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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Snarf Zagyg" data-source="post: 8098065" data-attributes="member: 7023840">I think a common mistake is to view AD&D (or OD&D) as being an attempt at simulation; that's when you run into issues like, "But wait a minute, this doesn't make sense! That wouldn't happen in the real world!"Setting aside issues of the "real world" as opposed to unicorns and fireballs, early D&D was very much designed to be a game. In the words of Gygax:A few brief words are necessary to insure that the reader has actually obtained a game form which he or she desires. Of the two approaches to hobby games today, one is best defined as the realism-simulation school and the other as the game school. AD&D is assuredly on adherent of the latter school. It does not stress any realism (in the author’s opinion an absurd effort at best considering the topic!). It does little to attempt to simulate anything either. ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is first and foremost a game for the fun and enjoyment of those who seek to use imagination and creativity. This is not to say that where it does not interfere with the flow of the game that the highest degree of realism hasn‘t been attempted, but neither is a serious approach to play discouraged. In all cases, however, the reader should understand that AD&D is designed to be an amusing and diverting pastime, something which can fill a few hours or consume endless days, as the participants desire, but in no case something to be taken too seriously. For fun, excitement, and captivating fantasy, AD&D is unsurpassed. As a realistic simulation of things from the realm of make-believe, or even as a reflection of medieval or ancient warfare or culture or society, it can be deemed only a dismal failure. Readers who seek the latter must search elsewhere. Those who desire to create and populate imaginary worlds with larger-than-life heroes and villains, who seek relaxation with a fascinating game, and who generally believe games should be fun, not work, will hopefully find this system to their taste. That's why you often see concepts and rules in OD&D and AD&D that are applied in order to make the game more enjoyable, even though they would not apply in the real world.</blockquote>

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