Dice Mechanics p2 - Dice Pools

Beyond just a heap of dice, what is a "dice pool" and what advantages and maybe challenges this type of resolution mechanic offer for #ttrpgs ? We dive into the topic by spotlighting several different games, past and current, that use dice pools, and share our ideas about the possibilities a true dice pool offers players and GMs.

#dice #rpgs #tabletoprpg

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00:00 Understanding Dice Pool Systems
Dice pool systems in tabletop RPGs, such as World of Darkness and Shadowrun, involve rolling a pool of dice and consider each die separately - they are not added. The goal is typically to meet or exceed a specific difficulty number, with each die that meets or exceeds the number counting as a success. Unlike traditional single-die systems, dice pool systems offer multiple axes of results, allowing for degrees of success and more nuanced outcomes.

06:09 Advantages of Dice Pool Systems
Dice pool systems, such as those used in World of Darkness, Shadowrun, and Wrath and Glory, offer multiple axes of results, allowing for degrees of success and more nuanced outcomes. Unlike traditional single-die systems, dice pool systems provide flexibility and depth by allowing each die to be adjudicated individually, offering opportunities for success, failure, cool events, and complications. This system enhances gameplay by providing multiple possibilities with minimal additional complexity, making it a versatile and dynamic choice for game designers.

11:37 Enhanced Versatility
Dice pool systems, such as those in Shadowrun and World of Darkness, offer enhanced versatility and simplicity. By adjusting the target number and the number of successes needed, these systems allow for streamlined gameplay without sacrificing depth. This flexibility provides designers with the tools to model a variety of outcomes, making the game more dynamic and immersive for players.

17:11 Versatility of Dice Pool Systems
Dice pool systems offer designers multiple ways to manipulate gameplay mechanics, providing versatility and flexibility. Systems like 2D2, Shadowrun, and Legend of the Five Rings demonstrate how dice pool mechanics can be adapted to create unique gameplay experiences. Whether adjusting the target number, the number of successes needed, or exploring alternative dice rolling methods like roll and keep, designers have a range of options to enhance gameplay dynamics and tailor the system to their specific needs.

22:35 Understanding the Influence of Probability in Tabletop RPG Dice Pool Systems
Dice pool systems in tabletop RPGs introduce varying degrees of complexity in calculating probabilities, making it challenging for both designers and players to assess the likelihood of success. While these systems offer versatility and unique gameplay experiences, they often require additional tools or spreadsheets to calculate probabilities accurately. Designers must balance game mechanics with the desired gameplay experience to ensure that the system effectively models the intended outcomes.

28:15 Complexity and Confusion in Cortex
Cortex RPG's dice pool system, while offering versatility, can become unnecessarily complex and confusing due to its multitude of variables and dice manipulation rules. The system, intended to provide unique gameplay experiences, often blurs distinctions between character traits, making it challenging for players to differentiate between different aspects of their characters. Despite attempts to create a dynamic system, the excessive use of dice modifiers and additional rules leads to gameplay that feels convoluted and lacks clarity.

33:52 Exploring the Dice Mechanic in Savage Worlds
In Savage Worlds RPG, the simplicity of rolling a single die along with a D6 'wild die' for character success, coupled with the excitement of dice explosions on a maximum roll, provides a unique gameplay experience. Although not a standard dice pool system, it offers an easy-to-understand mechanic where a roll of four or higher is a success, making it a quick and accessible system for players. However, reliance on 'raises' in combat and the potential for dice to 'explode' into excessively high numbers can complicate gameplay.

39:18 Final Thoughts
Dice pool systems offer a diverse range of gameplay mechanics by allowing players to manipulate various factors such as the number and size of dice rolled. While this complexity can enhance gameplay and provide a tailored experience, it also introduces challenges, especially in terms of calculating probabilities. Despite the intricate math involved, the flexibility of dice pool systems makes them resilient to breaking and allows for a more nuanced representation of character abilities and actions.