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As a game master, I traditionally steered clear of significant use of chance during my Dungeons & Dragons games. My preference was for the plot and session development to be determined by character actions as opposed to the roll of a die. However, I decided to alter my method, and I'm truly happy with the result.

The Spark: Seeing an Improvised Tool

A well-known podcast features a DM who frequently asks for "chance rolls" from the players. This involves picking a type of die and outlining consequences tied to the result. This is essentially no different from using a random table, these are created spontaneously when a character's decision doesn't have a predetermined conclusion.

I opted to test this technique at my own table, primarily because it appeared novel and offered a departure from my normal practice. The experience were remarkable, prompting me to reconsider the often-debated balance between pre-determination and improvisation in a roleplaying game.

A Memorable In-Game Example

During one session, my players had survived a city-wide conflict. Afterwards, a player wondered if two beloved NPCs—a brother and sister—had made it. In place of deciding myself, I let the dice decide. I asked the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. The possible results were: a low roll, both would perish; on a 5-9, only one would die; a high roll, they survived.

The die came up a 4. This triggered a profoundly emotional sequence where the adventurers found the remains of their companions, still united in their final moments. The party held last rites, which was uniquely powerful due to prior character interactions. In a concluding gesture, I chose that the NPCs' bodies were suddenly restored, containing a magical Prayer Bead. I rolled for, the bead's contained spell was precisely what the party lacked to address another major quest obstacle. It's impossible to script such serendipitous coincidences.

Honing Your Improvisation

This experience led me to ponder if chance and spontaneity are in fact the essence of this game. Although you are a detail-oriented DM, your skill to pivot need exercise. Adventurers often find joy in ignoring the best constructed narratives. Therefore, a effective DM has to be able to adapt swiftly and invent details in real-time.

Utilizing similar mechanics is a fantastic way to practice these skills without going completely outside your usual style. The strategy is to apply them for low-stakes decisions that don't fundamentally change the session's primary direction. For instance, I would not employ it to decide if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. But, I could use it to decide whether the PCs arrive right after a major incident occurs.

Strengthening Shared Narrative

This technique also helps keep players engaged and create the impression that the story is responsive, progressing based on their actions as they play. It combats the feeling that they are merely actors in a DM's sole script, thereby bolstering the cooperative aspect of the game.

This philosophy has always been integral to the original design. Early editions were filled with encounter generators, which suited a game focused on dungeon crawling. Although modern D&D tends to focuses on narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they require detailed plans, that may not be the required method.

Striking the Sweet Spot

It is perfectly nothing wrong with being prepared. Yet, equally valid no issue with relinquishing control and letting the whim of chance to guide minor details instead of you. Direction is a major part of a DM's job. We need it to manage the world, yet we frequently find it hard to give some up, at times when doing so can lead to great moments.

My final suggestion is this: Have no fear of letting go of control. Experiment with a little randomness for inconsequential story elements. You might just discover that the organic story beat is far more rewarding than anything you would have scripted in advance.