If you could have created D&D before Gygax..

[Ed Cha]

AC. Probably add some kind of dodge and armor penetration element.

 

[RFisher]

A follow-up question: Which elements of 3.5E are simply better implementations of the same design goals, and which are new ideas that might not appeal to an OD&D audience?

I think that the simplified attributes (all using the same bonus progression), the unified experience-level chart, BAB, and the three saves are all strict improvements.

Most of the feats and the shift to square-by-square movement with Attacks of Opportunity are new, different ideas.

I think the 3e ability score modifiers are an improvement, but I thought so since my Basic/Expert days. I'm sure others would disagree with good reason. (The modifier a score gives you arguably should be dependent upon which ability & the purpose you're using it for.)

My biggest complaint with the OAD&D ability score mods were things like needed a 16 or better Str to get a to-hit or damage mod & that there was virtually no difference between a 7 Dex & a 14 Dex. Why have 7 points difference if they don't mean anything. Of course, I could make effective counter-arguments, but that doesn't change how I felt.

The unified XP progression has its good points & bad points.

BAB & ascending AC is an improvement, but the old way wasn't too hard.

On the saves, I can go either way. I actually think I might end up with something in-between OAD&D & the d20 system if I were to bother.

There were AoOish things in OAD&D.

 

[Mark]

If you could have created D&D before Gygax...

If I Invented Gaming

(SPOKEN) Dear Gary, you made many, many gamers. I realize, of course, that
it's no great shame not to game... but it's no great honor, either. So what would have
been the difference if I had... invented D&D?

If I invented gaming,
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dum
All day long I'd level-level-up
I would be an Epic man.
I wouldn't have weight limits,
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dum
I'd be like a heavy-heavy horse,
Carry any little thing I want.

I'd roll the biggest dice for ability scores
And I wouldn't drop the lowest one,
All modifiers would be on the plus side, too.
Each character that I played could do anything
Wear any armor that they liked
With a shield strapped to their backside, just for show

If I invented gaming,
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dum
A paper ream would be my full char sheet
Filled on two sides, color, and hardback.
And all my adventures,
Daidle deedle daidle
Daidle daidle deedle daidle dum
They'd be sold on the ebay auction site,
Even maps that showed no secret doors.

All my cohorts would be the gods and their minions
A tarrasque would serve me as my mount,
Stomping towns to please me on my whim,
When I prayed for a spell they would ask my permission to grant it right on back to me,
Then I'd use it just to buff myself,
Just to show the game belonged to me!
Game On!