D&D 5E What does "Railroading" actually mean!? Discount Code on Page 8

[Paul Farquhar]

The term "railroading" is a metaphor. Unless you're referring to playing DnD on an actual train.

The first time I played D&D was on a train. True fact.

 

[FrogReaver]

The term "railroading" is a metaphor. Unless you're referring to playing DnD on an actual train.

no. It’s jargon.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

no. It’s jargon.

That is a terminological inexactitude.

 

[jasper]

jaron is a 5th level wizard who back ground was a teacher of languages.
Inexactitued is a the departments evil accountant

 

[Umbran]

Fully agree on that. You do not need rules to do as you describe. They can be useful or not. It all depends on the players and the DM. Since the RP aspect of a game is so dependent on the participants anyway, I much prefer to have free reins on that.

Sure. As always, personal preferences come first.

The nice thing about having rules for it is, though, is in setting the expectations. People know what can happen, and where the decisions lie and who has what agency before you begin.

Like with that Barbarian - knowing the rules, the player should not expect the barbarian to become a premier diplomat, and the GM doesn't have to figure out how to make it happen. Write that larger, and you have the value of rules for arcs.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Sure. As always, personal preferences come first.

The nice thing about having rules for it is, though, is in setting the expectations. People know what can happen, and where the decisions lie and who has what agency before you begin.

Like with that Barbarian - knowing the rules, the player should not expect the barbarian to become a premier diplomat, and the GM doesn't have to figure out how to make it happen. Write that larger, and you have the value of rules for arcs.

But a barbarian can be built as a diplomat, maximising charisma and acquiring Persuasion skill (and possibly expertise with a feat).

And the DM could create an adventure that puts PCs of any class in the role of diplomats. U2 Danger at Dunswater is an actual D&D example.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

evil accountant

Always evil races are not allowed any more.

So no more accountants in D&D.

 

[Maxperson]

Trains can go forwards, or backwards, or stop.

And the difference between a train and a dungeon is that the PCs can exit the dungeon any time they wish. On a train you a forced to wait until the next pre-determined spot before you an exit. You're just along for the ride.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

And the difference between a train and a dungeon is that the PCs can exit the dungeon any time they wish. On a train you a forced to wait until the next pre-determined spot before you an exit. You're just along for the ride.

I also jumped off a moving train once (before they had automatic doors).

 

[Maxperson]

The first time I played D&D was on a train. True fact.

If it was a dungeon adventure, that might explain the confusion you are experiencing.