can also be an innocent name such in the case of Fanny Bones. However, during discussions about the name, the Cole's have been concerned with using the name, and possibly changing it to avoid offending anyone. However, common sense rules, most people have been supportive of keeping the name. It's certainly not the only name people could interpret immaturely, and have given crude meanings to such as Gooch
• Skatters had a different name originally. According to Lori Cole; "...We originally called the skull bats "Skats" before it was pointed out to be a very crude word in slang." It's not clear what the exact slang definition they are referring to, but the term maybe alternative word for 'slut', as well as in German referring to people who take sexual gratification from feces. Scat is actually a technical word for animal droppings.

Disabilities Representation

• The Dwarves as stupid people may come from middle ages. When dwarves and those with disabilities were treated as less intelligent and as jesters for the entertainment of others. Incidentally , a character in another Sierra series, Conquests of the Longbow, is an example of this latter kind of 'dwarf'.
• QFG3 uses the word cripple or crippled to describe the injuries of Rakeesh. In modern academic circles words such as 'crippled' or 'handy-capped' are often seen as problematic. Cripple used to mean "a person with a physical or mobility impairment." Its shortened form, "crip" is reclaimed by some people with disabilities as a positive identity.
• "There’s some ableism in the depiction of Igor (a hunchback with learning difficulties and lackey of local mad scientist Dr. Cranium, ancestor of Dr. Brain of Castle of Dr. Brain fame)... That said, Igor is at least presented as a benign figure who runs his own business (he’s a headstone-carver and gravedigger) and is respected and appreciated by the fellow townsfolk..."
• Some of the jokes regarding the Thief Sign when used towards certain characters make references and to a certain extent fun of disabilities such as epilepsy (Olga), and physical deformities (Igor). Igor thinks that the Hero is mocking his appearance, or simply symbols of insanity. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any medication for epileptics. Maybe Dr. Cranium could help you.", and "You make fun of Igor or what?"

Social and Environmental Justice

• SJW is a pejorative term. It is an acronym often standing for "Social Justice Warrior" (though the 'W" may be substituted by other negative words starting with 'w' including 'wackos', 'wimps' or 'whiners', etc). It is often used for individuals who promotes modern socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism, as well as identity politics. The term's negative connotations originated out of Twitter in 2011. During the GamerGate controversy, the negative connotation gained increased use, and was particularly aimed at those espousing views adhering to social liberalism, cultural inclusivety, or feminism, as well as views deemed to be politically correct. The term appears to be used towards individuals on the left, often by the right, or possibly alt-right who find certain individuals or examples of criticism or protest to be over the top, reactionary, radical or extremist overly 'political correct' position on a subject (a promotion of censorship rather than civil discourse and contextualization), and a form of hypocritical 'virtue signaling' or pearl clutching. It might also be seen as an extreme form of extremely myopic 'nitpicking', and even 'tilting at windmills' to borrow the phrase from Don Quixote, looking for trouble and offense where none is intended. Perhaps also a form of extreme 'white knighting' where predominately white cis-gendered males and females jump to the defense to protect others in minorities who may not necessarily been offended in the first place.
  • Hero-U RTR makes fun of the term "SJWs",. It's use in video games, as well as any other jokes at modern civil rights maybe seen as offensive to members of both politically left and politically right. Any jokes that poke fun at identity politics, multiculturalism, etc, may be deemed as offensive to those on the politically left, as has been seen with a number of other games such as Doom Eternal. It may potentially offend those on the right who use the term, as an attempt to mock them. In the game, SJW is used as a pun for Fester's Skeleton (Hero-U) guards, which he deems as his Skeletal Justice Warriors. With a number of additional comments describing them, which may be descriptions describing perceived attitudes of "Social Justice Warriors" towards their opponents. This may also be a reference to a Google Chrome extension that converts all mentions of "SJW" or Social Justice Warrior into 'skeletons'.
  • Corey Cole finds the term offensive, and has at times claimed he himself and his wife are 'Social Justice Warriors' as they have supported 'civil rights' since the 1960s. Some readers responded by saying that SJW didn't apply to all people who promote civil rights, but rather a small group of narrow-minded individuals, who take offense at any small thing, and try to enforce extreme form of political correctness on the topic. I.E. it might be applied to individuals who took offense at Quest for Glory, for any number of perceived "controversies" that this topic discusses above (even though the developers never intended to be 'racist' or 'bigoted' during the development of their games).
  • At PAX 2019 according to Lori Cole, Corey Cole received bomb threats and was put under increased security detail over his anti-Gamergate positions. He doesn't fully understand why, but feels it might have had something to do with him turning down a amateur documentary producer (named Jordan Owens) who was planning on doing a Sierra documentary over contents of a previous documentary covering the topic of “Social Justice Warriors”. This apparently had created another major controversial moment for the Coles between fans and Owens on Facebook back in 2015.
• The controversial organization Green Peace is referenced in QFG3 in the line; "This plant is into ecology. It belongs to Green Peas."
• The School For Heroes website would sometimes have articles on topics related to environmental protection and climate change.

