Dragon Age 3 had one. Krem, I think he was called. Right-hand man of the Iron Bull. That character was superb. Extremely well written, very fleshed out, and fit the story like a glove.
Did that fellow get a huge outcry from players? I don't remember. Been awhile.
I wasn't paying attention at the time, and I've seen people both say he did get a reaction and that he didn't. I'm inclined to believe he did get a reaction, but clearly not one quite as intense as Mizhena. Another trans character that didn't get a big reaction was Kaoru in The Secret World.
I am inclined to think that this whole "reaction" is more a case of bigots attacking a writer they hate, rather than the transgendered character.
But when people first complained about not being able to be rude to Mizhena, they made it clear they were specifically complaining about not being able to reject Mizhena. The goalposts that were moved is the narrative now that says it's just about being rude to clerics, not that it's about being rude to Mizhena. It kind of shows when the only NPC you complain about is Mizhena. I don't remember many options to be rude to clerics in general, so why is it so important with this one particular cleric?
Because she already looks like a political add. And not being able to be anything but very polite to her, enforces it.
Just what I gathered from looking at the forums etc. I see the issue.
My complaint has always been that the character is a cleric. Rudeness from an evil cleric or a necromancer would make sense. It is by no means a deal-breaker, and it doesn't make the game bad, though. But the character is one that could have been expanded upon a lot.
I just want to say I assume you mean exactly what you say - to clarify since I made the comment about goalpost shifting, which has happened, but I assume has not in your case.
I don't think she's a political add - I think that's a perspective distortion. You're not accustomed to transgender characters appearing in a lot of media, esp. not in such a respected position. It's no more political than including Dynaheir in Baldur's Gate was. Which is to say it's no less, either. But the decision to not include a transgender character (Mizhena) or a person of color (Dynaheir) is just as much (and just as little) a political decision as the decision to include them is.
I'd say there's no need to have any more rudeness for Mizhena than for any other cleric in all three Baldur's Gate installments. If there are options to be rude to other NPC clerics, then knock yourself out. If not, there's no reason to make a special exception for this one cleric.
Maybe someone will make a mod.
Dragon Age 3 had one. Krem, I think he was called. Right-hand man of the Iron Bull. That character was superb. Extremely well written, very fleshed out, and fit the story like a glove.
Did that fellow get a huge outcry from players? I don't remember. Been awhile.
The problem is trans characters shouldn't HAVE to "fit" by some bunch of nerds standards. Those same standards aren't applied to non "diverse" characters. There's such a blatant double standard here. I don't like clapping anyone on the back for including a trans character that actually "fits" the story because it sends the message that there needs to be justification for them existing in the first place.
But when people first complained about not being able to be rude to Mizhena, they made it clear they were specifically complaining about not being able to reject Mizhena. The goalposts that were moved is the narrative now that says it's just about being rude to clerics, not that it's about being rude to Mizhena. It kind of shows when the only NPC you complain about is Mizhena. I don't remember many options to be rude to clerics in general, so why is it so important with this one particular cleric?
Because she already looks like a political add. And not being able to be anything but very polite to her, enforces it.
Just what I gathered from looking at the forums etc. I see the issue.
My complaint has always been that the character is a cleric. Rudeness from an evil cleric or a necromancer would make sense. It is by no means a deal-breaker, and it doesn't make the game bad, though. But the character is one that could have been expanded upon a lot.
I just want to say I assume you mean exactly what you say - to clarify since I made the comment about goalpost shifting, which has happened, but I assume has not in your case.
I don't think she's a political add - I think that's a perspective distortion. You're not accustomed to transgender characters appearing in a lot of media, esp. not in such a respected position. It's no more political than including Dynaheir in Baldur's Gate was. Which is to say it's no less, either. But the decision to not include a transgender character (Mizhena) or a person of color (Dynaheir) is just as much (and just as little) a political decision as the decision to include them is.
I'd say there's no need to have any more rudeness for Mizhena than for any other cleric in all three Baldur's Gate installments. If there are options to be rude to other NPC clerics, then knock yourself out. If not, there's no reason to make a special exception for this one cleric.
Maybe someone will make a mod.
Dragon Age 3 had one. Krem, I think he was called. Right-hand man of the Iron Bull. That character was superb. Extremely well written, very fleshed out, and fit the story like a glove.
Did that fellow get a huge outcry from players? I don't remember. Been awhile.
The problem is trans characters shouldn't HAVE to "fit" by some bunch of nerds standards. Those same standards aren't applied to non "diverse" characters. There's such a blatant double standard here. I don't like clapping anyone on the back for including a trans character that actually "fits" the story because it sends the message that there needs to be justification for them existing in the first place.
So a transgendered Stormtrooper from Star Wars would fit well into BG? Kidding.
The "fit" bit I wrote was just a comment on Krem in general. How well he fit into the Dragon Age story. It didn't have anything to do with Mizhera not fitting.
But when people first complained about not being able to be rude to Mizhena, they made it clear they were specifically complaining about not being able to reject Mizhena. The goalposts that were moved is the narrative now that says it's just about being rude to clerics, not that it's about being rude to Mizhena. It kind of shows when the only NPC you complain about is Mizhena. I don't remember many options to be rude to clerics in general, so why is it so important with this one particular cleric?
I don't think @Rawgrim wants to have an option to be discriminatory or anything; I think it's more about a perceived inconsistency with other parts of the game where you can be rude, evil, etc (although I firmly believe that inconsistency doesn't exist).
I think a good compromise would be a "don't have time to speak to you" generic dismissal that doesn't reference gender/adjacent issues at all.
Exactly. Or just "I don't give a damn about your gender".
Sigh. Just watched my olive branch wilt. Agree to disagree, I guess.
Well that meant the player doesn't have anything against her being transgendered. And that he wants to go about the business at hand. Like it is a non issue.
Ah, so phrasing then. I don't know how or whether something like that should be included, but I take you at your intention.
Ideally a transgendered companion would be a very interesting addition to the game(s).
Something like this maybe: A female wizard trapped in a male body. She spends years researching a spell that will transform her permanently into the gender she feels she is. Spell is ready to be cast after a lifetime of research. Then a vampire bites her. The regenerative powers of the vamp curse prevents the spell from working. Heartbreak. Lots of possibilities for personal quests as well, if the player wants to help her.
Plz no. Didn't you make a comment about not wanting trans characters to be "victims"? Or have their whole arc be about that.
Why do cis people always want us to be tragic figures I don't get it. We die often enough in real life as-is.
