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Storyteller and narrativism in the same sentence make me :(. But I agree that 4E is a buttkicking storytelling game (like I said in my OP, gam/sim mix).

A History check to "create a ancient sewer grate out of thin air as a way of escape" from another thread is a good example of a "conflict resolution system" vs a "task resolution system"*. Sim/Gamist RPG usually uses the later while Narrativist RPG uses the former. However, the usage of this...

The difference between "transcript" and "story" is the existence of a developed theme. In other words, you can't make a proper novel out of a transcript. The idea behind narrativist play is to actively seek to have a story at the end. Both sim/gam play can lead to a story, but it is much less...

FYI, I much prefer the "Big Model" broader approach than the old GNS framework. I can't repeat the definitions in every single post, so I put a link in my sig. That's not perfect of course... However, I noticed that much more EnWorlders are now familiar with "forgespeak". The agendas (g/n/s)...

A "dungeon-based" narrativist RPG is perfectly doable, e.g. encounters as situations where players have to make choices about their characters motivations [according to their view of what would give a good story]. (Save the princess or get the treasure?). However, do not misunstertand me, I...

"Acting in character" is certainly part of what Roleplay is, but not the whole of it. It can be exploration of Character, Situation, Setting, System, Color, etc. (look at my sig for more).

The problem is a player confused about : Doing A because it's the best strategy. Doing B because it's the way a Paladin of Torm would act before a Cleric of Bane. Doing C because it would make a very good twist in the story. Of course A, B, C being much different. Problem is worse then you...

I disagree. Gamist != No Exploration (a.k.a roleplay), that is not a gamist RPG but a boardgame. Gamism = risk, strategies, guts decision, challenges as TOP priority. Simulationism = Exploration ("roleplay") as TOP priority. So, a clearly-focused gamist RPG can be made without ending up with...

A player playing a paladin with a strict code having already to deal with the confusing gamist/sim way of taking actions cannot reasonably be asked to come with an interesting narrative on top of it (and such without rewards!).

In a long blog post, Rodney Thompson confirm to us that the designers intent on D&D 4E is still to deliver a game that support a twisted gamist/simulationist playstyle. Why? Because he says that players should be rewarded both for : 1) Using the best strategy 2) Acting in character, or...

Sorry, but if you really want to dispel the "RISK factor" in your RPG session, trying a narrativist-supportive RPG is really one of the most interesting options.

Players loosing against a sound challenge (TPK or fleeing the dragon before saving the princess) is a kind of DM "win". The problem is that in D&D 3.x such thing can happen too often and in much anti-climatic way. Hopefully, such situations are gonna be more dramatic in 4E with less...

Stop playing an gamist RPG and try a narrativist one ? ;)

It's worse than that because petitionners don't have a really good memory of their mortal lives ;)

Question for Scott Rouse : WoTC said "we want to attract more girls in D&D". WoTC said "10$/month by user (with a year contract)". For all of us DM with a gf/wife at home that would consider playing, what can you offer ?

1 : In gamist play yes IF all the players understand that the "unconventional ways" are part of the game and I would prefer to have them as much clearly defined as combat. 2 : In gamist play, should combat with opponents who can't win be played out ? I would say no, just quickly describe how...

Static encounters would be like a "sorry, you just have lost the game" square on a board game. That doesn't make a fun game. To make fun gamist choices, you don't rely, well at least not 50% of time, on DM winking. Don't forget that the acceptable range of encounter is not limited to the PC...

Static encounters = simulationist play = I don't want to play with you ;) Tailored encounters = gamist or narrativist play = I may want to play with you :p 4E seems to admit itself more a gamist than simulationist RPG, so default will probably be tailored. However, static may be mentioned...

You mean that, as a GM, you want to tell stories to the players ?

Cough, cough. Simulationist is defined by a main focus on Exploration. D&D 4E may be a "high-exploration" gamist RPG, but certainly not a simulationist one.