Cultural Immersion, Inclusivity, and Representation in Verra

Hey everyone,

I've been reflecting on the vibrant community we’re building here and the potential for Verra to feel truly immersive.

Since this world is shaped by and for its community, I think there’s value in discussing how to make it feel like home to everyone who's passionate about the game and it's core philosophies, as creatively and naturally as possible.

Intrepid clearly intends to celebrate cultural diversity within Verra. Ashes has already previewed race-based armor, architecture, and aesthetics, which adds a lot of depth and variety to the world. I hope to see many immersive concepts that showcase each race’s unique traditions, languages, and celebrations.

Heritage-Specific Quests and Artifacts
Quests and artifacts that reveal the unique histories, superstitions, and even rivalries between Verrans of ages past. For instance, a Py’rai player might uncover a hidden artifact that offers insight into a legendary conflict with the Vaelune, which is inaccessible to other races without assistance. This could create a cooperative dynamic where players of different races team up to unlock secrets and understand the full story behind Verra’s past conflicts and alliances. It would encourage diverse party compositions and create bonds through shared knowledge.

Cultural Lorebooks and Libraries
Each race could maintain libraries or lorebooks with cultural records and teachings, with some materials written in their native language and available only to members of that race. Other players might need to earn enough trust to access these libraries, with lorebooks containing vital clues or quests. This could create a sense of reverence and mystery around each race’s history, customs and beliefs. Players could team up to unlock deeper lore, sparking conversation and encouraging curiosity about each race’s ancestral values and past.

Identity Representation
As always, doesn’t need to be loud or even central. It can be as simple as acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people also exist within Verra, in the same understated way that love and companionship are acknowledged in many fantasy realms, just as in real life. No one’s ancestry, identity or loved ones should be viewed as a statement or a form of virtue signaling. Rather, I see it as an opportunity for Intrepid to walk the walk on inclusivity by allowing players from all walks of life to feel truly seen and a part of in this world we’re all so excited about.

Cultural Festivals
Festivals throughout the year, each with its own traditions, dances, decorations, and even mini-games or event quests. For instance, the Py’rai could have a festival celebrating the spirits of the forest and Shol, while the Nikua might celebrate a festival honoring the tides and their ancestors. Festivals would pull players to various "ancestral lands," not just to watch but to participate in unique activities that could reward rare cosmetics, boosts, or knowledge. This may foster respect and camaraderie, making each race’s heritage feel relevant to the whole of Verra.

We'll obviously share a common tongue, but it's also fun and immersive through a role-playing lens when each race has its own secondary language that only players of that race can read or communicate with. NPCs that reference customs, histories, and beliefs specific to their people, would make each biome and interaction feel more distinct and alive.

I’m curious if others feel that some subtle gestures toward inclusivity—however small—could make Verra feel like a more welcoming place for everyone who wants to call it home. Maybe it’s an NPC or a small nod in the lore; maybe it’s nothing at all. I’m here for all perspectives.

I’d love to hear honest thoughts from the community on this, no matter where you stand. Let’s keep it warm, reflective, and respectful. After all, it’s the ability to discuss the diversity of our perspectives that makes us stronger in Verra and beyond.

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Comments

Oriazael

I really like the idea of passive representation. I’m interested in having cultural growth with your character. Expanding on your artifact example, it’d be cool to raise your reputation with certain races and earn rewards like unique traits, recipes/schematics, languages, mounts, transmogs, and emotes exclusive to that race.

You could even gain access to specific quests that initiate you as an honorary member of that race. Then, NPCs from that race could start giving you subtle nods of acknowledgment through gestures or dialogue, which could either change the overall outcomes or just add immersion to your interactions. Man, I'm getting hyped to play again this weekend lol.

Verus

Representation of in-lore races, classes, and regions? Great.

Divisive and de-immersive representation of real-world identity politics and reflections of modern events? Unwelcome and directly fracturing to the community in their separate world of Verra. Allow them some escapism and peace.

