🔗 Share this article

As a Dungeon Master, I historically avoided extensive use of chance during my tabletop roleplaying games. I tended was for narrative flow and session development to be guided by character actions instead of random chance. That said, I chose to try something different, and I'm truly glad I did.

The Inspiration: Observing 'Luck Rolls'

A popular streamed game features a DM who often calls for "luck rolls" from the participants. This involves selecting a type of die and assigning possible results tied to the roll. It's essentially no distinct from consulting a random table, these are devised on the spot when a character's decision lacks a clear conclusion.

I decided to try this approach at my own table, primarily because it seemed engaging and provided a change from my usual habits. The experience were fantastic, prompting me to think deeply about the perennial dynamic between planning and improvisation in a roleplaying game.

A Powerful Story Beat

At a session, my group had survived a massive fight. Afterwards, a cleric character asked about two friendly NPCs—a pair—had lived. Rather than deciding myself, I let the dice decide. I told the player to roll a d20. The possible results were: on a 1-4, both would perish; a middling roll, a single one succumbed; a high roll, they survived.

The player rolled a 4. This triggered a profoundly moving sequence where the adventurers found the remains of their companions, still clasped together in death. The group conducted funeral rites, which was especially significant due to prior story developments. As a final reward, I decided that the remains were miraculously transformed, showing a enchanted item. By chance, the bead's contained spell was perfectly what the group needed to address another critical story problem. It's impossible to script such perfect coincidences.

Sharpening Your Improvisation

This event caused me to question if improvisation and spontaneity are actually the essence of this game. While you are a meticulously planning DM, your skill to pivot can rust. Groups frequently find joy in derailing the most detailed plans. Therefore, a good DM needs to be able to adapt swiftly and fabricate details in real-time.

Utilizing similar mechanics is a fantastic way to train these talents without venturing too far outside your preparation. The key is to deploy them for low-stakes situations that won't drastically alter the session's primary direction. For instance, I would not employ it to decide if the main villain is a traitor. But, I might use it to determine whether the party reach a location moments before a critical event takes place.

Enhancing Shared Narrative

This technique also helps keep players engaged and create the impression that the game world is alive, progressing in reaction to their decisions immediately. It prevents the feeling that they are merely actors in a rigidly planned story, thereby bolstering the shared nature of roleplaying.

This approach has historically been embedded in the core of D&D. Early editions were reliant on charts, which suited a game focused on exploration. Although current D&D tends to focuses on story and character, leading many DMs to feel they need exhaustive notes, it's not necessarily the only path.

Achieving the Healthy Equilibrium

There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing your prep. Yet, equally valid no problem with stepping back and letting the whim of chance to decide some things instead of you. Direction is a big aspect of a DM's job. We require it to facilitate play, yet we can be reluctant to give some up, even when doing so can lead to great moments.

The core suggestion is this: Do not fear of relinquishing a bit of control. Try a little randomness for inconsequential details. You might just create that the surprising result is far more rewarding than anything you would have scripted by yourself.