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As a DM, I traditionally shied away from extensive use of luck during my tabletop roleplaying games. My preference was for the plot and session development to be guided by deliberate decisions instead of pure luck. Recently, I opted to change my approach, and I'm very glad I did.

The Catalyst: Watching 'Luck Rolls'

A popular podcast features a DM who frequently asks for "luck rolls" from the adventurers. The process entails picking a polyhedral and outlining possible results based on the roll. This is essentially no distinct from consulting a pre-generated chart, these are created spontaneously when a character's decision has no predetermined resolution.

I chose to experiment with this technique at my own game, mostly because it appeared engaging and presented a change from my normal practice. The experience were fantastic, prompting me to reflect on the ongoing tension between preparation and spontaneity in a tabletop session.

An Emotional In-Game Example

During one session, my party had concluded a massive battle. Later, a player inquired after two friendly NPCs—a pair—had survived. In place of deciding myself, I asked for a roll. I asked the player to make a twenty-sided die roll. The possible results were: on a 1-4, both would perish; a middling roll, a single one would die; a high roll, they both lived.

The player rolled a 4. This triggered a incredibly poignant scene where the adventurers found the remains of their allies, forever united in death. The party conducted last rites, which was particularly significant due to earlier character interactions. As a parting gesture, I chose that the remains were suddenly transformed, containing a enchanted item. By chance, the bead's magical effect was exactly what the group needed to address another pressing quest obstacle. It's impossible to plan such magical story beats.

Honing DM Agility

This event led me to ponder if improvisation and making it up are in fact the essence of this game. While you are a prep-heavy DM, your ability to adapt can rust. Groups reliably take delight in upending the most carefully laid narratives. Therefore, a skilled DM needs to be able to pivot effectively and create scenarios on the fly.

Employing on-the-spot randomization is a great way to practice these skills without straying too much outside your usual style. The trick is to use them for minor situations that won't drastically alter the session's primary direction. As an example, I would avoid using it to decide if the main villain is a traitor. However, I would consider using it to figure out whether the party arrive just in time to see a critical event occurs.

Strengthening Shared Narrative

This technique also works to keep players engaged and foster the impression that the adventure is alive, shaping based on their decisions as they play. It reduces the perception that they are merely characters in a DM's sole narrative, thereby bolstering the cooperative aspect of the game.

This approach has historically been part of the original design. Original D&D were reliant on encounter generators, which suited a game focused on dungeon crawling. While current D&D tends to emphasizes plot-driven play, leading many DMs to feel they must prep extensively, this isn't always the best approach.

Achieving the Sweet Spot

There is absolutely no issue with doing your prep. However, it's also fine nothing wrong with relinquishing control and permitting the rolls to guide minor details rather than you. Control is a significant factor in a DM's responsibilities. We use it to facilitate play, yet we can be reluctant to release it, at times when doing so might improve the game.

My final suggestion is this: Don't be afraid of relinquishing a bit of control. Embrace a little improvisation for smaller details. You might just discover that the unexpected outcome is infinitely more memorable than anything you would have scripted by yourself.