| From: | MC23 <mc23@**********.COM> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Munchkin Definition (again :) |
| Date: | Wed, 13 May 1998 13:33:38 -0400 |
>> I disagree wholeheartedly. It reads like a blanket of immunity
>> so no one can be called one. In other words it would ultimately mean
>> nothing.
>
>How do you figure? If someone's character is taking away from a game
>more than they are contributing to the game, their a munchkin.
>David's definition is more inclusive than exclusive. At least, that
>how I see what he is saying. How do you see it, MC?
Advance warning, I'm in a bad mood. I just got back from Mickey D's
and they gave me Diet instead of my regular Coke. I had to throw the damn
thing away.
"They screw you at the drive through!"
Ok, consider this, by that definition a player's significant other
who they brought into the game often bogs things down by not
understanding the game (and even what a roleplaying game really is) would
be a munchkin. Would anybody on this list use that label in such a
situation? I wouldn't. On the other hand the
Samurai/Rigger/Decker/Magician Immortal Elf/Dragon hybrid with Omega
grade Cyberware and Earthdawn magic who always works in the party's favor
wouldn't be. Why?
Munchkin came first into general use when referring to the little
kids playing these games who had all these unbelievable things for their
characters which often was in violation of existing rules. Their whole
basic approach was to be the most powerful possible, it was basically
their whole understanding of the game. Often they would go outside (far
outside) the rules to secure themselves as most powerful. It is
ultimately and issue of obeying rules, power, and internal game balance.
Other gaming types might cross over but that does not mean they are
the same thing. Power Gamers play with high levels but that doesn't imply
a game balance doesn't exist. Rules Lawyers seek to exploit the rules and
loopholes. Min/Maxers seek to make the most efficient use of the rules,
exploitation of loopholes optional. These types might also be Munchkins
but they are definitely not all inclusively Munchkin.
Sadly the term Munchkin on this list has degraded to a catch all
insult with just as many escapism from the label. It is nothing more than
a word like NICE. It really doesn't have any significance meaning wise.
You can get an emotional response from people because it strikes with the
same manner as calling someone a heretic to their faith. All that we can
truly say is that Munchkin equals bad. I try to refrain from ever using
the term because as a description it is relatively useless to me on this
list.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"Boy, I'm in a bad mood today! Everyone had better steer clear of me! I
hate EVERYBODY! As far as I'm concerned, everyone on the planet can just
drop dead. People are scum.
.....
WELL-L-L? DOESN'T ANYONE WANT TO CHEER ME UP?!?"
-Calvin, Calvin and Hobbes
I am MC23
