Couldn't you substitute a D12 with 2 D6? Just roll the first dice remember the number and then roll the second and if the roll is even add 6? Shouldn't that work?
Yes you can. First result = 0, second = 1 to 9. You either roll two different color dice, or you roll one and then the other, but one is used for the tens place and the other for the ones.
The d4's where the numbers are in a cluster are too hard to read. I've had to swap them in most games because most players need to second guess any rolls with them.
I'm sure people prefer them in some groups and power to them, but I detest them and if a dice set doesn't have the other default, I don't buy em.
I only know that you read the base, not the point, because my dad had a set of dice that came with a d4 that was arranged like that. His were exceptionally hard to read, as they were yellow plastic with no paint to highlight the grooved numbers. First thing I bought at GenCon was a proper set of black dice with silver numbers.
I also prefer the point to be the number that you're expected to read.
A d12 is superior to every other dice shape. Not only is it highly composite, but it also is less likely to roll of the side of a table and feels better in the hand.
Nice try... but there are too many hobby historians involved in fantasy rpg's to not know that a D4 is THE original die. Much older than that stupid cube we -even with all our modern tech- can barely bring to be really balanced and rolling well.
You can replace D4 with D6, but not like this. Just reroll all D6 that are 5 or 6. Your options give the advantage to D6 in the 1 and 4 option and to the D4 in the 2 and 3 option. No equal outcomes even if you factor in the average.