An observation and hopefully some wisdom

[Wik]

I've run games where the experience is similar to Doug's. I once ran a DARK SUN dungeon that made very little sense, and afterward, I was able to pick a lot of holes in the design - the Players never picked up on any of that. In fact, they had a lot of fun.

A few years ago, I got an archaeology textbook that was filled with maps from Egyptian Tombs, Greek Temples, etc. I took one of those maps, turned it into a dungeon based off an egyptian tomb (fairly well researched, I might add). And the players spent a lot of time picking holes in it. Never mind that it was based off a REAL TOMB.

Absurdities and illogical events can be fun, but there has to be a reason to them in the end, or the players will get frustrated. You can send Napolean's troops to Egypt wearing Wool in your game... but the PCs have to at least have a chance to find out that this happened due to an oversight... or a conspiracy theory... or whatever else.

 

[billd91]

??? You think Napoleon was a great man?

With all of his military successes and legacies that are still felt today in some countries (Napoleonic code)? I don't see how he can't be considered a great man - great in stature and effect, not necessarily a swell and decent guy.

 

[Aramax]

??? You think Napoleon was a great man?

Gee, not too far off topic.

 

[Maggan]

History is full of great(and not so great)Men that did illogical things.

My thought is "yeah, and most of them were punished quite severely for their stupid ideas".

It's easy to look upon those who think outside the box and have spectacular success and go "yeah, that's what thinking out of the box will do for you!", and totally forget what I believe to be the majority of instances where doing so have failed spectacularly.

But, sure I agree, think outside the box, do the unexpected and wildly strange and illogical thing, fly your banner in the face of common wisdom! Be a maverick and a trailblazer!

If you succeed, raise a toast to those great who went before you, and tell your stories to your grandchildren.

If you fail, don't be too surprised. And if your idea is truly stupid, don't give up. Most ideas are stupid.

/M

 

[Invisible Stalker]

In comic books I call it the "Clark Kent Disguise Syndrome." They can't believe anyone can disguise themselves with just a pair of glasses. The faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and the able to leap tall buildings parts get a free pass though.

 

[Nifft]

In comic books I call it the "Clark Kent Disguise Syndrome." They can't believe anyone can disguise themselves with just a pair of glasses. The faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and the able to leap tall buildings parts get a free pass though.

Sure, but that was justified in the narrative: he was special and had special speeding, leaping, and locomotion-related powers.

The glasses were never hinted to be anything out of the ordinary.

Cheers, -- N

PS: As an homage, I seem to recall someone around here suggesting a magic item ("Glasses of Disguise"), which simply made you unrecognizably nondescript to anyone who didn't see you put them on, or something. In 4e, I'd price them at about 10th level.

 

[Dross]

I think posters are far too quick to take the point of view that an idea presented is illogical or impractical.These observations are not helpfull or IMHO even valid.....

I don't think this is a huge problem here ,I just think that the disscusion can be greatly improved by more open-minded thinking

Thoughts?

While at first glance it may not be obvious, but most people don't throw ideas out willy nilly, they at least take some time to think about it.
to them, it is perfectly logical (how warped it is is up to others ).

And remember: Common sense isn't really that common and is often nonsensical to others.