Re: SotSM and Re: Dragon 315 Revists Old Settings

Quite honestly, folks, I'm tired of the Spider Moon bashing.  I understand
the opinions of Spider Moon all too well.  In fact, they mirror many (but
not all) opinions of Dragonlance fans for the Fifth Age materials.

I'll address a few points from Thatotherguy's post here, then move on to
some other things.

>Spider Moon
>is far less than inspiring, it is, in fact, a waste.

I disagree.  It adds a new setting and new game mechanics, plus a glimpse
of one possible view of Spelljammer in 3e.


>Space travel is
>treated haphazardly (in fact, it's basically ignored by saying roll a
>couple dice) in favor of prestige classes and feats, some of which
>really have nothing to do with SJ (in other words, they are generic).

Perhaps there were some generic feats, but the rules material is a welcome
addition, IMHO.


>You say anything that moves the setting forward is good.  Spider Moon
>ignored the existing setting so obviously it didn't move it forward.

Maybe it didn't move it forward, but it added to it.


>You say anything that inspires people to turn to SJ is god but Spider
>Moon turns people away.

This isn't the case.  On the WotC boards, there were several posters who
got into SJ due to Spider Moon, and who were eager to learn more about the
classic setting.

I've seen more people driven away by the negative criticisms of fans,
truth be told.


Spelljammer is a setting of infinite possibilities and infinite ideas.  It
is a setting of settings.  It is a tool to use to get from one setting to
another.  It is something we can build upon into infinity, if we so
desired.

I know that Spider Moon wasn't the most popular with many of you on this
list.  The same can be said for 3rd edition in general.  Yet bashing both
will get us nowhere.  All it will do is cause feelings to be hurt, and
start yet another flame war.

Rather than harp on the supposed "evils" of Spider Moon, focus instead on
the things you enjoy.  If you like creating materials for SJ, then focus
on what attracts your attention.  In my case, I go for Krynnspace since I
have a great love for both Spelljammer and Dragonlance.

Rather than harp on the supposed "evils" of 3rd edition, let's all focus
instead on the rules systems we like.  If I have materials for 3e, and
Adam has materials for Hackmaster, it's all cool.  Maybe we can learn
something new about SJ simply from the presentation of the setting in
multiple editions.


So in this setting of infinite possibilities, let's all try to move beyond
our own prejudices, and let's call a truce.  Let's each enjoy the parts of
Spelljammer we enjoy, while allowing others to do the same, even if we
disagree.

Trampas
Wanderer of Celestian