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what makes a game "D&D"?
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<blockquote data-quote="Mercule" data-source="post: 1229016" data-attributes="member: 5100"><p>I think that the class/level system is the most important of the sacred cows (cattle?). Not saying that class/level makes for a better game, but that it is important for D&D.</p><p> </p><p>Also, stats that <u>could</u> be generated by a rol of 3d6 are important. Even though I prefer a point buy, the 3-18 base range is part of the game.</p><p> </p><p>Some of the basic classes, like Fighter and Wizard (or Fighting-man and Magic-user) need to be included, too. I'm not sure of exactly what needs to be kept, but those two are on that list.</p><p> </p><p>Contrary to conventional wisdom, I don't think the Vancian magic system needs to be kept. This could be just a reflection of my disdain for it (and anything else that was lazily balanced at x/day), but I don't think so.</p><p> </p><p>I think more important than the spell slots are the spell levels. Levels 1-9, maybe including cantrips, which I don't think are a major sin. I don't think clerics need to be limited to only 7 spell levels, either.</p><p> </p><p>I'm inclined to add in the schools of magic as a defining characteristic of D&D, although I don't remember them in basic D&D.</p><p> </p><p>AC should stay as avoiding damage rather than reducing damage. Again, maybe not a superior mechanic, but a D&Dism. The inversion of AC in d20 (high = good) doesn't strike me as sacrilage, but I could see a case for it.</p><p> </p><p>Saving throws need to remain broken out, rather than a skill or ability check. Dispite greatly preferring the new save breakdown, I'm not sure that "Reflex" is quite as D&Dish as "Breath Weapon". In this case, though, I think it's such an improvement, I'll willingly look the other way.</p><p> </p><p>Attack rolls and saves need to use a d20. And damage needs to be separate from the attack (several systems have blurred or erased the line between those).</p><p> </p><p>Hmm... As I think about it, I can see many areas that 3E/d20 could be considered heretical to "true" D&D. That being the case, though. I gave up "D&D" years ago. I only came back because of d20. There's enough of the old left that I don't think the name is being mis-used, but I sure wouldn't go back.</p><p> </p><p>If you want a good example of what <u>not</u> to do to D&D, go pick up the old <em>Player's Options</em> books. I'm not saying the rules in them are <u>bad</u>. What I'm saying is that those books deviated from "D&D" more than 3E ever thought of doing. By the time you got there, you may as well put down all your D&D books and go play Hero.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Mercule, post: 1229016, member: 5100"] I think that the class/level system is the most important of the sacred cows (cattle?). Not saying that class/level makes for a better game, but that it is important for D&D. Also, stats that [u]could[/u] be generated by a rol of 3d6 are important. Even though I prefer a point buy, the 3-18 base range is part of the game. Some of the basic classes, like Fighter and Wizard (or Fighting-man and Magic-user) need to be included, too. I'm not sure of exactly what needs to be kept, but those two are on that list. Contrary to conventional wisdom, I don't think the Vancian magic system needs to be kept. This could be just a reflection of my disdain for it (and anything else that was lazily balanced at x/day), but I don't think so. I think more important than the spell slots are the spell levels. Levels 1-9, maybe including cantrips, which I don't think are a major sin. I don't think clerics need to be limited to only 7 spell levels, either. I'm inclined to add in the schools of magic as a defining characteristic of D&D, although I don't remember them in basic D&D. AC should stay as avoiding damage rather than reducing damage. Again, maybe not a superior mechanic, but a D&Dism. The inversion of AC in d20 (high = good) doesn't strike me as sacrilage, but I could see a case for it. Saving throws need to remain broken out, rather than a skill or ability check. Dispite greatly preferring the new save breakdown, I'm not sure that "Reflex" is quite as D&Dish as "Breath Weapon". In this case, though, I think it's such an improvement, I'll willingly look the other way. Attack rolls and saves need to use a d20. And damage needs to be separate from the attack (several systems have blurred or erased the line between those). Hmm... As I think about it, I can see many areas that 3E/d20 could be considered heretical to "true" D&D. That being the case, though. I gave up "D&D" years ago. I only came back because of d20. There's enough of the old left that I don't think the name is being mis-used, but I sure wouldn't go back. If you want a good example of what [u]not[/u] to do to D&D, go pick up the old [i]Player's Options[/i] books. I'm not saying the rules in them are [u]bad[/u]. What I'm saying is that those books deviated from "D&D" more than 3E ever thought of doing. By the time you got there, you may as well put down all your D&D books and go play Hero. [/QUOTE]
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