What do the rules have to look like for it to be D&D to you?

[Ry]

To me, if it's got this:

5th Level Dwarven Fighter
STR: #, DEX: #, CON #, INT #, WIS #, CHA #
HP: 40

- and all that bold stuff means something important in a game mechanics way, then it's D&D.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Ah, this one again.

I'd almost agree with those. The first line parses without hiccup. The second, I'm not so fussed about - six stats (three physical, three psychological/spiritual) that are sliced in an identical or similar way could still be D&D to me. The third, not so much - it could easily be D&D without them, IMO.

So, the stats as I outlined, races, classes, levels.

 

[green slime]

I'd add AC to hp, personally. And Vancian magic.

 

[Flynn]

Pseudo-medieval equipment lists, the ability to fight classic MM1 monsters, a d20 for combat attack resolution, six base stats (three physical and three mental/social), classes to differentiate character roles, level advancement, hit points, healing magic, fireballs, pit traps and pit fiends... yeah, if it's got the above, I could call it D&D. That's pretty wide open, despite the number of items listed.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Doug McCrae]

Agree with OP, pretty much. Add AC. Maybe alignment.

 

[scruffygrognard]

To me, if it's got this:

5th Level Dwarven Fighter
STR: #, DEX: #, CON #, INT #, WIS #, CHA #
HP: 40

- and all that bold stuff means something important in a game mechanics way, then it's D&D.

Pretty close...

5th level Dwarven Fighter
Alignment: ??
STR: #, INT: #, WIS: #, DEX: #, CON: #, CHR: #
AC: #, HP: #, Saves: #s,
(Weapon): Bonus to Hit (#), Damage (#d#)

Core races: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Halfling, Half-Elf, Half-Orc
Core classes: Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, Monk, Ranger, Paladin (LG only), Druid, Bard

 

[Fifth Element]

To me, if it's got this:

5th Level Dwarven Fighter
STR: #, DEX: #, CON #, INT #, WIS #, CHA #
HP: 40

- and all that bold stuff means something important in a game mechanics way, then it's D&D.

Note that this excludes BECMI D&D from the definition of D&D, at least, since dwarf was a class rather than a race.

 

[Fifth Element]

(Weapon): Bonus to Hit (#), Damage (#d#)

Core races: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Halfling, Half-Elf, Half-Orc
Core classes: Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, Monk, Ranger, Paladin (LG only), Druid, Bard

These exclude a lot of D&D that has existed in the past. Was that intentional?

 

[Aus_Snow]

I wonder how few and broad the elements must be in order to satisfy most D&Ders.

No, really.

Let's see. . .

The six stats, classes (including at least fighter, wizard, cleric [or equivs]), levels, HP, AC, saves, elves, dwarves, (kinda) medieval weaponry and armour, spells, monsters, loot. . . ?

 

[scruffygrognard]

These exclude a lot of D&D that has existed in the past. Was that intentional?

Oops... I screwed up. I was assuming this was about what would have to appear in D&D (from this point onward) in order for it to look like D&D.

That said, for AD&D and beyond, my post would hold true. Just make Magic-User/Wizard, Rogue/Thief and Cleric/Priest interchangeable terms.

PS: Half-Orcs were not a core race of 2nd edition. That was a flaw if you ask me. Monks also didn't appear in the PHB... another design flaw. Bards did appear in the 1st edition PHB, so they're "core" enough for me in AD&D.