My personal feelings on the second question is that it's a bit awkward. I don't really see it as my preferred TTRPG, it's just that different ones do different things better. Combat in 5e is tops, but TOR seems to do character development better, and STA has more dynamic choices. Which one I'd choose depends on what mood I'm in and what my itch is for. If I want good fights, then it's 5e. If I want to develop a character and see how they grow and change, then TOR. If I just want to play a game as a whole, then STA (as opposed to roleplaying or specifically having fights).
I play 5e the most, mostly because more people already know it or are willing to learn it.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
5e is quite good and I find it to be a more versatile, interesting, learnable, and well designed system than the other RPGs I've tried (GURPs and Pathfinder).
Since D&D is so popular, it's a lot easier to find groups for it than it is for other TTRPGS.
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D&D 5e is not my preferred system. It's not even within D20 systems (I prefer Pathfinder 2e, Shadow of the demon lord or other D&D editions). However, it is undoubtedly the system with which it is easier to find players. It's true that it's getting easier to find players for Pathfinder 2e (especially since the beginning of the year as far as we all know), but it's still easier to find players for 5e. Especially online. In my IRL group we hardly ever play 5e, or any other D20 system. We prefer PBTA, Drama System or other similar systems. Online right now I'm DMing a campaign with Pathfinder, another with 5e and I play two intermittent campaigns with 5e. I've tried to recruit people for Traveller, Ars Magica or other games, but it's very difficult. People prefer to play 5e or at most Pathfinder 2e.
Well, the reasons why many players are reluctant to play other systems are really varied. But I have mainly encountered two groups: On the one hand, there are those who do not want to leave their comfort zone. They know 5e, they like it, it's a system that works, and they don't want to learn a new one. When I have told someone, for example, that Pathfinder 2e offers the same type of experience, but it's better designed, many shrug their shoulders and say: "But I already like 5e." And I see no counterargument to that. On the other hand there are the new players, who want to play 5e because they have seen Critical Role, or some other similar channel, and they want to play what they play. In any case, that's fine. I like 5e. I prefer other systems, but I like 5e. And if people want to play that, it's ok. I already have my IRL group to play other things.
What I would like to comment on is that many of the complaints that many of the players have, especially veterans, regarding 5e, are resolved in PF2. Many of the things that are being requested for one D&D (and that one D&D is not going to offer because its design philosophy is different), are in PF2. But still, those people keep playing 5e, and they keep complaining. Why not change the system? It is a mystery to me. I play with both systems and although I find one better designed than the other, I like both. And I'm not going to be asking 5e for things that I know they won't give me. For that there are other systems, very similar in concept, but with a different design philosophy. And I say PF2 because it is the best known among the alternatives to 5e in D20 systems, but there are others.
The "But I already like 5e" reason is a bit like someone saying they only listen to this one band when you tell them to check out another they might like. It is limiting one's experience of the hobby. It is ultimately limiting the number of people one can meet through that hobby.
I'd say that's a pretty solid counterargument in the context of a hobby that is really all about playing and enjoying games with others.
It's one thing to play and to enjoy 5e. I've had thoroughly memorable experiences playing 5e. But it seems to me rather senseless to just outright refuse to play another game.
TTRPGs take up time and not everyone has a lot of time. People don't often want to spend their limited time doing something different that they may not enjoy. If they enjoy what they are already doing, why take the risk and waste their time.
Others like the idea of trying new things, it is a personal choice people make for themselves.
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Mother and Cat Herder. Playing TTRPGs since 1989 (She/Her)
TTRPGs take up time and not everyone has a lot of time. People don't often want to spend their limited time doing something different that they may not enjoy. If they enjoy what they are already doing, why take the risk and waste their time.
Others like the idea of trying new things, it is a personal choice people make for themselves.
Do you play video games? How much time do you devote to that hobby in the event that you do?
I think anyone playing tabletop role-playing games who complains about not having time enough to try and enjoy another game every now and then is being dishonest with himself.
Video games are a solo activity that don't require the coordination of multiple schedules.
You are free to think what ever you like though.
