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In my role as a Dungeon Master, I historically shied away from significant use of chance during my D&D adventures. My preference was for story direction and what happened in a game to be shaped by character actions as opposed to pure luck. Recently, I chose to try something different, and I'm truly happy with the result.

The Inspiration: Observing a Custom Mechanic

An influential actual-play show features a DM who often requests "fate rolls" from the adventurers. This involves choosing a specific dice and defining possible results tied to the result. This is essentially no distinct from consulting a pre-generated chart, these are created in the moment when a course of events doesn't have a predetermined outcome.

I chose to experiment with this approach at my own table, primarily because it looked interesting and offered a change from my usual habits. The experience were eye-opening, prompting me to reconsider the ongoing balance between planning and randomization in a tabletop session.

A Powerful In-Game Example

During one session, my players had survived a massive fight. Afterwards, a player asked about two friendly NPCs—a pair—had made it. Rather than picking a fate, I asked for a roll. I instructed the player to roll a d20. The stakes were: a low roll, both died; on a 5-9, only one succumbed; a high roll, they survived.

The die came up a 4. This resulted in a incredibly poignant sequence where the party discovered the bodies of their allies, still clasped together in their final moments. The party performed a ceremony, which was especially meaningful due to previous roleplaying. As a parting touch, I improvised that the remains were suddenly transformed, showing a enchanted item. By chance, the bead's contained spell was precisely what the party required to address another pressing quest obstacle. One just orchestrate such magical story beats.

Improving On-the-Spot Skills

This experience caused me to question if randomization and spontaneity are truly the core of tabletop RPGs. Even if you are a meticulously planning DM, your ability to adapt can rust. Adventurers often take delight in ignoring the most detailed plots. Therefore, a good DM needs to be able to think quickly and create content in real-time.

Utilizing similar mechanics is a great way to practice these abilities without going completely outside your preparation. The trick is to deploy them for minor circumstances that have a limited impact on the overarching story. As an example, I would avoid using it to determine if the main villain is a secret enemy. However, I might use it to decide whether the characters arrive moments before a key action takes place.

Strengthening Collaborative Storytelling

Spontaneous randomization also serves to make players feel invested and cultivate the sensation that the adventure is dynamic, shaping based on their choices as they play. It combats the sense that they are merely characters in a DM's sole narrative, thereby enhancing the collaborative aspect of roleplaying.

Randomization has always been part of the game's DNA. Original D&D were reliant on charts, which suited a playstyle focused on dungeon crawling. While contemporary D&D tends to emphasizes plot-driven play, leading many DMs to feel they need exhaustive notes, this isn't always the best approach.

Striking the Right Balance

There is absolutely no issue with being prepared. However, equally valid no issue with relinquishing control and permitting the rolls to decide some things rather than you. Authority is a major aspect of a DM's responsibilities. We use it to facilitate play, yet we can be reluctant to cede it, in situations where doing so might improve the game.

My final advice is this: Don't be afraid of temporarily losing control. Experiment with a little randomness for inconsequential story elements. You might just create that the unexpected outcome is far more powerful than anything you might have pre-written by yourself.