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As a game master, I traditionally steered clear of extensive use of randomization during my D&D games. My preference was for the plot and session development to be determined by deliberate decisions instead of the roll of a die. Recently, I opted to try something different, and I'm very glad I did.

The Inspiration: Observing a Custom Mechanic

An influential actual-play show utilizes a DM who often asks for "chance rolls" from the adventurers. The process entails picking a polyhedral and assigning possible results based on the roll. It's at its core no distinct from consulting a random table, these are created on the spot when a player's action lacks a predetermined conclusion.

I chose to experiment with this technique at my own session, primarily because it seemed novel and presented a change from my standard routine. The outcome were fantastic, prompting me to think deeply about the ongoing dynamic between planning and spontaneity in a tabletop session.

A Memorable Session Moment

In a recent session, my party had survived a city-wide battle. When the dust settled, a cleric character inquired after two friendly NPCs—a brother and sister—had survived. Rather than deciding myself, I asked for a roll. I instructed the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. The stakes were: on a 1-4, both were killed; on a 5-9, a single one would die; a high roll, they both lived.

Fate decreed a 4. This led to a deeply emotional moment where the adventurers came upon the remains of their allies, still clasped together in their final moments. The party held a ceremony, which was especially significant due to earlier character interactions. As a final touch, I chose that the remains were strangely transformed, revealing a spell-storing object. I randomized, the bead's magical effect was precisely what the party needed to address another pressing situation. You simply script this type of magical coincidences.

Honing DM Agility

This experience caused me to question if chance and spontaneity are truly the essence of this game. Although you are a prep-heavy DM, your skill to pivot need exercise. Players often find joy in ignoring the most carefully laid plans. Therefore, a good DM must be able to pivot effectively and invent content on the fly.

Using luck rolls is a excellent way to develop these talents without venturing too far outside your usual style. The key is to apply them for low-stakes circumstances that don't fundamentally change the overarching story. To illustrate, I would not employ it to establish if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. However, I could use it to figure out if the party enter a room moments before a critical event occurs.

Strengthening Collaborative Storytelling

Spontaneous randomization also works to maintain tension and cultivate the feeling that the adventure is alive, shaping according to their choices as they play. It reduces the sense that they are merely pawns in a DM's sole narrative, thereby bolstering the collaborative nature of the game.

Randomization has long been embedded in the game's DNA. Early editions were enamored with random tables, which fit a game focused on dungeon crawling. While contemporary D&D frequently focuses on narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they must prep extensively, that may not be the best approach.

Finding the Sweet Spot

There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing your prep. But, it's also fine no problem with relinquishing control and allowing the dice to decide some things rather than you. Authority is a major aspect of a DM's role. We require it to run the game, yet we can be reluctant to release it, even when doing so could be beneficial.

My final advice is this: Don't be afraid of relinquishing a bit of your plan. Try a little improvisation for smaller story elements. You might just discover that the unexpected outcome is infinitely more rewarding than anything you might have pre-written on your own.