Grumpy Old Man Rant time.
"The purpose of an RPG is to tell a story."
That's paraphrased, but you'll find it at the beginning of
the 5e PHB, innumerable OSR titles, as well as many games from across
the spectrum of RPGs.
I disagree.
I think the purpose of an RPG IS TO HAVE FUN. First and foremost, front and center.
If telling some story where you've been handed a bit part
with a detailed character background full of motivations is fun to you,
more power to you, knock yourself out.
If you really feel like you need to simulate re-world
political and social issues in your game, and resolving them in a way
which reflects your world-view helps you sleep at night, great!
But if you just want to travel to exotic locales, kick in
doors, encounter bizarre creatures, then kill 'em and take their stuff,
and you and your fellow players have a good time doing it, good for you,
too.
Or mix it all up, or play in any other of the uncountable
ways and reasons we all play. Whatever. Just make sure you're having
fun doing so.
But don't tell me there is only one purpose for RPGs, let
alone a single one for D&D. Doing so ignores 45 years of history
and actual gaming experience.
And now for the wholly anecdotal part: I've seen several
accounts the last month of people having a miserable time playing
D&D, for many reasons. But the common thread is a lack of
understanding of what each of them wants from the game. You got to get
that sorted out before characters are generated.
I love D&D. But
I'd rather not play than sit through a miserable game, week after week,
just because I "need to play D&D".
Have fun out there, folks.