Poisonous vs Venomous

Snakes, spiders, scorpions, wyverns, badders, demons, dragonfish, hydras, ghouls, certain plants and other creatures are called 'poisonous' in this series (in fact material often calls interchanges use of poisonous and venomous when talking about these creatures.) In this series, there is no, "anti-venom" in traditional sense rather just another term for 'anti-poison', but "poison cure'/'counterpoison' (pills and potions) are a 'universal poison antidote'. Venom also gets used in poetic/literary way to represent poison such as the "Assassin's venom" or the "Dagger's venom" much as it was in 'archaic' usages in fairy tales, old books, etc (rather than any specific modern definitions of the term.) Especially when considering the 'Latin' Greek/Roman setting.

There is a pedantic internet discussion of 'venomous vs. poisonous' which is a controversy, but in reality should be only a non-controversy. Some for example have accused Roberta Williams (of King's Quest series) of being unintelligent or ignorant for use of these terms in the games... But they themselves overlook other grammatically valid uses of the terms in other contexts, medical field and sciences.

In fact to argue there is only a 'single' definition for words, and to argue other definitions are wrong is an example of a false dichotomy fallacy; Two choices are presented, when more might exist, and the claim is made that one is false and one is true - or one is acceptable and the other is not. Often, there are other alternatives which haven’t been considered, or both choices might be false or true. As well as an "Appeal to Definition" fallacy (Using one definition of a term as evidence that term cannot have another meaning, expanded meaning, or even conflicting meaning).

In modern "biological" (Some biological medicine, particularly veterinary and zoology often distinguish a poison from a toxin, and from a venom) and most modern "herpetology" (not necessarily medical or other science fields), these are used as forms of how the toxin is administered. Poisonous referring to touching or ingestion, while venomous refers to injection, Some argue that that venom is a subset of poisons, and so poisonous is technically true, while others argue that makes poison too broad, and that having more specific meanings is more useful. This is seemingly a more modern phenomena however in the 21st century, as many nature and even some 'science' books from the 1500s-1990s used 'poisonous', and 'poisonous' also appears in poetic or literary usages even by William Shakespeare.

Thanks for that. The adult snake lies in the ditch. The young snake that escaped will in time become poisonous and threatening, but for now he has no fangs. Get out of here. I’ll talk to you again tomorrow.-Macbeth

Paracelsus expressed the classic toxicology maxim "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison." This is often condensed to: "The dose makes the poison" or in Latin, "Sola dosis facit venenum".

Jan Freeman’s research into it in her book Write it Right.... About this issue, she writes:

“As usual, Bierce would like to fence the overlapping words into separate pens. But while venomous does describe rattlesnakes and other animals that poison victims with a bite or sting, poisonous has always been a broader term. Samuel Johnson knew both words, but in his Dictionary (1755) he referred to ‘a poisonous serpent,’ ‘a poisonous insect,’ and ‘a poisonous reptile.'”

It’s not just Johnson, either. The Oxford English Dictionary cites The Indian Queen, a play by Robert Howard and John Dryden (he of “no final prepositions” fame), with “poisonous Vipers” in 1665. Google Books can supply you a vast array of hits for “poisonous snakes” from the 1800s, if you need convincing of the lineage. Here’s my favorite, as it’s very clearly talking about snakes with venomous bites; it’s written by someone studying the venom of the snakes, so this isn’t some casual imprecise usage but the considered usage of a professional; and it’s from 1839, so there’s no arguing that this is some sloppy modern usage.

In the case of venomous and poisonous, this oughtn’t to be surprising, as their stems have this same relationship. A venom is one kind of poison, and similarly, being venomous is one way that an animal can be poisonous. The biggest clue that we aren’t all wrong for using poisonous in place of venomous is that it’s very rare to see the opposite extension. When people talk about “venomous plants”, for instance, they’re usually talking about plants that literally do sting, like stinging nettles or the gympie gympie. If people are just stupid or uninformed, they ought to make their errors symmetrically; here, the supposed error really only goes one way. (I’d expect asymmetric errors if one were much rarer than the other, but venomous isn’t particularly rare.)

