Re: Good Pbm Fantasy

From: Nancy.Feldman@redstar.FidoNet.Org (Nancy Feldman)

Date: Sat, 07 Sep 1991 13:11:05 +0000

RW>        I played Silverdawn for a couple of weeks back in the early 1980's.
RW>Character generation was interesting, you sent in the description of your
RW>character, and the stats were sent to you by the GM.  I enjoy the manipulatio
RW>of magic and such, but the 'rules' for mages were extremely vague which scare
RW>even me away from such endeavours.  Thus, I chose a thiefly character who
RW>dabbled in the minor magics (the magic ability could be developed to a great
RW>extent later, if I chose to follow that pursuit).  I had a spell which
RW>allowed me to fall great distances without harm (like AD&D's Feather Fall).
RW>I selected this ability with visions of daring escapes facilitated by
RW>leaping out of upper story windows or off of roofs to deter pursuit.
RW>        Okay dokay, I had a neato character sheet in hand, and the GM prompte
RW>me for my first three dollar move.  I had *no* information at hand to go with
RW>so I made an elaborate plan to go to a ball with the intent to purloin the
RW>many
RW>jewels and such that the upper-class snobs would be wearing.  Heck, I hired
RW>some helpers to pull off such a magnificent heist.  I was able to procur
RW>lavish clothes, everything was set.
RW>        The GM's response was positive, I was able to get a ticket to the
RW>ball, I was able to get my hired help and such, etc.  While dressed up in
RW>my lavish clothes, I was on my merry way to the ball with high hopes.  Oh joy
RW>in his infinite wisdom, the GM decided that my character would investigate
RW>the sound of a woman's muffled screech emanating from a darkened alley.  This
RW>led to my abduction, and I was thrust into one of the GM's canned stories.
RW>I went along with the storyline for a few weeks, then I dropped the game.
RW>It was like reading one of those Endless Quest books with a limited number
RW>of decisions to make at each new paragraph.  My input was virtually nil, I'd
RW>rather purchase a good book than pay $3.00 a week to read the GM's story.

I can agree with you, if that's the way Silver Dawn turned out.  It's a
shame, too, because the concept was interesting.  I wonder if I started
a company and ran the equivalent of what I think Silver Dawn should have
been if it would have any appeal?
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