Played a lot of #dnd5e in the past, but I’m mostly into #osr (ish)/ #nsr games these days. One striking difference between modern #corpodnd and osr games I think, is how the two branches of dnDNA games approach fictional „violence“. While osr aesthetics are often leaning into or even boasting with unforgiving mechanics („Ha, ha - no death save in this dojo!“) and evoke a grim imagery, i experienced #5e games to play out way more „violent“ at the table, in terms of „dead“ enemies 1/3
So many elements of the #dnd5e rules are geared towards tactical combat. As a player, i hardly felt that my character should opt for fleeing combat, and opportunity attacks presented an additional counter incentive to do so. The use of „violence“ had no in-world consequences. Somehow, the combination of cute-anthropomorphic-animals-on-a-killing-spree (5e) became a bit disturbing over time 2/3
In my #osr games, in contrast, players refer way more often to negotiation. They avoid combatant all by being sneakedy-stealthy or talk themselves out of dangerous situations or: run. The monsters also prefer to run, when odds are against them. Combat encounters are less frequent, high stakes, and tense. I think, what I want to say is, that for me, even an over the top gorefest a la #Morkborg () is less disturbing than ploughing heroically through hoards of enemies 5e style 3/3