Warpiglet
Adventurer
So I go back a way but not all they way. I started with basic in 2nd grade. Had no idea what was up.
The Satanic panic briefly got in the way for a while but before you knew it basic mixed with AD&D was taking place. We were still clueless!
But then the good times started to roll. Late 80s and then on to 1999 or so AD&D was on like Donkey Kong.
We skipped 2nd ironically? Because we thought it was watered down. They are demons and devils damn it and we can take it!
We had a blast. I had the luxury to play with friends. All nighters baby. Sometimes with adult beverages. Usually with fast food. The cheers, the high fives, the characters that we still talk about! The most fun ever.
We played some 3e for a bit, too when I would be home for grad school. All dwarf party with a dwarf wizard!? That’ll make an AD&D player perk up!
And then the long dark of Moria, er, of boring rather. Dissertations, marriages, money woes, early career demands....no D&D for years...years.
And then 5e. Wow. A Renaissance, a rebirth. And yet subject to some of the same old woes. Things have gotten better in a lot of ways.
The prompts to build some personality are nice starting points. But they are not enforced on any deep level. You have to choose immersion.
In years past, campaigns and parties ended all of the time. After a Pause in gaming, interest wanes. But in a few cases it stays strong.
Even now I often talk about what I want to play, even bringing it up here at times for discussion. But I am slow to pull the trigger. A lot of ideas are abandoned. And honestly it’s for the best.
I can get interested in synergy of abilities or quirks or novelty but it fades. I have found I have to like the vibe and personality (or dislike it!) of a character for me to have a long relationship with them.
I am not into high drama without dice. Remember I am from the 70s/80s as a player. And I like to fight!
For me, longer interest is only held in the enjoyment of the role. I truly enjoy chucking dice when I smite with my warlock. I get a thrill about close fights and rolling 20s. But I now know for myself, I have to have a character to play.
Did not in my youth realize the importance for my fun! I am not looking down on staff and shield coffeelock cheese per se. I just know mechanics are not enough by a long shot. Not even novel ‘builds.’
If anyone is really getting burned out on D&D I would recommend the approach of finding a character (not build alone) that strikes you.
This has really drawn me back in with more ability to have campaigns last.
Finally, I have stayed in the game long enough to get my kids intrigued. My goal will be to help them learn the joy of character...right before our dwarven warriors start splitting some skulls!
The Satanic panic briefly got in the way for a while but before you knew it basic mixed with AD&D was taking place. We were still clueless!
But then the good times started to roll. Late 80s and then on to 1999 or so AD&D was on like Donkey Kong.
We skipped 2nd ironically? Because we thought it was watered down. They are demons and devils damn it and we can take it!
We had a blast. I had the luxury to play with friends. All nighters baby. Sometimes with adult beverages. Usually with fast food. The cheers, the high fives, the characters that we still talk about! The most fun ever.
We played some 3e for a bit, too when I would be home for grad school. All dwarf party with a dwarf wizard!? That’ll make an AD&D player perk up!
And then the long dark of Moria, er, of boring rather. Dissertations, marriages, money woes, early career demands....no D&D for years...years.
And then 5e. Wow. A Renaissance, a rebirth. And yet subject to some of the same old woes. Things have gotten better in a lot of ways.
The prompts to build some personality are nice starting points. But they are not enforced on any deep level. You have to choose immersion.
In years past, campaigns and parties ended all of the time. After a Pause in gaming, interest wanes. But in a few cases it stays strong.
Even now I often talk about what I want to play, even bringing it up here at times for discussion. But I am slow to pull the trigger. A lot of ideas are abandoned. And honestly it’s for the best.
I can get interested in synergy of abilities or quirks or novelty but it fades. I have found I have to like the vibe and personality (or dislike it!) of a character for me to have a long relationship with them.
I am not into high drama without dice. Remember I am from the 70s/80s as a player. And I like to fight!
For me, longer interest is only held in the enjoyment of the role. I truly enjoy chucking dice when I smite with my warlock. I get a thrill about close fights and rolling 20s. But I now know for myself, I have to have a character to play.
Did not in my youth realize the importance for my fun! I am not looking down on staff and shield coffeelock cheese per se. I just know mechanics are not enough by a long shot. Not even novel ‘builds.’
If anyone is really getting burned out on D&D I would recommend the approach of finding a character (not build alone) that strikes you.
This has really drawn me back in with more ability to have campaigns last.
Finally, I have stayed in the game long enough to get my kids intrigued. My goal will be to help them learn the joy of character...right before our dwarven warriors start splitting some skulls!
Last edited: