[RPG]: Dogs in the Vineyard, reviewed by matthijs (4/4)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/10/10795.phtml

Matthijs Holter's Summary:

It's about God's watchdogs protecting the Faith in 19th-century Utah. It’s cheap, it’s really good, and it’s different without being all pretentious and condescending about it.


Go to the full review for more information.

Post originally by Myles Corcoran at 2004-11-03 00:55:41
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Hi Matthijs,

Long time no see (Alarums & Excursions misses you!). Thanks for the good review. My copy of DitV arrived a couple of days ago and, inbetween my wife's borrowings, I've had the chance to read about half of it.

My wife and I have discussed the setting and premise and while we like the game, we both felt we might have problems actually playing a Dog. Wishy-washy lefty intellectuals, I guess, but I think I'd find it difficult to get too deeply into the role of a believer with a strong and to me, offensive, moral code.

To be fair, Vincent (D. Vincent Baker the game designer) does address the use of the game in other settings, though I think the core issue of faith and justice are probably essential.

Myles

Post originally by Lisa Padol at 2004-11-05 12:21:40
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I second A&E missing Matthijs. DitV is one of a number of Forge games I'm lusting to try out.

-Lisa

Post originally by Dev at 2004-11-06 13:35:49
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Hey Myles,

I see where you're coming from. I personally found this thread on the Forge interesting:

http://www.indie-rpgs.com/viewtopic.php?t=12454

Basically, ways of mixing the role of the Dogs in a more Quaker-like religion. How does that strike you?

Post originally by Myles Corcoran at 2004-11-08 01:24:30
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I can see the more Quaker-like religion working, and not just because I've watched 'Friendly Persuasion" a half-dozen times. That said, I've finished reading the DitV rules and, despite misgivings about playing the role of a Dog, I can see there's plenty of meat there for intense and interesting role-playing.

I also liked one of the suggestions on that Forge thread about using DitV for an all-Jedi game. The elements of judgement and possible violence are there, as is the potential for the Dog (or Jedi knight) to turn to the dark side. (i.e. make judgements based on emotions, selfish needs, etc.)

Post originally by Plane Sailing at 2005-06-07 08:39:14
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Last weekend a friend introduced DitV by running it as a Jedi game and it was great. I really enjoyed the mechanics and the instant gratification of improving by experience. It fitted really well as young Padawan resolving tough issues.

Cheers