Comments on: Prerolled

By: Dyson Logos

Dyson Logos — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:28:49 +0000

In most games I use the random encounter tables between games and decide on a few good ones that I can use when needed in the next game.

In most games, the random encounter tables are a great example of “what to expect” and “what works” for the GM. It helps set the tone of the game.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:39:59 +0000

Which removes that element of chance from the game almost.

From a mechanics pov I have no problem with the rolling of dice for random encounters and observation skills. It’s the feel they give the game. When a DM rolls a dice without telling the group what it’s for it either puts them on edge or it chops the game up into neat sections. I don’t like that feeling to be there all the time but I like to have that option to use those mechanics when I want to.

Rolling less than what I do just now would effectively mean I stop rolling.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:31:27 +0000

I think I must be missing something, since I don’t see why the answer isn’t just roll less frequently.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:07:13 +0000

I generally don’t like the players rolling those kind of rolls anyway so I get away with prerolling those dice for the characters.

You do have to keep the random dice rolling going though even if it is all a charade just to keep the suspense going.

By: Omar

Omar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:03:13 +0000

I think dice rolling has it’s place. Although I did have a Gm who had our rougue preroll all her find traps/search rolls and then just crossed them off whenever appropriate. It worked becasue we didn’t nessisarilly even know there was something to spot.

I think that works with spot hidden/awareness checks too but I like the idea of freaking players out with spot checks when there is nothing to spot.

It depends on how you use the dice, they can become a help to build suspense of they can get in the way.