This is a site for discussing roleplaying games. Have fun doing so, but there is one major rule: do not discuss political issues that aren't directly and uniquely related to the subject of the thread and about gaming. While this site is dedicated to free speech, the following will not be tolerated: devolving a thread into unrelated political discussion, sockpuppeting (using multiple and/or bogus accounts), disrupting topics without contributing to them, and posting images that could get someone fired in the workplace (an external link is OK, but clearly mark it as Not Safe For Work, or NSFW). If you receive a warning, please take it seriously and either move on to another topic or steer the discussion back to its original RPG-related theme.

Terminology question: sandbox?

Started by Leo Knight, October 09, 2007, 05:17:20 PM

Previous topic - Next topic
Print
Go Down Pages 1 2 3
User actions

arminius

#30
October 10, 2007, 03:08:24 PM
My understanding of the term is that it means the same thing as a "status quo" campaign as described in the D&D 3.0 (or 3.5?) DMG.

I used to call it a "world-based" campaign.

As for the origin, James's version is the most plausible, but I don't really feel like trying to document the history of the usage. At least, not right now.

James J Skach

#31
October 10, 2007, 05:14:29 PM
Quote from: Elliot WilenI used to call it a "world-based" campaign.
Yeah, I can see that.  I guess the bright line, if there is one, would be whether or not there was a specific goal or campaign in mind.  In my admittedly limited experience with the term, I've always seen it used in that world-without-direction connotation.

Quote from: Elliot WilenAs for the origin, James's version is the most plausible, but I don't really feel like trying to document the history of the usage. At least, not right now.
Dammit.  Next time could you please tell us which James?  McMurray and I argue constantly in PM's about who is getting credit for things...he's such a glory hound...
The rules are my slave, not my master. - Old Geezer

The RPG Haven - Talking About RPGs

arminius

#32
October 10, 2007, 05:25:23 PM
It's you, Jim S.

Back in the day, "world-based" was I think contrasted with "plot-based" or maybe "character-based". Yeah, all three were used: quick google groups search

James McMurray

#33
October 10, 2007, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: James J SkachDammit.  Next time could you please tell us which James?  McMurray and I argue constantly in PM's about who is getting credit for things...he's such a glory hound...

I was curious which he was talking about too, for about 3 seconds. Then I remembered my conversation to the thread and knew it had to be you.

But that's ok. Most of the other good stuff that a James is responsible for around here is me, so I'll let you have this minor victory. :D

Leo Knight

#34
October 10, 2007, 05:59:01 PM
Thanks for all the replies. Now I remeber Jeff's Gameblog was where I had seen it first. I probably could have found it myself, but the damned computer I was on was glacially slow. Besides, we were rehearsing Act 1, Scene 2, where Richard woos Lady Anne over the corpse of her husband, whom Richard had killed. "Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour won?" Couldn't miss that!

Warning: Chilhood Sandbox Trauma
When I was three years old, we had a sandbox out back, but I wasn't allowed to play in it because neighbohood cats would use it as... a, uh... sandbox. So I had a shoebox full of sand on the back porch, until a cat pooped in that, too. I am still bitter.

So, sandbox= campaign world, players= cats?;)
Plagiarize, Let no one else\'s work evade your eyes, Remember why the Good Lord made your eyes, So don\'t shade your eyes, But plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize - Only be sure always to call it please research. -Tom Lehrer
Print
Go Up Pages 1 2 3
User actions