Gaming philosophy conundra

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by RogerBW

Once an item (or an atom) has been part of a hoard, it is part of a hoard forever.

Therefore the ultimate destiny of all matter is to become part of a hoard.

There are some who would argue that this has already happened.

I think this may be physics rather than philosophy. At least, I find myself wondering if there is some sort of quantum evaporative process by which items of treasure can tunnel out of hoards.

[Agemegos]

Hoards are socially constructed.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Hoards are socially constructed.

Oh, now that's brilliant.

[Lovewyrm]

Originally Posted by RogerBW

Once an item (or an atom) has been part of a hoard, it is part of a hoard forever.

Therefore the ultimate destiny of all matter is to become part of a hoard.

There are some who would argue that this has already happened.

Maybe everything is a hoard already, time just hasn't caught up? Hehe.
But also, if everything is a hoard, then...nothing is a hoard!
A hoard has to be something the dragon owns, instead of someone else.
But if noone owns anything, and it's the dragons really, then ...is it really a hoard to begin with?

It's like evil. If everyone is evil, then they're really neutral.


Edit:
Maybe a hoard is a hoard because a dragon is nearby, but if, again, any atom that is part of a hoard, is part of a hoard no matter what, then everything is a hoard, but why would a dragon need a hoard if everything already is a hoard.

There need to be antihoard particles.

[ericthered]

Is playing an RPG closer to Philosophy or Math?

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Is playing an RPG closer to Philosophy or Math?

That depends on the RPG. Champions is closer to math; Mage: The Ascension is closer to philosophy.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by whswhs

That depends on the RPG. Champions is closer to math; Mage: The Ascension is closer to philosophy.

Eh, the actual game parts of MtA are perfectly math-heavy, it's just that social expectations of how you're going to play the game are different.

[Daigoro]

Are role playing games games?

[Lovewyrm]

Originally Posted by Daigoro

Are role playing games games?

If they have rules, a win state (especially if there could be competition) and a fail state, then that's usually a good sign that something is a game.
Otherwise it's more of a toy or a fun time activity.

The latter being called play doesn't have to mean that what is being played is a game, but even in things like 'two birds are playing in the air' there could be something meaningful behind it.

Just like hide and seek or playing tag in humans could very well be predator evasion training, or prey seeking training, chase training.
And those have win or lose states (although not really rules)

Lose your pursuer. Find the scoundrel. That sort of thing.

In the case of the birds, it might seem random but it could be a test, of which the birds use the data to further its own understanding of itself and the surroundings.
"I'm a better diver than crow 2"
"Sliding down this roof on snow is best done this way"

[The Colonel]

Originally Posted by whswhs

That depends on the RPG. Champions is closer to math; Mage: The Ascension is closer to philosophy.

I'm told Phoenix Command was pretty much exclusively maths...