What are "essential" TTRPG mechanisms?

[FrogReaver]

It’s worth noting the distinction between rules and mechanics. Mechanics are a subset of rules. “Roll 1d20 + mods vs TN” is a mechanic. “This game has a referee and they’re in charge of interpreting the rules and mechanics” is a rule. “This is a fantasy game” is a rule. “Each player takes a turn” is a rule.

I’d suggest the GM is most often used by the game as a game mechanic (at least in d&d style games).

AI generated answer -
Game mechanics are the interactive elements of a game that modify the game state, governed by rules and producing consequences

 

[FrogReaver]

Well, you do, and you are always fine with the judgments.

I don’t think one can actually arbitrate for themselves. Doing that wouldn’t meet the definition or arbitrate IMO.

 

[FrogReaver]

That's not a mechanic.

Okay, but it’s the foundation on which all rpg mechanics are based. If you’re not talking about playing a game where you primarily control your fictional character in some fictional world then whatever you are talking about isn’t an rpg.

 

[Reynard]

Okay, but it’s the foundation on which all rpg mechanics are based. If you’re not talking about playing a game where you primarily control your fictional character in some fictional world then whatever you are talking about isn’t an rpg.

Right, but the question presupposes that we are talking about RPGs, so it seems redundant and distracting to bother talking about the things that make an RPG an RPG. Otherwise you might as well say that the most important mechanism in a role-playing game is that there is role-playing going on.

Great, now that we've cleared up that pressing mystery, can we address the subject?

 

[Wolfpack48]

I understand that there are many different TTRPGs, many different style of playstyles etc. But in your opinion, what are "essential" (whatever that means for you) mechanisms that your games (usually) have to have?

For me:

• Perception check
• Ability checks
• Skill checks
• Combat mechanisms (Hand-to-hand, ranged, magic, spaceship, etc.)
• Health system (insanity, critical hits, armor etc.)
• Equipment/tools (lock picking tools, magical ingredients, fuel for spaceship etc.) and economy simulator
• Powers/abilities/spells (D&D 4e style daily, encounter and at-will powers, for example normal spells), a bare bones game where the fighter can swing his sword and that's it is boring for me.

I'd agree with that list. I might add Passion/Personality/Goal trait system for those who want to have mechanisms in case a character has goals that might be affected by adventure circumstances. (See Pendragon for an example).

 

[TwoSix]

I don’t agree there. That would be core to a story game. RPG is more nuanced than that overly broad description.

Agree to disagree, then. Like I said, it’s just semantics.

 

[FrogReaver]

Agree to disagree, then. Like I said, it’s just semantics.

Not just semantics. You obviously mean something different. But I’m good at agreeing to disagree.

 

[pawsplay]

Agree to disagree, then. Like I said, it’s just semantics.

Well, semantics, and the purpose of this discussion forum. If you think this forum is a good place to describe how to play "Once Upon a Time," then I guess we don't need definitions.

 

[TwoSix]

Well, semantics, and the purpose of this discussion forum. If you think this forum is a good place to describe how to play "Once Upon a Time," then I guess we don't need definitions.

Glad we agree.

 

[Tonguez]

I think players characters are essential and a world for them to exist in. Single player RPGs push back on the notion of needing someone to arbitrate on the mechanics I think. (Though I’ve not played one myself so could be wrong).

Player(s) is fundamental, but you dont need to start with a world - that can be created through the interaction of the players. That “interaction of player(s))” and how it is limited is the mechanics of the game