Venom is defined in the medical sense:

"venom (ven´әm) a poison, especially one secreted by a serpent, insect, or other animal. adj., ven´omous., adj.

The act of dying from snake venom is known as "snake poisoning" or "snake venom poisoning", which is another indication that 'poisonous snake' is not incorrect by certain definitions of poison.

Note: Even most dictionaries outside of very specific biology textbooks don't make a designated difference between "poison" and "venom", with additional caveat, that all 'venoms' are poisonous, but not all poisons are 'venom'.

Though there may have been ancient differences between the two in earliest definitions, but lost over time (later resurrected by modern biologists). In Latin, venēmum meant "magical herb, poison, etc". From a thesaurus perspective "venom" and "poison' are synonyms (one of two or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same or nearly the same meaning in some or all senses).

synonym study for poison

1. Poison, toxin, venom are terms for any substance that injures the health or destroys life when absorbed into the system, especially of a higher animal. Poison is the general word: a poison for insects. A toxin is a poison produced by an organism; it is especially used in medicine in reference to disease-causing bacterial secretions: A toxin produces diphtheria. Venom is especially used of the poisons secreted by certain animals, usually injected by bite or sting: the venom of a snake.

To be too pedantic about the 'definition' is to overlook other definitions found in the same language (every word in English language often has more than one 'common' 'definition'). For example definition of 'vegetable' has 'culinary' uses and 'scientific/'technical uses'. A tomato or cucumbers may be technically "fruits", but are considered "culinary" vegetables as they are often used in "savory" vegetable dishes and salads.

Also definitions of "poison" are split into three types... Noun, Verb & Adjective. In the case of "adjective" poison and venom have the same meaning. The root word for both poison and venom, "poi" and "wen" both originally had to do with 'ingesting' or "drinking" such as in potions.

The respective IE roots of the terms "venom" and "poison", "wen" and "poi" refer to desire or the act of ingesting liquids. The origin of the term, "venom", is associated with polytheistic cults that emphasized attainment of desires sometimes assisted by "love potions", a term later interpolated with the word, "poison". Specific interpretation of the term, venom, has varied since its first probable use in the mid-Thirteenth Century

The act of receiving venom, aka envenoming, means to 'make poisonous', to be 'poisoned'.. Envenomation is the proper term which means 'an act of instance poisoning by venom (as by snake or spider)'. Oxford Dictionary defines envenomate's definition as "Zoology Medicine: (of a snake, spider, insect, etc.) poison by biting or stinging." So literally speaking in the round about way, a snake that has envenomed its prey or victim through envenomation has poisoned its victim with venom. Calling something venomous or poisonous (i.e. 'venomous snake' or 'poisonous snake') at that point is semantics.

Outside of technical biology and herpetology field textbooks, there are many medical texts and journal articles which refer to 'technical terms' of 'snake poisoning'/'poisonous snakes' It is 'Poison Control Centers/Poison Centers' that treat venomous bites.

In conclusion, poison is a toxin that gets into the body via swallowing, inhaling or absorption through the skin. ... Venom is a specialized type of poison that has evolved for a specific purpose. It is actively injected via a bite or sting. In other words poisons and venoms are both toxins, and venom is a type of poison. As noted venom comes from the Latin word for "poison".

Summary: Poisonous and venomous aren’t totally distinct. It’s fine to call a snake poisonous, even if it’s its venom that’s dangerous. But it’s rare (and generally incorrect) to call something with a non-venom poison venomous. This is how it has been for hundreds of years in English. Objections to the subset relationship between poisonous and venomous are pretty rare, and outside of specialized contexts, pretty unfounded.

Besides, its more than a little insane to focus on such a pedantic nitpick in a literary and fantasy setting. It shouldn't have to be pointed out that we are discussing fantasy medieval settings (where such literary, and poetic language are generally used) not a zoology lab environment, and a language (English) that has more than one meaning (and overlapping definitions), and where even science and medical textbooks are not that pedantic or specific about it. One will find this same situation King's Quest, Laura Bow, Conquests, and other Sierra series.

See also

• Controversies in King's Quest
• Controversies in Space Quest
• Controversies in Police Quest
• Controversies in EcoQuest
• Controversies in Conquests series
• Controversies in Leisure Suit Larry
• Controversies in Laura Bow
• Controversies in Gabriel Knight series
• Controversies in Phantasmagoria series
• Controversies in Freddy Pharkas