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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.

It's strange to me. It is like your view of this adventure is so narrow, that you can't imagine someone else playing it differently than how you describe. I am sure, if someone said, "Hey, we were running Rime of the Frostmaiden, but then the players decided they wanted to help destroy Ten Towns...

For me, if I am writing something, I try to always add an NPC section. There I list all the NPCs that are integral for the adventure, even if it is a sandbox and there are many adventures. Then, at the end of the NPC section, I list 40 or 50 more less detailed NPCs; a name, a job, and a...

The other thing I would like to point out is the obvious that many people are overlooking. The adventure is meant for levels 1-3. Of course, someone is going to say, But they still could have added names and motivations. But for anyone stating there is nothing to do beside cave romp (which there...

I guess neither of you read my comment to the end. Ugh. Oh well. I guess the next time the railroading conversation comes up, or the DM prep conversation comes up, I whole-heartedly look forward to seeing just as strong a reaction.

To players that only try to do one thing, you are correct. But I think you are missing the point. If a group showed up, they could spend many sessions just exploring the Keep itself; navigating its politics, befriending people at the Traveller's Inn, helping the priest, gathering rumors. The DM...

You are right, you can create a setting without a plot. But that doesn't mean you can create a setting with a mood, creative points, and DM tone. It just seems like you are missing the nuance of Keep. It is old. It is lacking in many areas. But it holds modern ideals, the same ideals many people...