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In defence of Grognardism
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<blockquote data-quote="Helpful NPC Thom" data-source="post: 8395878" data-attributes="member: 7031378"><p>The term "skilled play" misses the mark because the alleged "player skill" relies almost entirely on the GM's subjective interpretation of the fictional world. Something that is "skillful" in the eyes of one GM might be considered foolhardy by another. As an example, let us say that a player wants to smoke out a goblin nest and drive the goblins out, so he purchases alchemist's fire, coal, and a hearty stash of logs. To one GM, this plan is brilliant; to another, the closed quarters of the cavern will quickly stifle the flames and could suffocate the players.</p><p></p><p>Rarely is "skilled play" discussed from the GM's perspective. "Skillful GMing" clarifies task/intent, telegraphs dangers and risks, and doesn't involve silly "gotcha!" traps that exist to instagib player characters. I recall reading one GM talking about a trap being a medusa's head in a chest and if the players were foolish enough to open the chest, they were instantly turned to stone without a save (as they could not avert their gaze in time). That's unskilled GMing and an example of badwrongfun OSR gaming, from my perspective. If the players are cool with it, fine, but I wouldn't play with a GM like that in the same way that I won't play with GMs who railroad or call for skill checks for every minor action the players take.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Helpful NPC Thom, post: 8395878, member: 7031378"] The term "skilled play" misses the mark because the alleged "player skill" relies almost entirely on the GM's subjective interpretation of the fictional world. Something that is "skillful" in the eyes of one GM might be considered foolhardy by another. As an example, let us say that a player wants to smoke out a goblin nest and drive the goblins out, so he purchases alchemist's fire, coal, and a hearty stash of logs. To one GM, this plan is brilliant; to another, the closed quarters of the cavern will quickly stifle the flames and could suffocate the players. Rarely is "skilled play" discussed from the GM's perspective. "Skillful GMing" clarifies task/intent, telegraphs dangers and risks, and doesn't involve silly "gotcha!" traps that exist to instagib player characters. I recall reading one GM talking about a trap being a medusa's head in a chest and if the players were foolish enough to open the chest, they were instantly turned to stone without a save (as they could not avert their gaze in time). That's unskilled GMing and an example of badwrongfun OSR gaming, from my perspective. If the players are cool with it, fine, but I wouldn't play with a GM like that in the same way that I won't play with GMs who railroad or call for skill checks for every minor action the players take. [/QUOTE]
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