Capaign Setting Editorial [Archive] - Wizards Community

Capaign Setting Editorial [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Caemin Pah
11-08-05, 10:20 AM I have visited the boards on and off for several months now and have noticed alot of discussions and arguments over which campaign setting to play in, or which one is better....I cannot take anymore and feel the overwhelming compulsion to comment on it.

I, myself, play the Realms, however this is as UNBIASED as I can get on this subject.

To start, NO capaign is better than the others. Taken as face value, the realms are more linear, and much more detailed. However, all of the settings have different views on various subjects.
With every book, addition, or web enhancement I have ever read says the same thing. The rules are not set into stone, YOU, the DM, can feel free to use this rule, or disregard that rule. Using this theory, Even the Realms have a Temple of Elemental Evil (though anyone who read the original adventure knows it is set in Greyhawk)

Now, I have never read, or even glanced through the Eberron books or adventures. Having read the boards though, it is a capaign world that does not interest me. But, that having been said, the Drow I have read seem interesting, so I might research them a bit, and transplant them into my Realms campaign as an offset to the whole Lloth supremacy.

My experiences have taken my from Mystara(and the BD&D) to Fearun, Greyhawk, Darksun, Spelljammer(Realmspace), and even Al Qadim. There is a major injustice done by slamming one campaign in favor of another. One person may find the Realms more restricting, and Ravenloft more fun. Does that make Ravenloft more appealing, and therefore better? No, but to that one person, it definitely is.

Every setting may or may not hold some appeal, But the whole discussion over which is better is strictly opinion and should be noted as such. I have witnessed more fights and heated arguments over this subject on other boards. I myself still use the old 1e rules in the Greyhawk campaign setting for 0-level characters. It is my experience that this brings out much more diversity in each character.
Using this formula, I have worked out 2 fighters with the exact same stats, etc. However using the 0-level options, one fighter was the template fighter, plate mail, greatsword, etc. The other could at the very least cast 0-level cantrips, and pick locks. Does that mean that my way of creating characters is better than the standard? Heck no, it is simply ONE way of doing things.

Greyhawk was technically the first AD&D world, yet the Realms are far more detailed. I have had Manshoon Kill Elmister at least once, and Khelben of Waterdeep has been feebleminded twice. This upsets the balance in the campaign world as it was written, but only serves to give the players more interest and keeps them wanting to advance far enough to take Elminsters place as Protector of the Realms, or the party's fighter to become so powerful to take on Fzoul and kick his butt from the Dalelands to Icewind dale.

I have also read how people rave on and try to emulate characters from the novels. IMHO, that is SO wrong. I myself favor Drizzt, and Pharaun from War of The Spider Queen, but I keep those characters as NPCs for the PCs to meet, work with, or defeat. And to try to PLAY such characters is so totally munchkin, those people should seek therapy, for those are the people who will end up doing something that will bring more bad reputation to the game (I.E. the whole D&D is evil thing from the late 80s, early 90s)

If this offends, I apologize, it was not my intent, and I am truly sorry, I simply meant to rave on about this whole debate I have read over and over on these boards.

Thank you for your patience, and understanding.

LET THE FLAMING BEGIN !!!!
Board_Rider
11-08-05, 07:11 PM So having an open mind - good.
Having an opinion - bad.
Defending opinion - bad.
Your opinion - good?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........
a_psh
11-08-05, 09:23 PM Now, I have never read, or even glanced through the Eberron books or adventures. Having read the boards though, it is a capaign world that does not interest me. But, that having been said, the Drow I have read seem interesting, so I might research them a bit, and transplant them into my Realms campaign as an offset to the whole Lloth supremacy.
They're kind of just there so people are less likely to insert an entire subterranean empire of the regular kind of Drow into Eberron, FYI.
Slyde Shadowdart
11-08-05, 09:42 PM So having an open mind - good.
Having an opinion - bad.
Defending opinion - bad.
Your opinion - good?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

Let me fix that for you:

Having an open mind: Good.

Having an opinion: Just fine, as long as you're aware that it is an opinion.

