Using Random Tables and Generators

Via Rich Burlew, Giant in the Playground

Random tables (charts that associate dice roll values with specific concepts) are a great way to add a layer of unpredictablity to your game. When they are implemented in the right way, that is. If overused, or included without a strong purpose, they can also make things very boring. The art of rolling on random tables is based around knowing why you are using one in the first place.

Background Details

One of the simplest reasons for using a random table is for when you need to decide on a superficial characteristic that won't have a strong impact on the game itself. Things that are relatively innocuous but still add to the immersive fun of the game world, like the appearance of an NPC or the name of a local shop. Random tables can help you save a lot of muss and fuss by preventing you from having to wrack your mind for specific details when they aren't so important. You can find a lot of digital random generators of this kind on this very cool web site.

Random Encounters

Random encounter tables also have their uses, but are the most misunderstood variants of all. These tables should never be mandatory, and should be properly balanced for the needs of your play group.You don't want a "Wandering Monster" table that will drop an army of hill giants upon your low level players, unless you have a way for your players to approach such a situation without being destroyed in combat (Just as a pair of kobolds would be a poor match for your epic-level campaign.) 

Typically, random encounters exist to fill time and increase the average challenge level of a dungeon. By causing the players to expend some resources in the form of HP damage or using up ammunition, random encounters can balance out the difficulty of a level without forcing you to redesign your set pieces on the fly. Is the party a bit too fresh to find the final boss a threat? Throw a pack of spider warriors their way, or roll up a skeleton squad instead. Just remember that you are never beholden to random tables, and you have the option of avoiding them entirely if you so wish.

Another reason for using these random generators is simply for randomizing the order or implementation of prepared encounters.

For instance, I once ran a race for my players comprised of ten separate encounters. I mapped them out in flow chart form, but left each point of the map blank. Then I rolled on a chart made up of all ten encounter types and assigned each map point its own encounter. Which means that the encounters were pre-made but assigned to random places on the map.

In another instance, I prepared about five major encounters for a naval voyage. I knew that the group would only have time for one or two during a session, so I used a random table to determine which encounter to use whenever they triggered one. These encounters included a mermaid attack and an unscrupulous merchant. I also used a table to determine how far they traveled between encounters so that the voyage wouldn't seem regimented and monotonous. Finally, I rolled for weather conditions, which would be an overall superficial choice of the kind I described earlier.

The players shouldn't be at risk of major catastrophe or victory based on a mandatory random roll.  Those kinds of moments should grow from their choices and interactions with the primary plot points and encounters of your campaign.

Source of Inspiration

Finally, there are times when you are just plain out of ideas for a game, and need something to stimulate your imagination. Random tables can be used as a starting point for some very cool campaign ideas. You can find many tables online full of story ideas for many tabletop settings. It's a great way to jump start your creativity and overcome writers block! Just remember to elaborate on whatever you end up with and personalize it for yourself and your play group.

Don't let any random encounter seem truly random, and you might not even want to let the players know that you rolled for it. A few fake rolls and misdirection at key points will prevent players from ever guessing when you are rolling dice for real!

Whether its to flesh out your map, to add uniqueness to the setting, or just to get the ball rolling on your next campaign, random generation can be a very useful tool for your games. Hopefully this entry has given you some great ideas for how to include them in your next tabletop escapade. Happy ventures!