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Always, it rounds out the setting

12 (38.7%)

Usually, as long as it isn't boring

12 (38.7%)

Depends on the book

4 (12.9%)

Sometimes, if I in the mood

1 (3.2%)

Never

2 (6.5%)

Total Members Voted: 31

[Neonivek]

So I have read through pen and paper RPG books many times before and I kind of noticed something....

I never EVER read the fluff the first, second, or third time through.

It is usually something I only read on my 5th time through the book... and most of the time I find the fluff... unhelpful and it usually is a mildly uninteresting short story set within the setting (with HUGE exceptions... but remember I've read a LOT of books... not all from good systems. They all can't be oWoD)

But do you read the fluff?

[marples]

I think you should clarify what you consider as fluff.

I haven't picked up a game system or source book for a few decades, but when I did I would read everything.

[Neonivek]

I think you should clarify what you consider as fluff.

I haven't picked up a game system or source book for a few decades, but when I did I would read everything.

Those long story sections that aren't "the main story" or "setting story" they are just random stories that pad out the book.

[Mephisto]

I didn't vote but I always read everything. I start out cover-to-cover and then go back and reread select sections when necessary.

I'm discounting Immortal: The Invisible War and Eoris Essence from the "read everything" list, however, on the grounds that they're mind-numbing, the former being moreso than the latter.

[Bohandas]

I read through the fluff more often than actually play the game

[Audioworm333]

I love Warhammer 40k... for the lore. I've never actually played the game. Although I have played Dawn of War and Space Marine...

[NullForceOmega]

I voraciously read everything, then gripe loudly about the stupid inconsistencies.

[Bohandas]

I love Warhammer 40k... for the lore. I've never actually played the game. Although I have played Dawn of War and Space Marine...

Yeah, same here. Other than Chaos Gate, Rites of War, and a promotional event several years ago at a comic book shop in Cherry Hill I've never played either, but I love the setting.

[Greenbane]

I read through the fluff more often than actually play the game

An unfortunate curse of mine as well, due to the lack of a local game group.

Reading the fluff is necessary to some extent, to get the feel of the game world and play you character (or GM) better.

As for WH40K, it's possible to play it over the Internet without owning any minis using Vassal40k. It's pretty nifty.

[itisnotlogical]

I've never played 40k because the game looks pretty boring. Maybe I'd have more fun if I were actually playing, but just from videos of other people playing it doesn't look all that fun. The fluff was pretty awesome, though, and I've enjoyed every 40k game I've played. I even like the minis, and I wouldn't mind a nice 40k diorama for the coffee table.

[Neonivek]

I've never played 40k because the game looks pretty boring. Maybe I'd have more fun if I were actually playing, but just from videos of other people playing it doesn't look all that fun. The fluff was pretty awesome, though, and I've enjoyed every 40k game I've played. I even like the minis, and I wouldn't mind a nice 40k diorama for the coffee table.

It is all the book keeping and measurements that will get you.

It is the only game I can think of where a projector is helpful.

[Sirus]

Some P&P RPGs have some really interesting background and lore, so yes I tend to read it all. The various 40k games are good examples, and there's also Eclipse Phase which goes into tremendous detail about the setting. I'm a lore junkie

[Krevsin]

I always read the fluff of P&P RPGs, mostly because I almost never get a chance to play them.

[inEQUALITY]

I've never played 40k because the game looks pretty boring. Maybe I'd have more fun if I were actually playing, but just from videos of other people playing it doesn't look all that fun. The fluff was pretty awesome, though, and I've enjoyed every 40k game I've played. I even like the minis, and I wouldn't mind a nice 40k diorama for the coffee table.

It's boring to watch unless you're super into it, but even as a casual player it's great fun to play once you get the system down after a few games. I played it a few times just out of curiosity and love of the lore/video games and next thing I know, Games Workshop + Vallejo paints owns my soul and wallet.

Some P&P RPGs have some really interesting background and lore, so yes I tend to read it all. The various 40k games are good examples, and there's also Eclipse Phase which goes into tremendous detail about the setting. I'm a lore junkie

Eclipse Phase is exceptional for this! I love the system and the lore. It's unfortunate I can't get my local play group to try it out. They're so used to Savage Worlds, D6 , and D20 that they whole d100 thing just weirds them out. Plus the setting isn't their cup of tea. It is kinda weird to anyone not used to similar things.

Directly On Topic: I read stuff front to back. I'm a notorious rules lawyer in my play group, even when I tone it down, but I love fluff just as much as crunch.

[AlleeCat]

They all can't be oWoD)

This is specifically the example I thought of. The stories in all the cWoD WtA tribebooks were pretty great, (except that I found the Children of Gaia one a little too slow and pondering, which I guess makes sense if you think about the tribe itself.) and in fact, after reading the opening short story in the Bone Gnawer tribebook (Falling Down) I immediately had the urge to create the character I've been playing for the past few months.

I'm just a little disappointed that the 20th Anniversary editions haven't really been going with the same tradition. (With the exception of the V20 Lore of the Clans, which has some excellent short stories in it.)