Defending an opinion: A bit of a waste of time, albeit quite amusing as far as pastimes go. Discussing opinions is great, but on the boards it tends to devolve into two people (or more) stating their opinion as fact and then arguing about it. Furthermore, if people were more capable and willing to realize that thier opinion doesn't actually need defending, since nobody on an internet forum can do anything about it. As long as you're happy with your opinion, it's fine. Another thing on opinions: they can change. That's fine. They aren't set in stone. It's part of their beauty. I could go on and on, but I won't. ;)

Your opinion: Just fine. Nobody has to like it but you. Putting opinions on the table takes guts (less so on the internet, but guts just the same). Having some reasons for your opinion might help folks understand why you have a certain opinion, but they aren't a requirement. Fact needs rational argument and backing. Opinions don't really.

I will caveat that however: If you don't know anything about a particular topic or subject, don't form an "opinion" on it. Too much anymore it seems that rather than be seen as ignorant or incorrect, people simply speak as if they knew a topic and had an opinion on it. It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion.

Wheee.

/soapbox :D
Board_Rider
11-08-05, 11:33 PM It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion.

Is that your opinion and if so are you willing to defend it? Would your opinion be informed? Or informed in so much as you know it?

I didn't know an opinion could be ill informed because it is only an opinion which can be (dis)regarded at the listners discretion. Especially in this kind of arena...as you pointed out.
:)
Caemin Pah
11-09-05, 12:25 AM If you don't know anything about a particular topic or subject, don't form an "opinion" on it. Too much anymore it seems that rather than be seen as ignorant or incorrect, people simply speak as if they knew a topic and had an opinion on it. It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion.

I dont really have an opinion on Eberron per se. Only from what I have read from advertisements and on these boards, therefore I have formed only a half-informed opinion. I do not doubt (also from what I have read on these boards) that Eberron holds ALOT of appeal, however, I refuse to way its not that good for my game, or that it holds alot of good information for my game. I simply have no desire to read the books, therefore I reserve the right to acknowledge I do not and WILL not flame Eberron for any reason.
I simply say what I feel is my opinion, for good or bad, informed or ill-informed, it will anger, please or find indifference in all.

*steps off the soapbox once again*
Slyde Shadowdart
11-09-05, 12:50 AM I didn't know an opinion could be ill informed because it is only an opinion which can be (dis)regarded at the listners discretion. Especially in this kind of arena...as you pointed out.
:)

I merely meant that should one be completely without knowledge in a particular area, one shouldn't feel as though they have to have an opinion, and indeed should know that saying "I have no opinion on that, becuase I know nothing at all about it" is far better an option than saying for example, "I hate (or love) cheddar cheese", when you've never indeed had cheddar cheese.

There's a vast chasm between an opinion formed on personal experience (and therefore valid, althought not an objective fact), and a statement made in ignorance (which usually makes you look like a buffoon or a bigot, depending on the subject matter).

That's all. But you knew that. ;)
CzarGarrett
11-09-05, 10:02 AM Generally, I go with the idea

My Campaign world> Others

Why? Because its personalized towards myself and my players. There might not be the same allure as FR or the inovation of Eberron, but its whats best for us.
Board_Rider
11-09-05, 12:05 PM I merely meant that should one be completely without knowledge in a particular area, one shouldn't feel as though they have to have an opinion, and indeed should know that saying "I have no opinion on that, becuase I know nothing at all about it" is far better an option than saying for example, "I hate (or love) cheddar cheese", when you've never indeed had cheddar cheese.
There's a vast chasm between an opinion formed on personal experience (and therefore valid, althought not an objective fact), and a statement made in ignorance (which usually makes you look like a buffoon or a bigot, depending on the subject matter).

Please tell me that you at least smiled when you read my post. I meant this little "debate" in jest because of the outlandish OP. I admit that it is hard to convey humor in text, especially when the person on the other end is a stranger. So, I give you a :) for sticking with it.

I would also add that I agree completely with your opinion. People should probably just stay mum when they wish to convey an ill informed opinion...but, hey, if that were the case then smart people such as ourselves would never have the pleasure of saying, "You're an ignorant a**!"

And really, isn't that just fun?
Slyde Shadowdart
11-09-05, 11:56 PM Please tell me that you at least smiled when you read my post. I meant this little "debate" in jest because of the outlandish OP. I admit that it is hard to convey humor in text, especially when the person on the other end is a stranger. So, I give you a :) for sticking with it.

I would also add that I agree completely with your opinion. People should probably just stay mum when they wish to convey an ill informed opinion...but, hey, if that were the case then smart people such as ourselves would never have the pleasure of saying, "You're an ignorant a**!"

And really, isn't that just fun?

