Arelith

So we have a bunch of bears that came from Alaska to the Skull Crags. If this wasn't a case of spelljammer bears getting a ride to fantasy land, they should probably be renamed since their name currently reflects a location that doesn't exist in the setting - as weird as finding something like a Yorkshire Terrier named as such in the game (though I'd rather deal with a bear than a yorkie).

While this is a more obvious example, I would put forth that there are a lot of locatives that are used commonly in Arelith descriptions that no one really pays attention to. JUST looking at foods and thinking off the top of my head:

• port (for Portugal)

• parmesan (for Parma, Italy), cheddar (for Cheddar Gorge, UK)...really, most cheese names

• pasta bolognese (for Bologna, Italy)

• tangerine (for Tangier)

• hamburger (for Hamburg, Germany)

• mayonnaise (for Mahón, Menorca)

• brussels sprouts (for Brussels, Belgium)

• turkey (for Turkey)

Where are we going to draw the line in general?

At proper nouns.

Parmesan cheese in Arelith is named after a famous halfling cheesemonger.

Trying to sanitize all real-world references from the language of the module to maintain setting integrity is an absurd notion, and while kodiak might stick out like a sore thumb, it certainly is a great indicator of the size and scale of these bears.

Side note, I briefly lived in Kodiak Alaska! It was cold and dark. I didn't see any bears.

For what it's worth I think they should be renamed.

Maybe we can just name it a Kodak Bare instead?

Preserves the creature while not ripping off the animal kingdom or Alaska. Win win!

i say well name the bear Srboljub

Call them Skull Crag bears, as that's where they're from.

Easy easy.

Batrachophrenoboocosmomachia wrote: Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:42 pm

Parmesan cheese in Arelith is named after a famous halfling cheesemonger.

Rest in peace, Big Pappa Parmie, you cheeeeese fiend.

Amateur Hour wrote: Sun Aug 27, 2023 7:43 pm

While this is a more obvious example, I would put forth that there are a lot of locatives that are used commonly in Arelith descriptions that no one really pays attention to. JUST looking at foods and thinking off the top of my head:

• port (for Portugal)

Where are we going to draw the line in general?

"Port" comes from a Latin word equivalent in meaning to the modern word.

Of course, Ancient Rome didn't exist in FR so this should be deleted by OP's logic.

Dr. B wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 8:16 pm

Amateur Hour wrote: Sun Aug 27, 2023 7:43 pm

While this is a more obvious example, I would put forth that there are a lot of locatives that are used commonly in Arelith descriptions that no one really pays attention to. JUST looking at foods and thinking off the top of my head:

• port (for Portugal)

Where are we going to draw the line in general?

"Port" comes from a Latin word equivalent in meaning to the modern word.

Of course, Ancient Rome didn't exist in FR so this should be deleted by OP's logic.

But in the context of food & beverages, which is what Amateur Hour was saying, 'port' (or 'Port Wine') comes from Portugal. As in, 'vinho de Porto'. Wine of Portugal. Portuguese Wine. The Wine that is from Portugal. Cusco's poison.

So all we have to do is add Portugal to Arelith, right? Problem solved.

Only if lizardfolk become playable.

Boa tarde, amigo.

Rename the barbarian class.

A google search for the etymology of kodiak suggests that it originally comes from a word that means island. And I mean the bears are on an island so it's. IT'S NOT WRONG, I GUESS?

Edit:
I vote we rename the bears to island bear.

They had Kodiak Bears in EverQuest, and those blokes weren't even on an island. They were in a forested valley, next to a bunch of halflings.

I say, if it works for EverQuest, it works for Arelith. Keep 'em Kodiak!

Or don't, I won't lose any sleep