Sevariel

Verus wrote: »

Divisive and de-immersive representation of real-world identity politics and reflections of modern events? Unwelcome and directly fracturing to the community in their separate world of Verra.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

I do think it’s a bit of a stretch to frame someone’s existence as ‘political’ or a reflection of ‘modern' events. Inclusivity isn’t about mirroring real-world identity politics in a forced way; it’s about creating a world that feels rich, nuanced, and welcoming to all kinds of people, reflecting the diversity that exists in reality—even in fantasy settings. It’s worth noting that Ashes has already confirmed the inclusion of same-sex marriages in Verra, which aligns with the inclusive spirit of the game.

This isn’t a call for explicit or divisive themes, and I certainly don’t expect Verra to be decorated in rainbows during Pride Month (though a giant rainbow for an hour every day in June would be rad, now that I think about it).

Ultimately, I think creating a space where diverse players feel seen enriches the community and adds depth to Verra in a way that enhances immersion rather than detracting from it. I'm not sure who you're referring to here:

Allow them some escapism and peace.

I think everyone who is in for AoC's core systems and the long-term survival of the game deserves some escapism and peace.

novercalis

in-game related stuff, sure. Not ingame related, no, i dont want woke culture in my game. keep IRL politics out of my game.

Sevariel

novercalis wrote: »

in-game related stuff, sure. Not ingame related, no, i dont want woke culture in my game. keep IRL politics out of my game.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Could you clarify what you mean by 'woke culture and IRL politics' and how the ideas mentioned above might impact the game for you?

It’d be helpful to understand your perspective so we can keep the conversation productive and focused on what makes Verra immersive and enjoyable for everyone.

Nikbis

Identity representation?

No.

Christian church and its influence & way of thinking -that anything and everything is a sin- over the centuries is what ultimately led to the need for an LGBT community to form & express a unified voice to correct wrong doings.
Before that, anyone could be gay, lesbian or whatever whitout repercussion.
Even trans to some extent. They obviously didn't have the technology we now have yet they had ways. Could raise some eyebrows at the time I assume but nothing more.

If no church or dogma used that kind of repression back there in Sanctus or in Verra, then there's no need for any of more "inclusivity" or "representation", nor do you need to "feel truly seen" or "welcomed" more than anybody else (you really tried to check the buzz-words don't you?). People can already feel and express themselves without constraint.

Considering all that's happening with DEI stuff currently in videogaming, you'd only antagonize people by pushing this kind of things out of nowhere and geopardise the future of AoC, rightfully so.

I was writing a post somehow related to that subject about the character creator.

I don't think there's a game where you can create a character that ranges from skinny -kinda like a walking bag of bones- to big dudes.
By "big dudes" I'm thinking of Sig Curtis from Fullmetal Alchemist, Thor's representation of God of War, or even Gragas from League of Legends.

That's the kind of Character editor I'd like to see. Diversity in body proportions.

Then I thought about how you can edit your character's appearence later on in MMORPGs, for a small fee (money has to come from somewhere), and how awesome it'd be to see that transition over time.
Say, again, from skinny to Thor. You adjust the sliders to your liking, you get a before/after look of your character, maybe a sped-up simulation of the trantition, and the time it require to take effect in-game, with a bare minimmum of like 1 month for the more drastic changes.

From there, you can esealy make trans characters without having to shove the IRL term on players faces.
Currently, you choose your character as either "masculine" or "feminine". You turn that into a slider from "0 - masculine" to "1 - feminine", with 0.5 being androgynous. When you pay to edit your character, you can change that too, along a slider for the voice to alter the yaw/pitch. Then minimum 1 month transition. There you go.

Noneed for lore-breaking surgery scares like in Dragon Age Veilguard, especially in a world where everybody uses magic so powerful that you close wounds in seconds, raise dead people back from their ashes, where corruption change the body and mind, etc.

If that's the kind of subtelty you're talking about, then yes I'm all for it.
I just don't want some unimaginative lore-breaking reminders of the IRL world.

Oriazael

Nikbis wrote: »

Identity representation?

