Post by calithena on Jul 13, 2007 7:54:37 GMT -6
This is a little of a philosophy post, but I think it goes in GD, because it's really meant as a welcome to the many people here who come from later versions of D&D, or even from other RPGs altogether.
From my point of view, all you 'new guys' who didn't play the original game back in the day are VERY welcome here. I think one reason Fin started this site, and I know one reason I'm here, is because we think there's a philosophy and style of play (or actually, several philosophies and styles of play) in and around the old games, and in OD&D in particular, which isn't very well represented in the broader gaming universe today.
But the only way we'll keep that alive is if new interested people come looking for it. Take OD&D and make it your own, just like we did. Use us for advice and direction and to find hidden chestnuts of gaming lore, but don't treat us as authorities.
You new guys are the future of the past, and given the way mainstream RPGs are going, sometimes I think you might be the future of the future as well.
Just don't forget what Gary told us all way back in the beginning, before legal issues with Dave, corporate issues with the Blumes, and AD&D changed the tenor of the conversation:
"We have attempted to furnish an ample framework, and building should be both easy and fun. In this light, we urge you to refrain from writing for rule interpretations or the like unless you are absolutely at a loss, for everything herein is fantastic, and the best way is to decide how you would like it to be, and then make it just that way."
Boldface mine. It's up to you guys to make it what you want it to be. We're here to help, but OD&D belongs to all of us, not just Gary and Dave and not just the old guys who were there when it happened.
It says so in the rulebook.
From my point of view, all you 'new guys' who didn't play the original game back in the day are VERY welcome here. I think one reason Fin started this site, and I know one reason I'm here, is because we think there's a philosophy and style of play (or actually, several philosophies and styles of play) in and around the old games, and in OD&D in particular, which isn't very well represented in the broader gaming universe today.
But the only way we'll keep that alive is if new interested people come looking for it. Take OD&D and make it your own, just like we did. Use us for advice and direction and to find hidden chestnuts of gaming lore, but don't treat us as authorities.
You new guys are the future of the past, and given the way mainstream RPGs are going, sometimes I think you might be the future of the future as well.
Just don't forget what Gary told us all way back in the beginning, before legal issues with Dave, corporate issues with the Blumes, and AD&D changed the tenor of the conversation:
"We have attempted to furnish an ample framework, and building should be both easy and fun. In this light, we urge you to refrain from writing for rule interpretations or the like unless you are absolutely at a loss, for everything herein is fantastic, and the best way is to decide how you would like it to be, and then make it just that way."
Boldface mine. It's up to you guys to make it what you want it to be. We're here to help, but OD&D belongs to all of us, not just Gary and Dave and not just the old guys who were there when it happened.
It says so in the rulebook.
.