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In my role as a DM, I historically shied away from heavy use of luck during my tabletop roleplaying games. My preference was for story direction and session development to be shaped by player choice rather than the roll of a die. Recently, I opted to alter my method, and I'm very happy with the result.

The Catalyst: Seeing a Custom Mechanic

A popular podcast features a DM who regularly requests "luck rolls" from the participants. The process entails picking a polyhedral and assigning potential outcomes tied to the roll. While it's essentially no different from using a pre-generated chart, these are devised on the spot when a character's decision doesn't have a clear outcome.

I chose to experiment with this method at my own table, mainly because it looked novel and offered a change from my usual habits. The outcome were fantastic, prompting me to reconsider the perennial tension between planning and randomization in a roleplaying game.

A Memorable In-Game Example

During one session, my group had survived a massive conflict. Later, a cleric character wondered if two friendly NPCs—a brother and sister—had survived. Rather than picking a fate, I handed it over to chance. I asked the player to roll a d20. The possible results were: a low roll, both would perish; a middling roll, only one would die; a high roll, they survived.

The die came up a 4. This resulted in a incredibly moving sequence where the adventurers found the remains of their companions, forever holding hands in death. The group held last rites, which was particularly significant due to prior character interactions. In a concluding reward, I chose that the NPCs' bodies were miraculously transformed, revealing a enchanted item. By chance, the item's contained spell was exactly what the group lacked to resolve another major story problem. One just script this type of magical coincidences.

Honing Your Improvisation

This experience caused me to question if improvisation and making it up are actually the core of this game. Even if you are a meticulously planning DM, your skill to pivot may atrophy. Players frequently take delight in ignoring the most carefully laid narratives. Therefore, a good DM needs to be able to pivot effectively and invent scenarios in the moment.

Using similar mechanics is a excellent way to practice these talents without going completely outside your preparation. The trick is to deploy them for small-scale decisions that have a limited impact on the overarching story. For instance, I would not employ it to determine if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. Instead, I might use it to determine whether the characters enter a room moments before a key action takes place.

Enhancing Collaborative Storytelling

This technique also helps keep players engaged and create the sensation that the adventure is dynamic, progressing in reaction to their actions immediately. It prevents the feeling that they are merely characters in a DM's sole story, thereby bolstering the shared aspect of the game.

This philosophy has long been integral to the original design. Early editions were enamored with charts, which made sense for a playstyle focused on treasure hunting. While current D&D frequently prioritizes narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they need exhaustive notes, that may not be the best approach.

Achieving the Healthy Equilibrium

It is perfectly no issue with thorough preparation. But, there is also no problem with relinquishing control and allowing the whim of chance to determine certain outcomes rather than you. Authority is a big aspect of a DM's role. We require it to facilitate play, yet we frequently find it hard to cede it, even when doing so could be beneficial.

The core suggestion is this: Have no fear of letting go of the reins. Try a little randomness for smaller outcomes. You might just find that the surprising result is infinitely more powerful than anything you could have scripted by yourself.