PCIHenry wrote:
Is loot really that important to make an adventure an enjoyable play experience?
Does getting some sort of reward somehow validate the time spent playing for you?
If you were playing Call of Cthulhu or Star Wars instead of a fantasy game, would you feel cheated at the end of the game because you didn't get that copy of Libris de Ghoules or a thermal detenator.
Since we've already established that magic items are not necessary to continue to play in the game, aren't the experience points garnered and the enjoyment of the adventure enough?
+1
Heck, +100.
I'm getting into this thread late, so I'm reading the whole thing at once and so many thoughts are running through my head. The first is that this same discussion pops up on a regular basis. And it boils down to the fact that you can't please everyone, all the time. No matter what "solution" (and I'm still not convinced that there is a problem, here) you like best, someone will disagree and the debate will continue. The campaign staff can't win, here. Additionally, every change of rules will alienate someone. And since people tend to remember being alienated more than they do being sated, changing rules is ultimately a losing proposition.
Keep magic items rare. It fits the story. And the story is what brings players to Arcanis.
I remember playing in year 1 of Living Greyhawk. I live in Michigan and was part of the Furyondy region. Our triad took to heart the limits placed on rewards. (Many regions' triads did not.) And consequently, in year 1 of that campaign (before the rules changed) I recall losing gold due to my upkeep costs being higher than my share of the treasure in multiple adventures. Were the adventures still enjoyable? Yes. In fact, this led to some great stories about PC's walking out of dungeons with furniture or masterwork doorlocks due to their value. It was a lot of fun. Did some players behave badly and always argue about treasure? Yes. But you can't legislate attitudes. Don't try. Do what makes sense for the story. Players who are problems will be dealt with in time by players who refuse to play at so-and-so's table because they ruin the fun of the game. It's sad, but it's true. I know of multiple instances where it's happened.
Play the game and have fun. If your PC walks away with something, bonus! If someone else's PC walks away with something, bonus for them. Did you just waste 4 hours of your life because someone else walked away from the game with more imaginary stuff than you did? I don't think so. Don't legislate the game such that everyone must remain equal. You won't like the watered-down results you get. (If you've never read the very short story of
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. I suggest taking 10 minutes of your time and reading it.)
Okay, I think I touched on all the talking points that were floating around in my head. One final note... Play for the fun of the game. And don't be a jerk. If everyone follows those two guidelines, everyone will enjoy their play experiences.
Scott