Polyhedral dice are the lifeblood of tabletop gaming, opening portals to fantastical realms and shaping epic adventures. From the iconic d20 to the elusive d100, each die brings its own charm and possibilities to the gaming table. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the diverse array of games you can play with polyhedral dice, from classic Dungeons & Dragons to innovative indie titles.
Dungeons & Dragons (DnD)
No exploration of polyhedral dice gaming would be complete without mentioning Dungeons & Dragons. This legendary tabletop role-playing game (RPG) relies heavily on polyhedral dice to determine the outcomes of character actions, combat encounters, and skill checks. The d20 takes center stage, serving as the primary arbiter of fate, while other dice, such as the d4, d6, d8, d10, and d12, add depth and variety to gameplay. Whether you're a valiant hero, a cunning rogue, or a powerful wizard, D&D offers boundless opportunities for adventure with your trusty polyhedral companions.
Pathfinder
Born from the roots of D&D, Pathfinder carves its own niche in the realm of tabletop RPGs. Similar to its predecessor, Pathfinder utilizes polyhedral dice for character creation, combat resolution, and skill tests. The game's d20-based system offers flexibility and customization, allowing players to craft intricate narratives and face daunting challenges. With a rich tapestry of lore and a vibrant community of players, Pathfinder continues to enchant gamers with its captivating blend of strategy and storytelling.
Call of Cthulhu:
Enter the eerie world of cosmic horror with Call of Cthulhu, a tabletop RPG inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Set in the 1920s and beyond, this game plunges players into investigations of otherworldly mysteries and encounters with eldritch entities. Polyhedral dice play a crucial role in determining sanity, success, and survival as investigators navigate the shadowy depths of the mythos. From the sanity-shattering d100 to the fate-deciding d20, every roll carries the weight of impending doom in Call of Cthulhu.
FATE Core:
Breaking away from traditional RPG mechanics, FATE Core offers a narrative-driven experience where players collaboratively shape the story. Polyhedral dice, particularly the d6, serve as tools for storytelling, influencing character actions and narrative twists. FATE Core encourages creativity and improvisation, empowering players to weave intricate tales of heroism and intrigue. With its emphasis on player agency and collective storytelling, FATE Core offers a refreshing take on the role-playing genre.
Savage Worlds:
Embrace fast-paced action and cinematic flair with Savage Worlds, a tabletop RPG renowned for its streamlined mechanics and pulpy adventures. Polyhedral dice, including the ubiquitous d6 and a unique "exploding dice" mechanic, inject excitement and unpredictability into gameplay. Whether you're battling ferocious beasts in the untamed wilderness or unraveling ancient mysteries in lost civilizations, Savage Worlds delivers adrenaline-fueled thrills with every roll of the dice.
Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC):
Step into the shoes of daring adventurers and embark on perilous quests in Dungeon Crawl Classics, a tabletop RPG that pays homage to the golden age of fantasy gaming. Drawing inspiration from classic pulp fiction and sword-and-sorcery tales, DCC offers a retro-fueled experience filled with deadly traps, fearsome monsters, and epic treasures. Polyhedral dice, ranging from the d3 to the mighty d30, determine character abilities, combat outcomes, and the whims of fate in this homage to old-school gaming.