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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Keldryn" data-source="post: 5929954" data-attributes="member: 11999">I agree that modularity is aimed at dedicated players, but I don't think that it makes it harder for new players to learn the game -- depending on how the modular options are constructed.  Self-contained modules which extend the core system, without changing the underlying rules and structure, are best.  BECMI had a number of what are essentially modular systems that appeared as the campaign progressed, which is one way to handle such options without making the game harder to learn.  I agree with all of this.  Gygaxian prose was great for developing my vocabulary, but it's a terrible way to write any sort of reference or instruction manual.  Consistent and flexible mechanics eliminate much of the need for pure DM fiat, but one of the strengths of tabletop gaming is that you have a real person who can make judgement calls, instead of a computer following programmed instructions.  Leave out the D&D equivalent to the "do not use while sleeping" statements on hair dryer instructions though.  Assume DMs have some degree of common sense.That's assuming that traditionalist players are looking for it to play like older editions purely out of nostalgia and a dislike of change.I like older editions because I feel less stifled by rules and explicitly described options and because combats run much faster.  I don't really like the higher lethality that much, and many of the mechanics are clunky and unintuitive.  Speed of play generally trumps all of the negatives though.A D&D with the fluidity and speed of play of older editions with the consistent mechanics of new editions could appeal to traditionalists who aren't hung up on specific mechanics and terminology, as well as casual gamers.That's more or less the approach they took with 4e, isn't it?  Computers can handle complex mechanics much faster than humans,  so WoW mechanics aren't a good comparison.  You also don't want to limit D&D's appeal to players of those electronic games.  MMORPGs, by their very nature, are decidedly non-casual.  It's extremely hard to accomplishing of anything playing casually, as the games are designed around players investing a lot of time.  I've read WoW players talking about those "casual" players on message boards.  Thus particular definition of casual was anyone who spent 15 hours a week or less playing the game.  That's a part-time job, not casual engagement in a hobby.We have an unprecedented number of entertainment options available today.  If D&D requires a larger investment of time, effort, and money than the alternatives, it's market will keep shrinking.A D&D with simple but flexible rules can be played anywhere, at any time, and the possibilities are only limited by the imaginations of its players.  That's its appeal.  When you keep adding more stuff to the core of the game, it undermines this simple appeal.</blockquote>

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