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From: cc100jr@gitpyr.UUCP (Joel M. Rives)
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Modules (Flame, really) and a 'Zine
Message-ID: <1169@gitpyr.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 10-Dec-85 09:43:05 EST
Article-I.D.: gitpyr.1169
Posted: Tue Dec 10 09:43:05 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Dec-85 04:21:47 EST
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Reply-To: cc100jr@gitpyr.UUCP (Joel M. Rives)
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Organization: Office of Computing Services, Georgia Tech
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In his recent posting Mr. Madden came down very heavy on the use of modules.
To a large degree, I must agree with him. Modules tend to decrease the 
creative indeavor of the GM. There is however, a great deal more to GM-ing
than creating interesting scenarios. And not all buyers/users of modules
use them lock stock and barrel. For many years, I ran a successful AD&D
campaign. The "world" was largely my own design from a macroscopic point of
view. I did upon occasion insert modules which seemed to fit very nicely into
the picture (time strictures can often limit the creative flow). Never did I
feel compelled to run the module as presented - mostly due to the fact that
some matters simply wouldn't jive with our universe. 
Even so, I disdain the use of modules as a habit. Unfortunately, there are far
more players out there than can be accomodated by that rare breed of animal,
the Good GM. Many of the players I know are college students. How many college
students do you know that consistantly have the time to develop well rounded
worlds? The trick, of course, is to build slowly and be willing to wait.
There is however, another alternative, one which I have taken to with relish.
If you are the type of GM who prefers a world where power is not run rampant
(where magical swords are not a dime a dozen) and are interested in politics,
diplomacy and a world rich in detail of all sorts, I highly recommend the world
of Harn. The creators of this series of maps, indexes and documentaries upon the
island world of Harn have - in my opinion - done an excellent job! What they  
provide you with is the backdrop against which a Gm can turn his or her creativetalents towards motivating characters. Granted, some GM's relish the developmentof maps the attention to minute detail which definately enriches any adventure.
To these people: you will probably not like Harn. But for those - like my self -
who prefer to bend our creative talents towards developing intricate plots and
sub-plots, who seek to maintain some sort of cohesive whole to the political
and social situation, the Harn Series is just the thing. 
Harn is not another Fantasy Role Playing system. It is a fully developed back-
drop with in which a GM can use what ever frp system they prefer. I do, however,
recommend using RuneQuest or Role Master, as these two seem to fit in best.

				 the never present whisper spirit