The trans character in my fics was living in Calimshan when her town got taken over by an evil wizard. She had taken in interest in sort of hedge Alchemy, as she was poor and trying to find a cheap way to manipulate her body. Her skills resulted in her being made chief alchemist to the Wizard, until she ended up stealing his stuff and running away, being provided refuge by the Church of Sharess. She then went on using her findings to make cheap birth controls for Courtesans, and do mad science and stuff.
Also she makes creepy artificial Mephits as minion-like creatures.
Dragon Age 3 had one. Krem, I think he was called. Right-hand man of the Iron Bull. That character was superb. Extremely well written, very fleshed out, and fit the story like a glove.
Did that fellow get a huge outcry from players? I don't remember. Been awhile.
I wasn't paying attention at the time, and I've seen people both say he did get a reaction and that he didn't. I'm inclined to believe he did get a reaction, but clearly not one quite as intense as Mizhena. Another trans character that didn't get a big reaction was Kaoru in The Secret World.
I am inclined to think that this whole "reaction" is more a case of bigots attacking a writer they hate, rather than the transgendered character.
There have definitely been people in these forums that have made blatantly and objectively anti-trans statements. There are controversial YouTube videos, reviews that deride and use the word "tranny," etc. – all of this has been hashed out in a 1000 post thread that was recently closed. The outcry and it's motivations are kind of irrelevant to the topic and have already been pretty well established at this point.
But when people first complained about not being able to be rude to Mizhena, they made it clear they were specifically complaining about not being able to reject Mizhena. The goalposts that were moved is the narrative now that says it's just about being rude to clerics, not that it's about being rude to Mizhena. It kind of shows when the only NPC you complain about is Mizhena. I don't remember many options to be rude to clerics in general, so why is it so important with this one particular cleric?
I don't think @Rawgrim wants to have an option to be discriminatory or anything; I think it's more about a perceived inconsistency with other parts of the game where you can be rude, evil, etc (although I firmly believe that inconsistency doesn't exist).
I think a good compromise would be a "don't have time to speak to you" generic dismissal that doesn't reference gender/adjacent issues at all.
Exactly. Or just "I don't give a damn about your gender".
Sigh. Just watched my olive branch wilt. Agree to disagree, I guess.
Well that meant the player doesn't have anything against her being transgendered. And that he wants to go about the business at hand. Like it is a non issue.
Ah, so phrasing then. I don't know how or whether something like that should be included, but I take you at your intention.
Ideally a transgendered companion would be a very interesting addition to the game(s).
Something like this maybe: A female wizard trapped in a male body. She spends years researching a spell that will transform her permanently into the gender she feels she is. Spell is ready to be cast after a lifetime of research. Then a vampire bites her. The regenerative powers of the vamp curse prevents the spell from working. Heartbreak. Lots of possibilities for personal quests as well, if the player wants to help her.
Plz no. Didn't you make a comment about not wanting trans characters to be "victims"? Or have their whole arc be about that.
Why do cis people always want us to be tragic figures I don't get it. We die often enough in real life as-is.
The trans character in my fics was living in Calimshan when her town got taken over by an evil wizard. She had taken in interest in sort of hedge Alchemy, as she was poor and trying to find a cheap way to manipulate her body. Her skills resulted in her being made chief alchemist to the Wizard, until she ended up stealing his stuff and running away, being provided refuge by the Church of Sharess. She then went on using her findings to make cheap birth controls for Courtesans, and do mad science and stuff.
Also she makes creepy artificial Mephits as minion-like creatures.
Yes I know she's anachronistic or whatever I don't care lol.
That companion idea was just an idea that popped into my head. Thoguht it might tie well into Bodhi and all that.
Your idea is cooler, actually. A simmilar starting point as mine, but cooler. People are fed up with vamps anyway. Would be cool if she could improve Jansen's exploding ammo with her alchemy.
Although I'm not yet sure how I feel about the precedent Beamdog might be setting, I can definitely celebrate the idea of deeper and more fleshed-out trans inclusion in SoD. I remembered wanting to talk more with Mizhena when I encountered her and now it looks like we'll have a chance to do just that
Thanks for making such an outstanding game, can't wait to see what you do next
I've noted your contributions Purudaya during these recent discussions, and I like yer style! :-)
I do think though, perso, that good writing effort takes resources, and hence should be paid DLC, or maybe KickStarter campaign. If the expansion would be as deep as I think you would like it to be.
I already paid for Collector's Edition, so contributing a fiver for Mizhena story would not be a prob for me.
Meanwhile, I would not want to force Beamdog unto reaction for a sake of reaction. I just do not think it would result in good writing.
My order of choice would be: 1) Remove all references to her being trans. Those of us who don't like that stuff wouldn't have to deal with it and for actual trans people, being so believable as the opposite sex that it doesn't even come up is the ultimate success story, is it not? You could even, in your own game, imagine that all of the characters are trans if you want. I believe there was a trans forum member who already said that the last thing a trans person wants to do is explain their transness.
2) If they don't remove her trans lines, then at least allow Charname the option to say something along the lines of "To think you know better than your creator is beyond foolish. Learn to like yourself, accept it and move on." Charname needs some way of disagreeing with the trans line of thought.
3) Create an additional NPC with dissenting views on what the shopkeep is doing. Treat it with the same level of respect as the trans npc.
4) Diffuse the trans NPC's "sjw" vibe with humor. Make it more about magic. Perhaps when his mother was pregnant she was hit by a rogue spell that screwed something up in the baby. The baby now needs to find the wizard to correct the problem and return him back to the sex that he was supposed to be. This would disconnect it from the real life politics of the whole thing.
My order of choice would be: 1) Remove all references to her being trans. Those of us who don't like that stuff wouldn't have to deal with it and for actual trans people, being so believable as the opposite sex that it doesn't even come up is the ultimate success story, is it not? You could even, in your own game, imagine that all of the characters are trans if you want. I believe there was a trans forum member who already said that the last thing a trans person wants to do is explain their transness.
2) If they don't remove her trans lines, then at least allow Charname the option to say something along the lines of "To think you know better than your creator is beyond foolish. Learn to like yourself, accept it and move on." Charname needs some way of disagreeing with the trans line of thought.
3) Create an additional NPC with dissenting views on what the shopkeep is doing. Treat it with the same level of respect as the trans npc.
4) Diffuse the trans NPC's "sjw" vibe with humor. Make it more about magic. Perhaps when his mother was pregnant she was hit by a rogue spell that screwed something up in the baby. The baby now needs to find the wizard to correct the problem and return him back to the sex that he was supposed to be. This would disconnect it from the real life politics of the whole thing.
