| From: | Doctor Doom <jch8169@*******.TAMU.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Munchkin(ism): Definition |
| Date: | Wed, 22 Feb 1995 17:23:42 -0600 |
MUNCHKIN
Either noun or verb. Munchkinism is exhibited in two primary
forms of expression, that of rules interpretation/implementation
and power.
Munchkins tend to interpret rules in either the broadest possible
sense or such that benefits shall be disproportionately bestowed,
especially in exclusive favor to their character. They
consistently push the envelope of the letter and spirit of the law
in an effort to gain the greatest (sometimes individual) latitude.
Usually, areas targeted for such pressure are instances where the
published rules are particularly vague or may not specifically
apply, i.e., loopholes.
Besides this, Munchkins are quite willing to take leave of the
game system to achieve their desires and demonstrate a great
willingness to alter, augment, or eliminate the rules without
paying due consideration to alternatives to or the ramifications
of their actions.
As has already been implied, the end product of all Munchkins
efforts lead to one thing: Power. Munchkins are driven by the
desire to become the most potent player in the group/setting/world
in which they are playing. Further, any questions as to the
believability (within the genre) or feasibility of such
exceedingly potent characters or are not salient to the Munchkin.
Also, Munchkins are generally very reticent to create serious
obstacles or problems for his character, and typically they
exhibit most grievous vexation should the Game Master or other
players frustrate his plans. In line with this, they
energetically seek to avoid any disadvantages or costs in an
effort to achieve their goals. A Munchkin EXPECTS to win all the
time.
True, it may be argued that the some of the aforementioned
behaviours are merely the product of natural tendencies, i.e. one
is usually want to gain "best bang for the buck," but they attain
a certain fanaticism in Munchkins.
________________ _______ _______ ____ ____
\ _____ \ / \ / \ / \/ \ >>> Attack,
\ | | | |---___ | ___---| | || || | attack, and
| | | | |_____/ | \_____| | || || | if in doubt
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | | | | | | || || | ATTACK! <<<
"Iron hand in a | |___/ / \_______/ \_______/|____| |____| -=-=-=-=-=-
velvet glove." | / ||
-- Charles V |_______/ Dread Executor of Administrative Tasks for Hayden
^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
