TwoSix
"Diegetics", by L. Ron Gygax
Yea, but I’m assuming that our TTRPG will start off with idea of freeform roleplaying a narrative. To my mind, that crosses over from being an “essential mechanic” to being definitional.I’d push back a bit there. There are many ways to distribute authority and transfer it that to me would look nothing like an rpg.
I’d also say distribution of authority and transferring it is essential to all table top games. In monopoly I have authority over the car and you the dog. In magic the gathering, I normally have authority over playing cards from my deck (unless some mechanic allows you to). Etc.
The distribution of authority and transferring it isn’t unique to RPGs. So I guess I agree it’s essential in the same way it’s essential to monopoly or magic the gathering, but it’s not particularly explanatory about RPGs due to its applicability outside RPGs, IMO.
But that’s ultimately just semantics.