D&D - Thinking outside of the box

[WizarDru]

The concept of "D&D style fantasy" isn't new to any of us, but it isn't a genre; its far to narrow. Fantasy is a genre. D&D is a flavor or something.

The term 'genre' is anything BUT narrow. D&D is a genre of Fantasy or Role-Playing depending on where you would like to categorize it. It has evolved from a mish-mash of EGG's personal favorite fictional, mythological and historical elements into its own beast that is wholly different from the sources that spawned it.

 

[Mark CMG]

Like I said later, I regretted putting it quite like this...

That's what I get for clicking to post and not getting around to finishing the post until after you posted that.

 

[buzz]

The term 'genre' is anything BUT narrow. D&D is a genre of Fantasy or Role-Playing depending on where you would like to categorize it. It has evolved from a mish-mash of EGG's personal favorite fictional, mythological and historical elements into its own beast that is wholly different from the sources that spawned it.

Exactamundo.

Still, this is semantics, and that way lay madness. Aaron, regardless, I think you get my point.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Another analogy: German is my native language, and I grew up with German culture.

But then I learned English, read English-language texts (not just RPGs...) and news extensively, and even spent half a year living in Scotland.

And I found that learning to see the world from a different perspective - which English allowed me to do - has also given me a new perspective on Germany. I began questioning things I've always had taken for granted. But I have also learned to appreciate things about Germany which I had also taken for granted until then.

I think the same thing can and will happen to those who expand their gaming horizon beyond D&D.

 

[MerricB]

I think the same thing can and will happen to those who expand their gaming horizon beyond D&D.

They certainly did with me. Amber Diceless RPG opened my eyes to the perils of DM-fiat, which is one reason I prefer 3e over earlier editions.

Cheers!

 

[buzz]

I think the same thing can and will happen to those who expand their gaming horizon beyond D&D.

I basically agree that it's good, if you're interested in RPG-ing in general, to play different kinds of RPGs. However, I think that making the statement is perilously close to the good ol', "If you only knew better, you wouldn't play D&D." Not that I'm saying you're saying that.

 

[helium3]

All that and more; see what MoogleEmpMog posted above. This is why D&D (*not* d20 generally) is a suboptimal choice for emulating fantasy settings/genres that are not it's own; it's simply not designed to emulate anything other that it's own established tropes. This is not a criticism, it's just observation. "D&D does a great job of being D&D."

Again, this isn't something I just made up. The concept of "D&D-style fantasy" is way old.

If I modified the core rules so that I could succesfully emulate the Wheel of Time setting it wouldn't be D&D anymore? I suppose that's true.

What about if I modify the core rules but not with the specific goal of emulating some other setting? Then what happens?

How much modification can you make before the game system would cease to be D&D and become something else?

 

[Odhanan]

I basically agree that it's good, if you're interested in RPG-ing in general, to play different kinds of RPGs. However, I think that making the statement is perilously close to the good ol', "If you only knew better, you wouldn't play D&D." Not that I'm saying you're saying that.

Indeed, Jurgen isn't quite saying that though.

Reminds me of some stuff I posted on my LJ recently. It's related to this issue of opening yourself to other genres and RPG styles. I don't think that opening oneself to other RPGs and influences is not a bad thing by any stretch of imagination. Doesn't mean you have to give up D&D whatsoever. However, it does mean you are seizing opportunities to make your gaming more aware and in the end better, whatever your choices and changes or non-changes may be thereafter.

 

[Gold Roger]

Indeed, Jurgen isn't quite saying that though.

Reminds me of some stuff I posted on my LJ recently. It's related to this issue of opening yourself to other genres and RPG styles. I don't think that opening oneself to other RPGs and influences is not a bad thing by any stretch of imagination. Doesn't mean you have to give up D&D whatsoever. However, it does mean you are seizing opportunities to make your gaming more aware and in the end better, whatever your choices and changes or non-changes may be thereafter.

I agree.

However, I think it's important to remember that thinking out of the box is a tool, not a goal in itself.

 

[Odhanan]

I agree.

However, I think it's important to remember that thinking out of the box is a tool, not a goal in itself.

Absolutely!