The author critiques the uninspired nature of five-card draw poker when played without stakes, paralleling it with tabletop RPGs lacking lethality. They recount a personal experience where a character’s self-sacrifice was undermined, leading to disinterest. The text advocates for games that incorporate risk, suggesting that stakes enhance player investment and enjoyment.

The author reflects on their experience transitioning from 5E to OSR gaming after running a campaign in Nentir Vale. They encountered challenges with prep time, plot complexity, and player autonomy in a sandbox setting. Ultimately, they conclude that 5E’s structure does not support true sandbox gameplay, leading to valuable lessons for future games.

The author expresses dissatisfaction with D&D 5E, feeling it emphasizes structured encounters and character optimization over creative gameplay and engagement. They yearn for simpler rules fostering imagination, advocating for a play style that allows players more freedom and risk. Future campaigns will focus on shorter sessions with varied RPG systems for enhanced enjoyment.