To prevent this thread from turning into yet another flamewar, I'm going to suggest evaluating whether this post really needs a response (especially if it's been designed to provoke one). Have a nice evening.
My order of choice would be: 1) Remove all references to her being trans. Those of us who don't like that stuff wouldn't have to deal with it
You already don't have to deal with it, since it is easily avoidable. You can just choose not to ask about her name now that you know.
Asking him about the name shouldn't lead you down a trans path though. The npc is trying to pass as a female so it doesn't make sense for him to out himself. Simply ignoring content is not a good enough solution for me to part with my cash
My order of choice would be: 1) Remove all references to her being trans. Those of us who don't like that stuff wouldn't have to deal with it and for actual trans people, being so believable as the opposite sex that it doesn't even come up is the ultimate success story, is it not? You could even, in your own game, imagine that all of the characters are trans if you want. I believe there was a trans forum member who already said that the last thing a trans person wants to do is explain their transness.
2) If they don't remove her trans lines, then at least allow Charname the option to say something along the lines of "To think you know better than your creator is beyond foolish. Learn to like yourself, accept it and move on." Charname needs some way of disagreeing with the trans line of thought.
3) Create an additional NPC with dissenting views on what the shopkeep is doing. Treat it with the same level of respect as the trans npc.
4) Diffuse the trans NPC's "sjw" vibe with humor. Make it more about magic. Perhaps when his mother was pregnant she was hit by a rogue spell that screwed something up in the baby. The baby now needs to find the wizard to correct the problem and return him back to the sex that he was supposed to be. This would disconnect it from the real life politics of the whole thing.
1) Erase the characters trans status entirely. We don't need trans characters. Trans people don't need role models, and can go on being miserable. I don't care if trans people have existed since god knows when. Screw them. I mean, I'm not transphobic or anything, I just really don't want to see trans people ever.
2) Let me be transphobic to the character, just like in real life. Even if dickish comments aren't consistently available reactions to all NPCs, it's important in this case because Ethics or something. Things have gone like, way too far in the opposite direction now which is why we have tons of games filled with trans characters and legislation all over the country is being passed for trans people, probably to protect their rights or something.
3) We need more balance when it comes to dealing with characters that would be heavily marginalised in real life. It's very important that other people are equally respected and we never show a trans character as receiving any level of preferential treatment, ever, even when cis het characters are constantly shown as such.
4) Make the character's trans status a joke. Be completely oblivious to how the term "SJW" is a bogeyman made up to shame people merely for existing without apology, and let me laugh at the stupid tranny.
So i would have her have an Dialog-Evolution...for example you can come to her every Chapter she is in and talk about respective Pasts...as a Cleric i would think She is some sort of Person People would look for Guidance...the Bhaalspawn basicly just a few weeks ago found out that he/she is a Child of a God. If it was me i had trouble just accepting that...the Cleric could infact offer some sort of counceling coming to terms with CHARNAMES Identety as a Godchild. Wich at the very End close to the Finale or maybe even in the Epiloge (for example as a visitor in the cells to end the Counceling with CHARNAME) with her revealing the Change She has gone through. Although i would want to change the God she is serving then. Tymora perhaps for i think she is the Godess of Change? Or perhaps Lathander because of the Domain of Renewal?
Somethin along the lines i would pretty much like. I think that would make for a pretty compelling Dialog to go through too because the Interaction would also benefit CHARNAME, has being able to discuss his heritage with someone outside "the group".
EDIT: That would also give a pretty easy Option for Evil Chars, i.e.: "I am fine with being a future God, leave me alone!"
EDIT2: I would think that would make the reveal that she is trans also rewarding for the Player. Damn the Options are so endless...parallels can be drawn very easily...people not accepting the bhaalspawn, people not accepting trans-people (although a writer has to be carefull here this time arround since it maybe mistaken as a wink to the controversy...the last thing anyone would need.)
@Roseweave I'm curious how you would like to see treatment of trans people portrayed in the game. Should it be reflective of real world prejudices, utopian (it's fantasy, after all), or left out altogether to avoid falling into a victimhood portrayal? The game as it is seems to hint that it's no big deal in FR, but I'm wondering what you would like to see reflected in the lore (if anything).
@Purudaya I'm not @Roseweave but being trans myself I would love to see a diversity of depictions. Even if it's normalized, there's bound to be the odd bigot, and even in a world where bigots are more or less the norm there are bound to be accepting people.
Think of Druids who see everything, even the undead, as part of nature in a way and the Druids who would balk at the idea, or even Druids who accept most things as part of nature vs a NE Druid who is extremely restrictive about what they consider part of nature and slaughters everything else that they perceive as harming "TRUE nature" just by existing, and that's just a few ways ONE class can have different worldviews from one another. I think it's easy enough to depict stories where the reason it's being brought up is because the character in question never once encountered someone who wasn't 100% supportive on their lifelong journey, but it's also important to trans people in real life to see their story depicted too! So that means seeing someone triumph over transphobia is a cool thing, and it doesn't need to be dramatic battles with a violent abusive bigot or anything! It can be little things, like a family inheritance that goes to the wrong name and you do a quest for a trans character to go pick up the inheritance in exchange for a cut (that a Good character could waive) by bringing their family a family crest or signet ring or seal of some kind. Maybe we see a transition story that acknowledges that trans people are accepted, but poverty still exists in the Forgotten Realms universe so they're like any peasant NPC begging you for something they need to get their life back on track but can't afford themselves...but they know just where you could find such a potion/scroll/girdle/reclusive gendermagic-wielding hermit, if you've a strong sword-arm or spells at the ready!
And there's different regions in the world, so an NPC can be from a region where it's not as accepted (perhaps one of the more "man and wife, produce babies for our army" authoritarian military states?) who is living in the Sword Coast region to get away from a place where it's not as normalized, so there's stories to tell there too where the player exists in a place where being trans is normalized and accepted that still can tell stories that would resonate with trans players of the game!
tl;dr I'd love to see all kinds of stories reflected in the lore, from escapist ones (sad that these are escapist) about people who say they're women being seen as women and understood as women by all and sundry and more realistic ones that echo the alienation and loneliness someone can feel in the middle of a crowd when no one sees them for who they are but instead for what a lens of preconception always-already slotted over a bunch of bigots' mind's eyes cruelly insists they are. I want the extremes and everything in between! The possibilities are endless, and that's what role playing games have always been about tbqh
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
@Purudaya I'm not @Roseweave but being trans myself I would love to see a diversity of depictions. Even if it's normalized, there's bound to be the odd bigot, and even in a world where bigots are more or less the norm there are bound to be accepting people.
