Recent content by Reynard

This was the video I saw that sparked my post, but I decided to post a general thing instead. So cool.

"If you can think it, you can make it... as long as you exploit these 75 million people."

We have created the weirdest world possible.

Now that I think of it, it night be an interesting thought experiment to imagine what D&D would look like now if Holmes was as influential at B/X.

A definition that broad suggests a term that isn't much use to anyone. It sounds like what you mean by "medieval fantasy" is "no guns" and "you have to wear armor."

B/X and BECMI are compatible, though not identical. Holmes was a real outlier. My impression from reading histories is that Gygax was very hands off with Holmes, who injected lots of his own ideas into the product. As to which each was made for, I think the best bet is to look at publication year.

I feel like the strongest medieval aesthetic was the late 1E, early 2E era. This was High Medieval, of course, but before Planescape, Spelljammer, and Dark.Sun, I recall most covers and interior art to adhere much more closely to the polished medieval look of the Waldenbooks shelf.

I don't want to derail the thread further. I have just never really bought the distinction between "combat as sport" and "combat as war".

My kingdom for a "serious" AP.

D&D hasn't been medieval in, well, maybe ever.

Ok. Isn't using the most efficient tactic skilled play?

Oh that's much more manageable than 4+ hours.

Oh, interesting. I may have to give it a look. is D20 very long episodes?

Sure. But it can also be "we shoot them full of arrows" if that works, too. That is to say: if you always looking for the most ingenious way to win because it makes it more fun, you are still doing combat as sport. It's just a different sport.

My response was based mostly on my (limited) understanding of the terms. I don't think I have ever played "combat as war" D&D even in the old days. Everyone always wants to look cool in addition to winning.