These tabletop activities involve using polyhedral dice, commonly associated with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, to resolve actions, challenges, or generate random events. Examples include rolling dice to determine the success of a character’s attack, simulating skill checks, or creating impromptu scenarios within a campaign setting.
Their inclusion provides an element of chance and unpredictability, enriching the storytelling experience and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. Historically, dice have been integral to role-playing, serving as a mechanical bridge between player intention and narrative outcome. They introduce fairness and remove complete control from the game master, fostering player agency and investment.