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All that “art” is terrible

And the ancestries as well. Theres really only three: human, human in fancy dress, and weirdo.

why is D&D so incredibly complex? Youd think by the 8th (?) iteration the some designers might have stumbled upon simplicity.

ie “some changes make the game worse” or “some changes support one type of play over another and are not an improvement and preferring a style thats now unfavoured is not conservatism”

riddle me… why are OSR games mostly closer to Moldvay Basic than bells-and-whistles 2E? why is 5E closer to 3E than 4E?

“progress” in rpg design does not come from twiddling dials, but from harmonizing them. Eg less resource management is not design progress. Resolving inconsistencies and contradictions is.

The more exotic wizard spells could be jealously guarded by schools of magic. Eg To learn spells x y and z you have to join the Green Wizards . And you must not create scrolls of or teach outsiders these spells on pain of death. Also, all your spells with a visible effect are tinged green, and...

I think having a zillion classes is a mistake. Id prefer a subclass mechanic “swap your next talent roll for this”

Probably

Nah. No dooming flaw, just sacrifice.

"a satisfying sequence of events in which PCs (mine and others') act as big damn hero protagonists, putting their values to the test through challenges, leading to an eventual denouement wherein a on-for-now is reached“ Youve loaded satisfying , hero protagonists, testing values, and eventual...

I think that tjere is a point buried in Mearls’ cloud-shouting and grognard-knicker-flashing. The pearl in the mearls is I can see the fun in a rpg with no or low character mortality. Other stakes are available. I can see the fun in a complex crunchy rpg with a gazilluon combat relared...

Pre or post Ibsen Tragedy?

There is no one word to replace “story”, thats the issue. Use whatever you feel is right. And if you cant find a synonym or phrase to substitute, it means you were waffling in the first place.

“Story” needs to be retired as a term. Its useless.

There was an old lady that swallowed a fly….

dismay? Why? You gave the players a challenge (spot the trick) and they aced it !

Agency isnt binary, most things are neutral.

the error of thinking a mere first level spell can thwart a powerful antagonist?

Im coming to the conclusion that a significant slice of D&D players would be better off playing Rolemaster instead. Nb: this is not a criticism of either system or any particular playstyle.