What’s Lore Got To Do With It?

by Sullivan

A view from the Caverns of Time

For new and old players making new characters, a backstory (or player background/history) helps define things and gives direction. A sometimes neglected part of this to consider is game lore.

What is game lore anyway?
It’s a mixture of knowledge and details that make up the game world, defines it and gives direct…

Sounds familiar? It’s like a backstory to the world. History, details and the like.

Ever started watching a possible great movie from the middle? Feel kinda lost until you get the story and the characters straight, right? The same basic idea can happen if you ignore the game’s lore. Things may not fit or make sense until you get more information.

Using lore in your backstory supports the character’s place in the game world. It also help give you ideas on what is in your character’s future.

Having a character that fits with lore makes your character more “believable”. Breaking lore is most often looked down on in role-playing.

“Breaking“ Lore refers to something that blatantly goes against “the grain” and that causes issues with gameplay and/or issues with other characters that don’t understand what you have set up. You also lean closer to making a “Mary Sue” or over the top character that folks may avoid.

Role-play is a social venue – why shoot yourself in the foot, yes?

“Bending” Lore is a more player-friendly solution. Research and see what could be possible and work that into your existing ideas. This creates less hassle. Even if it’s something no one will really ever find out, at least it’s mostly “in tune” with the game lore.

Note: Use moderation, see what makes sense and works for your role-playing. A little goes a long way here, so try to keep it within the boundries of “believable” lore.

What’s Official Lore?
In theory, all lore from the game company in question is considered “canon”. Blizzard/World of Warcraft (for example) has some conflicts, retcons and reworkings of lore depending on the source. Overall though, it’s stable. The lore in World of Warcraft changes over time, so the lore may change due to previously “unknown” information or additions to the game and game knowledge.

What if the game’s creators retcon or change lore?
Depending on the alteration, it may not cause any “ripples”. If it’s a huge, see what can be “bent” or reworked/adapted to work with your character. Roll with the punches and adapt to it. Will it always make sense? No. Can it be dealt with and adapted? Yes.

Knowing lore can really help solidify your character

How do we find out about the game’s lore?
Let’s try with the World of Warcraft to see what we can find in and out of game:

Check the game books. That’s often a skipped source when you first get the game, as gamers tend to focus on installing the game. Don’t expect it to have everything, but it can get you started.

Check the game’s website. Warcraft has a Encyclopedia, Timeline and History Section.

Warcraft game series. Playing or looking up the lore and story from the game can be helpful.

Warcraft RPG Game books. Warcraft has sourcebooks to the pen and paper version of the game.

Check online for lore resources. A little searching online may find a gem or two. Note: As always, be careful on what sites to visit and protect yourself. Some sites are at the end of this article.

There’s lore in the game itself. WoW has actual books that can be read in game scattered about, and also quests can shed light on things!

Official Books and Novels. Some “official” history can be taken from books written about the Azeroth and the World of Warcraft.

Note: Depending on the game and genre, you can find some information that can be useful. Remember that there may and will be contradictions here and there and perhaps some “fuzzy” details. Not everything may be explained, but use what works and things your character may have learned or experienced.

Here’s some more tips: