DM's Respect , Balance, and Moving Forward

One of the things I have encountered over the years is lack of respect, on behalf of the DM/GM with regards to his players.

I've run games in co-operation with and under many GMs over the years and though they are rare there are those that are totally reprehensible in their attitudes to their players.

From the guy who made Scenario's/Dungeons so impossibly difficult you were always (and I mean ALWAYS) guaranteed at least a couple of dead party members (and often total wipeouts) - and this guys doesn't even DM anymore, no one with even allow him in their group as a player.

To the DM who treats his players quite literally as play-things for his own amusement, don't get me wrong this guy had some great (if sometimes derivative from Movies and Comics) ideas - but everything was for HIS amusement, and he was totally regardless of his players feelings or needs.

Now, I have only encountered a few such "rogue" GM's/DM's - but thinking about it has led me to wonder if such arrant GM/DM behaviour is the reason for the total OBSESSION with RPG balance?!!?

Apart from the "everyone is equal" (and totally unrealistic) approach, the core systems of 4th Edition DnD ISN'T that bad, I kinda resent the oversimplification of potions and suchlike - and don't like the fact that almost all (if not all) of the powers/abilities/feats are so combat orientated (I have a batch of the newer books coming soon, so I shall be able to clarify that more in my own mind) - there need to be more "passive" powers/abilities/feats I reckon, that could be used outside of combat.

4th Ed is shiney and very pretty, and could benefit and be really strengthened by the addition of  more flavoursome "non-combat" elements IMHO. It would certainly redeem the ruleset in my (and a lot of others) eyes.

The Death of Creativity

I know "4e Bashing" always gets the poster a certain level of attack, but has anyone considered the 4e (not) DnD Potion lists as a PRIME example of how weak the new ruleset really is.

Now we seem to have endless lists of the same types of Potion, with relatively unimaginative names, all with different "tiers".

Potion of Clarity (level 5), Potion of Clarity (level 10), Potion of Clarity (level 15), Potion of Clarity (level 10) - and so on.

This applies to all Potions and Elixirs.

OK, now I was under the impression Role-Playing required IMAGINATION . . . .

Where oh where is the Imagination in that.

Now I am fully aware that all this makes no never mind to a certain extent, and that there are probably some very talented DM's out there Running very successful games of 4e (not) DnD - but thats because the DM in question UNDOUBTEDLY is very talented and knows what he is doing.

But what about those poor guys who aren't quite as imaginative, or maybe are brand new to Fantasy Role-Playing. Surely this constant "samey-ness" about ALL of the rules in 4e (not) DnD quells and stifles creativity forcing those buying the 4e (not) DnD Books (and I know there are disenters who will disagree, but BO***CKS to those who do - they are quite obviously "fan-boys" or totally misinformed) into buying more.

Its all about the alimighty Dollar for WizBro these days - they produce product, pure and simple. I have no doubt in my mind there are some talented designers working for WizBro - but they are being pushed and forced into a corporate mold to produce a corporate product.

Where is the fun, the excitement, the imagination. Just LOOK at some of the Potion entries from AD&D 1st Edition Dungeon Masters Guide -

• Animal Control
• Clairaudience
• Clairvoyonce
• Climbing
• Delusion
• Diminution
• Dragon Control
• ESP
• Extra-Healing
• Fire Resistance
• Flying
• Gaseous Form
• Giant Control
• GiantStrength
• Growth
• Healing
• Heroism
• Human Control
• Invisibility
• lnvulnerability
• Levitation
• Longevity
• Oil of Etherealness
• Oil of Slipperiness
• Philter of Love
• Philter of Persuasiveness
• Plant Control
• Polymorph
• Poison
• Speed
• Super-Heroism
• Sweet Water
• Treasure Finding
• Undead Control
• Water Breathing

Not a Rank or Tier in sight, just Descriptive names - THAT encourages Roleplaying and Imagination in my Humble opinion.

I ran a game of Castles & Crusades recently, for a Group who have only ever played 4th Edition (not) DnD (except for one player, who dabbled in 3.5) - they were so revved and excited by the end it was untrue.

Their regular DM is switching over to C&C now, they have seen how easy it is to immerse yourself in a fantasy world given the right tools.

Sorry WizBro - you are taking D&D down a Role-Playing dead end. I'm hoping someone working for you realizes before its too late.

4th Edition, 38 products and rollin'

One of the things that bothers me the most about companies like WotC is the fact their games come over as just 'product' now.

Whilst I am sure some of the design team are truly behind D&D 4e as a game, I have no doubt in my mind that as a whole it is regarded as a saleable entity with little or no regard as any other product produved by any other corporate entity.

Why do I think thats such a bad thing? Because D&D 4e i fairly soulless IMHO - now I know 4e has its detractors and its admirers and I really REALLY am not trying to start a flame war (I hate arguments they really stress me out)but when alls said and done, there really is something not quite right with (not) D&D 4th Edition.

