Inspiration, unpredictability, and complexity—every Game Master wants these elements in their campaign. Whether you are running D&D, Pathfinder, Shadowdark, or any other TTRPG, there is one classic tool that provides them all: random tables.
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While some players and GMs might shy away from them, fearing the “dreaded random encounter,” these tables are actually versatile powerhouses. They have been a staple of the hobby since the days of Arneson and Gygax for a reason. Here are five reasons why you should be integrating them into your prep and your sessions.
1. Random Tables Are An Excuse to Roll More Dice
Let’s be honest: rolling dice is fun. Using random tables gives you a functional excuse to open up the dice closet and use those sets that rarely see the light of day. When you are building a dungeon, you might not normally roll much, but using a treasure table in the DMG takes a decision out of your hands and puts it on the dice. It’s a simple way to let the game’s mechanics guide the world-building.
2. Random Tables Increase Unpredictability
A huge part of the fun for players is not knowing what’s coming next. By using resources like Endless Encounters: Dungeons, you can roll for everything from room types to creatures and traps. This makes the process unpredictable for the GM, too! Instead of falling into your usual “style” of monster selection, your players might face classic or unique creatures you never would have thought of otherwise.
3. Dealing with Player Chaos
We’ve all been there: your players decide to visit a town you didn’t plan for at all. Suddenly, you need NPCs, shop names, and secrets on the fly. Random encounter tables and NPC name lists can take the stress off your shoulders. Instead of panicking, you can roll for the innkeeper’s name or a tavern’s title, allowing you to focus your mental energy on the big-picture story.
4. Random Tables Create Layers of Complexity
You can use tables to create more complex quests by layering objectives. Instead of a simple “save the innkeeper’s son” quest, you might roll on a table and discover the son has recovered a dark artifact and is trying to open a gate to the Realm of Shadow. Tools like the “Core Adventure Generator” in The Lazy DM’s Companion allow you to mix locations, items, and NPCs to create fresh, multi-layered adventures quickly.
5. A Spark for Inspiration
The magic of a random table isn’t just in the result—it’s in the creativity it ignites. You don’t have to take a result at face value. Often, a roll provides the “seed” for a better idea or serves as a prompt to get a stalled story moving again. Whether you are building character backstories or campaign-wide plots, these tables serve as incredible creative prompts.
When to Put the Dice Away
Despite their benefits, there are times when you shouldn’t rely on randomness:
- Big Events: You should stay in control of major plot points and “boss” moments.
- Breaking Immersion: If making multiple rolls slows down the game to the point where players start scrolling through their phones, it’s better to make a quick executive decision.
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Use tables to fill in the little details and spark your imagination, but keep the big moments in your hands!
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