When I first started playing D&D, my DM gave me a 20+ page world overview, of which I read probably 3–5 pages.
I think it’s important for DMs, especially avid worldbuilders, to recognize that lore—even interesting, evocative lore—can be a barrier to play when presented up front. If I’m running a campaign for new players, the handout has to be one page or less. Mostly: “What are the consequences of choosing this species for your character?”
Otherwise if they’re already bought in on my game, they get a longer hand out.
— Matt Colville? (@mattcolville) September 23, 2021
I gotta say, knowing very little about your world pre-4e stream, I really enjoyed how much of the lore came out of short interactions or questions from us.
The way that everyone treated Sir Vanazor was really cool and a welcome surprise from “Ew, scary lizard man!” You guys didn't get ANY handout. Fuck lore, you meet in a tavern!
— Matt Colville? (@mattcolville) September 23, 2021
How exactly is knowing the setting a “barrier to play?” It's not. But requiring a homework assignment beforehand can be!
— Justice Ramin Arman ➡️ PAX Unplugged (@justicearman) September 24, 2021