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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hussar" data-source="post: 9245863" data-attributes="member: 22779">This is untrue.  5e allows psionic spells for casters after all.  Mindsliver is available to numerous classes as is Synaptic Static.  Not really.  If the group automatically defaults to mechanical systems if those mechanical systems exist, then it's hardly a group that is intent on freeform play.  IOW, the only reason that the players are free forming is because the DM is forcing them to.  And the DM can force them to because no other options exist.  Once other options exist, the DM suddenly finds that the players aren't interested in playing freeform and want to use those other options.Because let's be honest, it's NEVER the players who get to decide is it?  It's the DM who makes that decision because... wait for it... DM Empowerment.  If you have the power, you have to take the responsibility as well.And, again, it's not about someone being "wrong" or "right".  That's not how this should be framed.  But, if the existence of alternatives causes groups to abandon free form gaming, to the point where free form gaming is not even seen as an option anymore, then free form gaming is hardly the first choice of players, now is it?  It's not like players are clamoring to strip out the skill system so we can free form exploration, are they?  Forty years of the Thief class and it's never even been suggested that adding thieves to the game is a bad thing.  At least, not something that's been seriously entertained anyway.If everyone in your group is firmly set in free form gaming, then it shouldn't matter in the slightest if additional mechanics exist.  After all, the existence of free forming has zero impact on my table.  Why should adding in a structured skill system suddenly make your group stop free forming?See, this is where the whole "absence of mechanics is support" argument falls on its face.  Because if adding mechanics causes a playstyle to be abandoned, then the only reason that that playstyle is being used is because of the lack of choice.  If having a choice means that one option is no longer taken, then that option was never really the one people wanted.</blockquote>

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