What are your thoughts on TTRPGs with non-standard dice?

[Thomas Shey]

I suspect if we look at the actual examples of this they will be a lot more specific and less general than you're suggesting.

I.e. someone will be moaning about a game having a D&D-like class and level system in one thread, and then suggesting that a game should use an HP system like D&D instead of an more elaborate death-spiral-style damage system in another. I very much doubt anyone is saying "Class and level sux" in one thread and then "Class and level rules" in another unless they are true agent of chaos!

Well, it doesn't help that some people are simultaneously critical of D&D, but really vague about what parts they don't like and whether its a generic dislike or a contextual one. I try mostly not to discuss my general dislike of D&D proper (and to a less degree of its kin) because I'd have to unpack what specifics I dislike and to what degree and that seems excessively negative, but at least if I'm going to diss D&D, I won't do so in the broad and casual way I see some do (I can't say I did this many decades ago when I first decided it wasn't my gig but A) I've come to tolerate some elements more than I did then, and B) I was young and even more cantankerous than I am now).

 

[Staffan]

Yep, and one of those purposes is a barrier to entry. Sure, they can serve a game mechanic purpose, but that's a choice and as you pointed out, can be handled by other resolution mechanics that don't have the barrier to entry.

But that's the thing: that purpose (two-dimensional resolution) can't be served without special dice, at least not without unacceptably slow lookup tables.

You can't get this result matrix:

Only this:

You don't get things like "You managed to lock the door to keep the stormtroopers out, but you also fried the mechanism that extends the bridge across the chasm." or "You don't manage to slice the electronic lock to get it open, but you do manage to turn off the alarm so someone using force won't set it off." or "You don't find the thing you were looking for, but you do find this other things instead."

But it's definitely a matter of taste. Some people (like me) like that sort of thing, and are occasionally willing to splurge for it. You are not. Your loss.