Freeform Rules, Brainstorming and Munchkinism

[LadyWinterWolf]

This is a Open RP forum and is here for everyone's enjoyment. Here are some simple guidelines to make this comfortable for everyone. If you have any other suggestions without making it too strict, then please pm them to me for consideration.

If you are a rules lawyer, this is not the forum for you. I highly suggest checking out the other gaming forums here which will deal more strictly with gaming rules, dice rolls, XP, etc.






[glow=blue,2,300]Simple Guidelines[/glow]

* Upon making a new thread the poster is the story teller, GM or Dm of that RP thread. They say what goes.

*All GMs or DMs are encouraged to post an additional "Brainstorm" thread in which a complete description on what they expect out of their game and what they would like to avoid. This is where you should add if you don't want Munchkins, what edition you're playing, gaming system, etc.

* Keep vulgar cursing and explicit sexual content off the boards. It is understood that some characters may have an emotional attachment with each other, so keep innuendo to a minimum.

* No spamming! No posting rolly eyes or anything else to break flow of story. It will be deleted without any warning.

* This is for RPing not chatting. All such no topic posts will be deleted. A "Brainstorm" thread is suggested for all OOC talk regarding the RP thread, for idea slinging and character descriptions of the thread participants.

* No OOC threats toward other gamers or name calling.

* Have fun !! That's why we are here.


[EDIT] Just added the blue glow to text.

[LadyWinterWolf]

[glow=blue,2,300]Brainstorm threads[/glow]

Brainstorming is an important tool. All the "characters" can work out intents, possibilities, and iron out differences in a "Brainstorm" thread. Please don't do it with OOC on the rp thread itself.

If "No Munchkinism" is stated, please respect this. We're here to have fun, yes, but some players are also using this as a learning experience.

If the majority agrees that something is too munchkin for the character you're playing, or not appropriate for the storyline, please respect that.

If you want to effect another character by something you do, work with the other person first. Nothing ruins a thread faster than someone's character trying to kill off another character, and it was not worked out between the two role players first. PM each other to work it out, or use the Brainstorm thread....either way: Talk it out first.


[EDIT] Added blue glow. Fixed typo

[LadyWinterWolf]

Munchkinism

So what is 'munchkinism'? Well, it has nothing to do with short cheerful people. There are several different types of munchkins, but basically put, a munchkin is someone who cheats or plays unfairly.

There are three basic types of munchkins. Here they will be discussed, as well as methods to make sure you are not stuck with the horrible stigma of these labels.

The first type are called Powerplayers. This refers to a freeform munchkin. Examples of power-playing are dodging every hit thrown at you, using instant hits or instant kills on an opponent, or wielding godly amounts of power (i.e., summoning a meteor to crush your foes) that do not exist in this rather low-level setting. While roleplaying, it is considered common courtesy to always give an opponent a chance to avoid an attack, with some exceptions (naturally, someone who is paralyzed, etc., wouldn't be able to dodge). For instance, let's say you are fighting someone, and you want to stab them in the heart. It would be much better to say *stabs at his heart* or *thrusts toward his torso, aiming for the heart* rather than *stabs him in the heart*. Power-players are always more concerned with being strong and powerful rather than actually roleplaying.

The second type are called Hacknslashers. This term originated from AD&D, referring to someone who doesn't know how to turn statistical numbers into imagery. Basically, a hacknslasher is a (A)D&D munchkin (either 1E, 2E, or 3E). In most cases, a hacknslasher either bends the (A)D&D rules to his own advantage, or simply stretches them as far as they will go. Instances of hacknslashing are, playing super high level characters (18th level and above), having super high stats (like in their 20s, etc.), or using/abusing rules that only a DM could approve (and naturally, LH has no DM). These people usually rely on dice to do anything. If you are free-forming and your opponent isn't, don't feel pressured in rolling dice. Use your own good judgment. This chat is primarily freeform. Hacknslashers are always more concerned with pluses and bonuses rather than actually roleplaying.

The third type are called Montys. This term originates from the AD&D term of "Monty Haul", which refers to a DM who hands out magical items and valuable treasures like candy. A Monty is someone who loads their characters down with magical items, weapons, and armor. They usually have super powered swords and axes (+5 Vorpal swords, etc.), nearly invincible armor, as well as rings, wands, and potions.

So how can you stop from falling under one of these groups? First off, try to focus more on personality rather than combat. You don't need godlike powers nor tons of cool equipment nor incredibly high levels and stats to survive in this chat. You don't have to be supremely important to get noticed, either. People are more likely to notice a well played farmer than a badly played level 20 Nobleman Paladin with 10 magic items. Finally, try to limit magical items you give you characters. Krynn is a low-magic campaign, and so any magical items are considered rare. You can't just buy them in local shops. If you want to start a new character with enchanted items, try and keep it limited to one, and make sure to come up with a very good background story as to where they found it.

The above information is from: www.losthavens.com:16080/book/munchkinism.htm