On the value of Realism...

[Vaxalon]

http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/2004/01/02/

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

More or less how I view realism in my fantasy games, too.

If I see one more thread mention D&D genetics, I'm going to kill some kittens.

 

[Goobermunch]

Realism is a stupid concept for Roleplaying games. If I want realism, I'll go to work.

Verisimilitude, on the other hand is critical. Without it, your players won't know what to expect.

--G

 

[shilsen]

Realism is a stupid concept for Roleplaying games. If I want realism, I'll go to work.

Verisimilitude, on the other hand is critical. Without it, your players won't know what to expect.

--G

Good distinction. I always try to make it clear to my players early on that expecting (and esp. arguing about) the former is a waste of time in the D&D game system. But the latter is something I always strive for.

 

[Vaxalon]

Hear, hear.

One of my usual preambles to any game is as follows:

"Don't assume that any science developed after around the year 1200 on Earth is valid, even down to basic physics. My world is a magical world, and as such, things don't work the way they do on earth. On the other hand, everyday actions work just like they do on Earth. I'll let you know if you're entering a situation where Earthly preconceptions can get you into trouble."

 

[Ferret]

Realism is reletive.

 

[Arnwyn]

Realism is a stupid concept for Roleplaying games. If I want realism, I'll go to work.

Verisimilitude, on the other hand is critical. Without it, your players won't know what to expect.

Very, very well said.

Exactly the way I feel.

 

[der_kluge]

If I see one more thread mention D&D genetics, I'm going to kill some kittens.

You're going to masturbate??

 

[Anabstercorian]

You're going to masturbate??

Wha..?

 

[LGodamus]

I agree with everything that has been put forth here...except possibly the masturbation bit.