Guide to Role-Playing Games with a 20-Sided Die (D20)

Role-playing games (RPGs) have captivated people for decades by offering a unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and imagination. One of the most popular tools used in tabletop RPGs is the 20-sided die, also known as the D20. This guide will walk you through what a role-playing game is, how the D20 is used, and how you can get started with your own D20-based RPG adventure.

History of D20 and Tabletop RPGs

The 20-sided die (D20) became a cornerstone of tabletop role-playing games largely due to the influence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The D20 system was popularized with the release of Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition in 2000, which helped standardize its use in many other role-playing games. The simplicity and balance of the D20 mechanics have made it a favorite for players and designers alike, cementing its place in the world of tabletop gaming. Today, many RPGs, including Pathfinder and others, follow the same system, creating a consistent experience for players across various games.

Other Dice Used in RPGs

While the D20 is the star of most RPG systems, other dice also play crucial roles. These include:

D4 (4-sided die): Often used for small damage or determining quick, random outcomes.
D6 (6-sided die): Common in various systems for damage or character stats.
D8 (8-sided die), D10 (10-sided die), and D12 (12-sided die): Used for a variety of purposes, like damage from weapons or spell effects.
D100 (percentile die): Typically used for random events, loot tables, or determining chances for rare occurrences.

Examples of Popular D20-Based RPGs

If you’re looking to explore more D20-based RPGs beyond Dungeons & Dragons, here are some great options:

Pathfinder: A close cousin to D&D, Pathfinder offers a more complex ruleset but with similar D20 mechanics.
Star Wars Roleplaying Game: This system adapts the D20 rules to the Star Wars universe, allowing players to immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away.
Mutants & Masterminds: This RPG uses the D20 system to power superhero adventures where players can take on superhuman abilities.
13th Age: A more narrative-driven D20 RPG that balances storytelling with streamlined mechanics.

Advanced Tips for Game Masters (GMs)

To make your RPG sessions smoother and more enjoyable, here are some advanced tips for GMs:

Balancing Encounters: Pay attention to your players’ levels and abilities. Ensure that encounters provide a challenge without overwhelming the party. A mix of combat and puzzle-solving can keep things interesting.
Handling Unexpected Decisions: Players often come up with surprising solutions or decisions. As a GM, be flexible and ready to adapt the story or game mechanics to fit these unexpected choices.
Creating Engaging NPCs: Non-player characters (NPCs) are key to enriching the world. Make them memorable with unique traits, and use them to give players clues, help, or create challenges.
Pacing the Game: Keep the game moving at a good pace by mixing action scenes with role-playing and exploration. Don’t let players get bogged down in small details or rules.

Character Development and Leveling Up

As characters progress through their adventures, they will gain experience points (XP) that allow them to level up and grow stronger. Each level grants new abilities, skills, and increased stats, which keep gameplay fresh and exciting. For instance:

Warriors might gain new combat abilities or feats that enhance their fighting style.
Wizards may learn more powerful spells, expanding their range of magic.
Rogues could develop better stealth skills or gain proficiency with new weapons.

This system of progression keeps players invested in the story, as they see their characters grow from humble beginnings into legendary heroes.

Online and Digital RPGs

In the digital age, RPGs have expanded beyond the physical table. Many D20-based games can be played online using platforms like:

Roll20: A popular virtual tabletop platform that allows players to roll dice, track character stats, and play with others worldwide.
Foundry VTT: Another virtual tabletop platform that offers extensive customization options and tools for GMs.
D&D Beyond: A digital toolset for Dungeons & Dragons that helps manage characters, rolls, and campaigns.

Role-Playing Etiquette

When playing RPGs, especially in a group setting, it’s essential to follow some basic etiquette to ensure a fun and collaborative experience:

Stay in Character: Try to immerse yourself in the story by staying in character during gameplay. This enhances the experience for everyone involved.
Take Turns: Be mindful of giving others a chance to contribute. RPGs are cooperative, and everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight.
Respect the GM’s Role: The GM is responsible for keeping the game running smoothly, so try not to derail the plot or argue over minor rules unless it’s necessary.

Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable and helps maintain a positive group dynamic.

Creating Your Own D20-Based RPG

For those looking to create their own RPG using the D20 system, here are a few tips to get started:

Set the Rules: Decide how the D20 system will work in your game. Will it be a traditional fantasy RPG, or will it take place in a futuristic sci-fi universe? Define the mechanics for actions, combat, and magic or abilities.
Design the World: Worldbuilding is key. Develop your game’s setting, history, cultures, and unique features. What makes your game world different from others?
Create Balanced Characters: Ensure that your characters are balanced and that no one class or ability is too powerful. A balanced game keeps players engaged and prevents one character from overshadowing the others.
Test the Game: Before launching your game, playtest it with a group. This will help you identify any rules that need adjustment or parts of the game that may not be working as intended.

What is a Role-Playing Game (RPG)?

A role-playing game (RPG) is a game where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players typically control their character’s actions, decisions, and development within the story, while a Game Master (GM) or Dungeon Master (DM) guides the narrative. The GM describes the world, sets up challenges, and responds to the players’ choices, making it a highly interactive storytelling experience.

Key Elements of an RPG:

Characters: Each player controls a fictional character with specific traits, abilities, and backgrounds.
Story: The GM crafts a world and plot for players to explore and engage with.
Dice: Dice rolls, such as the D20, determine the outcome of various in-game actions.

What is a 20-Sided Die (D20)?

