Seeking advice on dice systems for homebrew RPGs

RPGdicemechanicsdesigntabletop

Registration:
18.03.2024
Messages: 295

Gamer99 Topic author

07.01.2025 02:22

I've been designing a new fantasy RPG and I'm completely overwhelmed by the dice mechanics. Should I stick to the traditional d20 system, or would using a pool of polyhedral dice (like a d6 pool) feel more thematic and modern? I want the randomness to feel meaningful, not just arbitrary. I'm worried that if I use too many different dice types, the rules overhead will become too complex for new players to grasp quickly. Does anyone have experience balancing a system that uses multiple dice types effectively? Any advice on keeping the math simple but the results dramatic would be hugely appreciated.

18 Answers

23.01.2022
Posts: 853

WaterCool

10.02.2025 01:23

You should definitely look into Fate Core's dice pool system. It's excellent for making randomness feel narrative. It uses dF (Fate dice) and is very intuitive.

02.07.2024
Posts: 95

FortNiteKid

27.02.2025 22:07

I think the d20 is a trap. It feels arbitrary because the margin between success and failure is too steep. Polyhedral pools give a much smoother curve of results.

16.07.2023
Posts: 475

CSGO_Pro

28.02.2025 21:27

Keep the math simple. Focus on the *meaning* of the dice, not the complexity of the rolls. If a d6 pool means 'you are struggling but succeeding,' that's enough.

14.11.2024
Posts: 905

Myth_C

21.07.2025 22:48

Regarding the overhead: start with a single pool type, say d6s, and only introduce a second type when the core mechanics are solid. Don't overwhelm the players early on.

25.02.2025
Posts: 862

CodeBreaker

27.07.2025 10:44

A quick thought on the d20: if you use it, consider modifying it. Maybe it's a d20 that rolls 2d10 and adds 10, just to give it a different feel.

11.07.2024
Posts: 450

Danse_B in response

13.08.2025 06:39

Reply to the d6 pool idea: If you use a d6 pool, make sure the success threshold is based on *number* of successes, not a total score. That keeps the math clean and thematic.

01.11.2024
Posts: 735

CyberPunk

16.09.2025 11:47

The key is consistency. Whatever the dice system is, the *consequences* of rolling high or low must be consistent across all skills and situations. That's where the drama comes from.

31.07.2025
Posts: 1063

Teacher_C

07.10.2025 16:21

I'd suggest looking at Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) games. They use dice pools but focus heavily on narrative prompts, which helps players accept the randomness.

30.12.2023
Posts: 1202

DeathNote

13.10.2025 17:13

How about a tiered system? Use a simple d10 for basic checks, and only introduce a d20 for truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime moments. It manages complexity.

23.04.2022
Posts: 948

RedDragon in response

09.11.2025 15:17

I agree with the PbtA suggestion. The structure guides the player through the dice roll, making the randomness feel like a natural part of the story unfolding.

31.03.2022
Posts: 793

Legend_C

16.11.2025 01:56

Don't worry about the sheer number of dice types. Group them conceptually. If it's 'combat dice' or 'social dice,' the player understands the context, even if the die shape changes.

11.10.2022
Posts: 1121

PingMaster

02.12.2025 12:15

If you want meaningful randomness, consider dice that roll *ranges* instead of single numbers. Like 'roll 2d6, the result is between 4 and 10.' It feels more controlled.

10.01.2022
Posts: 903

ApexLegend

17.12.2025 20:31

Short answer: Stick to the polyhedral pool. The thematic resonance of multiple dice is usually worth the initial learning curve for dedicated players.

23.12.2021
Posts: 1452

Karine_C in response

25.12.2025 07:00

Reply to the d20 discussion: The d20 is fine if you treat the roll as a measure of *potential* rather than a measure of *skill*. It's a narrative tool, not just a number.

13.08.2023
Posts: 41

David_C

02.02.2026 15:51

I found that limiting the dice pool size (e.g., max 6 dice) helped immensely. It kept the calculation manageable for the players without sacrificing the feeling of variety.

28.06.2025
Posts: 1498

FalloutBoy

03.02.2026 17:31

The best systems often use a combination of dice types, but they treat them as different *resources*. One die might represent luck, another physical ability. This gives meaning.

14.01.2023
Posts: 76

SonicSpeed

18.03.2026 16:37

Focus on the *output* of the roll, not the mechanics. If the roll determines a narrative outcome (e.g., 'you succeed but take damage'), the specific die type matters less.

06.11.2022
Posts: 583

Brother_C

05.04.2026 22:00

Overall, I recommend a system where the dice are used to generate *options* or *modifiers*, rather than just a single pass/fail result. That's where the drama lives.

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