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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 7087939" data-attributes="member: 29398">This bit actually sounds almost like what I'd expect in normal D&D.  The DM keeps track of the backstory, keeps it internally consistent and coherent, and draws from it when needed for colour and-or conflict and-or complications.However, who sets the backstory in the first place?  The DM?  If so, we're on the same page even if just for a moment.  If not, then who? Nobody...yet.  But it might become relevant to play at some point, even if just as rumour fodder or news brought by a travelling minstrel.What I simply cannot grasp is why you - or anyone - would think this is wrong.Their attempt to reach out to the court fails for no obvious reason*.  OK, so look for the non-obvious reason(s).  Ask.  Dig.  Turn some rocks over and see what's under 'em.  Break a few heads.  Pay some bribes.  But - if access to the court is that important - do something!* - and if someone says "fails for no obvious reason" equates to being railroaded without doing anything else, I have no sympathy whatsoever.That's because it's a bloody adventure path, which are by their very nature quasi-railroads to begin with.  Quite different from open-ended campaigns that provide more room for meaningful choice.Then be a player!  You can play-to-find-out all you like when someone else has the helm.Sometimes you never know what Z is.  Sometimes it waves wistfully at you as you wander by, oblivious to its existence.  Sometimes you reach Z shortly after passing C, but only realize its importance after getting to about W.  And sometimes the best you can do is get to Q, after which you left turn, start at 1, and see if you can find a way to 9 (the route to which might take you right back through J, K and L).You like to play to find out.  I like to play to both find out and figure out...as a player.  As DM, I'm not a player at all in that sense, and nor should I be.Lan-"and now we need a wandering letters table"-efan</blockquote>

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