This episode I'm joined by Nikki from Beholder to No One, the award winning TTRPG podcast featuring discussions and one-shots. Broadly this episode can be summed up as "how random elements affect gameplay", however as we quickly find out that's a much deeper and multifaceted discussion. For example, even character generation (standard array versus rolling) can dramatically affect the theming of a character and how you approach role play. It's often considered that to embrace randomness, one must relinquish control, but Nikki and I discuss how this isn't always the case in Dungeons & Dragons, and despite D20s ostensibly "dictating" everything, the DM still has control. We propose a number of interesting discussions, such how the game is in a constant tug-of-war with itself: player agency is undoubtedly critically important, but the outcomes of their decisions are inherently unknown. Furthermore, how can we collaborate on a compelling story when the dice sit primed and ready to undermine our actions? 01:27 - How character and setting generation affect role play 17:02 - The impact of dice rolls on a story 22:47 - Mitigating the chaotic nature of dice 38:22 - Less random alternative TTRPGs Find Nikki (@beholdertonoone) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/beholdertonoone Dice Before Dawn: https://twitter.com/DiceBeforeDawn Sound Control TTRPG: https://twitter.com/SoundControlRPG Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Kobold Fight Club Hamund's Harvesting Handbook (DMs Guild) Fudging episode of Thinking Critically Honey Heist Zweihänder RPG Fiasco Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod