On Hirudo

["Sean L. McLane" <zodo@laf.cioe.com>]

I've always had a personal attraction for Hirudo, mainly because I've 
liked the whole Rudri thing from the beginning. My first character was
a Priestess of Rudri (back before hirudo were conceptualized), and since
then I've put a lot of thought into the subject. I would like to share
some of those thoughts, and some of my experiences from playing hirudo,
back when they were allowed in the game.

First of all, the entire Rudrite lookout, as Steve pointed out, isn't
necessarily evil. It's just a twisted perception of the way the world
should be. It's a variation from the status quo, which is frequently
perceived as evil by those who are entrenched in long-established dogma.
I had never thought of the direct reference, but the Shadows from
Babylon 5 are a >perfect< example of this outlook. Change is Good. 
Stagnation is Bad.

Next, It is entirely possible for a hirudo to be a member of an adventuring
party without being completely disruptive to the group. What better 
agents of change can you ask for, than a band of psychotic sociopaths
who kill for fun and profit? One does not have to wreak havoc within the
party to further the greater cause of Universal Chaos. What's more, one 
does not have to be destructive to be chaotic. If you can cause someone to
question their faith in their own religion, or even in themselves, the
Cause is served. (another case of Roleplay vs Rollplay) But you can even 
help the group as long as it furthers your long term goals. 

Finally, a hirudo does not have to be blatant. It is an inherent necessity
that they be subtle to survive. Since they must start as another Background,
hirudo can easily be disguised. As for pale skin, makeup can cover that, as 
can articles of clothing. I don't believe that the write-up describes 
hirudo as having a sheet-white pallor, but simply that they are pale from 
a lack of sun. If a person was naturally ruddy in the first place, they may
have a darker skin color than certain redheads, even if the hirudo never saw
the light of the sun. As for avoiding the foods that Hirudo are allergic to,
a lot can be done with sleight of hand, though the best course would be to
not arouse suspicion in the first place, and avoid having those substances
thrust in your face.

In short, I believe that hirudo >can< be roleplayed non-disruptively. It 
isn't the background that is the disruption, but the way it is played. Any
adventurer can be a disruption if played by someone who is trying to be a
total dork.

Sean L. McLane    |     I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed,
zodo@laf.cioe.com |         briefed, debriefed, or numbered.
                                My life is my own!
                                        -The Prisoner