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<blockquote data-quote="Crust" data-source="post: 3361676" data-attributes="member: 22330">I disagree with the term railroading, because it implies that a DM who insists that his players follow the module he prepared is doing something wrong.I chose &quot;sometimes&quot; because I don't have to insist that they follow the module.&nbsp; They understand that they should be following the module (or the quest) I've prepared.&nbsp; Frankly, it would be disrespectful for them to up and turn their backs on a quest that I've spent valuable time preparing.&nbsp; I'm running the Age of Worms campaign set in FR's Sword Coast, and though they have options (Diamond Lake, Daggerford, Ardeep Forest, Waterdeep, the Lizardmarsh, Blackwall Keep, etc.), they know that heading off to Calimshan or Thay or Cormyr is out of the question.&nbsp; Not only would it end the quest that they're on (a quest that folks like Allustan, Hiska, and a number of other NPCs expect them to adhere to and complete), but it would lead to me having to wing it, which wastes time and leads to a lack-luster gaming experience, as I don't have anything prepared outside the bubble of the campaign.They also know that if they just stick to the modules I prepare, they will receive XP, magical items, and be able to slay foes with abandon, which is what they enjoy.&nbsp; The role-playing is something I have to push on them at times, but they know that if they follow my path, they'll be able to do whatever they want within that bubble.Further, they also understand that I have a career, and that I don't have time to prepare for all of their adventuring whims.&nbsp; A completely free-form campaign is just not possible for me, an adult with responsibilities outside the game.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Crust, post: 3361676, member: 22330"] I disagree with the term railroading, because it implies that a DM who insists that his players follow the module he prepared is doing something wrong. I chose "sometimes" because I don't have to insist that they follow the module. They understand that they should be following the module (or the quest) I've prepared. Frankly, it would be disrespectful for them to up and turn their backs on a quest that I've spent valuable time preparing. I'm running the Age of Worms campaign set in FR's Sword Coast, and though they have options (Diamond Lake, Daggerford, Ardeep Forest, Waterdeep, the Lizardmarsh, Blackwall Keep, etc.), they know that heading off to Calimshan or Thay or Cormyr is out of the question. Not only would it end the quest that they're on (a quest that folks like Allustan, Hiska, and a number of other NPCs expect them to adhere to and complete), but it would lead to me having to wing it, which wastes time and leads to a lack-luster gaming experience, as I don't have anything prepared outside the bubble of the campaign. They also know that if they just stick to the modules I prepare, they will receive XP, magical items, and be able to slay foes with abandon, which is what they enjoy. The role-playing is something I have to push on them at times, but they know that if they follow my path, they'll be able to do whatever they want within that bubble. Further, they also understand that I have a career, and that I don't have time to prepare for all of their adventuring whims. A completely free-form campaign is just not possible for me, an adult with responsibilities outside the game. [/QUOTE]

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