Random Tables in Tabletop RPGs
TL;DR / BLUF: Random tables are fun. I’m going to write a random table a day for a year and share them.
When I started writing this post the first time, I had a grand idea of a dissertation or thesis on the subject of random tables in tabletop rpgs spanning the decades since the first rpgs were published. It didn’t go according to plan. The more I wrote the more I deleted. When I speak, I know I have a problem of or a tendency to ramble but when I write I have the opportunity to self-edit.
I had…
a long & convoluted comparison of tables in Traveller & 1st Ed AD&D.
an explanation of my own historical fascination with treasure, critical hit, and fumble tables.
several theories about how systems such as Rolemaster may or may not have led to a shift away from tables in many modern RPGs.
a discussion about the abundance of books of tables to help with RPG session preparation.
The important bits.
In the early days of Tabletop RPGs random tables were everywhere, and many of us had a blast rolling on them.
Then after a time, we as a community got burnt out over a perception of unnecessary steps (related to tables) that slowed down our games.
I still think random tables are fun and useful especially for inspiration or when I’m feeling indecisive. I’m certain I’m not the only one that feels that way.
As a personal writing exercise, I’m going to write a random rpg related table a day for a year and share them weekly, probably on Fridays. I’m going to build them using Tiddlywiki on the companion site to this newsletter but will eventually make them available in pdf. Depending on how it goes maybe in print after doing it for a year via drivethrurpg.com. The sharing of tables will not replace the weekly blog post.
If you have any ideas for types of tables you might like to see you can comment on this post or hit reply if you got it via email.
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I'd like some Ancient Greek inspired tables (the more historically detailed the better). I'd also be interested in tables for Shadowrun. Some sets of standard stuff (paydata found on a run, unique cosmetic cyberware, alternates to just bricking cyberware, go-go-go gang names) and weird tables too (unbelievable tabloid headlines for the Sixth World, Matrix themes no megacorp would ever use, bad holovid commercial slogans).