negativity

As the company comes under fire for the various antics they try, Dungeons & Dragons can often become a point of contention among others. Some refuse to buy anything from them at this point, others have moved on to different systems all together. I do not fault anyone for wanting to do either of those things, or even something in the middle. What I want to discuss is how I feel when this subject comes up.

The first thing I want to do is just hide. When others start to talk about how the system is broken (and it is in many ways), I start to look inward and ask myself, “Is it that bad?” Every time, my answer is “No.” Maybe it’s just how I run it, or the players that I surround myself with. We homebrew or adjust any rules that seem unfair or broken and I adjust combat not on challenge ratings, but on my players’ abilities. And, honestly, I don’t look too deeply into company matters.

My next reaction is anger, and I don’t like that. I often feel like I have to defend why I like the system. To me, it is simple. The rules in the book are guidelines, adjust them however you see fit. If it takes a lot of adjusting for you to have a fun time with friends, then this system is not for you. Pick a different system and stop hounding the D&D system. Just say you don’t really like it and move on! (I don’t play Shadowrun because I don’t like the system, but if you enjoy it, then play.)

Finally, I feel like I need to remind others there is a plethora of third party content for this system. Hidden gems within these books set up items, characters, and monsters that are new and exciting to explore. Also, you will find various rule adjustments, or new rules all together that help to adjudicate the brokenness of the original ruleset. I found that the D&D system was lacking seafaring rules so I found and used “A Complete Guide to Nautical Campaigns” by Great Gamemaster. I supplemented this ruleset when my players took to the sea.

If you and your players are having fun, regardless of the system, that is what truly matters. I do not like board games like Stock Market, Monopoly, and Life. I will NOT choose to play those of my own accord, but I will still play if I am having fun with the company I keep (actually, that goes for Shadowrun too). Do not tell me my fun is wrong simply because you may not like the game system I choose to play.