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I am confused. That is the definition of an RPG. Players make choices, and then the GM reacts to those choices. The DM's Guide and PHB literally state this. I am sorry, but I don't share the negative cinema viewpoint that many do. Yes, there are always plot holes, and yes, there are always...

I was responding to the definition I was given. And in that definition, there is no railroad or linear that I have seen. Per your example, did that DM let you sneak by the guards as opposed to fighting them? That could "impact the course of events," Particularly if he had the guards hear a...

I agree with you whole-heartedly. That is how it should work. But in my experience, it never is. Yes, improv is always needed for RPGs, especially the likes of D&D. And yes, sometimes it leads to fun moments. That said, it is merely happenstance that helped create that moment. It is almost never...

Do you see how you already set the pretense that not all gnolls are evil. They had a relationship, albeit strained, but it wasn't one of only "razed buildings, gnawed corpses, and befouled land." So right away, as GM, you have given yourself an out. My argument was why an exclusively evil...

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I am not saying your experience was this, but whenever I have seen something like that, it was because it was a GM that played improv style. Loved putting details in that didn't matter because it's just what they were thinking of in the moment. Used red herrings because they hadn't thought...

You obviously misread what I said. I stated all of those are decision making points by the players. Hence, they can choose to keep the gem. Now, they are the ones hunted by the mummy. They may ditch the gem then to some shady dealer. Great, the mummy still wants them dead or the GM decides...

I hear and agree, but what that really means is we need to eliminate the term all together. Because if that is the case, I have never ever played in a game, out of my 30+ years, that met the definition of linear or railroad according to you. In fact, no one has, unless you are playing with the...

I like and really appreciate this way of thinking. As someone who played Middle Earth Role Playing waaaay back in the day, and ran a campaign that had a Uruk-hai as one of the PCs, it resonates. But, and it is a BIG BUT, it doesn't work if it is not a player. If even 1/10th of your NPCs are...

The answer in the modern campaign is no. Many won't even be scared of the illithid, thinking them as more like Zoidberg from Futurama.

I feel like the reason no one can agree on the definition is because playing an RPG is not A to B to C. If it were, then there would be a lot more agreement. For example, a group found a long-lost ancient tomb through the aid of a church. Thet recovered a rare gem. They return to the city and...

So, in a railroad, if there is a path that runs through five sessions, but then depending on the choices you made in session three and five, there are two or three possible endings. That is not a railroad to you?

Just for the record. If we decide to run just seven out of the twelve adventures, and then they want to see a different area or retire their characters, that's cool too.

When creating materials, I have always broken this stuff down into three categories: Quests, Explorations, and Adventures. Quests are long, story driven campaigns that may have a couple endings, but the primary antagonist, plot, and some events are set from the get-go. Explorations let the...

I would argue this is just an improv game and has nothing to do with a sandbox.

Ahh.. Ok. Sorry, the way I read it, especially with your 50/50 example, seemed to indicate everyone had to be on the same page from the get-go. Thanks for clarifying.

(Note: I begin what sounds like a bragging session, I know there are many many many other game designers here that have experienced and done the same thing.) I am going to flip this question on its head, well not really, more like on its side I have developed rules or created systems that I...

I went with human dominant, although the dwarves used to be dominant. Thus, that allowed for me to have ruins scattered throughout the continent. The continent is contained via storms, which helps me add a distinct layer. Once the PCs leave the continent (if they ever do), all the other...

I think this is an oversimplification of players. I have known many, me included, that can shift and bend with the game and GM, and still have a great time and be completely satisfied.

Fair enough. I just think that D&D is played by a table of people, and not a linear computer that can't deviate from said word. But your evidence is strong. Thanks for replying and explaining.