Think of Druids who see everything, even the undead, as part of nature in a way and the Druids who would balk at the idea, or even Druids who accept most things as part of nature vs a NE Druid who is extremely restrictive about what they consider part of nature and slaughters everything else that they perceive as harming "TRUE nature" just by existing, and that's just a few ways ONE class can have different worldviews from one another. I think it's easy enough to depict stories where the reason it's being brought up is because the character in question never once encountered someone who wasn't 100% supportive on their lifelong journey, but it's also important to trans people in real life to see their story depicted too! So that means seeing someone triumph over transphobia is a cool thing, and it doesn't need to be dramatic battles with a violent abusive bigot or anything! It can be little things, like a family inheritance that goes to the wrong name and you do a quest for a trans character to go pick up the inheritance in exchange for a cut (that a Good character could waive) by bringing their family a family crest or signet ring or seal of some kind. Maybe we see a transition story that acknowledges that trans people are accepted, but poverty still exists in the Forgotten Realms universe so they're like any peasant NPC begging you for something they need to get their life back on track but can't afford themselves...but they know just where you could find such a potion/scroll/girdle/reclusive gendermagic-wielding hermit, if you've a strong sword-arm or spells at the ready!
And there's different regions in the world, so an NPC can be from a region where it's not as accepted (perhaps one of the more "man and wife, produce babies for our army" authoritarian military states?) who is living in the Sword Coast region to get away from a place where it's not as normalized, so there's stories to tell there too where the player exists in a place where being trans is normalized and accepted that still can tell stories that would resonate with trans players of the game!
tl;dr I'd love to see all kinds of stories reflected in the lore, from escapist ones (sad that these are escapist) about people who say they're women being seen as women and understood as women by all and sundry and more realistic ones that echo the alienation and loneliness someone can feel in the middle of a crowd when no one sees them for who they are but instead for what a lens of preconception always-already slotted over a bunch of bigots' mind's eyes cruelly insists they are. I want the extremes and everything in between! The possibilities are endless, and that's what role playing games have always been about tbqh
I was thinking specifically in regards to how they're planning to portray Mizhena's story, but you're right - it shouldn't have to be either a solely prejudiced world or a solely utopian one. I'd like to see Ed Greenwood gather some feedback and add a pinch to the official lore - maybe the tribes of Chult celebrate trans people the way the Iroquois did while Sembia is in full persecution mode. Or maybe a region that you wouldn't expect to recognize gender fluidity, like Thay, could care less about a person's gender identity as long as they're sufficiently ruthless.
I really liked how you gave a more nuanced take on transphobia - as a cisgender person, I tend of think of overcoming transphobia in terms of fending off mustache twirling bigots, but it doesn't always have to be so melodramatic. Tasty food for thought, hope the devs have a notepad handy.
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
Well, blood magic is dangerous so it's not worth the risk. I think Krem's feelings on that reflect some transpeople's fears of reassignment surgery, the side effects of which include the loss of genital sensation.
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
Coming to terms with identity is a crucial theme running throughout the BG series. Even if CHARNAME isn't transgender, she can probably relate on at least some level.
I agree about the idea of using magic as a means of transition being potentially problematic - it focuses too much on sex as opposed to gender and navigates around self acceptance.
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
Well, blood magic is dangerous so it's not worth the risk. I think Krem's feelings on that reflect some transpeople's fears of reassignment surgery, the side effects of which include the loss of genital sensation. It's also often performed by backalley doctors due to lack of money, or being forced to go there due to the social climate.
Oh yes it's clearly at play in the game that Krem really are afraid about blood magic i think ^^. The point is we doesn't know if Krem want a body changement or not, even if it was possible without blood magic, and that the best part i think about this character. His transidentity are not a "body" thing but a "cultural" thing. Just like some trans people doesnt want a body-change but just a gender-change, perfectly fine with their body but wanna change the way people around them react cause of that.
Just to be clear: i have no problem if Mizhena was written one way or one another: wanting a body change / dont wanting / we dont know / we dont care about the answer. I just wanna point that there plenty more posibility than a "body-changer side quest" for her. And very more than a "tragic body-changer side quest".
(In fact this subject is so huge and cool that it should need more than one character to talk about transidentity and gender conformity in the Realms, but i'm a bit afraid about saying that and get called a "sjw with a politicy agenda")
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
Well, blood magic is dangerous so it's not worth the risk. I think Krem's feelings on that reflect some transpeople's fears of reassignment surgery, the side effects of which include the loss of genital sensation. It's also often performed by backalley doctors due to lack of money, or being forced to go there due to the social climate.
Oh yes it's clearly at play in the game that Krem really are afraid about blood magic i think ^^. The point is we doesn't know if Krem want a body changement or not, even if it was possible without blood magic, and that the best part i think about this character. His transidentity are not a "body" thing but a "cultural" thing. Just like some trans people doesnt want a body-change but just a gender-change, perfectly fine with their body but wanna change the way people around them react cause of that.
Just to be clear: i have no problem if Mizhena was written one way or one another: wanting a body change / dont wanting / we dont know / we dont care about the answer. I just wanna point that there plenty more posibility than a "body-changer side quest" for her. And very more than a "tragic body-changer side quest".
(In fact this subject is so huge and cool that it should need more than one character to talk about transidentity and gender conformity in the Realms, but i'm a bit afraid about saying that and get called a "sjw with a politicy agenda")
aw, don't be afraid of that (or do)! The problem with that term is that originally meant to describe people who vehemently recalled half-baked versions of actual ideals from advocates for social justice. Now it's just a blanket term to describe anyone who disagrees with one's personal worldview. It would be interesting to see how being transgendered is viewed in areas around Toril. I definitely think you have something there with Miz being a way to help the Child of Bhaal coming to terms with what they are, while also understanding that just because you're born in one manner, doesn't mean you have to stay that way.
