Diceless role-playing game
Encyclopedia
A diceless role-playing game is a role-playing game
which is not based on chance: it does not use randomisers to determine the outcome of events in its role-playing game system
. The style of game is known as "diceless" because most games use dice
as their randomiser; some games such as Castle Falkenstein
use other randomisers such as playing cards as substitutes for dice, and are not considered "diceless".
Proponents of this solution argue that in all game systems, decisions are ultimately made by the GM, and rolling dice merely slows gameplay. Opponents may perceive diceless systems as more arbitrary and lacking the feeling of real unpredictability; for example, the potential death of a character as a result of bad luck in a dice roll.
Some other games, such as Over the Edge (game) can be played diceless.
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
which is not based on chance: it does not use randomisers to determine the outcome of events in its role-playing game system
Role-playing game system
A role-playing game system is a set of game mechanics used in a role-playing game to determine the outcome of a character's in-game actions...
. The style of game is known as "diceless" because most games use dice
Dice
A die is a small throwable object with multiple resting positions, used for generating random numbers...
as their randomiser; some games such as Castle Falkenstein
Castle Falkenstein (role-playing game)
Castle Falkenstein is a steampunk-themed fantasy role-playing game designed by Mike Pondsmith and originally published by R. Talsorian Games. A GURPS version and several supplements were later published by Steve Jackson Games. The game is named for a legendary unbuilt castle in the Bavarian Alps...
use other randomisers such as playing cards as substitutes for dice, and are not considered "diceless".
Proponents of this solution argue that in all game systems, decisions are ultimately made by the GM, and rolling dice merely slows gameplay. Opponents may perceive diceless systems as more arbitrary and lacking the feeling of real unpredictability; for example, the potential death of a character as a result of bad luck in a dice roll.
Notable diceless games
- Amber Diceless Roleplaying GameAmber Diceless Roleplaying GameThe Amber Diceless Roleplaying Game is a role-playing game created and written by Erick Wujcik, set in the fictional universe created by author Roger Zelazny for his Chronicles of Amber...
uses no randomization, although secret information does create uncertainty for players - NobilisNobilisNobilis is a contemporary fantasy role-playing game created by Jenna K. Moran, writing under the name R. Sean Borgstrom. The player characters are "Sovereign Powers" called the Nobilis; each Noble is the personification of an abstract concept or class of things such as Time, Death, cars, or...
- Marvel Universe Roleplaying GameMarvel Universe Roleplaying GameThe Marvel Universe Roleplaying Game is a role-playing game set in the Marvel Universe. It was published in 2003 by Marvel Comics...
uses a resource-management system inspired by collectible card gameCollectible card gamethumb|Players and their decksA collectible card game , also called a trading card game or customizable card game, is a game played using specially designed sets of playing cards...
s. - Active ExploitsActive ExploitsActive Exploits is a diceless set of role-playing game rules by Precis Intermedia Gaming. The core rules are distributed for free as a pdf file, or for a fee as a printed book...
- EverwayEverwayEverway is a fantasy role-playing game first published by Wizards of the Coast under their Alter Ego brand in the mid-1990s. Its lead designer was Jonathan Tweet. Marketed as a "Visionary Roleplaying Game", it has often been characterized as an innovative piece with a limited commercial success...
uses diceless mechanics, but also has elements of chance. - TheatrixTheatrixTheatrix is a role playing game produced by the defunct Backstage Press and no longer in print. Primarily diceless, the game includes rules for using dice to resolve actions...
- Active Exploits
Some other games, such as Over the Edge (game) can be played diceless.