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As a Dungeon Master, I traditionally shied away from extensive use of chance during my D&D games. My preference was for the plot and what happened in a game to be shaped by player choice instead of the roll of a die. However, I chose to try something different, and I'm very happy with the result.

The Catalyst: Watching a Custom Mechanic

A popular streamed game features a DM who frequently calls for "fate rolls" from the participants. He does this by selecting a polyhedral and defining consequences based on the result. It's fundamentally no unlike consulting a pre-generated chart, these are created spontaneously when a player's action lacks a obvious outcome.

I opted to test this method at my own game, primarily because it looked interesting and provided a change from my standard routine. The results were eye-opening, prompting me to think deeply about the perennial tension between pre-determination and randomization in a D&D campaign.

A Memorable Session Moment

During one session, my players had survived a massive battle. Afterwards, a cleric character inquired after two beloved NPCs—a brother and sister—had survived. In place of deciding myself, I asked for a roll. I told the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. The possible results were: a low roll, both were killed; a middling roll, a single one succumbed; on a 10+, they survived.

The die came up a 4. This resulted in a profoundly poignant scene where the adventurers discovered the bodies of their friends, forever clasped together in their final moments. The group held a ceremony, which was particularly powerful due to prior roleplaying. In a concluding gesture, I decided that the remains were suddenly transformed, showing a enchanted item. I randomized, the bead's magical effect was precisely what the group needed to resolve another critical quest obstacle. It's impossible to plan these kinds of magical coincidences.

Improving Your Improvisation

This experience made me wonder if randomization and making it up are truly the essence of tabletop RPGs. Although you are a detail-oriented DM, your skill to pivot need exercise. Groups reliably take delight in ignoring the most detailed narratives. Therefore, a good DM needs to be able to think quickly and create content in the moment.

Using luck rolls is a excellent way to practice these talents without going completely outside your usual style. The key is to apply them for small-scale decisions that have a limited impact on the campaign's main plot. As an example, I wouldn't use it to decide if the king's advisor is a traitor. But, I could use it to decide whether the PCs reach a location just in time to see a critical event takes place.

Strengthening Shared Narrative

This technique also works to keep players engaged and foster the sensation that the game world is dynamic, progressing in reaction to their actions in real-time. It prevents the feeling that they are merely pawns in a rigidly planned narrative, thereby bolstering the shared nature of roleplaying.

Randomization has long been part of the original design. Early editions were filled with encounter generators, which suited a playstyle focused on treasure hunting. While 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 best approach.

Achieving the Sweet Spot

Absolutely nothing wrong with thorough preparation. But, equally valid no issue with relinquishing control and allowing the dice to determine certain outcomes instead of you. Direction is a big factor in a DM's job. We require it to facilitate play, yet we can be reluctant to release it, at times when doing so might improve the game.

The core recommendation is this: Don't be afraid of relinquishing a bit of control. Try a little chance for smaller story elements. The result could create that the organic story beat is significantly more memorable than anything you might have scripted in advance.