Proclamation

[Jdvn1]

Nobody says that D&D doesn't allow for roleplaying. It's just the case that the many options of D&D also allow for a wargame style play. Games like Amber, Everway or Nobilis don't really have this option, or at least it needs quite a stretch .

It doesn't necessarily.

However, at least to some extent, it seems that mythusmage finds it difficult to get roleplaying from his players (ergo this thread). Therefore it seemed logical to me that Amber might suit his needs. It is a great game. It doesn't get nearly enough pimpin.

It does seem odd to me that when someone wants more roleplaying in his games, people say, "Try this other system!" I'm sure the other systems mentioned are good for roleplaying and don't 'get nearly enough pimpin,' but how about trying to find a way to get roleplaying back in D&D? For many GMs, battles are important, but only facilitate the story. That means the story and non-combat things are the goal.

After all, he didn't say he doesn't have battles at all.

 

[TheGM]

It doesn't necessarily.

However, at least to some extent, it seems that mythusmage finds it difficult to get roleplaying from his players (ergo this thread). Therefore it seemed logical to me that Amber might suit his needs. It is a great game. It doesn't get nearly enough pimpin.

No, he just said he doesn't run wargames. I interpereted that to mean he has the same frustration that I sometimes do, when a player wants the mat out and to calculate his moves and to take an hour to do it, while the rest of the group sits on their thumbs.

Of course, my interperetation could be invalid, but since it suits my world-view, I'm keeping it

 

[Turjan]

It does seem odd to me that when someone wants more roleplaying in his games, people say, "Try this other system!" I'm sure the other systems mentioned are good for roleplaying and don't 'get nearly enough pimpin,' but how about trying to find a way to get roleplaying back in D&D? For many GMs, battles are important, but only facilitate the story. That means the story and non-combat things are the goal.

After all, he didn't say he doesn't have battles at all.

You are right. It's not about abandoning D&D . Playing a different game once in a while may bring players to roleplay that never did it before. Although I see a problem to get players to try games of which they know that they have to roleplay, if they don't like this style. However, if it works, they might later transfer their roleplaying back to a tactical game like D&D.

 

[Jdvn1]

Well, another problem is that learning a new system can be a hassle for both GM and players. And part of either group is likely to not want to do it. If the group is willing, though, it is a wonderful idea.

 

[Aaron L]

I've always found that rolepleying is entirely separate from the game system used. The game system is, after all, nothing more than task resolution, and task resolution is entitely seperate from roleplaying. It can affect the roleplaying, but it isnt it. I roleplay as much with D&D as with any system.

 

[James Heard]

I don't need rules to roleplay, any garden variety liar roleplays fine without any rules. I need rules to justify dice collections though, and to ensure a system of fairness from a bunch of people who are advanced, non-garden variety liars.

IMO the whole wargaming thing is just a excuse for people who probably aren't particularly good wargamers. And I agree, the scariest thing alive is having someone start roleplaying during their actual wargaming session - unless you're from Germany please do not speak to me in a German accent whilst moving your panzers, buddy. I won't even imagine what the problem might be like for people who play Star Fleet Battles.

 

[Jackelope King]

I am a Game Master. I don't run wargames, I run RPGs.

Because, you know, it'd be criminal to enjoy both the roleplaying and the tactical aspect of the game.

I for one enjoy pretty much all aspects of the game and try to provide a good balance of it when I play. Believe it or not, enjoying the tactical and the numbers aspects of the game do not preclude roleplaying in any way shape or form.

Shocker, ain't it?

 

[The_Universe]

I am a Game Master. I don't run wargames, I run RPGs.

Balance, my friend. Balance. The wargame's less fun without the roleplaying, and the roleplaying's less fun without the wargame.

 

[Majoru Oakheart]

Balance, my friend. Balance. The wargame's less fun without the roleplaying, and the roleplaying's less fun without the wargame.

My thoughts exactly. D&D is BOTH a wargame AND a roleplaying game. The wargame portion is so that the players have fun when the BBEG starts swinging his axe in their direction.

 

[fusangite]

Balance, my friend. Balance. The wargame's less fun without the roleplaying, and the roleplaying's less fun without the wargame.

I'm with the Universe here. D&D is designed as a hybrid between a war game and an RPG. If you want a pure RPG, you should be using another system. If you want a pure wargame, you should be using another system. D&D is an interesting mix of the two; and I think that's one of the qualities that keeps it popular.