No.

Nikbis wrote: »

If that's the kind of subtelty you're talking about, then yes I'm all for it.
I just don't want some unimaginative lore-breaking reminders of the IRL world.

I think op just means that Verra should have lgbtq+ people in NPCs backgrounds. Like in WoW, a normal quest like Mankirks Wife but instead it was Makirks Husband once in a while. Which I think is the normal stuff you were eluding to with the pre church dogma thing. I would kind of expect the existence of several different ethnicities, orientations etc wouldn't be an issue, it's not really a game breaking thing unless bigotry enters the chat. XD

Nikbis wrote: »

That's the kind of Character editor I'd like to see. Diversity in body proportions.

Heck yes, the sliders in cc weren't available for body yet but it would be awesome if it expands to these lengths. I loved the wrinkles slider too. I hope we get other options like albino and freckle options.

Noaani

Sevariel wrote: »

Identity Representation
As always, doesn’t need to be loud or even central. It can be as simple as acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people also exist within Verra, in the same understated way that love and companionship are acknowledged in many fantasy realms, just as in real life. No one’s ancestry, identity or loved ones should be viewed as a statement or a form of virtue signaling. Rather, I see it as an opportunity for Intrepid to walk the walk on inclusivity by allowing players from all walks of life to feel truly seen and a part of in this world we’re all so excited about.

Read the first line of this wiki page, and tell me if anything else is needed - or even should be included - in regards to this.

Sevariel

Nikbis wrote: »

Identity representation?

No.

Christian church and its influence & way of thinking -that anything and everything is a sin- over the centuries is what ultimately led to the need for an LGBT community to form & express a unified voice to correct wrong doings.
Before that, anyone could be gay, lesbian or whatever whitout repercussion.
Even trans to some extent. They obviously didn't have the technology we now have yet they had ways. Could raise some eyebrows at the time I assume but nothing more.

If no church or dogma used that kind of repression back there in Sanctus or in Verra, then there's no need for any of more "inclusivity" or "representation", nor do you need to "feel truly seen" or "welcomed" more than anybody else (you really tried to check the buzz-words don't you?). People can already feel and express themselves without constraint.

Considering all that's happening with DEI stuff currently in videogaming, you'd only antagonize people by pushing this kind of things out of nowhere and geopardise the future of AoC, rightfully so.

I appreciate the historical context. It’s clear that, in an ideal world, everyone would be able to express themselves without fear or constraint. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, centuries of repression shaped much of our modern world, especially for LGBTQ+ people. Speaking from personal experience and the stories shared by others who grew up in environments shaped by puritanical influences—especially in places like America’s Bible Belt—I can attest to the value of community, safe spaces, and visibility.

I agree that true inclusivity means reaching a place where people can feel seen without it being political or divisive. However, I don’t think we can get back to that neutral, accepting place by ignoring representation or pretending it isn’t relevant to many players today. Studies have shown that lack of visibility and support often leads to serious mental health struggles, especially for young people. So while I respect that you may not personally find these themes impactful, many players do, and creating a world where all feel welcome doesn’t need to diminish anyone else’s experience.

Ultimately, acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ characters or relationships within Verra isn’t about pushing an agenda; it’s about creating a world where everyone can feel at home—much like the ideal you described before repression took root. We don't all have that outside of spaces like Verra and to imply that they don't deserve the same break from political realities you claim to crave, is not in alignment with the vision of growing a successful and long term fanbase that we do all need for Verra (and Earth) to truly thrive someday.

I appreciate the chance to have this discussion with you and respect that we’re all coming from different backgrounds and viewpoints.

Sevariel

Noaani wrote: »

Read the first line of this wiki page, and tell me if anything else is needed - or even should be included - in regards to this.

Hi ^^

I appreciate you bringing up the wiki entry! I actually mentioned the confirmation of same-sex marriages in an earlier comment, which I think is a great step forward. Steven being Steven and then that confirmation in 2017 was actually one of the reason's I started tuning in back then. However, as Oriazael highlighted, what I’m suggesting is more about subtle background diversity—like the occasional quest mentioning an LGBTQ+ character, similar to the example of "Mankrik’s Wife" in WoW, where, once in a while, it might be "Mankrik’s Husband" instead.

