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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Argyle King" data-source="post: 5653349" data-attributes="member: 58416">I personally prefer to let the 'dice' fall where they may.  The reason being that the game world as I tend to run it reacts to the characters; not to the players.  This is a subtle difference, but an important one."For example, here's a thought - as the GM, you either design the  adventure and encounters, or you review and edit a published adventure  (and the choice to not edit is still an editorial choice).  As you say,  the GM has a lot of power." (quoted only to provide context...)I'm stepping outside of just D&D for a moment, but I strongly prefer to do neither.  Preferably, I design the world, and then allow for events to grow organically from the elements of that design.  As that relates to the PCs, that also means their actions have a hand in how the world evolves.  However, the world also evolves independent of the PCs.  Kingdoms fight wars; plagues infect the land; etc.Now, if I step back in D&D mode, I have to modify that approach somewhat because the players tend to expect (and the system encourages) certain elements being part of a D&D game.As for failure, I do believe there needs to be a chance of failure to make success meaningful.  Failure need not be game nor life ending.  However, as a player, it's difficult for me to immerse myself in my character and the world if I get the impression that my actions make no difference.  For me, it's just as unfun to realize that everything I do is predestined to succeed as it is to realize that everything I do is predestined to fail.  The reason being that I don't feel as though my actions matter if that is the case.   In the context of D&D, I am more willing to accept that there are story needs.  Part of the game is moving forward and gaining levels, so I accept that there are times when certain events need to happen.  As such, when playing D&D, I have tolerance (and even enjoy) having a few plot points set along the way.  However, if I feel like I'm simply along for the ride and my actions have no actual impact at all, I don't find that enjoyable.  I read books and watch movies when I want to observe a story; I play rpgs when I want to participate in a story.</blockquote>

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