I was thinking specifically in regards to how they're planning to portray Mizhena's story
In that respect specifically, I just want them to have a better reason in-dialogue (or branching out of in-game events) for the topic to come up, and that could be all sorts of reasons! It could be ideas like what I gave above, it could be a back and forth you witness with a rude patron of hers misgendering/using the wrong name with a "what was that about?" dialogue follow-up, it could be a quest where you need to know the detail for some reason, just something where there's a reason for her to volunteer that information! I don't necessarily agree that it feels all that forced in the first place (it's a few options deep into a conversation and minor NPCs drop all kinds of backstory information all the time) but if they're going to do a re-write I don't mind them making the context of finding out a little more...necessary! If I'm living as a woman under my real name, I don't think I'm going to often want to bring up that it's a "new" name, but if I was asking a friend to pick something up with my deadname on it for me, or a friend who has only known me by my real name hears someone deadname me, then I've got a reason to explain to them. I think it'd be easy as pie to tweak things in any number of ways to provide better context for Mizhena's reveal, and I'm not married to any one way to do it!
it shouldn't have to be either a solely prejudiced world or a solely utopian one. I'd like to see Ed Greenwood gather some feedback and add a pinch to the official lore - maybe the tribes of Chult celebrate trans people the way the Iroquois did while Sembia is in full persecution mode. Or maybe a region that you wouldn't expect to recognize gender fluidity, like Thay, could care less about a person's gender identity as long as they're sufficiently ruthless.
I really liked how you gave a more nuanced take on transphobia - as a cisgender person, I tend of think of overcoming transphobia in terms of fending off mustache twirling bigots, but it doesn't always have to be so melodramatic. Tasty food for thought, hope the devs have a notepad handy.
Clever username, btw
When your life is saturated with transphobia from the subtle and nuanced to the overt and blunt, the silver lining(?) is you get broader and deeper perspective on it than you'd ever want to, and that helps(?) in explaining the many forms it can take.
@Roseweave I'm curious how you would like to see treatment of trans people portrayed in the game. Should it be reflective of real world prejudices, utopian (it's fantasy, after all), or left out altogether to avoid falling into a victimhood portrayal? The game as it is seems to hint that it's no big deal in FR, but I'm wondering what you would like to see reflected in the lore (if anything).
Read Confessions of a Glamrock Fairy Princess Chapters 1 and 2(My Fae Lady and Mourn the Dead; Fae Like Hell for the Living, you can skip the prologue), and Nine Tales University Pt. 2 Endless Forms Most Beautiful(Might be an idea to read the first chapter 2 so you know what's going on). Probably about 1.5-2 hours read for the lot, though I've no clue how to measure such things.
Here's an excerpt of two characters(one an older jaded Half-Elf lady of the night, and the other a Leanan Sídhe Courtesan-in-training) speaking of the trans character.
7. “So you're a Flyer Girl now?” Astrid jostled, in between the whiffs she took of her long, thin, pipe. She laughed a spluttering laugh which made Ellie feel rather uncomfortable. “Girl, a lot of us do this work so we don't have to do that sort of mundane shit. Two kinds of people put up Flyers; the street riff raff you're supposed to be rising from, looking to earn a quick coin doing mundane little tidbits nobody else could be bothered with, and Nice Respectable Ladies looking to advertise bake sales and things in a local Church. Both are the paths any good Whore is working to avoid.”
“You're just a bitter person, Astrid.” said Ellie, sitting across from her in the Toadstool & Tome, fingers interlocked; supporting her chin.
“Aye, that I am, and you would be too. I might not have that much on you in terms of the number of years I've existed, but I have been out there longer than you, living this life and snooping around in other people's business whenever I get bored of my own.” she proclaimed, tapping the end of the pipe and grinning.
“It's great though, I mean... there's this one Calishite girl I'm really getting on with... did you know they have transgender Courtesans?”
Astrid snorted. “You mean to say you've never met a Harlot with a Hog? Or even a straight up Queen... How much attention do you pay to some of the 'girls' on the street on a Saturday night? Hells, how do you know I'm not one?”
Ellie blushed. “I guess you're right, I'm still a little... green I guess. There's still a lot about the world I don't know. Or don't remember...” she said, in a smaller voice, staring into her lap.
Astrid inhaled from her pipe, and stared at Ellie, eyes half shut, looking content, but in a jaded sort of way. “You're alright girl. I told you before though, I'm not the greatest role model, though I can be something of a cautionary tale.” she blew smoke rings over Ellie's head. “When you're at this as long as I am... some of us end up internally unimpressed at the sight of a man. If anything it's a relief if we attract a more exotic clientele, or at least mingle with them...”
“I don't think people like Farah like being called 'exotic'”.
“Does she not? Hah. Forgive an old Wench her ignorance. I still have a lot to learn too. Maybe some day... if you do make it big Ellie, you won't forget about me, yeah?”
“I won't.” promised Ellie.
You'll note one of them is trying her best to be respectful, and the other one is older and quite "un-PC" or whatever. She's not depicted as a bad person but it's not romanticised either - she is a big ignorant and in her own words has a lot to learn. I elected to use the word transgender outright because likely the words I'm writing aren't literally the words they're saying in the first place, though I will often use old-timey or at least Victorian terminology where I can, like Tom, Queen, etc.
Keep in mind since I'm trans(and have had some brief experience as a SW) it's more appropriate for me to use these slurs than other writers. But given not every writer can account for every character if things are handled respectfully it makes sense to use words like that if not every character is going to be respectful.
It will be good to being able to say something like "Oh i see, that the same for me" when she talk about her Name's Story. Even as an evil character. Cause it will definitively be great being able to play an evil and trans character.
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
I really like this. Esp. if the game remembered it, it would be a really organic way to play as a "Canonically" trans PC. Devs take note! I want my Laverne Cox druid to be trans for real.
okay, I've been thinking about this the past couple of days. One thing that this thread really hasn't done is given actual examples on how people think Mizhena should be written better. So I've put together a rough little bit of dialogue that for me, as a straight, white male, would feel like a satisfactory, amicable interaction with Mizhena.
"Mizhena? That's an interesting name."
"Thank you, I chose it myself.
"You did? why?"
"My... Birth name wasn't really suitable any longer, so I decided to come up with a new one."
"Really? May I ask why your birth name no longer fit you?"
"I... I'm sorry, I appreciate your interest and curiosity, but I don't really feel comfortable discussing that with you. Some things are too personal to talk about. I hope you can understand that."
"May I at least ask how you came up with your name?"
"Sure, that's fine. I actually have a bit of a passion for languages. I enjoy finding out how they're constructed, the origins of the language and the structural similarities different ones can share. Some people find it an odd interest to have, but it makes me happy. Anyway, when I decided to change my name, I decided to put my knowledge to use. I chose some short words and syllables that sounded pleasing to my ear when combined. Each piece also has a specific meaning too, that way I am able to cherish my name on multiple levels."