These kinds of details are generally unobtrusive and wouldn’t affect gameplay for anyone who prefers not to focus on them. They’re the kind of minor lore touches that add depth and richness for those who notice and appreciate them. This is really what I meant when I said, ‘subtle gestures toward inclusivity—however small—could make Verra feel like a more welcoming place for everyone who wants to call it home.’

I’m genuinely open to everyone’s ideas and input here and don’t mean to shut anyone down; I think this more important by the minute. At the same time, many of the counterarguments posted so far seem to work against themselves. If the presence of diversity is subtle and non-intrusive, there’s little reason it should negatively impact anyone’s experience.

- Small nods in the lore—like a character mentioning their spouse in passing—without making it a central or highlighted part of any storyline. This allows representation in a way that’s organic and optional for those paying close attention to dialogue or backstory.

- Occasionally weaving LGBTQ+ representation into background lore—such as an NPC briefly mentioning their same-gender partner or the loss of a loved one—would subtly enrich Verra’s world. It’s not the focus of any major storyline, but rather a natural part of the fabric of everyday life for those who choose to pay attention.

Much like diversity in real life, these small details make the world feel genuine and inclusive without overtly drawing attention or disrupting the core fantasy.

Diverse Character Customization Options: This would include appearance sliders to flatten a chest, shorten arms or traits (like freckles, albino options, etc.) that reflect different backgrounds and types. It enriches character creation and gives everyone a way to feel more connected to their characters without affecting the main story or gameplay for others. (Intrepid has been very clear that we haven't seen the whole tip of the iceberg with CC yet so I'm confident it's going to be diverse and robust in time)

These additions wouldn’t detract from anyone’s experience, but they would help make Verra feel more like a place where everyone belongs.

Garrtok

So the NPCS talk maximum five sentences. Why should they talk about their sexuality? Maybe everyone in the world of ashes is gay and that would be okay, the thing is, why should they mention it. Just because there should be a token?

BlackBrony

Garrtok wrote: »

So the NPCS talk maximum five sentences. Why should they talk about their sexuality? Maybe everyone in the world of ashes is gay and that would be okay, the thing is, why should they mention it. Just because there should be a token?

Why should they mention they're straight then? Or why mention they have children, that's implying they're straight as well.
These things are needed because they exist.
It's not some hidden agenda, or trying to do anything, it's just something that exists and should be acknowledged.

Garrtok

BlackBrony wrote: »

Garrtok wrote: »

So the NPCS talk maximum five sentences. Why should they talk about their sexuality? Maybe everyone in the world of ashes is gay and that would be okay, the thing is, why should they mention it. Just because there should be a token?

Why should they mention they're straight then? Or why mention they have children, that's implying they're straight as well.
These things are needed because they exist.
It's not some hidden agenda, or trying to do anything, it's just something that exists and should be acknowledged.

That's the thing. They don't. There is no npc stating that he's so straight

Slipree

I’d prefer if they focused upon pvp, and game mechanics. There are tons of mmo’s that cater to the larping community, and very few that cater to the pvp community. I take no issue with flavor, as long as it doesn’t stifle progress in aforementioned areas of the game.

Depraved

im against inclusivity for the sake of inclusivity. if its something that fits the story,t hen sure. the actors adapt to the characters, and the characters adapt to the play. the play doesn't adapt to the actors.

if we gonna include groups for the sake of including groups, then we need to include ALL groups and every possible way you can subdivide humans, otherwise, someone will be left out and complain. why acknowledge one group only then? why is one specific group more important than everyone else?

Lodrig

Haters are so pathetic, pretending that Gays and Lesbians are 'modern' and didn't exist in past ages like for example anchient GREECE AND ROME, which btw folks are OLDER then the Medival periods which are the inspiration for Tolkeinesque fantasy. I remember when folks said the same BS about having a black character in LoL.

