OSR vs SG and the bullshit in between

OSR and Storygamers.  Fight!  Or not actually.

One thing I've noticed is the name calling between these two 'sides' by some of the louder more venomous members of the two 'factions'.  So I figured I would drop my opinions on a couple of their shrieks.

I've seen claims that the OSR is full of conservative right wing nut jobs.  Okay first I will go with a broad look at the gaming fandom that I'm familiar with.  Most gamers I have discussed politics seem to be leaning to the left.  Maybe not a great deal but over towards that liberal side at least a little.  Coming across a conservative is a rare thing to me, although I do know a couple.  Now my lurking on OSR boards and following a few blogs I have to say that I do see more right leaning political opinions than I do normally among gamers.

Again not a great deal but more than just the normal.  BUT this may have more to do with traditional political values among a group that has a larger older membership.  Folks who have gone grey over the years as they have continued to enjoy their hobbies and games.  So yeah I see more right leaning folks over in the OSR than I do in most gaming 'divisions' but not very many full blown hard core Conservatives who hate everything that is different.  I mean after all, gaming itself is different from the mainstream norm.

What I have noticed in the OSR is a larger portion of assholes though.  Tooth gnashing people who think anything other than what they like in gaming is wrong.  They will rant against 'onetruewayism' in one breath and then tell you the one true way it should be done in the next.

Now I know this is all just observation and viewing from a distance.  But it's not like I can put a survey out and get honest answers.  It would be like asking a bunch of soccer moms if they've ever looked up interracial porn before.  You know that the honest truth and what you will be told are going to be quite different.

 Then we have the accusation that Storygamers are nothing but a lot of SJW's (Social Justice Warriors to those who don't know... all two of you).  Now again I've lurked in a lot of places and follow a lot of blogs, I'm a gaming opinion addict, I can't help it.  Well I do have to say there seem to be more SJW's or people leaning towards that in the Storygamer folks.  But, just like the OSR crowd, not nearly the number people are claiming.  However the ones there tend to be really, REALLY, vocal about it.  But in equal number are some people are really vocal about just getting along and letting everybody else be.  For some reason these people are also labelled SJW's by people to ignorant to actually pay enough attention to tell the difference.

Myself I don't deal well with loud SJW type people.  I pretty much put them at the same level as Gamergate and MRA folks.  I've blocked and been blocked by plenty on all sides.  Which actually helps my signal to noise ratio on social networks I'll tell ya. 

What I do see a good chunk of on BOTH sides is a nice little lot of liars.  These are the people screaming out all sorts of slights, harassment and threats have been made.  But yet when anybody else claims this they call them out and demand proof... even though they never could produce any to back their own claims.  They also say the other is trying to destroy the hobby or that there is some big massive conspiracy to undermine the entire gaming scene.  But zero proof of course. 

Sometimes I love not being part of any specific group other than 'tabletop gamer'.  My interests are wide and I like to try new stuff from time to time.  On my shelf is Dogs in the Vineyard, BECMI Dungeons and Dragons, Circle of Hands, Over the Edge, Cyberpunk 2020, Fantasy Roleplaying and so much more. 

I also love the fact that there is a lot (and I mean a LOT) of good material out there.  That way when one of the assholes or liars is producing something that people are saying is good.... I can walk the other way and put money into the hands of somebody who is not an asshole for the really good product they made.  The variety is so great you are not missing out if you spend your dollars based on who you want to have your money.  Instead of feeling you have to buy something despite your personal thoughts about the people who put it out. 

Anyways, I'm done.  More Jaded Gamer Diary entries will be coming I'm sure.  Because I'm just a little bit of an asshole myself.  Just not all the time and just not that loud.

Jaded Gamer Diary - You two don't mean shit.

Okay I just want to say a few things to the OSR and Storygamer crowd out there.  Actually I want to say it to those who think they are the big guns of these movements... the movers, the shakers... oh and the assholes. 

Nobody fucking cares.  Really I want to say that nicely but it's pretty true.  At the local shops around here nobody knows, much less cares, about either movement.  One person runs Fantasy Roleplaying, one.  Can get in on a DnD 5ed game easily though or if you want to GM you can have a line of folks wanting in. 

A couple of the local cons I've been to.  Nobody spoke of either movement.  I've seen one game of Dungeon World being ran.  Again you want some DnD though, they got you covered.  Maybe some Palladium stuff, Sla Industries or even some AFMBE.  People know those games.

So before you get on some soapbox about how the other movement is trying to 'change gaming as we know it' or 'trying to keep any progression from ever happening' think about this.  Nobody gives a shit except for your own little round about group of fans online.  Most gamers out there it seems never heard of you, they may have heard of a couple of the 'big' games each side has produced.  But the movements?  Nope. 

So go huddle with your John Tarnowskis, Zak Smiths, Vincent Bakers and whoever the hell else loves to think they stride above the rest of the world.  Most gamers couldn't give a fig about you.

Now before anybody jumps up backing John and Zak about how they were consultants on the new version of DnD I want to remind you all of one thing.  Nobody outside of those two has said anything about the supposed influence they had.  It's almost like the security guard saying the big bosses listen to him at the factory he 'protects'.  Nobody ever says anything about not listening to him but they also never mention him at any other time either.  It's easy to say you were all sorts of involved when you are the only one talking. But hey, one didn't even know Monte Cook was leaving the development team until he was already gone, even though he claimed to be in daily contact with him.  Sort of puts things in perspective of who seems to have an exaggerated claim doesn't it?

Court of Bathory - quick preview

Working on writing up an occult/horror sourcebook. One group in it is 'The Court of Bathory'.  Here is a quick look at the power structure within the cult itself.  Having to rewrite a good chunk of what I have though, went to having the group being a bit to large and need to scale them back a bit.  Hopefully as I get it redone I'll be putting more stuff up.

Hierarchy Among the Court

They have an established pecking order in place. Along with a designated name for each level that one may attain.

Countess – The overall head of the entire Court. This would be Anna Darvulia who is still in control after centuries.

Ladies Maid – Members who are of the top most inner circle answering only to the Countess.

Governess – The ones who test the potential recruits to see if they are worthy. Then responsible for their training afterward.

Lady – Those who have been initiated into the Court. Answering to the Ladies Maid or Governess above them.

Lady-in-Waiting – Recruits who are trying to earn their place in the Court. Doing whatever their assigned Governess requests without hesitation.

Footman – The only rank that males may reach within the Court. Considered to be 'owned' by whichever member they worked for. Most possess very specific skill sets or talents that are hard to come by.

Maidservants – Those who are to be used for sacrifices. Many of them believe themselves to be Ladies-in-Waiting and do not suspect anything of their fate until it is to late.

Common terms for those outside of the Inner Circle.

Gamekeeper – A person, usually male, who is used for acquiring young women for the Court.

Coachman – Someone whose job it is to transport members of the court from location to location. Also used as a reference to people who transport victims and potential members as well.