"You're a linguist? So would you be willing to translate any documents I come across and can't understand myself?"
"Absolutely. I would enjoy the challenge."
"Thank you Mizhena, Farewell."
*later, after CHARNAME has done some quests (those that already exist connected to Mizhena, and possibly new quests related to the mentioned in dialogue above 'document translations') and CHARNAME has a reasonably high reputation score*
"CHARNAME, I'd like to apologise if I sounded overly terse the last time we spoke in depth. As I said previously, some things are very personal to talk about, but if you still wish to hear more about why I changed my name, then I would be willing to talk further."
At this point, my ability to write fails me But yes, this would be the point that Mizhena would reveal that she is Transgendered.
This is of course, the amicable path to go down. CHARNAME is a relatively nice person and they've got a decent reputation. Mizhena is much more likely to open up to them, while CHARNAME's with mid to low reputation scores would never have Mizhena reveal her Transgender status to them no matter how many quests they do related to her.
Now for the controversial bit, at least regarding these forums goes. As much as some don't like the idea, there should be other options in dialogue that don't treat her so well. These options however, shouldn't be there without consequences to the player. For example, when Mizhena tells CHARNAME about the origin of her name the player should have the option to say something like "That is just dumb. What a stupid way to come up with a name!" At which point, insulted, Mizhena gets angry. She refuses to open up any further, refuses to translate any documents for CHARNAME (removing those sidequests) and CHARNAME loses all Reputation discounts on the goods and services that she sells (if it is possible to code, I'd love to see a massive mark up added also. She's willing to serve CHARNAME as a merchant, but she's going to charge him through the nose for it from that point onwards.)
I would also like to see a final tier Donkeyhole reaction from CHARNAME, but I would understand if people feel that this one is going too far, even with the consequences for doing so. I would like to see the option when Mizhena opens up about her Transgender status for CHARNAME to not only support her, but be able to not care... Or reject her entirely. At this point, angry, and truly hurt and upset at opening up to someone who didn't deserve it, Mizhena would leave the camp entirely and CHARNAME suffers a reputation loss.
It is my understanding that for a good portion of the expansion Mizhena is the main access point for Cleric store abilities (such as raise dead, remove curse etc) along with easy access to healing potions etc. (Damn you Real life for giving me so much to do so I don't get chance to play enough to confirm this for myself) If this is so, having Mizhena leave the camp over CHARNAME's bigotry is a severe consequence for the player, making the game much more difficult, but not impossible to complete.
I hope people can see what I am doing here. I am trying to craft Mizhena into a fully fleshed out character, one who acts somewhat realistically, but I'm also trying to make sure that as a character, she can be used to educate those who are ignorant or worse when it comes to Transgenderism.
I want it to be a case that the player has interacted with Mizhena a number of times (for clerical services, quests and just plain dialogue) to the point that they're forming a bond with her. I want the moment when she reveals her transgender status to become a moment of moral quandary for the ignorant or bigoted player.
"Mizhena has been a good character, she has been useful translating these documents for me and helping me find and identify magical items. She even resurrected Khalid and Safana for me after I made a stupid mistake in that last battle... Do I really want to lose that even though I don't like Transgendered people?"
Hopefully, the answer at that point will be "No, I don't" and they will chose a dialogue option that supports Mizhena. But they still need the option to say "Yes, get lost!" If the dialogue has been done right, then hopefully the player will feel regardless of which option they choose, that this is a natural development of two people conversing, and not the developers preaching an ideology.
I know that to some it seems strange to some to make a big fuss over a side character, but that side character has so much possibility for enacting real change in someone's thinking. The vast majority of bigotry that we see today comes from ignorance, and the fear that comes from that ignorance, not any actual maliciousness (though unfortunately it does, far too often come out that way). The moral quandary I posit above is a vital first step in normalizing Transgenderism for someone.
Even if someone were to choose the "yes, get lost" option, you have still planted a seed in their mind. It is possible that the next time they come across a Transgender character in another game a part of them could go "Well, Mezhina was nice in Siege of Dragonspear, lets give this one a chance". At which point real progress is made, and we move forward into a future where Transgenderism is seen to be just as normal as being a straight, white male.
Comments
The "fit" bit I wrote was just a comment on Krem in general. How well he fit into the Dragon Age story. It didn't have anything to do with Mizhera not fitting.
Why do cis people always want us to be tragic figures I don't get it. We die often enough in real life as-is.
The trans character in my fics was living in Calimshan when her town got taken over by an evil wizard. She had taken in interest in sort of hedge Alchemy, as she was poor and trying to find a cheap way to manipulate her body. Her skills resulted in her being made chief alchemist to the Wizard, until she ended up stealing his stuff and running away, being provided refuge by the Church of Sharess. She then went on using her findings to make cheap birth controls for Courtesans, and do mad science and stuff.
Also she makes creepy artificial Mephits as minion-like creatures.
http://roseweave.deviantart.com/art/Mephals-Artificial-Mephits-460305496
Yes I know she's anachronistic or whatever I don't care lol.
Your idea is cooler, actually. A simmilar starting point as mine, but cooler. People are fed up with vamps anyway. Would be cool if she could improve Jansen's exploding ammo with her alchemy.
I do think though, perso, that good writing effort takes resources, and hence should be paid DLC, or maybe KickStarter campaign. If the expansion would be as deep as I think you would like it to be.
I already paid for Collector's Edition, so contributing a fiver for Mizhena story would not be a prob for me.
Meanwhile, I would not want to force Beamdog unto reaction for a sake of reaction. I just do not think it would result in good writing.
1) Remove all references to her being trans. Those of us who don't like that stuff wouldn't have to deal with it and for actual trans people, being so believable as the opposite sex that it doesn't even come up is the ultimate success story, is it not? You could even, in your own game, imagine that all of the characters are trans if you want. I believe there was a trans forum member who already said that the last thing a trans person wants to do is explain their transness.
2) If they don't remove her trans lines, then at least allow Charname the option to say something along the lines of "To think you know better than your creator is beyond foolish. Learn to like yourself, accept it and move on." Charname needs some way of disagreeing with the trans line of thought.
3) Create an additional NPC with dissenting views on what the shopkeep is doing. Treat it with the same level of respect as the trans npc.
