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The False Dichotomy of "Fluff" and "Crunch"
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<blockquote data-quote="Arcane Runes Press" data-source="post: 1699835" data-attributes="member: 402"><p>I like a well woven bit of "fluff".</p><p></p><p>I like a well ratched bit of "crunch".</p><p></p><p>But there's nothing better in the gaming world than a sparkling bit of crunchy fluff and fluffy crunch.</p><p></p><p>A conceptually interesting mechanic tied to flowing, inspiring prose makes a book sparkle. I'm with Psion in his PrC example: pristine mechanics with blah writing and concept don't do much for me, which is why I don't buy many WotC books anymore - the mechanics are usually solid, they just aren't <em>interesting</em>. It's all about stylish substance. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Beyond that, I love to see books which use crunchy fluff to alter gameplay. The Iron Kingdoms Character Guide, for example, has limitations on magic use which are purely fluffy - they exist for no other reason than to ensure the mechanics of 3.5 serve the texture of the Iron Kingdoms.</p><p></p><p>And this is fantastic to me. This is what I like to see, and this is what I want to see more of - well presented, well justified fluff which strongly reinforces the feel of the setting. That's the essence of great crunchy fluff.</p><p></p><p>In fact, the IKCG's crunchy fluff is good enough that I'm overlooking a few issues I have with the new mechanics. The crunchy fluff makes me want to play badly enough that I'm taking the time to alter the pure crunch I dislike.</p><p></p><p></p><p>This is why the first thing I look for in any review I read is whether the reviewer feels the book is well written. Of course, seeing that the mechanics are good is vital as well, but I demand stylish substance in my purchases. I want to be <em>inspired</em>. </p><p></p><p>Patrick Y.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Arcane Runes Press, post: 1699835, member: 402"] I like a well woven bit of "fluff". I like a well ratched bit of "crunch". But there's nothing better in the gaming world than a sparkling bit of crunchy fluff and fluffy crunch. A conceptually interesting mechanic tied to flowing, inspiring prose makes a book sparkle. I'm with Psion in his PrC example: pristine mechanics with blah writing and concept don't do much for me, which is why I don't buy many WotC books anymore - the mechanics are usually solid, they just aren't [i]interesting[/i]. It's all about stylish substance. Beyond that, I love to see books which use crunchy fluff to alter gameplay. The Iron Kingdoms Character Guide, for example, has limitations on magic use which are purely fluffy - they exist for no other reason than to ensure the mechanics of 3.5 serve the texture of the Iron Kingdoms. And this is fantastic to me. This is what I like to see, and this is what I want to see more of - well presented, well justified fluff which strongly reinforces the feel of the setting. That's the essence of great crunchy fluff. In fact, the IKCG's crunchy fluff is good enough that I'm overlooking a few issues I have with the new mechanics. The crunchy fluff makes me want to play badly enough that I'm taking the time to alter the pure crunch I dislike. This is why the first thing I look for in any review I read is whether the reviewer feels the book is well written. Of course, seeing that the mechanics are good is vital as well, but I demand stylish substance in my purchases. I want to be [i]inspired[/i]. Patrick Y. [/QUOTE]
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