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When I am a game master, I historically steered clear of heavy use of chance during my D&D games. I tended was for narrative flow and what happened in a game to be guided by player choice rather than the roll of a die. That said, I chose to try something different, and I'm truly pleased with the outcome.

The Catalyst: Seeing a Custom Mechanic

A well-known streamed game showcases a DM who regularly asks for "luck rolls" from the players. He does this by choosing a specific dice and assigning possible results tied to the result. It's essentially no different from consulting a random table, these get invented spontaneously when a player's action doesn't have a obvious conclusion.

I decided to try this technique at my own session, mainly because it seemed engaging and presented a break from my usual habits. The results were remarkable, prompting me to think deeply about the perennial tension between planning and spontaneity in a roleplaying game.

A Powerful Session Moment

In a recent session, my players had survived a massive fight. When the dust settled, a player wondered if two beloved NPCs—a pair—had survived. Rather than choosing an outcome, I handed it over to chance. I instructed the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. I defined the outcomes as: on a 1-4, both would perish; on a 5-9, only one succumbed; a high roll, they both lived.

The die came up a 4. This led to a profoundly moving moment where the adventurers discovered the remains of their friends, still holding hands in their final moments. The party performed last rites, which was especially meaningful due to previous character interactions. As a final reward, I chose that the remains were suddenly transformed, containing a spell-storing object. By chance, the bead's magical effect was precisely what the party lacked to solve another pressing quest obstacle. You simply plan these kinds of serendipitous story beats.

Honing Your Improvisation

This incident led me to ponder if randomization and spontaneity are truly the essence of this game. While you are a prep-heavy DM, your skill to pivot may atrophy. Adventurers often take delight in upending the most detailed plans. Therefore, a effective DM needs to be able to adapt swiftly and create scenarios in the moment.

Using similar mechanics is a great way to train these abilities without going completely outside your comfort zone. The key is to deploy them for minor situations that have a limited impact on the campaign's main plot. As an example, I would avoid using it to decide if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. However, I might use it to figure out whether the party reach a location just in time to see a key action occurs.

Enhancing Shared Narrative

Luck rolls also works to make players feel invested and cultivate the impression that the adventure is dynamic, evolving based on their decisions immediately. It prevents the perception that they are merely characters in a DM's sole script, thereby bolstering the shared aspect of the game.

This philosophy has always been integral to the core of D&D. Original D&D were enamored with random tables, which made sense for a playstyle focused on treasure hunting. While modern D&D often prioritizes plot-driven play, leading many DMs to feel they must prep extensively, this isn't always the required method.

Striking the Right Balance

It is perfectly no problem with doing your prep. Yet, there is also no problem with letting go and permitting the dice to determine certain outcomes in place of you. Direction is a major factor in a DM's responsibilities. We use it to manage the world, yet we often struggle to give some up, at times when doing so could be beneficial.

My final suggestion is this: Do not fear of relinquishing a bit of the reins. Try a little randomness for inconsequential story elements. You might just find that the surprising result is significantly more powerful than anything you might have pre-written on your own.