For those that don't know me, I'm a bit of a D&D guy. It's really the only game I play, with some minor side trips and one-offs in other things (Game day with Bill, one-shot's in our group, etc).

Strangely, it took a game of OD&D at GaryCon to inspire me recently. Part of it was the vibe; but part of it was the way I approached it. I hadn't played Basic since the Holmes edition back in, I don't know, probably '78. And I was in a game with a guy (diaglo, if any of you know him form other boards) who has been running it for 30 years. It was intimidating.

But then, I just decided that I wouldn't care whether I knew the rules, etc. I just let go. It was great.

Since then, we've had a one-shot of old Palladium and a 4e session. I've enjoyed them both because I'm really taking this approach to heart. It's not the specific rules for me - they all have this or that thing that comes up - it's the approach as a player that was inspired by this session of OD&D.

That's awesome, Jim. I wonder if it was something about OD&D in particular that helped cause that epiphany, or if it could have happened with another game equally.

Zach!

As much of a D&D geek fan as I can be, I don't think so. I think it was a combination of several things including, but not limited to, the rule set. But I think it's just a important to let yourself get out of the way...

Welcome!

Totally? Encounter Critical.

It inspired me --or rather, reminded me-- to loosen up and cut to the fun. Stop worrying about the game and focus on the play.

Oh. Hi, guys!

True20 without a doubt.
It's easy and super flexible. I can do anything with it- or at least anything I want to do. Svage worlds would be a close second, and I really like 4e.

See...that's so similar to my experience. And, to your question, Zach, it's interesting that it was a completely different game.

I suspect that doc was running the game...Doc?

Well, I downloaded a copy when it was first *ahem* rediscovered, in November of 2004. The bug bit me right away, but I didn't actually run it until this Wednesday, 18 March 2009.

We've hi-jacked the thread...ha!

Doc - what in the rules, if anything, triggered this reaction in you?

In the rules? Not damn thing. It was all the spirit of the thing, the whole full-on no-stops pure geek love vibe that thumps and spazzes on every damn page.

I first got Sorcerer in 2005, along with the supplements. I think those four small books have inspired me more than anything else in the last few years.

It's an elegant and fast-moving system, but the real meat lies in Ron Edwards' single-minded (some might say fanatical) drive towards a particular type of roleplaying. You might call this 'narrativism' or you might call it 'character-driven drama'.