Thorin Firemane
First Post
Just putting in my two coppers . . .
I have written and re-written my posting a few times, trying to adequately state my opinion on the matter, and I keep failing. I'm really frustrated that once again I have been conned into investing in a game that seems to be dying a slow, corporation-induced, death. I really love the 3rd Edtion, but I'm still a little sad when I don't see the old TSR logo on the products anymore.
I hate the thought that Wizards may be heading in a similar direction. I don't think they will go under, but I do think they are slowly sacrificing the quality of their products for the "bottom line". I think the "bean-counters" are destined to win this whole contest, simply because the reality of the situation is that they call the shots. If they feel that "fluffy" FR books are not good sellers, then you can bet that "fluffy" FR books will die. For those of you who are not concerned about the "fluffy" stuff, though, I urge you to remember this: the Bean Counters That Be will not discriminate when the fluff is gone and all they have to look at is the crunch. When the fluff is gone, the crunch will become the low-man-on-the-totem-pole, so to speak, and will likely become the next vicitm.
It isn't a matter of getting "crunch vs. fluff" in our products. The ideal products have a good balance of both, tied to no specific worlds (anyone remember "Tomb of Horrors?") It is a matter of the bean counters thinking they can make whatever they want, and still make us give them our beans. That's right, I said it: "our" beans. We're the ones with the money, people. Wether we decide to give it to Hasbro/Wizards should depend on how willing they are to give us what we want, regardless of what percentage of us want it. The Crunch people and the Fluff people need to work together, so that we can determine what is published, not the Bean Masters, most of whom probably do not even play these games.
I have no interest in the Forgotten Realms at all, personally. But you know what? I really loved Planescape. I know it is still out there, supported by other web sites, but I still miss being able to walk into a local hobby store and see the newest "Planes of . . . " boxed set. I feel for the FR people, whose setting may very well be going the same direction. These things are happening because we let them.
The Silver Marches may well have some background that will inpire you to create a new feat, magic item, or prestige class of your own. Meanwhile, I'd say the Epic-Level Handbook is likely to have some incredible seeds for new campaing ideas. Always remember: The crunch is the framework for the fluff, and the fluff is the inspiration for much of the crunch. Neither will survive without the other.
I consider the Bean Counter "story" to be a warning. Part of our game is about to become extinct. If we let that happen, the rest will soon follow. It happened before, and it can happen again. And we cannot count on someone being there to pick it back up this time. We have been warned.
I have written and re-written my posting a few times, trying to adequately state my opinion on the matter, and I keep failing. I'm really frustrated that once again I have been conned into investing in a game that seems to be dying a slow, corporation-induced, death. I really love the 3rd Edtion, but I'm still a little sad when I don't see the old TSR logo on the products anymore.
I hate the thought that Wizards may be heading in a similar direction. I don't think they will go under, but I do think they are slowly sacrificing the quality of their products for the "bottom line". I think the "bean-counters" are destined to win this whole contest, simply because the reality of the situation is that they call the shots. If they feel that "fluffy" FR books are not good sellers, then you can bet that "fluffy" FR books will die. For those of you who are not concerned about the "fluffy" stuff, though, I urge you to remember this: the Bean Counters That Be will not discriminate when the fluff is gone and all they have to look at is the crunch. When the fluff is gone, the crunch will become the low-man-on-the-totem-pole, so to speak, and will likely become the next vicitm.
It isn't a matter of getting "crunch vs. fluff" in our products. The ideal products have a good balance of both, tied to no specific worlds (anyone remember "Tomb of Horrors?") It is a matter of the bean counters thinking they can make whatever they want, and still make us give them our beans. That's right, I said it: "our" beans. We're the ones with the money, people. Wether we decide to give it to Hasbro/Wizards should depend on how willing they are to give us what we want, regardless of what percentage of us want it. The Crunch people and the Fluff people need to work together, so that we can determine what is published, not the Bean Masters, most of whom probably do not even play these games.
I have no interest in the Forgotten Realms at all, personally. But you know what? I really loved Planescape. I know it is still out there, supported by other web sites, but I still miss being able to walk into a local hobby store and see the newest "Planes of . . . " boxed set. I feel for the FR people, whose setting may very well be going the same direction. These things are happening because we let them.
The Silver Marches may well have some background that will inpire you to create a new feat, magic item, or prestige class of your own. Meanwhile, I'd say the Epic-Level Handbook is likely to have some incredible seeds for new campaing ideas. Always remember: The crunch is the framework for the fluff, and the fluff is the inspiration for much of the crunch. Neither will survive without the other.
I consider the Bean Counter "story" to be a warning. Part of our game is about to become extinct. If we let that happen, the rest will soon follow. It happened before, and it can happen again. And we cannot count on someone being there to pick it back up this time. We have been warned.
