In this video I talk about some important terms used in tabletop RPGs (like D&D) that describe good or bad DMing practices, which are worth understanding to know the right way to run a game.

I often start a campaign with a little bit of a railroad to get play started and then open it up to a sandbox.  Am I wrong?

Quote from: BadApple on Today at 12:48:58 PMI often start a campaign with a little bit of a railroad to get play started and then open it up to a sandbox.  Am I wrong?

Nope. Different groups need different amounts of direction before they get some momentum going.

For some, you can start them in some random town and they'll organize and figure out something to do. Others need a specific job or rumor to start out, but will otherwise self-direct. Some need an actual sponsor NPC they can report to because while they're on task when assigned one, they won't take the initiative to pick a task for themselves.

And this isn't even consistent. Sometimes you'll have a random element a normally passive group latches onto, other times that one player who's the glue for keeping the party on task misses a session and the entire group mires down to where they spend an hour of real life and in-game time arguing over whether to set up camp in the tree line for concealment or against the rocky outcropping that would limit the approaches to the camp... and there wasn't even going to be a nighttime event initially... except they spent so much time arguing about it loudly enough I determined something nearby actually noticed them when it otherwise wouldn't have and attacked them while in the open before camp had even been made.

In short, people are people and that means they're subject to a lot of variables that affect how they play and as a GM you can, at best, notice and prepare for trends, but need to often improvise the specifics.

Quote from: Chris24601 on Today at 01:21:44 PM

Quote from: BadApple on Today at 12:48:58 PMI often start a campaign with a little bit of a railroad to get play started and then open it up to a sandbox.  Am I wrong?

Nope. Different groups need different amounts of direction before they get some momentum going.

Yes, exactly. I think that's why Lost Mines of Phandelivn starts with a railroad (road attack, goblin caves) and then you get to the village and its more sand-boxy. Shame WotC went for railroads for so many other 5E adventures.

Some peoples definition of "railroading" is so fucked up there is just no way to ever game with them.

Either they stretch it to effectively mean "everything on earth".
Theres a barrier preventing leaving the area. "You filthy railroader!"
The room has only one exit. "This is for the worst!"
DM asks the group what module they want to play through. "The Monster!!!!!"
ad nausium.

Or they distort it to suit some crackhead agenda. Storygamers will bitch incessantly about it. But the minute they gain control they commit ten times worse than what they were accusing.

Instead of addressing actual railroading problems.