kamosa
Explorer
In my experience "grim and gritty" and "low magic" has equaled poor DM. It means DM's that feel magic missle is over powering, but a fighter with a sword that critical threats on 16 or greater and does 4D6 plus strength, 3 times per round is perfectly balanced. It means the DM is getting ready to keep the best spells out of the game. It means the Mage might was well not even attempt to take item creation feats.
It means that anything that is more creative then "I swing my sword" will be crushed by an egotistical GM, that would rather have a boring lame game then see his/her story ruined by altering the adventure even a little bit.
It means fear of what the players could do, and fear that their perfect little game would be ruined if the players had any power.
Maybe your experience has been different, but that's been my experience.
It means that anything that is more creative then "I swing my sword" will be crushed by an egotistical GM, that would rather have a boring lame game then see his/her story ruined by altering the adventure even a little bit.
It means fear of what the players could do, and fear that their perfect little game would be ruined if the players had any power.
Maybe your experience has been different, but that's been my experience.