4) Diffuse the trans NPC's "sjw" vibe with humor. Make it more about magic. Perhaps when his mother was pregnant she was hit by a rogue spell that screwed something up in the baby. The baby now needs to find the wizard to correct the problem and return him back to the sex that he was supposed to be. This would disconnect it from the real life politics of the whole thing.
i was going to reply to a specific point from it but you're right that post really is bad
2) Let me be transphobic to the character, just like in real life. Even if dickish comments aren't consistently available reactions to all NPCs, it's important in this case because Ethics or something. Things have gone like, way too far in the opposite direction now which is why we have tons of games filled with trans characters and legislation all over the country is being passed for trans people, probably to protect their rights or something.
3) We need more balance when it comes to dealing with characters that would be heavily marginalised in real life. It's very important that other people are equally respected and we never show a trans character as receiving any level of preferential treatment, ever, even when cis het characters are constantly shown as such.
4) Make the character's trans status a joke. Be completely oblivious to how the term "SJW" is a bogeyman made up to shame people merely for existing without apology, and let me laugh at the stupid tranny.
Somethin along the lines i would pretty much like. I think that would make for a pretty compelling Dialog to go through too because the Interaction would also benefit CHARNAME, has being able to discuss his heritage with someone outside "the group".
EDIT: That would also give a pretty easy Option for Evil Chars, i.e.: "I am fine with being a future God, leave me alone!"
EDIT2: I would think that would make the reveal that she is trans also rewarding for the Player. Damn the Options are so endless...parallels can be drawn very easily...people not accepting the bhaalspawn, people not accepting trans-people (although a writer has to be carefull here this time arround since it maybe mistaken as a wink to the controversy...the last thing anyone would need.)
I'm not @Roseweave but being trans myself I would love to see a diversity of depictions. Even if it's normalized, there's bound to be the odd bigot, and even in a world where bigots are more or less the norm there are bound to be accepting people.
Think of Druids who see everything, even the undead, as part of nature in a way and the Druids who would balk at the idea, or even Druids who accept most things as part of nature vs a NE Druid who is extremely restrictive about what they consider part of nature and slaughters everything else that they perceive as harming "TRUE nature" just by existing, and that's just a few ways ONE class can have different worldviews from one another. I think it's easy enough to depict stories where the reason it's being brought up is because the character in question never once encountered someone who wasn't 100% supportive on their lifelong journey, but it's also important to trans people in real life to see their story depicted too! So that means seeing someone triumph over transphobia is a cool thing, and it doesn't need to be dramatic battles with a violent abusive bigot or anything! It can be little things, like a family inheritance that goes to the wrong name and you do a quest for a trans character to go pick up the inheritance in exchange for a cut (that a Good character could waive) by bringing their family a family crest or signet ring or seal of some kind. Maybe we see a transition story that acknowledges that trans people are accepted, but poverty still exists in the Forgotten Realms universe so they're like any peasant NPC begging you for something they need to get their life back on track but can't afford themselves...but they know just where you could find such a potion/scroll/girdle/reclusive gendermagic-wielding hermit, if you've a strong sword-arm or spells at the ready!
And there's different regions in the world, so an NPC can be from a region where it's not as accepted (perhaps one of the more "man and wife, produce babies for our army" authoritarian military states?) who is living in the Sword Coast region to get away from a place where it's not as normalized, so there's stories to tell there too where the player exists in a place where being trans is normalized and accepted that still can tell stories that would resonate with trans players of the game!
tl;dr I'd love to see all kinds of stories reflected in the lore, from escapist ones (sad that these are escapist) about people who say they're women being seen as women and understood as women by all and sundry and more realistic ones that echo the alienation and loneliness someone can feel in the middle of a crowd when no one sees them for who they are but instead for what a lens of preconception always-already slotted over a bunch of bigots' mind's eyes cruelly insists they are. I want the extremes and everything in between! The possibilities are endless, and that's what role playing games have always been about tbqh
edit: I see a lot of people saying at the same time that Krem is a good example for a trans character (and i agree with that) but only talking about quest that search at "fixing" Mizhena body ... that's ... a bit strange cause you know in DA:I Krem are perfectly good with his body and if you asking him if he want to use blood magic or change he just say "no, no magic, i'm fine". (And that's part of why he is a very very good written character in fact).
I was thinking specifically in regards to how they're planning to portray Mizhena's story, but you're right - it shouldn't have to be either a solely prejudiced world or a solely utopian one. I'd like to see Ed Greenwood gather some feedback and add a pinch to the official lore - maybe the tribes of Chult celebrate trans people the way the Iroquois did while Sembia is in full persecution mode. Or maybe a region that you wouldn't expect to recognize gender fluidity, like Thay, could care less about a person's gender identity as long as they're sufficiently ruthless.
I really liked how you gave a more nuanced take on transphobia - as a cisgender person, I tend of think of overcoming transphobia in terms of fending off mustache twirling bigots, but it doesn't always have to be so melodramatic. Tasty food for thought, hope the devs have a notepad handy.
Clever username, btw
I agree about the idea of using magic as a means of transition being potentially problematic - it focuses too much on sex as opposed to gender and navigates around self acceptance.
Just to be clear: i have no problem if Mizhena was written one way or one another: wanting a body change / dont wanting / we dont know / we dont care about the answer. I just wanna point that there plenty more posibility than a "body-changer side quest" for her. And very more than a "tragic body-changer side quest".
(In fact this subject is so huge and cool that it should need more than one character to talk about transidentity and gender conformity in the Realms, but i'm a bit afraid about saying that and get called a "sjw with a politicy agenda")
And thanks!
http://crystallineprincess.tumblr.com/tagged/short-stories
7.
“So you're a Flyer Girl now?” Astrid jostled, in between the whiffs she took of her long, thin, pipe. She laughed a spluttering laugh which made Ellie feel rather uncomfortable. “Girl, a lot of us do this work so we don't have to do that sort of mundane shit. Two kinds of people put up Flyers; the street riff raff you're supposed to be rising from, looking to earn a quick coin doing mundane little tidbits nobody else could be bothered with, and Nice Respectable Ladies looking to advertise bake sales and things in a local Church. Both are the paths any good Whore is working to avoid.”
“You're just a bitter person, Astrid.” said Ellie, sitting across from her in the Toadstool & Tome, fingers interlocked; supporting her chin.
“Aye, that I am, and you would be too. I might not have that much on you in terms of the number of years I've existed, but I have been out there longer than you, living this life and snooping around in other people's business whenever I get bored of my own.” she proclaimed, tapping the end of the pipe and grinning.
“It's great though, I mean... there's this one Calishite girl I'm really getting on with... did you know they have transgender Courtesans?”
