[LFG] [D&D 2E or 5E] Narrative-focused, low level, maybe Epic 6 format if 5E?

Hello! I am in search of a game full of writers. Ok, that's probably asking for too much. Regardless, my goal is to play a character in a game that I can play as a character and not as a game token. I want to play in a game where each player is invested in their character and is present at the game session and is engaged in the story and is excited about how their character will grow and change over the course of time and.. and... and... In any case, I'm an amateur writer and I get excited about character development and narrative and overcoming adversity more so than killing monsters and getting loot for the sake of killing more monsters and getting more loot. I like the idea of playing in a game where entering into combat is a dangerous prospect and is treated with the reverence and healthy fear that it deserves because "heroes" can lose their lives, if not just their limbs. I want to play in a game of meaningful decisions and compelling consequences. I'm not looking for a "power fantasy" (ideally, I could find a game set in the Ravenloft setting or something similar). I'm looking for an opportunity to explore character development in as "realistic" a fashion as the setting and circumstances would allow. I'm hoping to have experiences that will allow me to become a better writer and story teller. If there are any groups out there that have this same sort of passion, please feel free to reach out to me. I'm not as experienced with 2E as I am 5E, but from conversations I have had with others before, I've been encouraged to consider playing in the 2E rules set as it is more "unforgiving" and "deadly" compared to 5E. If 2E is where what I am looking for is at, then I will happily take the time to verse myself with its rules. Here's hoping <3

Hi, Hannah! I love those sorts of games, too. I don't know of any groups that are looking for more players like that, but I'd also like to be a part of a more narrative-focused game. And it seems strangely uncommon nowadays for people to make more intense, gritty games instead of lighter power fantasies. If you aren't invited to a group here and a few other people gravitate to this thread, I'd be down to join in this endeavor. I'm a better player than DM, but I do have some experience behind the GM screen. I know mostly 5e, but I've also played DW, CoC, and VtM (I really loved Dungeon World especially!).

Most of us that prefer those types of games don't play D&D or D20 types of rulesets.  Those systems attract players more interested in "roll" playing than "role" playing.  Look for other systems as Nat mentioned like Dungeon World and CoC.  I find my most edgy players are attracted to CoC games or FATE.  I haven't done Apocalypse World but I can see it having that focus as well.

I'd be super interested in a game like this! I literally just rolled up a 5e character who I want to use in a more narrative-focused game than the one I'm playing now

I don't really consider myself an "edgy" player, per se. I just tend to not enjoy how the way most people play 5E has the players feeling almost like super heroes. I haven't heard of Dungeon world, but I may look into it. I do honestly enjoy the settings of D&D (mostly due to familiarity) - particularly the low magic or "horror" ones and I'm not too terribly interested in "modern" settings. The exception being CoC just because it's so unique. Thanks for the responses, y'all. I'll keep you in mind if what I'm looking for begins to coalesce.

Todd C. said: Most of us that prefer those types of games don't play D&D or D20 types of rulesets.  Those systems attract players more interested in "roll" playing than "role" playing.  Look for other systems as Nat mentioned like Dungeon World and CoC.  I find my most edgy players are attracted to CoC games or FATE.  I haven't done Apocalypse World but I can see it having that focus as well. There are people that run narrative D&D.