I truly believe any Role Playing is a good thing, its a healthy hobby with benefits way beyond those of just playing a game - Stress Relief, the Social Aspect, encourages Literacy and Numeracy etc . . . .

But in just 17 Months since its release they have released 38 products (including a Starter Set and the 4th Edition Core Rulebook Gift Set) and whilst not all are important for play, they are promoted in such a way certain gamers will either think they need them all or simply want them all.

4th Edition is brilliantly laid out, the Artwork is evocative and eye catching - I'm not even going to debate rules here; as rules are like food - not everyone likes the same thing. But its so slick, its soulless and just lacks any kind of passion of joy (for me at least, and I started buying the range).

I am aware companies need to make money to survive, but to make it at the expense of a Game known and loved by millions of fans seems wrong to me.

Keep Rollin'

A New (not) Dungeons & Dragons Edition.

I've just had a thought - just like Microsoft was with Windows Vista, its looking more and more as if WotC is very worried about the popularity4th Edition (not) Dungeons & Dragons.

Microsoft very quickly realized the problems with Vistas appeal and its marketing and have within a relatively short space of time produced Windows 7!

I makes me wonder if (not) Dungeons & Dragons 4.5 or 5.0 is looming somewhere upon the horizon!?!?!?!?!

4th Ed DnD Rant (re-mix)

People really have some venom towards 4th Edition DnD - don't they!

Do they see it simply as change for changes sake, or maybe the WotC's attempt to wring more cash out of the DnD players/fan base?

TBH after reading through all the Introductions, Net-Information, Blogs, and watching the GenCon presentations on YouTube I can actually see why they would think badly of WotC - none of the information presented about the New Edition really tells the story CLEARLY and none of it is all in one place.

A lot of folks have issue with miniatures playing such a big part of the combat rules in the new Edition, I'm not sure why. RPG's are an evolution (remember that word) of Table Top Wargaming - and were INTENDED to be used with Miniatures.

If you remember my previous post -

4th Ed DnD Rant (again)

Some People are STILL ranting about using a Combat Grid an Miniatures, how its not like proper DnD and nothing like earlier editions - to them I say this -

Dungeons and Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.

Thats straight from the blurb on the cover of the 1974 boxed set. . . . . . . .

So the constant berating and moaning about 4th Ed being nothing like oDnD is nothing but moaning for moanings sake (a very common thing on the Internet, its easy for negative people to whine and hide behind their words).

If you don't like something about an RPG - you CHANGE it. I personally an not a fan of the Modern RPG concept of everybody being equal, the word 'broken' is used WAY too much if you ask me. Balance comes from the DM and the way he handles his Stories, Scenarios, and his players. But these days, with the vast majority of people either being unwilling or unable to put a great deal of effort in - its an attempt to make RPG's easier to manage.

To that I say SCREW it! Lets make everything fun again, and CHANGE things to suit YOU and your gaming group.

Back on point -

• 4th Edition is an evolution of D&D, AD&D, then D&D 3rd (then 3.5) - I remember the hassle and stress amongst Players and DM's alike when 3rd first came out - Feats had a VERY negative response no one saw why they had been put in - now with 3.5 (and Pathfinder) they are part and parcel of DnD and people just accept they are there.

• Folks complain about PC's being too 'Hard' at first level - but LOADS of people moaned about starting characters at first level. I myself have been badgered by Players wanting to start at 3rd level or higher. Now those same players are complaining about PC's being too good at First level - FFS Hypocrisy or what!

• The constant moaning about all the Classes are the same, no one is any different, all the Powers feel the same - ARRANT NONSENSE! The Powers, Spells, Prayers, and Exploits all work in the same way - that is they have the same basic mechanic. But they are all different in appearance and feel. After many a long debate with Gamers about this, the ones who protest the most know the least about 4th Edition - so my advice is ignore them as they don't really know what they are talking about.

• IF you don't like the Combat rules as they stand, change them. Squares become 'bands' of Range of 6 Feet. Its not exactly hard to work out. Its a good idea to do this anyway, as not all Combats will play out in the same way - some spring out of nowhere and you haven't always got the time (or the resources) to play them out on the Table. Using the squares to feet conversion will enable you to play them out WITHOUT using a Grid and Miniatures. Try it, it makes a change and works quite well.

• I don't like the DnD Bits of Rubber - A lot of people don't. So don't use them, there are plenty of figure Manufacturers out there - Reaper do an AMAZING range of suitable miniatures. For the more exotic Models, I am SURE some company somewhere will be making something suitable at some point - if not, get converting!

As you might perceive, I am the sort who looks for solutions rather than whines and moans about problems.

IMHO more people should do the same, especially when it comes to gaming.

Its fun, try it . . . . . .

4th Ed DnD Rant (again)

Some People are STILL ranting about using a Combat Grid an Miniatures, how its not like proper DnD and nothing like earlier editions - to them I say this -

Dungeons and Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures.

Thats straight from the blurb on the cover of the 1974 boxed set. . . . . . . .