Lord of the Rings Online Player Starts Petition at Change.org for Standing Stone Games to Reverse Woke Player Avatars

Since the highly controversial Lord of the Rings Online avatar changes, some current and former Lord of the Rings Online players have contacted me via email to express their outrage at Standing Stone Games. Others have come to my site and shared their stories.

For many people, Lord of the Rings Online’s fantasy virtual world was an immersive oasis of escapism into Tolkien’s majestic Middle-earth. All that changed when the Standing Stones developers introduced unwelcome African and Asian avatars and grotesque bearded women.

Not only has the Boston MMO studio desecrated J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle-earth, but they have also permabanned players who have voiced their concerns on the forums. There is a chill wind of censorship blowing through our culture and much of it is being promoted by Big Tech and the entertainment media complex.

I am very moved by the passion, dedication, and love that these LOTRO players have for Middle-earth. I can only imagine how gut-wrenching it must feel to have dedicated years to leveling up your character(s) in Lord of the Rings Online, only to have them all banned by a woke Standing Stone Games community manager — just because you stood up and defended the veracity of Tolkien’s universe.

Many years ago I played LOTRO. I think I played the MMORPG for 2-3 years. That time was well spent and I have a lot of fond memories of my various characters traversing through the incredibly detailed regions of Middle-earth. The pastoral Shire and the eternally stunning Rivendell were particular standouts in beauty and authenticity. Turbine, the original studio that created LOTRO, had reverence for Tolkien’s works and would have never allowed these lore-breaking avatars into the virtual Middle-earth.

One LOTRO player who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, contacted me to tell me that he crafted a petition addressed to Standing Stone Games and posted it on Change.org. I have read his petition and wholeheartedly support it.

I also urge everyone that appreciates the works of Professor Tolkien, to head on over to Change.org and read and sign the petition if you agree with it.

Since most other MMO websites are accomplices of the woke globalist agenda, they will most likely refuse to report on this story. In case the petition is taken down or removed, with permission of the petition author, I would like to reprint it here in its entirety.

–Wolfshead


To: Standing Stone Games

As a passionate community of J.R.R. Tolkien enthusiasts, we have long appreciated the opportunity to explore the captivating world of Middle-earth through the Lord of the Rings Online MMORPG. We recognize the challenges inherent in adapting such an iconic and beloved work of literature into an interactive experience, and we commend your efforts in bringing Tolkien’s vision to life for millions of fans worldwide.

However, we feel compelled to address our concerns regarding the recent inclusion of new avatar customization choices for the race of men in Middle-earth. These additions feature African and Asian-looking avatars and facial hair options for female humans, which, while well-intentioned, are not part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original legendarium. As devoted fans, we believe that the integrity of Tolkien’s Middle-earth must be preserved to maintain the immersive experience we have come to expect and cherish.

Moreover, we are alarmed to learn that loyal players voicing their concerns about these changes have been banned from the official company forums. We believe that open dialogue and constructive criticism are essential to fostering a healthy community and ensuring the continued success of the game.

In light of these concerns, we, the undersigned, respectfully request the following:

  • Reevaluate and reverse the avatar customization choices that deviate from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original descriptions and intentions for the races and characters in Middle-earth. As scholars and admirers of Tolkien’s work, we believe that preserving the authenticity of his legendarium is crucial to the game’s continued appeal and success.
  • Reinstate the loyal players who have been wrongfully banned from the official company forums, allowing for a respectful and open dialogue about the game’s direction and adherence to Tolkien’s vision. By fostering a sense of community and understanding, we can work together to preserve the enchanting world of Middle-earth for future generations.
  • Encourage active engagement between Standing Stone Games and the Lord of the Rings Online community, involving scholars, fans, and players in discussions about potential changes to the game. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that the game remains true to its source material while providing a rewarding and immersive experience for all

We understand that the task of adapting Tolkien’s Middle-earth for an interactive medium is a complex and nuanced endeavor. However, we remain steadfast in our belief that maintaining the integrity of Tolkien’s vision is paramount. We thank you for your consideration and eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,
Will Whitfoot


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