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Message: <blockquote data-quote="bloodtide" data-source="post: 9640791" data-attributes="member: 6684958">Well, first we need to add the Other way of playing D&D:1.The DM-Player frames a scene2.The players describe what rule actions they have their character take, by the rules and rolls3.The DM-Player just does what the rules and rolls tell them to do, but is free to add meaningless fluff4.By the Rules the game moves to the next sceneA lot of the sandbox vs linear revolves around what the DM does:If the DM prepares things ahead of time...often a lot of things in great detail.  Or even writes an adventure.  Classic Linear Game.If the DM-Player prepares little or nothing ahead of time, and Just Like Every Other Player, just shows up at the game and sits down in a chair ready to play.  Sandbox Game.So the game styles are mostly about how things are discovered bynear  the players.In a Linear game the players must follow the general path that the DM has laid out and can not deviate much: the game is the path.In the sandbox game, the players get the illusionism that they can do whatever they want on a whim.So, for example, a hidden treasure chest:In the Linear game the DM sets a specific spot for the treasure chest, with a back story of how it got there and clues and all sorts of details.  Often at least a paragraph .  The players have no choice here but to follow the DMs path: the clues and game elements made by the DM to try and discover the treasure chest location.In the Sandbox game, the treasure chest does not exist.  It only has the potential to exist.  Players can have their characters take any random actions they want, though often whatever random actions the player thinks would find a hidden treasure chest.  Most often the players will wait for the game rolls and rules to tell them when they find the treasure chest.  Though sometimes the rules might allow the dm-player to make a very minor adjustment so the treasure chest can be found.The linear game, the chest has a set location and a limited number of ways to find it.  There is a path to find it.  And it is the DMs way and the DMs path.  Whatever the DM says is game reality and the players get no say.  The DM has all the power.The sandbox game, the chest has no location and an infinite number of ways to find it.  With the DM-player on the sidelines, the Players can use whatever path they feel like to find the chest under the rules.  There is shared power between the players and rules....with some table scraps for the DM-player.</blockquote>

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