The D20 is a 20-sided die commonly used in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Each side of the die is numbered from 1 to 20. When a player wants to perform an action—whether attacking a monster, picking a lock, or jumping over a chasm—they roll the D20 to determine the success or failure of their attempt.

How the D20 Works:

High rolls (usually 15-20) are often successes, allowing your character to perform actions successfully.
Low rolls (usually 1-5) are failures, leading to negative or unintended outcomes.
Modifiers: Character stats like strength, dexterity, and intelligence can add bonuses or penalties to the D20 roll.

For example, if you roll a 12 on the D20 to hit an enemy and have a +3 strength modifier, your total score would be 15. If the enemy’s armor class (AC) is 14, you successfully hit the enemy.

How to Play an RPG with a 20-Sided Die

Let’s break down how to play a basic RPG using the D20 system:

1. Character Creation

Before you begin, each player must create a character. Characters in most RPGs have several key attributes:

Race/Species: What type of being is your character (e.g., human, elf, dwarf)?
Class/Job: What role does your character play in the story (e.g., warrior, wizard, rogue)?
Attributes: Characters have various stats like strength, dexterity, and charisma, which affect their abilities.
Abilities and Skills: These define what your character is good at, from sword fighting to magic spells.

Example:

You might create a Human Fighter with a focus on strength and combat, or an Elf Wizard skilled in casting powerful spells.

2. Game Master Sets the Scene

Once the characters are ready, the GM sets the stage. The GM describes the world, the quest, or the mission. For example, the GM might say:

“You enter a dark forest where the trees twist unnaturally, blocking out the sunlight. Ahead, you hear a faint growl. What do you do?”

3. Players Take Actions

Players decide how their characters will respond to the situation. They can do anything their imagination allows, from attacking a creature to sneaking past it or using diplomacy.

Example Action: “I want to sneak up to the creature quietly.”
The GM would then ask the player to roll a D20 to determine if they succeed in sneaking.

4. Rolling the D20

This is where the D20 comes in. The outcome of your action is based on the roll of the die, combined with your character’s skills and modifiers.

Example Roll: The player rolls a 15 on the D20. They have a +2 modifier for stealth, making their total 17. The GM then compares the result to a difficulty level (e.g., 12). Since 17 is higher than 12, the player successfully sneaks up to the creature unnoticed.

5. Combat and Challenges

Combat in an RPG with a D20 works in a similar way. Players roll to attack, defend, and perform special moves. The GM controls enemies and obstacles, keeping the game balanced and exciting.

Example Combat: A player wants to attack a goblin. They roll a D20 to see if their attack hits, comparing their roll (plus any modifiers) to the goblin’s armor class (AC). If the attack succeeds, they roll damage dice to determine how much harm they deal.

6. Story Progression

As the game progresses, the characters will face new challenges, find treasure, gain experience points, and grow stronger. The GM keeps the story moving by introducing new plot twists, NPCs (non-player characters), and enemies.

The Importance of Dice in RPGs

The D20 and other dice in RPGs serve to introduce randomness and chance, which keeps the game exciting and unpredictable. The dice rolls add an element of risk and reward, ensuring that players never know exactly what will happen next. This unpredictability encourages players to think creatively and problem-solve in unexpected ways.

Basic Example of a D20 RPG Session

Let’s walk through a short example of a session using the D20:

The GM’s Setup:

“You are traveling through the Whispering Woods when you come across an abandoned campsite. Suddenly, you hear a rustling in the bushes. A pack of wolves emerges, growling menacingly. What do you do?”

Player 1 (Fighter):

“I draw my sword and prepare to defend the group.”
The GM asks Player 1 to roll a D20 to see if they can successfully intimidate the wolves. Player 1 rolls a 10 and adds a +2 bonus from their intimidation skill, making it 12. The GM compares the roll to the wolves’ difficulty class (DC) of 14. Since 12 is less than 14, the wolves are not intimidated.

Player 2 (Wizard):

“I cast a fireball at the wolves.”
The GM asks Player 2 to roll a D20 to see if they successfully cast the spell. Player 2 rolls an 18, which beats the DC of 10 for casting the fireball. The fireball is a success, and the GM describes how it hits the wolves, dealing damage.

Player 3 (Rogue):

“I want to sneak behind the wolves to attack from behind.”
The GM asks Player 3 to roll for stealth. They roll a 16, which beats the DC of 12 for sneaking. The rogue successfully sneaks behind the wolves for a surprise attack, which gives them an advantage.

Tips for Running or Playing a D20-Based RPG

Imagination is Key: RPGs are all about creativity. Encourage players to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems.
Balance Challenges: As a GM, make sure the challenges you set are tough but not impossible. Players should feel rewarded for their successes but not crushed by constant failure.
Keep the Story Moving: The most engaging RPGs are the ones with dynamic, evolving stories. Always keep the narrative interesting by introducing new characters, events, and twists.
Make Use of Modifiers: In addition to the D20 roll, don’t forget to apply modifiers from characters’ skills and attributes. These bonuses can turn the tide in a critical moment.
Have Fun: At the end of the day, RPGs are about having fun. Encourage players to enjoy themselves and not get bogged down in rules or technicalities.

Conclusion

Role-playing games with a 20-sided die (D20) offer a world of endless possibilities and fun. The D20 serves as a tool to add randomness and excitement to the game, ensuring that every session is different. Whether you are sneaking past enemies, fighting powerful monsters, or uncovering the mysteries of a fantasy world, RPGs provide an immersive and thrilling experience for players.