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Mother and Cat Herder. Playing TTRPGs since 1989 (She/Her)
Everyone has their responsibilities and circumstances. I know people who really have little time to spend playing role playing. For example, a friend who can only play on Fridays or Saturdays after 10:00 p.m. She can't before because she has to take care of her children. And during the week she gets up every day at 05:30, so she can't play after putting the children to bed. Another guy can only play one day a week (it doesn't matter which one, but he can only play one), because it's a pact he made with his wife after they were about to get divorced. She wants to be able to spend time with him, which makes sense, and she felt abandoned during a time when he played several times a week. To say that if you have time to play video games, or watch TV, or read a novel, you have time to play TTRPG, is a simplistic reduction of reality. Everyone has their personal circumstances, and you shouldn't get into that. I can play as much as I want, since I don't have children, my wife is a saint and, besides, she plays with me often, and I have flexible hours at work. But not everyone can do that.
In any case, if a person feels comfortable with 5e, and doesn't see the need to try different things since he likes the game, it's up to him. I see no possible criticism of that attitude. A different case is those people who do not stop complaining about 5e, and who are reluctant to try other systems that solve their complaints. I don't understand that.
I’ve been that player. It’s one of the strongest signs that either you’re done with the hobby entirely or you desperately need a vacation from it. It’s also been true that I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself (as a DM) to get things perfect, and when I fell short I basically just buried myself doing something else. The worst part for me was always the maps. I’m horrible with visual artistry and while I could easily enough do something with Dungeon Scrawl, I really wanted to impress my players and myself with Dungeon Draft and Inkarnate. I’ve been taking some time to myself to practice but it is really so hard that I can’t spend more than an hour and a half daily (on average) before I quit in frustration.
We are straying off topic. But, as a DM, I never cancel a session if a player is missing. If that same player misses the next session, I talk to him in case he prefers to leave the campaign. If he continues, but he is absent again, I expel him from the group and look for a replacement. I always have players in queue.
Similar case is when someone misses several interleaved sessions. First I talk to the player, and we decide what to do. If that attitude continues, I'm looking for a replacement.
I spent a lot of time and effort to the game. And I do it for all of us to have fun. But I also demand a minimum of commitment. If you can't offer even that, I better look for a player who is interested in the game, or has a schedule that allows him to play regularly.
I agree that so long as at least there are 3 out of 4 players available the game can continue. If absolutely necessary, someone else can run the missing Player’s character as a sidekick. Obviously doesn’t apply if it’s the DM.
This is just a basic poll to see what the preferences and experiences of the people on these forums are.
Personally, I play D&D5e, but it isn't my preferred TTRPG, but it is the easiest game to get people to play in my area.
Mother and Cat Herder. Playing TTRPGs since 1989 (She/Her)
My personal feelings on the second question is that it's a bit awkward. I don't really see it as my preferred TTRPG, it's just that different ones do different things better. Combat in 5e is tops, but TOR seems to do character development better, and STA has more dynamic choices. Which one I'd choose depends on what mood I'm in and what my itch is for. If I want good fights, then it's 5e. If I want to develop a character and see how they grow and change, then TOR. If I just want to play a game as a whole, then STA (as opposed to roleplaying or specifically having fights).
I play 5e the most, mostly because more people already know it or are willing to learn it.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Yes, yes, and yes.
5e is quite good and I find it to be a more versatile, interesting, learnable, and well designed system than the other RPGs I've tried (GURPs and Pathfinder).
Since D&D is so popular, it's a lot easier to find groups for it than it is for other TTRPGS.
BoringBard's long and tedious posts somehow manage to enrapture audiences. How? Because he used Charm Person, the #1 bard spell!
He/him pronouns. Call me Bard. PROUD NERD!
Ever wanted to talk about your parties' worst mistakes? Do so HERE. What's your favorite class, why? Share & explain
HERE.D&D 5e is not my preferred system. It's not even within D20 systems (I prefer Pathfinder 2e, Shadow of the demon lord or other D&D editions). However, it is undoubtedly the system with which it is easier to find players. It's true that it's getting easier to find players for Pathfinder 2e (especially since the beginning of the year as far as we all know), but it's still easier to find players for 5e. Especially online.
In my IRL group we hardly ever play 5e, or any other D20 system. We prefer PBTA, Drama System or other similar systems. Online right now I'm DMing a campaign with Pathfinder, another with 5e and I play two intermittent campaigns with 5e. I've tried to recruit people for Traveller, Ars Magica or other games, but it's very difficult. People prefer to play 5e or at most Pathfinder 2e.
