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In my role as a DM, I usually steered clear of extensive use of randomization during my Dungeons & Dragons games. I tended was for the plot and session development to be shaped by deliberate decisions instead of pure luck. That said, I decided to alter my method, and I'm incredibly glad I did.

The Inspiration: Watching 'Luck Rolls'

A popular streamed game showcases a DM who often calls for "luck rolls" from the adventurers. He does this by selecting a polyhedral and outlining possible results based on the result. This is fundamentally no distinct from rolling on a pre-generated chart, these get invented spontaneously when a player's action has no obvious resolution.

I opted to test this technique at my own table, mainly because it appeared engaging and offered a change from my standard routine. The experience were fantastic, prompting me to reconsider the perennial tension between planning and spontaneity in a roleplaying game.

An Emotional Story Beat

In a recent session, my party had survived a city-wide battle. When the dust settled, a player inquired after two key NPCs—a pair—had made it. Instead of deciding myself, I asked for a roll. I told the player to roll a d20. The possible results were: a low roll, both would perish; on a 5-9, only one would die; on a 10+, they both lived.

The die came up a 4. This led to a incredibly emotional moment where the adventurers discovered the remains of their companions, still holding hands in death. The group performed funeral rites, which was uniquely significant due to previous character interactions. As a final gesture, I improvised that the forms were suddenly restored, revealing a magical Prayer Bead. By chance, the item's contained spell was exactly what the group lacked to address another pressing story problem. You simply plan this type of serendipitous story beats.

Sharpening DM Agility

This incident led me to ponder if chance and making it up are actually the essence of this game. Although you are a meticulously planning DM, your skill to pivot need exercise. Players frequently excel at ignoring the most detailed plots. Therefore, a good DM needs to be able to pivot effectively and fabricate content in the moment.

Using similar mechanics is a great way to practice these abilities without venturing too far outside your comfort zone. The key is to deploy them for minor decisions that have a limited impact on the overarching story. As an example, I wouldn't use it to establish if the central plot figure is a traitor. Instead, I could use it to determine whether the party reach a location right after a key action takes place.

Empowering Shared Narrative

Luck rolls also works to keep players engaged and foster the sensation that the adventure is dynamic, evolving according to their actions immediately. It prevents the feeling that they are merely actors in a rigidly planned script, thereby enhancing the shared nature of the game.

This philosophy has historically been integral to the original design. The game's roots were filled with encounter generators, which suited a playstyle focused on treasure hunting. Even though contemporary D&D often prioritizes narrative and role-play, leading many DMs to feel they must prep extensively, that may not be the best approach.

Achieving the Healthy Equilibrium

It is perfectly no issue with thorough preparation. However, it's also fine nothing wrong with relinquishing control and letting the whim of chance to decide some things in place of you. Direction is a major part of a DM's responsibilities. We require it to manage the world, yet we can be reluctant to give some up, in situations where doing so might improve the game.

My final advice is this: Don't be afraid of temporarily losing your plan. Try a little chance for minor details. The result could discover that the unexpected outcome is significantly more memorable than anything you might have pre-written on your own.