These tabletop activities incorporate dice or similar randomizing elements to determine character actions, story progression, or game outcomes. They frequently blend elements of traditional board games with the narrative freedom found in role-playing scenarios. As an example, a game may utilize a board to represent a map, dice rolls to resolve combat, and character sheets to track abilities and progress.
The integration of chance and strategic decision-making offers replayability and unpredictable narratives. Historically, such gameplay provided structured frameworks for collaborative storytelling and strategic thinking, fostering social interaction and cognitive development. The appeal lies in the blend of structured rules and emergent narratives, allowing participants to collectively shape a unique experience.