Why we like plot: Our Job as DMs

[Raven Crowking]

And what about my D&D example above? Have 1E D&D players temporarily stopped playing the game when they enter a social encounter? Can't you imagine a game that was comprised solely of social encounters like those in 1E D&D? I'm not asking if you would like such a game, but if one could exist using just social encounters from a system without a skill resolution system.

If you read my posts in this, and related, threads, I believe you would know my answers to your questions:

1. Not specific enough to answer.
2. No. Truth or Dare, remember?
3. Obviously. Truth or Dare, remember?



RC

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

So, some people drew a distinction that you didn't like, or thought was invalid, and therefore all people who draw any distinction share the same motives, and all distinctions are therefore suspect and invalid? Not what you mean? Then, rather irrelevant, isn't it?

Fine, that point is irrelevant to the discussion. It was an unnecessary tangent.

If you read my posts in this, and related, threads, I believe you would know my answers to your questions:

1. Not specific enough to answer.
2. No. Truth or Dare, remember?
3. Obviously. Truth or Dare, remember?

You would have to explain further. I don't see how 1E D&D social encounters relate to Truth or Dare.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Look up.

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

One of us needs to stop cross-posting!

 

[Raven Crowking]

Requirements for a game (according to Raven Crowking):

1. Some goal or goals to be met (i.e., victory conditions)
2. Player actions/choices related to said goal or goals
3. The resolution of said goal or goals is unknown when the game begins

Nothing more; nothing less.


RC

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

Requirements for a game (according to Raven Crowking):

1. Some goal or goals to be met (i.e., victory conditions)
2. Player actions/choices related to said goal or goals
3. The resolution of said goal or goals is unknown when the game begins

Nothing more; nothing less.

Cops & Robbers:
1. Explore adult themes of duty and morality.
2. Act in the role of a cop or a robber.
3. Will the robber escape, kill the cop, or go to jail?

Theoretical Batman Game:
1. The Batman will catch the Joker, but what will he sacrifice to achieve this goal?
2. A narrative of actions describing the sacrifices made to achieve the goal.
3. What will the player choose to sacrifice to meet his goal.

Looks like we agree.

As I understand it, Hero's Banner plays much like the TBG above with some added rules to make it more interesting.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Looks like we agree.

Not until you tighten up the relationships between your elements.

Here's a hint: I already did the Batman example a day or two back.


RC

 

[pawsplay]

Salmon is a subset of fish, as def 3 is a subset of def 1. That does not make all fish salmon, nor does it make all amusements into "games" in the same sense.

Howso? It it was a subset, it would be separated by colons, not get its own number. I think they are distinct definitions.

Bus Depot Diner, again. Every player is working together, but they are working together to beat a challenge supplied by the design of the game itself.

That's not competitive, especially in the sense of competing against a rival. A rival is an equal or peer.

 

[Raven Crowking]

You are always free to believe whatever you like, pawsplay.

I will respond when I believe you are actually trying (as opposed to trying to be trying).


RC

 

[Janx]

this thread is still going on? And still nit-picking the definition of a game?

If whatever tangent you're on can't be spun back to "why somebody likes plot" or "our job as DMs" than you're just thread crapping.

I like plot because I like the players to be doing something for a reason, rather than "much ado about nothing"

I like the plot to be centered on the characters. If there's a war brewing between two nations, it better be because the players are actively involved in it, or it's JUST background fluff while the real plot is about the players.

My job as a DM is to:
make a plot that makes sense in relation to the players
make a plot that the players are interested in
make the plot adapt as the players make choices
allow for a variety of solutions from the players
enforce logical consequences for players' actions

'nuff said.