The games lore is currently very bare bones and needs a lot of expanding, and when it is that will include sexual orientation diversity, for it not too would make it both unrealistic and needlessly exclusionary. Intrepid has been clear that they are not going to fufill the fantasies of the haters who want LGBT people to NOT exist.

Tempbait

Dolyem

As others have said, give me all sorts of in-game lore and backgrounds of the races and cultures of Verra. Get super detailed and creative. Explain the differences in Tulnar. Show me why the Kaelar is a nation with so many different people. Tell me why the dunir and the nikua are so distinct as opposed to other races.

Just don't go pushing a real world agenda into it like certain DEI consultant agencies who have been repeatedly failing within the gaming industry and even destroying established franchises stories.

Sevariel

Garrtok wrote: »

So the NPCS talk maximum five sentences. Why should they talk about their sexuality? Maybe everyone in the world of ashes is gay and that would be okay, the thing is, why should they mention it. Just because there should be a token?

Great question, Garrtok. I’d say it’s not so much about explicitly mentioning sexuality as it is about making Verra feel like a vibrant, lived-in world. Though NPCs might not announce 'I'm straight' or 'I'm gay,' the way relationships and families are referenced—like a character mentioning their spouse or a lost love—does add to the richness of the world. Including subtle nods to all kinds of relationships doesn’t make one group more visible or important; it just reflects the variety of human experiences. In fantasy worlds, these small details enrich the story and often go unnoticed by those who aren’t looking for them. It’s not about ‘tokenism’ but about adding depth to the world in a way that makes it feel relatable without impacting anyone’s gameplay experience. After all, if these subtle inclusions make Verra more meaningful to some players, I think we can ALL win here. Personal note, my husband has two biological children that we raise together. Family culture is also diverse.

Slipree wrote: »

I’d prefer if they focused upon pvp, and game mechanics. There are tons of mmo’s that cater to the larping community, and very few that cater to the pvp community. I take no issue with flavor, as long as it doesn’t stifle progress in aforementioned areas of the game.

Totally get where you’re coming from, Slipree. PvP and core gameplay mechanics are absolutely essential to Ashes of Creation and are, in a way, the bones of the game. I’m here primarily for the PvP experience and the camaraderie, but like a lot of others, I enjoy a blend of roleplay as well. That’s why I’m so thrilled that Ashes is PVX—balancing PvP and PvE in a way that lets everyone find their place. Intrepid is building out a ton of creative systems that go beyond PvP: tavern games, player shops, animal husbandry—there’s something for any type of player to fall in love with.

I personally feel it’s these small, immersive details that give those solid mechanics a bit of soul. A hint of flavor in NPC backgrounds doesn’t detract from core gameplay or PvP focus but rather helps make Verra feel more alive. A bit of flavor here and there doesn’t hold back progress; it just adds layers to the immersion that some players genuinely appreciate.

Depraved wrote: »

im against inclusivity for the sake of inclusivity. if its something that fits the story,t hen sure. the actors adapt to the characters, and the characters adapt to the play. the play doesn't adapt to the actors.

if we gonna include groups for the sake of including groups, then we need to include ALL groups and every possible way you can subdivide humans, otherwise, someone will be left out and complain. why acknowledge one group only then? why is one specific group more important than everyone else?

Thanks for sharing, Depraved. I think the key isn’t about ‘inclusivity for the sake of inclusivity’ but about honoring the variety of human experiences in subtle ways that can fit naturally into Verra. It’s not about *higlighting* any one group; it’s about creating a world that feels as complex and varied as our own. Small touches like an NPC casually mentioning a partner, regardless of gender, can help some players feel more at home without drawing attention to any one group. These details simply mirror life and don’t demand focus from anyone who isn’t interested in them.

Lodrig wrote: »

Haters are so pathetic, pretending that Gays and Lesbians are 'modern' and didn't exist in past ages like for example anchient GREECE AND ROME, which btw folks are OLDER then the Medival periods which are the inspiration for Tolkeinesque fantasy. I remember when folks said the same BS about having a black character in LoL.

