TerraDave
5ever, or until 2024
In this thread, ENWorld “moderator” “Rel” (using the anonymous tag to conceal his real identity) issued a violently angry, if also extremely accurate, screed denouncing 4E and all those involved in it. (Full text below).
In subsequent posts, other “moderators”, “admins” and one “admiral” attempt to stop “Rel’s” deeply felt denunciation, clearly fearing the impact of the rant on future ad buys by WotC, which will be the only way anyone associated with ENWorld will make any money when 4E comes out.
Unfortunately, the subsequent infighting revealed the deep suspicion for 4E felt by most “people” associated with ENWorld.
Its financial future destroyed, the “admiral” made this announcement:
Due to a combination of public reminiscence about older versions of D&D, and fractious and acerbic relations between the owner and staff of the site in recent months, the website has changed hands. Not only that, but it has changed its focus and name.
It is believed that the sales price was greatly reduced by the revelations, and has been compared to JP Morgans recent acquisition of Bear Stearns. Small booklets printed in the mid 1970's and detaling cult rituals were also believed to be involved in the transaction.
Full text of the original statement.
General - OD&D 4 me
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unless it's for moderation, you guys probably don't see me around here much lately. I've been pondering exactly why that is and I had an epiphany about it this weekend that I knew you'd want to know about: OD&D is really the direction I want to be headed.
I mean what's at the heart of gaming? Fun. Imagination. Stories. Mystery. Magic.
Seems like I've let those fall by the wayside amid all the discussions of tactics, balance, "what's core?", "does this model reality?", and "where's the verisimilitude?" When did I start using the word "verisimilitude" on a regular basis anyway?
With Gary passing recently, it had me reflecting back on gaming with him this past GenCon and how much pure fun that was. None of the other BS that we're constantly reading about here on the boards. Just the magic of enjoyment that comes from exploring a dungeon, falling down a 10' pit and smashing skeletons while finding a Shield +1.
There were no attacks of opportunity (although Gary could have given somebody one if he felt it was warranted: GM judgement at work). There was no counting squares. There was no big list of abilities that could be used 1/day. There were no skills to track. We had Sleep and Charm Person and we LIKED IT. And for anything else you could make a Dex check.
Just think of how much easier that is to keep track of. How much easier is it to PREPARE for?! When I think of running other versions of D&D, I think my players must assume that I am MADE of free time! And if I'm going to spend the time to prep the game at all then they can certainly live with a more simplified ruleset where I'm granted a bit more GM fiat.
It's all very clear now. That is the direction my games should be headed.
IN CASE IT ISN'T CLEAR, I POSTED THIS THREAD IN THE 4E FORUM BECAUSE IT WAS THE ABOVE REALIZATION THAT HAS DECIDED ME AGAINST ADOPTING 4E. THANK YOU.
In subsequent posts, other “moderators”, “admins” and one “admiral” attempt to stop “Rel’s” deeply felt denunciation, clearly fearing the impact of the rant on future ad buys by WotC, which will be the only way anyone associated with ENWorld will make any money when 4E comes out.
Unfortunately, the subsequent infighting revealed the deep suspicion for 4E felt by most “people” associated with ENWorld.
Its financial future destroyed, the “admiral” made this announcement:
Due to a combination of public reminiscence about older versions of D&D, and fractious and acerbic relations between the owner and staff of the site in recent months, the website has changed hands. Not only that, but it has changed its focus and name.
It is believed that the sales price was greatly reduced by the revelations, and has been compared to JP Morgans recent acquisition of Bear Stearns. Small booklets printed in the mid 1970's and detaling cult rituals were also believed to be involved in the transaction.
Full text of the original statement.
General - OD&D 4 me
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unless it's for moderation, you guys probably don't see me around here much lately. I've been pondering exactly why that is and I had an epiphany about it this weekend that I knew you'd want to know about: OD&D is really the direction I want to be headed.
I mean what's at the heart of gaming? Fun. Imagination. Stories. Mystery. Magic.
Seems like I've let those fall by the wayside amid all the discussions of tactics, balance, "what's core?", "does this model reality?", and "where's the verisimilitude?" When did I start using the word "verisimilitude" on a regular basis anyway?
With Gary passing recently, it had me reflecting back on gaming with him this past GenCon and how much pure fun that was. None of the other BS that we're constantly reading about here on the boards. Just the magic of enjoyment that comes from exploring a dungeon, falling down a 10' pit and smashing skeletons while finding a Shield +1.
There were no attacks of opportunity (although Gary could have given somebody one if he felt it was warranted: GM judgement at work). There was no counting squares. There was no big list of abilities that could be used 1/day. There were no skills to track. We had Sleep and Charm Person and we LIKED IT. And for anything else you could make a Dex check.
Just think of how much easier that is to keep track of. How much easier is it to PREPARE for?! When I think of running other versions of D&D, I think my players must assume that I am MADE of free time! And if I'm going to spend the time to prep the game at all then they can certainly live with a more simplified ruleset where I'm granted a bit more GM fiat.
It's all very clear now. That is the direction my games should be headed.
IN CASE IT ISN'T CLEAR, I POSTED THIS THREAD IN THE 4E FORUM BECAUSE IT WAS THE ABOVE REALIZATION THAT HAS DECIDED ME AGAINST ADOPTING 4E. THANK YOU.
