Post originally by Sergio Mascarenhas at 2004-04-02 03:07:35
Converted from Phorums BB System

<< All I see here are both of you agreeing that Tal4 has no elves and dwarves >>

Of course we agree on that. What we don't agree is in the fact that this distingishes Tal4 from "most other settings".

<< let me know what you're trying to point out >>

I'm pointing out to the fact that presenting the lack of alignments in TAl4 as a special aspect of the game is meaningless when we consider that this is a dominant characteristic of rpgs. Yes, now I'm generalizing but it's easy to demonstrate if needed. I pointed to it because David was trying to emphasize the fact that Tal4 does not have alignments, and to present this as a special characteristic of the game. It is not.

<< you didn't have to tell us you laughed >>

Frankly speaking, it is common behavior in RPGnet. A lot of people mention when reading something their reactions. Is this insulting? I fail to see why.

<< Overall, I get the impression that you are saying that Talislanta isn't totally unique in its aspects, but the overall note that I got from the review is that Talislanta combines these aspects to make a unique roleplaying experience in a very wide variety of settings >>

So far so good. I agree with this, in fact (I own Tal4). What I was reacting to was not this. What I was reacting to is the fact that David presents this as if it was special because there's a standard in fantasy settings that's modeled in DnD and Tolkien. This is not true. Yes, DnD and Tolkien look-a-likes must be the ones that sell more, but they are not "most fantasy settings".

<< it's my first post on rpg.net and I'm just trying to figure it all out >>

It's nice to have you contributing to RPGnet. Keep doing it. Yes, the context for your first post was not the more peaceful and enjoyable, but there are plenty of opportunities for other types of interaction. I hope to see you around more often, from now on.

<< And it is true that you state the review being good and informative at the end. >>

And at the begining.

<< Some people can get caught up in what they perceive as a negative message and miss the good points >>

Worse than that, they misread and think that, even when one does a positive remark, it is just to cover his tracks and true negative intentions. Wait! Here I am doing just that!

Keep writing.

Sergio