Hehe. No, things don't always get across in text. I was grinning from ear to foot (it's a ... skin condition...) when I saw your post. I was grinning when I replied too. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Caemin Pah 11-08-05, 10:20 AM	I have visited the boards on and off for several months now and have noticed alot of discussions and arguments over which campaign setting to play in, or which one is better....I cannot take anymore and feel the overwhelming compulsion to comment on it. I, myself, play the Realms, however this is as UNBIASED as I can get on this subject. To start, NO capaign is better than the others. Taken as face value, the realms are more linear, and much more detailed. However, all of the settings have different views on various subjects. With every book, addition, or web enhancement I have ever read says the same thing. The rules are not set into stone, YOU, the DM, can feel free to use this rule, or disregard that rule. Using this theory, Even the Realms have a Temple of Elemental Evil (though anyone who read the original adventure knows it is set in Greyhawk) Now, I have never read, or even glanced through the Eberron books or adventures. Having read the boards though, it is a capaign world that does not interest me. But, that having been said, the Drow I have read seem interesting, so I might research them a bit, and transplant them into my Realms campaign as an offset to the whole Lloth supremacy. My experiences have taken my from Mystara(and the BD&D) to Fearun, Greyhawk, Darksun, Spelljammer(Realmspace), and even Al Qadim. There is a major injustice done by slamming one campaign in favor of another. One person may find the Realms more restricting, and Ravenloft more fun. Does that make Ravenloft more appealing, and therefore better? No, but to that one person, it definitely is. Every setting may or may not hold some appeal, But the whole discussion over which is better is strictly opinion and should be noted as such. I have witnessed more fights and heated arguments over this subject on other boards. I myself still use the old 1e rules in the Greyhawk campaign setting for 0-level characters. It is my experience that this brings out much more diversity in each character. Using this formula, I have worked out 2 fighters with the exact same stats, etc. However using the 0-level options, one fighter was the template fighter, plate mail, greatsword, etc. The other could at the very least cast 0-level cantrips, and pick locks. Does that mean that my way of creating characters is better than the standard? Heck no, it is simply ONE way of doing things. Greyhawk was technically the first AD&D world, yet the Realms are far more detailed. I have had Manshoon Kill Elmister at least once, and Khelben of Waterdeep has been feebleminded twice. This upsets the balance in the campaign world as it was written, but only serves to give the players more interest and keeps them wanting to advance far enough to take Elminsters place as Protector of the Realms, or the party's fighter to become so powerful to take on Fzoul and kick his butt from the Dalelands to Icewind dale. I have also read how people rave on and try to emulate characters from the novels. IMHO, that is SO wrong. I myself favor Drizzt, and Pharaun from War of The Spider Queen, but I keep those characters as NPCs for the PCs to meet, work with, or defeat. And to try to PLAY such characters is so totally munchkin, those people should seek therapy, for those are the people who will end up doing something that will bring more bad reputation to the game (I.E. the whole D&D is evil thing from the late 80s, early 90s) If this offends, I apologize, it was not my intent, and I am truly sorry, I simply meant to rave on about this whole debate I have read over and over on these boards. Thank you for your patience, and understanding. LET THE FLAMING BEGIN !!!!
Board_Rider 11-08-05, 07:11 PM	So having an open mind - good. Having an opinion - bad. Defending opinion - bad. Your opinion - good? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........
a_psh 11-08-05, 09:23 PM	Now, I have never read, or even glanced through the Eberron books or adventures. Having read the boards though, it is a capaign world that does not interest me. But, that having been said, the Drow I have read seem interesting, so I might research them a bit, and transplant them into my Realms campaign as an offset to the whole Lloth supremacy. They're kind of just there so people are less likely to insert an entire subterranean empire of the regular kind of Drow into Eberron, FYI.
Slyde Shadowdart 11-08-05, 09:42 PM	So having an open mind - good. Having an opinion - bad. Defending opinion - bad. Your opinion - good? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......... Let me fix that for you: Having an open mind: Good. Having an opinion: Just fine, as long as you're aware that it is an opinion. Defending an opinion: A bit of a waste of time, albeit quite amusing as far as pastimes go. Discussing opinions is great, but on the boards it tends to devolve into two people (or more) stating their opinion as fact and then arguing about it. Furthermore, if people were more capable and willing to realize that thier opinion doesn't actually need defending, since nobody on an internet forum can do anything about it. As long as you're happy with your opinion, it's fine. Another thing on opinions: they can change. That's fine. They aren't set in stone. It's part of their beauty. I could go on and on, but I won't. ;) Your opinion: Just fine. Nobody has to like it but you. Putting opinions on the table takes guts (less so on the internet, but guts just the same). Having some reasons for your opinion might help folks understand why you have a certain opinion, but they aren't a requirement. Fact needs rational argument and backing. Opinions don't really. I will caveat that however: If you don't know anything about a particular topic or subject, don't form an "opinion" on it. Too much anymore it seems that rather than be seen as ignorant or incorrect, people simply speak as if they knew a topic and had an opinion on it. It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion. Wheee. /soapbox :D