Astrid snorted. “You mean to say you've never met a Harlot with a Hog? Or even a straight up Queen... How much attention do you pay to some of the 'girls' on the street on a Saturday night? Hells, how do you know I'm not one?”
Ellie blushed. “I guess you're right, I'm still a little... green I guess. There's still a lot about the world I don't know. Or don't remember...” she said, in a smaller voice, staring into her lap.
Astrid inhaled from her pipe, and stared at Ellie, eyes half shut, looking content, but in a jaded sort of way. “You're alright girl. I told you before though, I'm not the greatest role model, though I can be something of a cautionary tale.” she blew smoke rings over Ellie's head. “When you're at this as long as I am... some of us end up internally unimpressed at the sight of a man. If anything it's a relief if we attract a more exotic clientele, or at least mingle with them...”
“I don't think people like Farah like being called 'exotic'”.
“Does she not? Hah. Forgive an old Wench her ignorance. I still have a lot to learn too. Maybe some day... if you do make it big Ellie, you won't forget about me, yeah?”
“I won't.” promised Ellie.
You'll note one of them is trying her best to be respectful, and the other one is older and quite "un-PC" or whatever. She's not depicted as a bad person but it's not romanticised either - she is a big ignorant and in her own words has a lot to learn. I elected to use the word transgender outright because likely the words I'm writing aren't literally the words they're saying in the first place, though I will often use old-timey or at least Victorian terminology where I can, like Tom, Queen, etc.
Keep in mind since I'm trans(and have had some brief experience as a SW) it's more appropriate for me to use these slurs than other writers. But given not every writer can account for every character if things are handled respectfully it makes sense to use words like that if not every character is going to be respectful.
"Mizhena? That's an interesting name."
"Thank you, I chose it myself.
"You did? why?"
"My... Birth name wasn't really suitable any longer, so I decided to come up with a new one."
"Really? May I ask why your birth name no longer fit you?"
"I... I'm sorry, I appreciate your interest and curiosity, but I don't really feel comfortable discussing that with you. Some things are too personal to talk about. I hope you can understand that."
"May I at least ask how you came up with your name?"
"Sure, that's fine. I actually have a bit of a passion for languages. I enjoy finding out how they're constructed, the origins of the language and the structural similarities different ones can share. Some people find it an odd interest to have, but it makes me happy. Anyway, when I decided to change my name, I decided to put my knowledge to use. I chose some short words and syllables that sounded pleasing to my ear when combined. Each piece also has a specific meaning too, that way I am able to cherish my name on multiple levels."
"You're a linguist? So would you be willing to translate any documents I come across and can't understand myself?"
"Absolutely. I would enjoy the challenge."
"Thank you Mizhena, Farewell."
*later, after CHARNAME has done some quests (those that already exist connected to Mizhena, and possibly new quests related to the mentioned in dialogue above 'document translations') and CHARNAME has a reasonably high reputation score*
"CHARNAME, I'd like to apologise if I sounded overly terse the last time we spoke in depth. As I said previously, some things are very personal to talk about, but if you still wish to hear more about why I changed my name, then I would be willing to talk further."
At this point, my ability to write fails me
This is of course, the amicable path to go down. CHARNAME is a relatively nice person and they've got a decent reputation. Mizhena is much more likely to open up to them, while CHARNAME's with mid to low reputation scores would never have Mizhena reveal her Transgender status to them no matter how many quests they do related to her.
Now for the controversial bit, at least regarding these forums goes. As much as some don't like the idea, there should be other options in dialogue that don't treat her so well. These options however, shouldn't be there without consequences to the player. For example, when Mizhena tells CHARNAME about the origin of her name the player should have the option to say something like "That is just dumb. What a stupid way to come up with a name!" At which point, insulted, Mizhena gets angry. She refuses to open up any further, refuses to translate any documents for CHARNAME (removing those sidequests) and CHARNAME loses all Reputation discounts on the goods and services that she sells (if it is possible to code, I'd love to see a massive mark up added also. She's willing to serve CHARNAME as a merchant, but she's going to charge him through the nose for it from that point onwards.)
I would also like to see a final tier Donkeyhole reaction from CHARNAME, but I would understand if people feel that this one is going too far, even with the consequences for doing so. I would like to see the option when Mizhena opens up about her Transgender status for CHARNAME to not only support her, but be able to not care... Or reject her entirely. At this point, angry, and truly hurt and upset at opening up to someone who didn't deserve it, Mizhena would leave the camp entirely and CHARNAME suffers a reputation loss.
It is my understanding that for a good portion of the expansion Mizhena is the main access point for Cleric store abilities (such as raise dead, remove curse etc) along with easy access to healing potions etc. (Damn you Real life for giving me so much to do so I don't get chance to play enough to confirm this for myself) If this is so, having Mizhena leave the camp over CHARNAME's bigotry is a severe consequence for the player, making the game much more difficult, but not impossible to complete.
I hope people can see what I am doing here. I am trying to craft Mizhena into a fully fleshed out character, one who acts somewhat realistically, but I'm also trying to make sure that as a character, she can be used to educate those who are ignorant or worse when it comes to Transgenderism.
I want it to be a case that the player has interacted with Mizhena a number of times (for clerical services, quests and just plain dialogue) to the point that they're forming a bond with her. I want the moment when she reveals her transgender status to become a moment of moral quandary for the ignorant or bigoted player.
"Mizhena has been a good character, she has been useful translating these documents for me and helping me find and identify magical items. She even resurrected Khalid and Safana for me after I made a stupid mistake in that last battle... Do I really want to lose that even though I don't like Transgendered people?"
Hopefully, the answer at that point will be "No, I don't" and they will chose a dialogue option that supports Mizhena. But they still need the option to say "Yes, get lost!" If the dialogue has been done right, then hopefully the player will feel regardless of which option they choose, that this is a natural development of two people conversing, and not the developers preaching an ideology.
I know that to some it seems strange to some to make a big fuss over a side character, but that side character has so much possibility for enacting real change in someone's thinking. The vast majority of bigotry that we see today comes from ignorance, and the fear that comes from that ignorance, not any actual maliciousness (though unfortunately it does, far too often come out that way). The moral quandary I posit above is a vital first step in normalizing Transgenderism for someone.
Even if someone were to choose the "yes, get lost" option, you have still planted a seed in their mind. It is possible that the next time they come across a Transgender character in another game a part of them could go "Well, Mezhina was nice in Siege of Dragonspear, lets give this one a chance". At which point real progress is made, and we move forward into a future where Transgenderism is seen to be just as normal as being a straight, white male.
I live in hope.