Why is it so hard to change a world?

[S'mon]

One of the major problems facing most campaigns are the conventions of Fanatasy literature itself.

Barring a very few instances, characters in fantanasy novels and stories change the very face of the world, become legends, sometimes even gods. Look at the hit list -- Tolkein, Moorcock, Jordan, Donaldson, Eddings, LeGuin. Just keep going.

Yep, this is what I aim for in my D&D games. I don't consider it sad or a problem. If using a published world, the DM needs to be ready to alter things as events affect the setting. Eg by the time the Mystara 1010 AC catalogue came out with Alphatia sunk beneath the waves, my Mystara campaign based off 'Dawn of the Emperors' 1000 AC boxed set had reached 1045 AC, Thyatis had conquered Alphatia 25 years previously, and the world had entered a golden age of peace & enlightenment (despite the best efforts of the CE & CN/E PCs).

 

[DragonLancer]

The DM who doesn't allow PCs to effect change in his campaign should write a book, not run a D&D game. 'Nuff said.

The world does not revolve around the PC's. They can make an impact but they shouldn't be allowed to get away with everything. Yes, the players can make choices about how they want to proceed but there are some things that should always be above them - whether be killing gods, or taking out these Night Kings.

 

[Sirius_Black]

The DM who doesn't allow PCs to effect change in his campaign should write a book, not run a D&D game. 'Nuff said.

Very well said. I can't imagine playing or DMing in a campaign such as that. Unfortunately, I did play in one such campaign where the DM had his set script or outline.

My involvement didn't last long.

 

[Arnwyn]

I think Henry and Sam Witt have the right of it (that was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the original post).

Some DMs may dislike the PCs changing parts of the campaign world because it loads a whole swack of work onto the poor (usually already overworked) DM - and many DMs don't like a *lot more* work. Like Henry noted, some DMs may not have the time and resources to adequately deal with the situation, which could wind up with bad results for everyone.

Of course, the best DMs can overcome this and allow the players a great sense of accomplishment, which is very satisfying. Of course, it may be that the best DMs don't have jobs and/or lives...

In any case, I'd suggest that a DM is more likely to be willing to have the campaign world changed by players who clearly appreciate the work that the DM puts into the game.

 

[Desdichado]

Just as a slight tangent -- it comes across to me as pretty arrogant to make a very simple statement and then tack on "'nuff said". Clearly enough hasn't been said, or there wouldn't be three pages of discussion about the topic.

 

[Henry]

Of course, the best DMs can overcome this and allow the players a great sense of accomplishment, which is very satisfying. Of course, it may be that the best DMs don't have jobs and/or lives...

There is an answer even for overworked DM's - have the change in question be the culmination of the campaign, and then write up a little epilogue after it, stating very broadly the results of the PC's coming into power or effecting change.

The End.

So, what would you guys like to run for the next campaign?

 

[Teflon Billy]

I mostly run Homebrew's, but detailed as they are, nothing is really sacred about them.

You want to change the face of the world as a player, go nuts; just realize that there are forces in place who like the status quo

 

[ForceUser]

Just as a slight tangent -- it comes across to me as pretty arrogant to make a very simple statement and then tack on "'nuff said". Clearly enough hasn't been said, or there wouldn't be three pages of discussion about the topic.

It is the nature of messageboard users to overanalyze when a simple statement will suffice. I skimmed 3 pages of b.s. and summed up my position nicely. I can't help if it something as iconic* as "nuff said" gets you in a twist.








*If you grew up reading Marvel comic books.