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When I am a DM, I traditionally shied away from significant use of randomization during my tabletop roleplaying games. I tended was for the plot and session development to be guided by deliberate decisions rather than pure luck. That said, I decided to alter my method, and I'm truly happy with the result.

The Inspiration: Watching 'Luck Rolls'

A well-known actual-play show showcases a DM who often calls for "chance rolls" from the participants. The process entails choosing a polyhedral and outlining possible results tied to the result. This is at its core no different from consulting a random table, these are created in the moment when a course of events lacks a predetermined outcome.

I opted to test this technique at my own session, primarily because it looked engaging and offered a break from my normal practice. The results were eye-opening, prompting me to reflect on the perennial balance between preparation and improvisation in a D&D campaign.

A Memorable In-Game Example

In a recent session, my group had concluded a large-scale conflict. Later, a player inquired after two friendly NPCs—a brother and sister—had survived. Instead of picking a fate, I asked for a roll. I asked the player to roll a d20. The possible results were: on a 1-4, both would perish; on a 5-9, a single one would die; a high roll, they survived.

The player rolled a 4. This resulted in a incredibly emotional sequence where the adventurers found the remains of their friends, forever clasped together in death. The cleric performed funeral rites, which was especially powerful due to earlier character interactions. As a final touch, I improvised that the remains were suddenly transformed, showing a magical Prayer Bead. By chance, the item's contained spell was precisely what the group lacked to address another critical story problem. It's impossible to plan such magical moments.

Honing On-the-Spot Skills

This incident led me to ponder if improvisation and making it up are actually the core of this game. While you are a detail-oriented DM, your skill to pivot need exercise. Adventurers frequently excel at upending the most detailed plans. Therefore, a effective DM has to be able to pivot effectively and fabricate details in real-time.

Using similar mechanics is a great way to train these talents without going completely outside your preparation. The key is to deploy them for minor situations that won't drastically alter the overarching story. To illustrate, I wouldn't use it to determine if the central plot figure is a secret enemy. However, I could use it to determine if the PCs enter a room moments before a critical event unfolds.

Strengthening Player Agency

This technique also works to make players feel invested and cultivate the impression that the game world is responsive, progressing based on their actions immediately. It prevents the perception that they are merely characters in a DM's sole narrative, thereby enhancing the cooperative foundation of roleplaying.

This approach has always been integral to the core of D&D. Early editions were filled with charts, which fit a playstyle focused on exploration. Although contemporary D&D frequently emphasizes narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they need exhaustive notes, it's not necessarily the best approach.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Absolutely nothing wrong with thorough preparation. But, equally valid nothing wrong with relinquishing control and permitting the whim of chance to decide some things instead of you. Control is a major part of a DM's job. We require it to manage the world, yet we can be reluctant to cede it, in situations where doing so can lead to great moments.

A piece of suggestion is this: Do not fear of letting go of the reins. Try a little improvisation for smaller story elements. The result could find that the organic story beat is infinitely more powerful than anything you might have scripted on your own.