DMs: Random Encounters?

[EvilGM]

Do you use Random Encounter Tables?

It seems like there is a lot of love or hate for the things. Thoughts?

 

[DragonLancer]

Not as much as when I first starting DMing back in the day. These days I just find they slow things down when I'd rather continue with the story. Theres already enough combat in the game that random encounters usually aren't needed.

 

[Crust]

When I do make use of random encounter tables, I use them during my prep time, and it's usually using a table from a sourcebook or module from Dungeon. I never use random encounter tables on the fly during play.

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

I usually just create some random encounters, keep them on a list and use them as I like them.

 

[Nifft]

Yes:
1/ If I can use a table from a product I own, I do.
2/ Usually I can't, so I make my own tables.

Answered "make my own" because that's usually true, but not because I want it to be true.

Lazy, -- N

 

[Rhun]

Yes:
1/ If I can use a table from a product I own, I do.
2/ Usually I can't, so I make my own tables.

Answered "make my own" because that's usually true, but not because I want it to be true.

I agree with Nifft 100% here.

 

[Graybeard]

I use random encounters once in awhile but I have several different premade stat cards for them. I just pick something that makes sense for the area. I don't use the tables at all.

 

[Kurashu]

My DM's friend doesn't use a table. What he does is number his books and roles dice to see which book to use and then again to get a page number. Of course this ends up with unique creatures such as the "LANDKRAKEN!" being born. True story, by the way. Wish I could have been there for that.

 

[kaomera]

I just don't use them anymore. I used to pregenerate a few appropriate encounters that I could throw at the PCs if I felt like things at the table where slowing down, but I've found that it's actually more effective for me to just move things along to the next "interesting bit" even if that means skipping ahead a bit.

 

[shilsen]

Never. My random encounters aren't.