Is the D&D fanbase too divided?

[JustinA]

So the internet is the criminal? Are these posters arguing over the latest version of Windows or over the ruleset and social elements of the D&D game?

Mistake #1: Assuming that two people disagreeing with each other is a "criminal" act which will bring about the end of social discourse and D&D.

Mistake #2: Assuming that there are no websites in the world which aren't dedicated to D&D.

 

[Charwoman Gene]

I call shenanigans.

 

[LordofIllusions]

Sure, that's great as long as you want to play Ravenloft.

But if you're trying to build something original, all that "flavor" is at best inspirational, most likely useless, and at worst an outright impediment. I think the world's got quite enough inspiration available in it already without miring potentially-useful mechanics in flavor and getting in the way of homebrew campaign settings.

But I'd like to hear more specifically on just what 3E/v.3.5 releases you've found so critically lacking in flavor. Personally, I think the Eberron books, the Tome of Magic, and the Tome of Battle are some of the most flavorful stuff ever produced for D&D*. Are your objections more with the Complete... books? Or with the whole archetype-breaking concept of feats, skills, flexible multiclassing, and prestige classes?

That was an example. Moreover I know plenty of 2E GMs that used the flavor of various settings to generate certain elements of their worlds.

Moreover Eberron is simply a mishmash of various world with a bit of Exalted thrown-in.

*Well, okay, on second thought, Eberron is not the more flavorful campaign setting ever, particularly because of one thing: It has a place for freaking everything. The really powerful things about Ravenloft and Dark Sun were all the standard D&D elements that they lacked. But that's a conversation for another thread.[/size]

Eberron mimics Exalted. Also, the powerful thing about Ravenloft was the gothic horror element and deep immersion roleplaying. The characters within the setting were almost life-like when you read about them and it is easier to interact with another lifelike character than a bland drop and play NPC.

~~~

 

[LordofIllusions]

Mistake #1: Assuming that two people disagreeing with each other is a "criminal" act which will bring about the end of social discourse and D&D.

Mistake #2: Assuming that there are no websites in the world which aren't dedicated to D&D.

Mistake #1: Assuming that I assumed any of the above statements as opposed to using the terminology as an analogy and using the D&D boards as an example since we are of course talking about D&D.

Mistake #2: Start this whole corny mistake spiel.

~~~

 

[Mouseferatu]

Eberron mimics Exalted.

Spoken very much like someone who hasn't actually read much Eberron material.

On exactly what are you basing this?

 

[LordofIllusions]

Oh. Nevermind. I assumed that this thread was serious.

So did I.

~~~

 

[LordofIllusions]

Spoken very much like someone who hasn't actually read much Eberron material.

On exactly what are you basing this?

I own the setting and many of the books. It's a mishmash of Exalted, Iron Kingdoms, and a few other settings. Nothing original really...but hey if you like it more power to ya.

~~~

 

[GreatLemur]

So the internet is the criminal? Are these posters arguing over the latest version of Windows or over the ruleset and social elements of the D&D game? Also, are these arguments over the weather or over what the players think the GM should allow in his/her game?

This is the Internet we're talking about, here. The arguments are over every imaginable facet of human experience. I mean no insult, here, but I have to ask: Are you relatively new to the Internet? Your surprise at the debates it facilitates, and your partial lack of punctuation both suggest this explanation.

So would you take this thread as evidence for your assertions, or against them? The only division I'm seeing here is in your own views. Certainly, there are a few EN Worlders who are vocal and frequent objectors to 3E and the gaming trends it represents, but the majority of the population definitely isn't "too divided" for my taste.

 

[Crothian]

So did I.

You did a good job to make sure it wasn't though. But after the all too serious dungeon and Dragon Magazine issues of the last week or so we needed some far out unsupported rants to laugh out.

 

[molonel]

Also, the powerful thing about Ravenloft was the gothic horror element and deep immersion roleplaying. The characters within the setting were almost life-like when you read about them and it is easier to interact with another lifelike character than a bland drop and play NPC.

That's rather an optimistic portrayal of Ravenloft. I liked it - still do - but come on:

I mean, yes, it was DARK and SPOOKY and there were bats and wolves, but let's face it, it was SO grim and SO awful that pretty much every time the local baron invited you to dinner, you stocked up on stakes, garlic and holy symbols.