Board_Rider 11-08-05, 11:33 PM	It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion. Is that your opinion and if so are you willing to defend it? Would your opinion be informed? Or informed in so much as you know it? I didn't know an opinion could be ill informed because it is only an opinion which can be (dis)regarded at the listners discretion. Especially in this kind of arena...as you pointed out. :)
Caemin Pah 11-09-05, 12:25 AM	If you don't know anything about a particular topic or subject, don't form an "opinion" on it. Too much anymore it seems that rather than be seen as ignorant or incorrect, people simply speak as if they knew a topic and had an opinion on it. It is okay not to have an opinion. Not having an opinion is far superior to having an ill-informed opinion. I dont really have an opinion on Eberron per se. Only from what I have read from advertisements and on these boards, therefore I have formed only a half-informed opinion. I do not doubt (also from what I have read on these boards) that Eberron holds ALOT of appeal, however, I refuse to way its not that good for my game, or that it holds alot of good information for my game. I simply have no desire to read the books, therefore I reserve the right to acknowledge I do not and WILL not flame Eberron for any reason. I simply say what I feel is my opinion, for good or bad, informed or ill-informed, it will anger, please or find indifference in all. steps off the soapbox once again
Slyde Shadowdart 11-09-05, 12:50 AM	I didn't know an opinion could be ill informed because it is only an opinion which can be (dis)regarded at the listners discretion. Especially in this kind of arena...as you pointed out. :) I merely meant that should one be completely without knowledge in a particular area, one shouldn't feel as though they have to have an opinion, and indeed should know that saying "I have no opinion on that, becuase I know nothing at all about it" is far better an option than saying for example, "I hate (or love) cheddar cheese", when you've never indeed had cheddar cheese. There's a vast chasm between an opinion formed on personal experience (and therefore valid, althought not an objective fact), and a statement made in ignorance (which usually makes you look like a buffoon or a bigot, depending on the subject matter). That's all. But you knew that. ;)
CzarGarrett 11-09-05, 10:02 AM	Generally, I go with the idea My Campaign world> Others Why? Because its personalized towards myself and my players. There might not be the same allure as FR or the inovation of Eberron, but its whats best for us.
Board_Rider 11-09-05, 12:05 PM	I merely meant that should one be completely without knowledge in a particular area, one shouldn't feel as though they have to have an opinion, and indeed should know that saying "I have no opinion on that, becuase I know nothing at all about it" is far better an option than saying for example, "I hate (or love) cheddar cheese", when you've never indeed had cheddar cheese. There's a vast chasm between an opinion formed on personal experience (and therefore valid, althought not an objective fact), and a statement made in ignorance (which usually makes you look like a buffoon or a bigot, depending on the subject matter). Please tell me that you at least smiled when you read my post. I meant this little "debate" in jest because of the outlandish OP. I admit that it is hard to convey humor in text, especially when the person on the other end is a stranger. So, I give you a :) for sticking with it. I would also add that I agree completely with your opinion. People should probably just stay mum when they wish to convey an ill informed opinion...but, hey, if that were the case then smart people such as ourselves would never have the pleasure of saying, "You're an ignorant a**!" And really, isn't that just fun?
Slyde Shadowdart 11-09-05, 11:56 PM	Please tell me that you at least smiled when you read my post. I meant this little "debate" in jest because of the outlandish OP. I admit that it is hard to convey humor in text, especially when the person on the other end is a stranger. So, I give you a :) for sticking with it. I would also add that I agree completely with your opinion. People should probably just stay mum when they wish to convey an ill informed opinion...but, hey, if that were the case then smart people such as ourselves would never have the pleasure of saying, "You're an ignorant a**!" And really, isn't that just fun? Hehe. No, things don't always get across in text. I was grinning from ear to foot (it's a ... skin condition...) when I saw your post. I was grinning when I replied too. :)