[BoVD]Well, since I can't seem to post this on Wizards forums...

[Dinkeldog]

Just a warning, we're getting really close to getting this thread closed. Let's trying being a little less judgmental of each other, 'kay?

 

[Zappo]

A couple of questions, aimed at anyone who wishes to think about it. One I've already posed, but I feel it could still be useful. It also introduces the second, which is new, but more generic.

How many think that the BoVD is evil, in the sense that it promotes RL evil, and how many think that it isn't evil but other people (eg. fundamentalists) may find it evil (thus damaging the hobby)?

Among the first group, how many think "I could become evil IRL by exposure to "vile" themes", and how many think "I'm strong willed enough, but someone else (eg. kids) could become evil IRL by exposure to "vile" themes"?

 

[SemperJase]

i personally have played many space games without turning into an astronaut, and have as yet to cast a spell, weild a sword or heal someone by calling on a god......

I haven't explored an underground cave or jumped over at 15' pit in real life either.

Let me be more specific. Johnny Wilson in his prison article noted the most sited benefit of D&D. It encourages teamwork, socialization and problem solving.

What kind of socialization is it teaching when you revel in torture, rape, and murder? Negative socialization. That is the impact that translates into the real world.

 

[alsih2o]

That is the impact that translates into the real world.

but it doesn't. some of the most selfish people i have ever met were great gamers, could pull a ragged party together into a fighting unit in no time at all.

i have never heard of a well socialized, normal person turning into a vigilabte thug from gaming with a "good" group....so how would gaming with an evil group turn one into a rapist or necrophiliac?

 

[Dinkeldog]

*snip*

What kind of socialization is it teaching when you revel in torture, rape, and murder? Negative socialization. That is the impact that translates into the real world.

Any game I would run would teach that those activities land you into a big heap o' trouble.

 

[Dinkeldog]

Here's a question, Jase:

Do you think that all DMs are doomed to become evil people? After all, they typically play all of the bad guys in a campaign. Running that much evil should have a pretty strong impact on them, right?

 

[herald]

Sorry SemperJase,

But there is a whole big enough to drive a truck though in the logic that you are proposing.

I'll give you an example.

Let's say I'm cast in the part of a villian at a reniassance festival. I'm not getting paid for it, but what the heck. It's kind of like community theater.

They want me to really play it over the top. They want me to play a voilent, corrupt, lustful, inpious priest. A powerful one at that.

So, I go ahead with it. I have fun with the character. I torment peasants and give viled threats. I reward my underlings for thier devious natures. When audiance members insinuate that I might even participate in nasty things with alter boys, I coyly skirt the issue. I even go so far and try and entice audiance members to be just a cruel and debauced like me.

And all the while, the audiance keeps asking for more.


Am I morally wrong?

Am I evil?

After all, I am role playing in the strictest sense of the word.


Am I polluting myself because I an putting forth a fictional persona who is corrupt?

Think about this, because you should realize that you can't have light with out darkness.

You can't have a virtuous hero if they is not some villian to overcome.

 

[SemperJase]

you have advocated censorship. That offends me. Your high horse offends me.

I give up. Welcome to my ignore list.

I find it strange that you take offense at me. Apparently you enjoy the type of game I suggest which means you do agree that kind of game is better.

I must clarify again that I have not advocated censorship. Not once have I suggested that WotC not be allowed to publish what they want. I have not suggested that gamers be prohibited from playing the kind of game they want.

 

[SemperJase]

i have never heard of a well socialized, normal person turning into a vigilabte thug from gaming with a "good" group....so how would gaming with an evil group turn one into a rapist or necrophiliac?

Good point. I agree that D&D alone will not turn you into a thug. It is one piece of a larger picture.

I am not suggesting that evil D&D characters and unsocial behavior are cause and effect respectively.

 

[BLACKDIRGE]

I have some questions for you SemperJase.

How "evil" are the villians in your game?

What motivation do you give your "good" characters to oppose them?

It can get awfully boring portraying evil NPCs as vanilla, mustache twisting cartoon villains. So what do your villains act like?

I think a point a lot of people have made is that the BOVD is not really meant for PC's but can help DM's create some truly memorable villains. I for one will buy the BOVD and just not use the thngs I find distasteful.

Dirge