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Message: <blockquote data-quote="The Shaman" data-source="post: 4707639" data-attributes="member: 26473">In different proportions, yes.Again, I don't think anyone is arguing otherwise.I don't know that I consider them to be quite the same. A randomly generated event is self-selecting based on the dice; it is bounded in the sense that the random table isn't infinite, but the number of potential combinations may make it effectively so in the context of playing the game.For example, I create the space encounter tables for each star system in Traveller, so there are hard limits on the number and type of ships that can be encountered, but the range of both values can run into the scores for each system. Now multiply that number by the results of the random reaction table, and now we're talking hundreds of potential encounters just in one star system.I created the parameters under which the encounter may occur, but I don't see that as being the same thing as choosing the encounter itself, particularly give the range of possibilities.If that conclusion is fun for everyone around the table, then we're in accord.Yes, but remember the random encounter, versus the one created by the referee, may be much variable in terms of the degree of hazard presented to the adventurers. It's not intrinsically so, but all else being equal, my experience tells me that encounters prepared by the referee are more likely to be be close to the adventurers' "level" than those generated randomly.Whereas I prefer an environment that is indifferent to the adventurers, where encounters are based not on the adventurers but the setting.As I mentioned upthread, pirate encounters in my corner of the Third Imperium are more likely away from trade routes, naval bases, and mainworlds. The frequency of encounters with pirates is weighted based on those parameters. If the adventurers stick to main routes and patrolled systems, their likelihood of encountering a pirate is pretty low.As are mine, but with a broader set of parameters perhaps on what can be generated.Of course. One of the fun things about sandbox games for me is that random encounter can develop into a close alliance or a bitter rivalry, based on the actions and reactions of the adventurers and the non-player characters.Agreed.</blockquote>

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