Dice or random number generator

[kcdusk]

So, when your playing T2K, how do you determine your results?

Do you use dice, an internet random number generator, excel spreadsheet or something else?

I've been using a random number generator in excel, but have decided to use the Free League dice that came with the box set. I like the more tactile nature of them, and the art.

[Tegyrius]

Because my current campaign is running on Forge, I voted "internet random number generator." Having said that, my personal aesthetic preference is for physical dice, and I keep a set (currently metal factory seconds from Fanroll) on my desk at all times. If I ever get to run an in-person campaign again, all electronics except assistive technology for disabled players will be banned from the table for atmospheric reasons.

- C.

[pmulcahy11b]

I found a free program on the web a couple of decades ago called Dice Roller Deluxe, so I chose "Other," since it is a program that resides on your computer instead of the Net. It has all the regular dice, and also allows rolling of odd things like d33, d17 or d1032, for example. I don't know if it can still be found on the web, however.

[Raellus]

It depends on the gaming milieu.

For an FtF game, physical dice. For my 4e rules solo campaign, I use the dice that came in the box set (so that was my poll choice). There's something psychologically satisfying that comes with the tactile experience of rolling real dice. Rolling a d12 just feels better than selecting d12 from a drop-down menu or whatever. I think that using physical dice also gives the roller more of an illusion of control than virtual "dice" do. It's a lot harder to blow on, or kiss, or shake digital dice extra long before rolling. ;)

For PbP where transparency is important (or trust is lacking), an online dice roller that displays results (publicly or privately) is a must.

For the Ref on the go, there are a couple of free dice roller apps that you can install on your smart phone. I use one called RPG Dice Roller that I would recommend. You can choose d2-d100 and include modifiers (or not). It's got roll history and save functions, and customs rolls. It's also got something called "fate" that randomly generates a +1 or -1, but I'm not sure what that would be used for.

-

[Tegyrius]

It's also got something called "fate" that randomly generates a +1 or -1, but I'm not sure what that would be used for.

Fudge- and Fate-engine games, of course. :)

(Those systems use a 4d roll. Each die is marked with +, -, and null faces. Add the faces together to determine the die result; the range of possible results is a bell curve from -4 to +4. They're very lightweight, abstract, narrative games; rather antithetical to classic T2k simulationist design.)

- C.

[Mahatatain]

For my games, generally, the players use a VTT dice roller and I (when I'm GMing) use a combination of VTT dice roller and actual dice, depending on the situation.