The games lore is currently very bare bones and needs a lot of expanding, and when it is that will include sexual orientation diversity, for it not too would make it both unrealistic and needlessly exclusionary. Intrepid has been clear that they are not going to fufill the fantasies of the haters who want LGBT people to NOT exist.

Heard, Lodrig! History itself shows that diverse relationships and backgrounds are anything but ‘modern’ concepts—many ancient cultures openly accepted a range of orientations and identities. Just as Ashes draws inspiration from medieval and classical themes, it makes sense to include the same human variety we’d see in those historical settings. As you mentioned, the lore is still developing, and when it does, subtle inclusivity will only make it richer. A diverse world is, in many ways, a more believable and engaging one, and Ashes is certainly aiming to craft a world that feels full and real.

Gaettusk wrote: »

Appreciate the insight here, Gaettusk. Steven’s point is well taken—no one’s here to politicize Ashes of Creation or make it a platform for real-world debates. That said, I think it’s worth remembering that diversity in storytelling isn’t about politics or forcing modern culture into the game. It’s simply about making Verra feel like a rich, nuanced place, with subtle nods to different human experiences that reflect the variety we’d see in any living, breathing world.

Verra was born from the mind of someone who has openly expressed an open heart and mind where this topic is concerned, and I trust that means it’ll be a space that feels welcoming to all kinds of players, as long as they're down for the core systems. Intrepid’s inclusion of same-sex marriage back in 2017 tells me this isn’t something fringe—it’s simply already a part of Verra’s landscape.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m really here for a think tank, not to create division. So, I’d love to shift gears back to the creative brainstorming. How might we bring Verra’s many cultures to life through game mechanics or world lore? Maybe it’s something like diverse NPC festivals, regional quests inspired by different in-lore cultures, or player-driven events that celebrate Verra’s diversity.

Let’s get back to that kind of exploration—it’s way more fun and inspiring!

Sevariel

What if when Tulnar eat something from the under dark they have a higher regen rate or slight boost compared to a Dwarf eating the same thing and maybe a visual wooziness comes over them from time to time or they occasionally puke in battle.

I wonder if Dunir will be better rock climbers or miners.. Can't wait to see the racial perks when they reveal them.

Deep within the ancient forests of the Py'rai, an ethereal breeze carries whispers of riddles tied to mystical hotspots. Py'rai players, attuned to the forest’s magic, experience unique clues that resonate with ancestral knowledge, guiding them more easily to the hotspots where magical resources bloom. Here, they uncover lore fragments about the Py'rai’s ancient bonds with the land and nature spirits, granting insight into the deeper mysteries of their race.

For other races, deciphering the breeze’s riddles is more challenging, requiring a Py'rai partnership or old fashioned keen observation and puzzle-solving skills. Players must decide whether to form alliances or risk conflict, as control over these hotspots grants harvestable resources, rare herbs, and buffs tailored for PvP. Lore-based incentives include things like fragments of knowledge that, when pieced together, hint at hidden locations in other regions of Verra, creating a broader, interconnected lore-seeking experience.

OR

In the secluded Niküa Isles, the Tidecaller’s Shrine rises from the sea during specific seasonal windows. Niküa players, whose ancestral ties link them deeply to the ocean, gain unique access to the shrine’s historical context, learning about rituals that honor the ocean’s spirits. As they participate in agility, puzzle-solving, and combat trials, they uncover lore fragments about ancient maritime routes and seafaring lore, unlocking special quests exclusive to Niküa culture.

Other players face tougher trials and must form temporary alliances or battle it out for control of the shrine. The Tidecaller’s Rite rewards victors with temporary seafaring advantages like faster travel speeds, PvP bonuses on water, and rare crafting items that enhance shipbuilding. Additionally, non-Niküa players can uncover lore clues that lead to hidden islands or undersea treasure maps, making the event enticing for all races, with layers of narrative that deepen the world’s sense of discovery.

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