Let's Talk About Core Game Mechanics

[Reynard]

The core mechanic isn't rolling dice; it's the communication between players.

No, that is the procedure of play.

 

[MichaelSomething]

No, that is the procedure of play.

What's the difference between procedure of play and core mechanic??

 

[Micah Sweet]

So....tooth decay, taxes, and home maintenance are just as likely to occur as fighting monsters, exploring dungeons, and finding magic items?

Depends on what the PCs (who we are paying the most attention to during active play) are doing with their time. If the PCs choose to spend their time fighting monsters and exploring dungeons (as will often be the case), of course those things will come up in play, as will finding magic items as appropriate to the activity in which the PCs are engaged and the characteristics of the setting. Managing tooth decay, paying taxes, and maintaining your home can all be handled with varying degrees of abstraction as desired, usually during downtime.

Your statement is needlessly hyperbolic.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Hmm. I think the core premise behind RPGs is communication, storytelling, and roleplaying.

But the core mechanic is....a mechanic.

I would replace storytelling with engagement with the setting, but otherwise I agree.

 

[Reynard]

What's the difference between procedure of play and core mechanic??

This question underscores your position that there isn't a difference, so I am not sure there is much I can say to change your mind.

A "core mechanic" is the system by which the questions that come up in the procedure of play are answered. Does that work for you?