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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Snarf Zagyg" data-source="post: 8224254" data-attributes="member: 7023840">Interesting results. It maps on, more or less, with what I have always thought .... so it must be true!One example is that you often see people propose new groupings of the "Classic Six" abilities (either SIWDCC or SDCIWC, depending on when you started). Sometimes fewer, sometimes more, sometimes renamed. But while any individual proposal might have merit, none of them has enough merit to get rid of the classic six, if for no other reason that those abilities provide a straight through line from now back 50 years. So looking at the list:Ability scores (Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wis, Cha) [87.1%]Distinct character classes [87.1%]Levels [87.1%]Hit points [81.8%]This is "classic" D&D. Six abilities, zero-to-hero, playing some sort of archetype, and the "hit points" model that, while terribly unsatisfying from a realism and narration standpoint and a frequent source of debate, is nevertheless so popular in became the model for countless video games afterwards. You can tinker around the edges with these (re-order the abilities, add classes, more or less hp), but I can't imagine releasing a mainstream D&D product without them. Armor Class [73.5%]Using multiple types of dice [70.5%]Saving throws [66.7%]I'd put these in the same category, although allowing more tinkering (weird!). Saving throws, if you think about it ... kind of weird! Armor class? Started from a naval game. Lots of dice? Well, I mean ... lots of games get by with a single type. And yet, while these have also changed, they remain "core" D&D.Saving throws went from specific and against certain types (saves v. rod, staff, wand!) and based on level to saves based on ability score, but we kept the name and concept. It would be difficult to conceptualize a D&D game without being asked to "save" against something, even though out-of-context, it's kind of odd.Same with AC. Even though we are long removed from descending AC, or tables, or THAC0, different types of armor (and magic, etc.) providing different types of "armor class" is inherent to the combat of the game.And dice? Dice are cool. You'll have to pry my d12 from my cold, dead hand.Distinct character races/lineages [58.3%]Experience points [50.8%]Lists of specific spells [49.2%]Alignment [45.5%]Finally, we get to the more interesting ones. In a way, it shows that, perhaps, the top-level items above aren't immovable. One of these is just kind of ... eh (lists of specific spells). I mean, sure? If this had been written as something that reflected only that D&D has spells that can be cast by characters, I'd think the response would be higher. But the other three?XP is an integral part of D&D ... in RAW. But most people are familiar with alternate systems for leveling up, and have either experienced them or played them. And while race and alignment have always been a part of D&D, they are both the source of ongoing conversations about their continued place and importance. I think that, had this poll been run 5 or 10 years ago (to pick random times), the results for race and alignment would likely have been higher- at least in the ~70% range. Nothing is unchanging.</blockquote>

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