Do grognards have to be jerks?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Eh, I already gave 'my' definition above, so I don't need to do it again in another thread. But its a word I never use, nor use it in any other context. I think its a derogatory term only.

I was under the impression that it was a self-applied label, rather than a term applied by others, originally. (It would be a pretty obscure term to try to tag someone else with.)

Of course, since people are now using it to mean "people who play any version of other than 4E," it may be pretty close to meaningless at this point.

 

[Pentius]

I would be hesitant to say that grognards have to be jerks, as what we have seen in this thread indicates that many people who simply enjoy older versions of the game to new ones but don't feel a need to be jerks about it are willing or even happy to apply the term to themselves. And I have no beef with these people.

On the other hand, I want to say yes, because when I hear the term "grognard" I don't think just of someone who enjoys an older edition over the new. I specifically picture someone who like an older edition better, and would like to tell me at length why my preferred system is a terrible travesty, and not even Roleplaying, because all the life has been sucked out of it and ramble ramble balance is bad ramble ramble wizards aren't magic anymore ramble ramble all fighters are magic now ramble ramble kid gloves ramble ramble story is slave to mechanics now ramble ramble damned power gamers ramble ramble and that's why you kids need to get off my lawn, but hey, stick around, I might think of other ways to tell you how wrong you are for liking that thing you like.

So there you have it.

 

[gamerprinter]

I was under the impression that it was a self-applied label, rather than a term applied by others, originally. (It would be a pretty obscure term to try to tag someone else with.)

Of course, since people are now using it to mean "people who play any version of other than 4E," it may be pretty close to meaningless at this point.

You're probably right, except I've never heard someone say "I'm a grognard". I've only heard or seen posted "You're a grognard".

But as stated, since its a word I don't generally use - it's real meaning is meaningless to me.

 

[GameDaddy]

I didn't notice anyone at any of my tables or at nearby tables having any issues at all about any editions this trip. I pretty much ran all old school games, and even hosted a couple of 0D&D events in the Sagamore Ballroom. Went smooth, and everyone had a good time.

Courtesy was rather lacking though in the dealer hall. I got run over once, and had to snatch my boy out of the path of lumbering giants twice who would have simply bowled him over. Sunday was especially bad. At the registration line, some punk kid started throwing pencils. The simultaneous death glare from both me and my wife put a quick end to those shenanigans.

 

[Oryan77]

You're probably right, except I've never heard someone say "I'm a grognard". I've only heard or seen posted "You're a grognard".

That's because we don't like to brag. Calling ourselves a grognard is like a cool kid calling himself cool; you'll just end up looking like a douche saying it. We already know we're cool for being a grognard. We're humble enough to not need to point it out.

I don't know why anyone would find the name insulting. I couldn't wait for 4e to come out so I could be a grognard. I didn't get a label when 3e was the current edition. Now, it's the 4e players that don't get a label. I finally have a word to identify myself with!

Grog-nard. Sounds awesome. It sounds like some kind of big, giant, ferocious beast. Or it could be what the commoners call the beasts junk. Either way, I'm cool with it.

 

[chaochou]

I really can't get my head round this thread.

First off, the appropriation of the word grognard by the RPG hobby is just wrong. Grognards are wargamers - everyone knows that. Les Grognards. It's a Napoleonic thing.

Second, the question 'Do grognards have to be jerks?' reads to me that the assumption is that they all are but that it could, possibly, be avoided. Perhaps through the use of hypnotherapy, or some sort of cure-all ointment (Buy new Jerk Away and be at peace with your inner grog!).

I have known a good number of wargaming grognards and 'old school' RP-ers and while many could use a shave, jerks they are not.

All very strange.

 

[The Shaman]

I usually point that term to old pre-RPG miniatures gamers, or even the origin of the term retired veterans who served under Napoleon. I don't think any of those grognards are still alive.

I'm not dead yet!

I think I'll go for a walk.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

First off, the appropriation of the word grognard by the RPG hobby is just wrong. Grognards are wargamers - everyone knows that.

And this is where your argument broke down.

 

[Dannager]

There's not much point in this as conversation if your anecdotal experiences are all that you're interested in.

If you've got anything besides anecdotes, we can definitely talk. But let's face it: all any of us are operating with are anecdotes and hunches. I have my hunch, and it's based both on anecdotal experience and a very rough understanding of human nature. It can't really be argued against, since there's no real evidence arguing in favor of it to begin with.

That said, I would like to see someone address what we observe in terms of threads like this versus threads created by grognards complaining about the jerk-like behavior of non-grognards. Again, if the two groups were equally jerk-like, it stands to reason that both would find cause to complain just as often and vocally about the behavior of the other.

On the other hand, I want to say yes, because when I hear the term "grognard" I don't think just of someone who enjoys an older edition over the new. I specifically picture someone who like an older edition better, and would like to tell me at length why my preferred system is a terrible travesty, and not even Roleplaying, because all the life has been sucked out of it and ramble ramble balance is bad ramble ramble wizards aren't magic anymore ramble ramble all fighters are magic now ramble ramble kid gloves ramble ramble story is slave to mechanics now ramble ramble damned power gamers ramble ramble and that's why you kids need to get off my lawn, but hey, stick around, I might think of other ways to tell you how wrong you are for liking that thing you like.

This.

We have this perception for a reason: all of us are familiar with this type of person, and we have encountered him many times, and he seems to go unchecked by the sub-community of which he is a part.

Being opinionated and sharing it is one thing. Dumping all over someone else's opinion and acting like they should be thanking you for the experience is another entirely.

 

[Dannager]

I dislike positions that dislike reality.

Oh man! Me too!