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As a DM, I traditionally avoided heavy use of chance during my tabletop roleplaying adventures. I tended was for the plot and what happened in a game to be shaped by character actions as opposed to pure luck. However, I decided to try something different, and I'm incredibly happy with the result.

The Spark: Seeing a Custom Mechanic

A popular podcast utilizes a DM who regularly requests "fate rolls" from the adventurers. He does this by selecting a polyhedral and defining possible results based on the result. It's fundamentally no different from rolling on a pre-generated chart, these are created on the spot when a character's decision has no clear outcome.

I chose to experiment with this approach at my own table, mostly because it seemed novel and presented a change from my standard routine. The outcome were eye-opening, prompting me to reconsider the often-debated dynamic between preparation and spontaneity in a tabletop session.

An Emotional Session Moment

In a recent session, my players had survived a large-scale battle. Afterwards, a player inquired after two key NPCs—a brother and sister—had lived. Rather than picking a fate, I handed it over to chance. I told the player to roll a d20. The possible results were: a low roll, both were killed; on a 5-9, a single one succumbed; on a 10+, they both lived.

The player rolled a 4. This led to a profoundly moving scene where the party found the corpses of their companions, still holding hands in death. The group held funeral rites, which was particularly meaningful due to prior story developments. As a final touch, I chose that the NPCs' bodies were strangely restored, showing a spell-storing object. By chance, the item's contained spell was perfectly what the party lacked to address another critical story problem. One just plan these kinds of perfect story beats.

Honing DM Agility

This event led me to ponder if chance and spontaneity are truly the beating heart of this game. Although you are a detail-oriented DM, your skill to pivot may atrophy. Groups frequently take delight in upending the most detailed plans. Therefore, a skilled DM has to be able to adapt swiftly and fabricate content in the moment.

Employing similar mechanics is a great way to develop these abilities without venturing too far outside your preparation. The strategy is to use them for minor decisions that won't drastically alter the overarching story. As an example, I wouldn't use it to establish if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. Instead, I would consider using it to decide whether the PCs enter a room right after a major incident takes place.

Empowering Collaborative Storytelling

Spontaneous randomization also helps make players feel invested and cultivate the sensation that the adventure is responsive, shaping in reaction to their actions in real-time. It combats the perception that they are merely characters in a DM's sole script, thereby enhancing the shared aspect of storytelling.

This approach has always been integral to the game's DNA. Early editions were filled with charts, which made sense for a playstyle focused on treasure hunting. Although current D&D often prioritizes narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they need exhaustive notes, this isn't always the best approach.

Finding the Right Balance

Absolutely no problem with thorough preparation. Yet, it's also fine no issue with letting go and permitting the rolls to guide minor details instead of you. Authority is a significant part of a DM's responsibilities. We require it to run the game, yet we can be reluctant to cede it, at times when doing so might improve the game.

The core advice is this: Don't be afraid of letting go of control. Try a little randomness for minor details. It may find that the unexpected outcome is far more powerful than anything you might have scripted by yourself.