What D&D could adopt and learn from other roleplaying games?

[edhel]

Here's my short wish list:

1) Conflict resolution that supports setting the stakes, and complications.

This is part DM advice and part mechanical. There should be a standard system and advice for e.g. climbing a wall and then setting the stakes so that your basic result isn't always the binary 'you did it' or 'you didn't do it, try again until you succeed'. Failure in physical activity could result in anything from spending your physical resources (hit points, surges), the guards spotting you, to breaking gear, but NOT being unable to climb the wall. The same works with social skills. More on that in the second point.

2) Rethink the role of skills and how they work to support the game and drama you want.

Does rolling d20+bonus vs DC always serve the story best, especially if it means you're overshadowed by specialists and you shouldn't really bother trying? What if knowledge skills and even social skills were a resource you spent? Having points in your skill means you know the all the basic stuff, but spending points enables you to know esoteric stuff, identify magic items, charm people with your wit, or intimidate street thugs. This kind of resource pool mechanic is really flexible since it allows dedicated pools and interesting refresh mechanics that enforce good roleplay.

Any thoughts or wishes?

 

[KarinsDad]

I don't like #2. I don't want to spend points or keep track of points for practically anything except hit points.

 

[edhel]

I don't like #2. I don't want to spend points or keep track of points for practically anything except hit points.

D&D has a lot of bookkeeping: hit points, surges, powers / spells, treasure, single use magic items etc. I don't see it as a problem in that context.

In some other games I might mind it. E.g. Savage Worlds is designed to minimize bookkeeping so it might feel tacked on.

Still, the main point was rethinking skills and if different types of resolutions could be found for different skills.

Edit: How about the concept in itself? Giving players the narrative power to do stuff without relying on random result, and enabling people without specializations to be effective?