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When we think of dice in tabletop games, the first association is often mechanics—rolling to hit, succeeding on a check, or determining damage. However, in story-based role-playing games (RPGs), dice go beyond mechanics to serve as essential tools for storytelling. Narrative dice mechanics, in particular, have become increasingly popular for creating immersive, collaborative stories where every roll impacts the unfolding narrative.
In this article, we’ll dive into how dice can act as narrative drivers, explore their role in storytelling-focused RPGs, and provide tips for leveraging them effectively.
Unlike traditional dice systems, where rolls determine binary success or failure, narrative dice mechanics add depth by introducing outcomes that affect the story beyond pass/fail. Systems like Fantasy Flight Games’ Star Wars RPG use custom dice with symbols that determine not only success or failure but also additional story elements, such as complications, advantages, or unexpected events.
For example, a player might fail to shoot an enemy but generate an advantage that allows them to discover a hidden path. Alternatively, they might succeed in their attack but trigger a complication that causes collateral damage. These additional layers create opportunities for dynamic storytelling.
Narrative dice shift the focus from rigid rules to collaborative storytelling. Players and GMs work together to interpret dice rolls, ensuring that outcomes fit seamlessly into the story. This fosters creativity and gives everyone a sense of ownership over the narrative.
In traditional RPG systems, dice often feel like obstacles to achieving goals. Narrative dice, however, allow players to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. A botched negotiation roll might reveal a character’s flaw, while an advantage symbol could introduce a helpful ally. These moments deepen the roleplaying experience.
By providing a range of possible outcomes, narrative dice keep players engaged. Success isn’t always straightforward, and failure doesn’t always mean disaster. This unpredictability mirrors real-life storytelling, where challenges often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Some of the most iconic RPG moments arise from narrative dice. Whether it’s a triumphant critical success or a failure that spirals into chaos, these mechanics ensure that every roll has potential for drama. Players remember the stories they co-create with their dice long after the game ends.
This system uses custom dice with symbols for success, failure, advantage, and threat. Players and GMs interpret the results together, weaving them into the ongoing story. For example, a pilot might succeed in evading enemy ships (success) but damage their engines in the process (threat).
Genesis, a generic narrative-driven system by Fantasy Flight Games, expands on the Star Wars dice mechanics. It’s designed for multiple genres, from high fantasy to cyberpunk, and emphasizes player creativity in interpreting dice results.
While not using custom dice, Blades in the Dark employs a narrative-driven system where rolls create complications and opportunities that drive the plot forward. A low roll might result in partial success, forcing players to make difficult choices.
Embrace Ambiguity: Narrative dice thrive on interpretation. Don’t shy away from ambiguous results—use them as opportunities to expand the story.
Focus on Story Over Rules: While mechanics are important, narrative dice work best when the story takes priority. Allow flexibility in interpreting results to fit the narrative context.
Collaborate with Players: Encourage players to contribute ideas when interpreting dice rolls. This makes the experience more engaging and ensures everyone feels invested.
Use Dice as Prompts, Not Barriers: Even failures can add to the story. Instead of halting progress, use failed rolls to introduce twists that keep the narrative moving forward.
Practice Improvisation: GMs should be prepared to adapt quickly. Narrative dice often lead to unexpected outcomes, so being flexible is key to maintaining the flow of the story.
As RPGs continue to grow in popularity, players are seeking systems that emphasize story and character development. Narrative dice mechanics meet this demand by blending the thrill of rolling with the creativity of storytelling. Systems like Star Wars RPG and Genesis have demonstrated that dice can be more than random number generators—they can be tools for crafting rich, collaborative narratives.
By embracing narrative dice, players and GMs alike can create stories that are unique, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
