[someguy]

I have noticed something.

Jordan and Goodkind (and others no doubt) really spell out the cruelty and torture side of Fantasy. Chillingly so. Sometimes I am amazed that people can think of this stuff. It really gives life to the whole idea of torment.

JRRT, on the other hand, was content to leave it at 'unspeakable torment', and let our imaginations go from there.

How do you prefer it? Vote now. Operators are standing by! But wait! There's more...(no there isn't I just wanted to say that)

[saintjon]

You'll be pleased to know, Someguy, that I'm planning on changing my avatar.

As for torture, I think it depends on the story, although usually the kinds of story I prefer go for specifics.

[Nero]

Yes, saintjon, change it soon. Every time I see one of your posts I hide my eyes.

As for this thread, I like my cruelty especially cruel with a cruel cherry on top with some cruel whipped cream. I love the tensity and shivers and excitement you get when an evil man slaughters helpless people in horrendous fashions. That was my problem with LoTR; Tolkien was too soft hearted in his killing. I mean, there were a couple good bloody war scenes, (esp. Helm's Deep, Moria...) but none of those can measure up to the intensity of such books as WoT, A Song of Fire and Ice, and others.
So bring on the cruelty, baby. I'm ready for it!

[someguy]

So bring on the cruelty, baby. I'm ready for it!

Methinks the young lad needs help...

[MyriadStars]

I think books like fionavar tapestry and MS&T are appropriate in this. In them, cruelty is not excessive, yet is very real, and can really move you to tears.

[kahnovitch]

Well with a name like "Nero" I wouldn't expect anything else someguy.
No Nero, I'm not picking on you, so chill...:cool:

[Nero]

Hehe.

(I don't know what to say)

[someguy]

(I don't know what to say)

Man, does that leave an opening or what?!?!

[Nero]

Oh and sorry Kahnovitch, I never knew my name was after a so called Roman Emperor. I mean, how am I supposed to know that? I thought it was a good name.........

And someguy, I just like some exciting battles that make you actually scared when people and monsters die. I just love it!!! (Ok, now im going a little crazy again)

WOOOHOOOOOO. KILL. BLOOOOOOD.

(Oh somebody stop me!)

(Don't worry, no school shootings coming from me, no sirree. Just showing my love for the nice bloody types)

KILLLLL. KILLLLLLL. GUTS. BLOOD. HEADS HANGING OFF........

[Stor-All]

Uhhh...kind of hard to follow up a post like that. Anywho, I voted for the "Spell it out in graphic detail! Make me shudder" option. When a book says something such as "Unspeakable torment" I don't get enough of an idea as to what is happening. If I want to feel for a character, I need to know what's going on in their life (or death in this case).
And it also makes the reading more exciting for me to actually read what "Unspeakable torment" is.