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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pemerton" data-source="post: 5744165" data-attributes="member: 42582">I just don't think that you can cut that sort of stuff out.I mean, Burning Wheel doesn't have any statement like the one you suggest. Suppose a BW GM suggests some changes to certain game elements nevertheless (to my eye, there are a few spells and weapons that are mechanically a little overpowered, and could be toned down to the benefit of balance). Do you think the absence of the text you suggest is going to lead to more grief than 3E GMs would get in similar circumstances, despite the presence of that text in the 3E PHB?I think it is other factors that produce the sorts of disruptions you are concerned with, and I don't think rules text will eliminate those factors. I really do think that what is more useful is more explanation from the designers of why they think the rules they've printed are good ones. As a very simple example, do the designers think that the published weapon stats are reaslistic? Or are they putting them forward as balanced, so that it is as mechanically viable to play an axe fighter as it is to play a sword fighter? This is the sort of information that I think can help groups reach a consensus on what sorts of changes to particular game elements they might want to make.D&D has had a habit of treating this stuff either as obvious, or as mysterious, and either way therefore as not needing to be stated in the rulebooks. I think there is a lot to be learned from books like the BW Adventure Burner or Monster Burner that tackle these sorts of questions, as well as ideas about the balance between player and GM authority, in a very upfront way.</blockquote>

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