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When I am a DM, I usually avoided heavy use of chance during my D&D games. My preference was for narrative flow and session development to be guided by player choice instead of random chance. That said, I decided to change my approach, and I'm incredibly glad I did.

The Inspiration: Watching a Custom Mechanic

A popular actual-play show showcases a DM who frequently asks for "fate rolls" from the adventurers. This involves selecting a polyhedral and defining possible results tied to the roll. While it's essentially no distinct from rolling on a random table, these are devised on the spot when a course of events has no clear conclusion.

I decided to try this approach at my own table, mainly because it appeared interesting and provided a departure from my standard routine. The results were fantastic, prompting me to reconsider the often-debated dynamic between planning and improvisation in a tabletop session.

A Powerful Story Beat

During one session, my group had concluded a large-scale conflict. Later, a player asked about two friendly NPCs—a sibling duo—had lived. Rather than choosing an outcome, I let the dice decide. I told the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. The possible results were: on a 1-4, both died; on a 5-9, only one would die; on a 10+, they both lived.

The die came up a 4. This led to a profoundly moving scene where the adventurers came upon the bodies of their friends, still united in death. The group performed funeral rites, which was especially significant due to previous story developments. As a final reward, I chose that the remains were strangely transformed, containing a spell-storing object. By chance, the item's magical effect was exactly what the party required to address another critical story problem. One just script these kinds of serendipitous moments.

Sharpening DM Agility

This event made me wonder if randomization and spontaneity are truly the beating heart of this game. Although you are a meticulously planning DM, your ability to adapt may atrophy. Groups reliably find joy in ignoring the most carefully laid plots. Therefore, a effective DM must be able to think quickly and fabricate scenarios on the fly.

Employing luck rolls is a fantastic way to train these abilities without venturing too far outside your preparation. The strategy is to apply them for low-stakes circumstances that don't fundamentally change the session's primary direction. As an example, I wouldn't use it to determine if the king's advisor is a secret enemy. But, I might use it to determine whether the PCs arrive just in time to see a key action unfolds.

Enhancing Shared Narrative

This technique also helps keep players engaged and create the impression that the adventure is alive, evolving based on their choices in real-time. It reduces the perception that they are merely actors in a DM's sole narrative, thereby bolstering the shared foundation of the game.

This approach has long been integral to the original design. Original D&D were filled with encounter generators, which fit a game focused on treasure hunting. Although contemporary D&D often emphasizes story and character, leading many DMs to feel they must prep extensively, this isn't always the only path.

Finding the Right Balance

There is absolutely no issue with thorough preparation. Yet, equally valid no issue with letting go and permitting the dice to guide minor details instead of you. Direction is a significant aspect of a DM's job. We need it to manage the world, yet we can be reluctant to cede it, at times when doing so could be beneficial.

The core suggestion is this: Have no fear of letting go of your plan. Experiment with a little improvisation for smaller story elements. You might just find that the organic story beat is far more rewarding than anything you might have planned on your own.