Well, the reasons why many players are reluctant to play other systems are really varied. But I have mainly encountered two groups: On the one hand, there are those who do not want to leave their comfort zone. They know 5e, they like it, it's a system that works, and they don't want to learn a new one. When I have told someone, for example, that Pathfinder 2e offers the same type of experience, but it's better designed, many shrug their shoulders and say: "But I already like 5e." And I see no counterargument to that.
On the other hand there are the new players, who want to play 5e because they have seen Critical Role, or some other similar channel, and they want to play what they play.
In any case, that's fine. I like 5e. I prefer other systems, but I like 5e. And if people want to play that, it's ok. I already have my IRL group to play other things.
What I would like to comment on is that many of the complaints that many of the players have, especially veterans, regarding 5e, are resolved in PF2. Many of the things that are being requested for one D&D (and that one D&D is not going to offer because its design philosophy is different), are in PF2. But still, those people keep playing 5e, and they keep complaining. Why not change the system? It is a mystery to me. I play with both systems and although I find one better designed than the other, I like both. And I'm not going to be asking 5e for things that I know they won't give me. For that there are other systems, very similar in concept, but with a different design philosophy. And I say PF2 because it is the best known among the alternatives to 5e in D20 systems, but there are others.
TTRPGs take up time and not everyone has a lot of time. People don't often want to spend their limited time doing something different that they may not enjoy. If they enjoy what they are already doing, why take the risk and waste their time.
Others like the idea of trying new things, it is a personal choice people make for themselves.
Mother and Cat Herder. Playing TTRPGs since 1989 (She/Her)
Video games are a solo activity that don't require the coordination of multiple schedules.
You are free to think what ever you like though.
Mother and Cat Herder. Playing TTRPGs since 1989 (She/Her)
Everyone has their responsibilities and circumstances. I know people who really have little time to spend playing role playing.
For example, a friend who can only play on Fridays or Saturdays after 10:00 p.m. She can't before because she has to take care of her children. And during the week she gets up every day at 05:30, so she can't play after putting the children to bed.
Another guy can only play one day a week (it doesn't matter which one, but he can only play one), because it's a pact he made with his wife after they were about to get divorced. She wants to be able to spend time with him, which makes sense, and she felt abandoned during a time when he played several times a week.
To say that if you have time to play video games, or watch TV, or read a novel, you have time to play TTRPG, is a simplistic reduction of reality. Everyone has their personal circumstances, and you shouldn't get into that.
I can play as much as I want, since I don't have children, my wife is a saint and, besides, she plays with me often, and I have flexible hours at work. But not everyone can do that.
In any case, if a person feels comfortable with 5e, and doesn't see the need to try different things since he likes the game, it's up to him. I see no possible criticism of that attitude. A different case is those people who do not stop complaining about 5e, and who are reluctant to try other systems that solve their complaints. I don't understand that.
I’ve been that player. It’s one of the strongest signs that either you’re done with the hobby entirely or you desperately need a vacation from it. It’s also been true that I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself (as a DM) to get things perfect, and when I fell short I basically just buried myself doing something else. The worst part for me was always the maps. I’m horrible with visual artistry and while I could easily enough do something with Dungeon Scrawl, I really wanted to impress my players and myself with Dungeon Draft and Inkarnate. I’ve been taking some time to myself to practice but it is really so hard that I can’t spend more than an hour and a half daily (on average) before I quit in frustration.
We are straying off topic. But, as a DM, I never cancel a session if a player is missing. If that same player misses the next session, I talk to him in case he prefers to leave the campaign. If he continues, but he is absent again, I expel him from the group and look for a replacement. I always have players in queue.
Similar case is when someone misses several interleaved sessions. First I talk to the player, and we decide what to do. If that attitude continues, I'm looking for a replacement.
I spent a lot of time and effort to the game. And I do it for all of us to have fun. But I also demand a minimum of commitment. If you can't offer even that, I better look for a player who is interested in the game, or has a schedule that allows him to play regularly.
I agree that so long as at least there are 3 out of 4 players available the game can continue. If absolutely necessary, someone else can run the missing Player’s character as a sidekick. Obviously doesn’t apply if it’s the DM.
I'm more or less forced to keep playing 4e, based on my current game. 5th is my favorite, but I love my current group.