Storylines: Epic or non-epic

Varaj · March 09, 2006, 01:22:21 PM

Quote from: Ragnarok N RollI understand and I prefer running games that way myself, but I also have a underlining story that goes along with that approach. That is they aquire property, followers, and other things that tie them to the setting. Those things also provide plot hooks for later campaigns.

Yup can easily add some underling story lines that avoid protect the world from evil god x or save the planet from demon army z. Nothing wrong with those type of things and enjoy playing them they just aren't my preferred style.

eCK0 · March 09, 2006, 01:24:46 PM

It all depends on how much you want to get into living in another world. If it's only a side game, then it'll most likely be a rather short adventure and you can create many different characters. If it's a major hobby, the only thing you do in your "spare time", then I'm sure one might prefer to have one character in a long lasting campaign.

Xavier Lang · March 09, 2006, 01:37:36 PM

I'm going to have to go with non-epic. Saving the world is a low level problem. It has to be sovled or nothing else is possible, its along the lines of having food and shelter. Its a survival level story. I prefer stories where the players don't have to do X for survival but decide they want to do Y because you made a bad guy that really pissed them off, or there character has always wanted to do Z.

Nicephorus · March 09, 2006, 01:41:06 PM

Quote from: Xavier LangI'm going to have to go with non-epic. Saving the world is a low level problem. It has to be sovled or nothing else is possible, its along the lines of having food and shelter. Its a survival level story. I prefer stories where the players don't have to do X for survival but decide they want to do Y because you made a bad guy that really pissed them off, or there character has always wanted to do Z.

Well put. I think that sums up part of my dislike for epic. It always has a bit of railroading - if characters don't do X, their whole world ends. I like allowing characters more room to decide what the story is about.

eCK0 · March 09, 2006, 01:43:02 PM

Good points, again, I think that's where it's up to the players.

Ragnarok N Roll · March 09, 2006, 01:55:11 PM

I usually have up to three different options for the players to take. That way they can take the fourth one. :rolleyes:

BillyBeanbag · March 09, 2006, 02:01:23 PM

I like epic games. But I think it's important to let everyone playing know that when the epic part is done, the campaign's ended.

I can do episodic with no problem, but I want to save the world now and again.

willpax · March 09, 2006, 08:54:29 PM

I agree with Eck0's point about having little things add up to global issues. I guess where I would put myself in the "non-epic" category has to do with power levels. I like lower power games where the players have to get the cooperation of other forces, play sides against each other, and in general don't have the ability to solve everything themselves.

Ragnarok N Roll · March 09, 2006, 09:31:50 PM

Quote from: Harry JoyConsidering that I've played in two major campaigns in three years that started at level one, and had both crap out by folks moving around about the time we hit level 7, right when things are getting good and char development is really paying off, I'd give anything at this point to play from level 7 to about level 12, much less Epic level play.

The other players are already looking at me to DM a new game. That's the ultimate frustration AFAIC, since I have yet, in DnD 1.0 or 3.5 (I skipped 2.0 and 3.0) passed level 10.

Start at level 15. I think you'll enjoy yourself and its only 5 levels to 20 instead of 19.

Ragnarok N Roll · March 09, 2006, 09:40:38 PM

Quote from: Harry Joy'Cept, I've never DMed before and my campaign is written on scraps of napkins.

Ragnarok N Roll · March 09, 2006, 09:44:53 PM

Quote from: Harry JoyI have, however, been playing DnD for about twenty-five years.

In 25 years you've never hit the high levels? I'm gonna be sad if that's true.

Ragnarok N Roll · March 09, 2006, 09:48:25 PM

I mean now dont get me wrong, high level play is not the end all be all of gaming. But for me, it's nice every now and then to say the only reason you're bothering to roll is to not get a "natural 1". Insanity at its finest.

Dr_Avalanche · March 10, 2006, 02:33:08 AM

I like epic stories, but I also like variation.

QuoteDo you run into a problem with when the epic storyline ends campaign can stumble and even end?

I don't see it so much as a problem as a feature. You've told your great epic story, what next? If you can/want, tell the next big adventure of the same characters. Otherwise, switch to a new set of characters.

Too often, D&D parties suffer the Hercule Poirot syndrome - why is everything always happening them, when they are around? I think it makes sense that when a group of characters have achieved their big goal it's often time to retire them.

BillyBeanbag · March 10, 2006, 08:40:17 AM

Quote from: Dr_AvalancheToo often, D&D parties suffer the Hercule Poirot syndrome - why is everything always happening them, when they are around? I think it makes sense that when a group of characters have achieved their big goal it's often time to retire them.

Is that anything like the "Murder, She Wrote" syndrome?

Dr_Avalanche · March 10, 2006, 08:41:32 AM

Quote from: BillyBeanbagIs that anything like the "Murder, She Wrote" syndrome?

I do believe so, yes.