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As a Dungeon Master, I historically avoided significant use of chance during my D&D adventures. My preference was for narrative flow and session development to be guided by character actions instead of random chance. However, I opted to try something different, and I'm very happy with the result.

The Inspiration: Watching a Custom Mechanic

A well-known actual-play show utilizes a DM who regularly asks for "fate rolls" from the players. He does this by choosing a specific dice and defining potential outcomes contingent on the roll. This is at its core no unlike consulting a random table, these are devised spontaneously when a course of events lacks a predetermined resolution.

I decided to try this technique at my own table, primarily because it appeared engaging and offered a change from my standard routine. The outcome were remarkable, prompting me to think deeply about the perennial dynamic between pre-determination and randomization in a D&D campaign.

An Emotional In-Game Example

In a recent session, my players had just emerged from a city-wide battle. When the dust settled, a cleric character asked about two friendly NPCs—a pair—had lived. Rather than picking a fate, I asked for a roll. I told the player to roll a d20. I defined the outcomes as: on a 1-4, both died; a middling roll, only one would die; on a 10+, they survived.

The die came up a 4. This led to a deeply poignant sequence where the characters came upon the bodies of their allies, still clasped together in death. The cleric performed last rites, which was particularly powerful due to earlier roleplaying. As a parting gesture, I chose that the remains were miraculously transformed, containing a spell-storing object. I randomized, the item's contained spell was exactly what the group needed to solve another pressing quest obstacle. One just orchestrate such serendipitous story beats.

Honing On-the-Spot Skills

This experience caused me to question if randomization and thinking on your feet are in fact the core of this game. Although you are a meticulously planning DM, your skill to pivot can rust. Players often find joy in upending the best constructed narratives. Therefore, a skilled DM must be able to think quickly and fabricate scenarios on the fly.

Utilizing similar mechanics is a great way to develop these skills without venturing too far outside your usual style. The key is to apply them for small-scale decisions that won't drastically alter the overarching story. For instance, I wouldn't use it to decide if the king's advisor is a secret enemy. But, I could use it to figure out whether the PCs reach a location just in time to see a critical event occurs.

Strengthening Collaborative Storytelling

Luck rolls also works to keep players engaged and create the sensation that the adventure is responsive, evolving based on their choices in real-time. It reduces the sense that they are merely characters in a pre-written narrative, thereby enhancing the collaborative aspect of roleplaying.

Randomization has historically been integral to the game's DNA. The game's roots were reliant on charts, which made sense for a game focused on exploration. While current D&D frequently prioritizes plot-driven play, leading many DMs to feel they require detailed plans, it's not necessarily the best approach.

Achieving the Right Balance

It is perfectly no problem with being prepared. However, it's also fine nothing wrong with letting go and allowing the whim of chance to guide minor details rather than you. Authority is a significant part of a DM's responsibilities. We need it to facilitate play, yet we often struggle to give some up, at times when doing so can lead to great moments.

The core suggestion is this: Don't be afraid of relinquishing a bit of control. Embrace a little randomness for inconsequential story elements. It may create that the organic story beat is significantly more rewarding than anything you could have scripted by yourself.