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Do you use Random Tables?
- Thread starter Rechan
- Start date
Yes, normally. They improve the game a lot IME. I don't use them so much in 4e only because most of the 4e books don't include any. 
So for 4e I have to employ work-arounds, like stabbing blindly at magic item lists with the blunt end of a pencil! Where I have used random tables to generate encounters in 4e it's worked well; one good trick for 4e is to roll eg '3 troglodytes' on the table, then go to the monster manual and pick out the 3 trogs using the stat blocks that will be the best fight for your PCs.
So for 4e I have to employ work-arounds, like stabbing blindly at magic item lists with the blunt end of a pencil! Where I have used random tables to generate encounters in 4e it's worked well; one good trick for 4e is to roll eg '3 troglodytes' on the table, then go to the monster manual and pick out the 3 trogs using the stat blocks that will be the best fight for your PCs.
My problem is, I forget to use them when I'm DMing.
Me too. I don't roll as often as I should.
There are some tables that I will treat as a List and thus pluck ideas from (like 100 random NPC traits/adventure seeds/dungeon dressing) but I can never imagine myself using one as a random table. I've always found random tables to be... uninteresting at best.
Why? This is going to sound odd, but I don't like the idea of randomness. Yes, I'm aware RPGs use dice which are at their core random, but the dice are used as a fair way to answer the question "Does this act succeed?" It theoretically the same is if all tasks were resolved with paper-scissor-rock.
When dealing with treasure, or monsters, or really anything, I prefer there to be intelligent design used - everything is there for a reason. That treasure is there because someone put that amount in there, not 'well the chest is locked and trapped but hey there's a silver spoon in it". If I'm fighting a monster I want the DM to have chosen that monster and that encounter, and not for it to be just whim. The same with DMing - I prefer to have a conscious choice and intention for everything. The PCs find that magic item because I intended for them to have it (but then, I don't believe in selling magical items, so things they will solves two issues with one move).
Chance is sort of the opposite, for me, of a Story. Sure, the illusion of chance is there, but it's not real. Randomness is chaotic and I don't like chaos. I've never seen anything "random" be positive at all. Order (or intentional design) is far more comforting and, IMO, feels more real.
Why? This is going to sound odd, but I don't like the idea of randomness. Yes, I'm aware RPGs use dice which are at their core random, but the dice are used as a fair way to answer the question "Does this act succeed?" It theoretically the same is if all tasks were resolved with paper-scissor-rock.
When dealing with treasure, or monsters, or really anything, I prefer there to be intelligent design used - everything is there for a reason. That treasure is there because someone put that amount in there, not 'well the chest is locked and trapped but hey there's a silver spoon in it". If I'm fighting a monster I want the DM to have chosen that monster and that encounter, and not for it to be just whim. The same with DMing - I prefer to have a conscious choice and intention for everything. The PCs find that magic item because I intended for them to have it (but then, I don't believe in selling magical items, so things they will solves two issues with one move).
Chance is sort of the opposite, for me, of a Story. Sure, the illusion of chance is there, but it's not real. Randomness is chaotic and I don't like chaos. I've never seen anything "random" be positive at all. Order (or intentional design) is far more comforting and, IMO, feels more real.
SteveC
Doing the best imitation of myself
I'm very much anti random table, as they tend to create a situation where if the dice are right, you'll have an awesome encounter or adventure. Most tables that I've seen have a large number of typical results, with a small chance for something quirky, unique or unusual.
I've been of the opinion that the chance of having something awesome happening should be 100%, or as close to it as is practical. "Oh, you were only 1% away from the really cool ghost pirate encounter!" To that I say: I want to play in the game where we have that encounter, and others like it, and less of the goblins or random farmers who travel down the road.
That's my preference, anyway.
I've been of the opinion that the chance of having something awesome happening should be 100%, or as close to it as is practical. "Oh, you were only 1% away from the really cool ghost pirate encounter!" To that I say: I want to play in the game where we have that encounter, and others like it, and less of the goblins or random farmers who travel down the road.
That's my preference, anyway.
DM ToolBox mostly
Gilladian
Adventurer
When I'm thinking up ideas for an adventure, I may whip out some random tables, and roll on them or browse through them, but I generally find they spur me to think of things that I then work up logically. I hate randomness for the sake of randomness...
And most tables are either filled with illogic or silliness.
And most tables are either filled with illogic or silliness.
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