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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kaptain_Kantrip" data-source="post: 264574" data-attributes="member: 546">Hi there! Yes, there is a huge difference between the writing level of 1e (Gygax & Co.) vs. later editions. Gygax made you think, whether you wanted to or not, because you simply didn't have a choice if you wanted to play. Other RPGs of the time, such as Chivalry & Sorcery, Call of Cthulhu, or Traveler) were even MORE complicated to learn. Later editions of D&D (and most other RPGs) attempted to bring the writing level down a notch (or several, by some opinions) to reach a wider audience. This is a marketing strategy, as I've said before, and is a perfectly valid (and some would say, preferable) tactic. Here's a little math analogy for you: Easier to comprehend = more players = more money.D&D has been "dumbed down" post-Gygax. Whether or not that's a good thing is up to the individual. I see it as both good and bad. The game is now easier to understand than ever (except for AoO's, LOL), and anyone can quickly and easily pick up the rules in short order. It also means that you aren't getting the same mental workout 1e gave you.What people seem to be disputing is that Harn's writing level is more sophistocated than D&D 3e. I would offer that Harn is even more complex than that of Gygax/1e D&D. That doesn't make it "for smartypants elitists" anymore than 1e D&D was. It does make it harder to fully grasp than D&D 2e/3e was, and therefore it tends to draw an older, more sophisticated style of gamer than D&D, and a much smaller number. This is not meant as a slam!Again, this does not mean "only dummies play D&D". I never said that, so please stop twisting my words around. Many smart people play D&D. There is nothing wrong with playing D&D. Hell, I've played D&D (in every edition) for nigh on two decades now. I have been a vocal advocate of d20 on this forum and the Harn one for quite some time now. CLARIFICATION:In my previous posts, I have noticed a point of confusion that was my fault due to a form of "mental shorthand" I practiced...Most of the time when I am referring to D&D and people say that my issues are setting more than rules specific, they are right. I am referring to official D&D settings and adventures much of the time when I complain about high fantasy/hack-n-slash. When I complain about "video game mentality" I am referring to 3e's rules. They are all "D&D" but the distinction should have been made by me earlier. No doubt this also caused confusion between Harn (the world) and HarnMaster (the rules). My apologies for any confusion!</blockquote>

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