Dice are the main accessories of any role-playing game player. Your dice are the ones that decide the success or failure of every action you take, and it can be unequivocally said that your fate is in their hands (even if they try to make you believe that they are the ones who are in your hands, but let's move on). Additionally, as aesthetic accessories, well-tuned dice to your character can not only enhance your immersion, but also add a touch of style to your gaming sessions.
There are hundreds of dice options, and it can be confusing to know where to start. This article offers you a practical guide to help you choose your role-playing dice wisely. We'll look at the different types of dice, their importance in gaming systems, quality, aesthetics, and additional accessories.
The different types of dice
A classic role-playing game dice set (RPG dice set) includes 7 dice:
- 1x 4-sided die (d4)
- 1x 6-sided die (d6)
- 1x 8-sided die (d8)
- 1x 10-sided die (d10)
- 1x 12-sided die (d12)
- 1x 20-sided die (d20)
- 1x 10-sided die in multiples of 10 (d10 with legends 00/10/20/30, etc.)
A classic RPG dice set (Nebula Water Lily/White Luminary from Chessex)
The 20 die: this is the main die of role-playing games in the so-called “d20” system, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder or even Forgotten Chronicles, because it is the one which will be used to determine the success of the actions you undertake. . It is surely the most emblematic role-playing die, and we can find d20 motifs on hundreds of derivative products, role-playing company logos ( Roll20 , Critical Role ), etc.
Die 6: the most classic die, and also the main die of “d6” system role-playing games, such as Shadowrun. In the d20 system, the d6 is often used for attack damage, particularly mage spell damage; these often require several d6s, so if you are playing a spellcasting character, don't hesitate to get a box of additional d6s to complete your basic set of dice.
The 100 die: often made up of two d10s, one for units and one for tens, it allows you to perform certain actions that require a larger scale. It is also the main die in d100 system role-playing games, such as Call of Cthulhu or Mythras.
Dice 4, 8, 10, 12: in the d20 system, these dice are most often associated with attack damage. They may have a larger role in some other game systems, such as the Savage Worlds system.
As you can see, your choice of dice set depends primarily on the game you are playing. If you play Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Forgotten Chronicles, or any other d20, d100, or Savage Worlds game, a classic RPG dice set will be mandatory. If you're in a d6 system, a box of twelve d6s will do just fine!
The quality of the dice
There are three very important criteria for your dice:
- balance: quality dice are balanced so that each face has an equal chance of appearing on each roll. This isn't a problem on most dice, but if you start to have doubts after several unlucky (or, conversely, very lucky) games, perhaps consider a new set.
- the readability of the numbers: if it is hard to read the legends on your dice, this can unnecessarily lengthen your games and waste everyone's time. It's quite rare for this problem to happen on new dice; however on heavily used dice, legends can fade over time. If this is the case with your dice, consider buying a set of dice occasionally.
- durability: dice made from poor quality materials will wear out more quickly, become unbalanced more quickly, and their legends will fade more quickly. Resin, acrylic, or metal dice are often praised for their durability; favor these materials when making your purchases.
Aesthetics and personalization
Having aesthetically pleasing dice that match your character is very important to many role-playing game players. Dice being the most used accessory during a game, it is important that they match the atmosphere of the table. There are hundreds of different colors, patterns and materials for dice; some can be very expensive, but fortunately you don't have to spend a fortune to find what you're looking for.
Simple acrylic dice
These dice, without any particular effects, cost between 3 and 7 euros depending on the suppliers. They are simple, but offer a wide variety of colors; It is therefore entirely possible to find dice in this category that perfectly match your character, whatever it may be.
At The Hoard, we are particularly fond of the Opaque Black-Gold Chessex dice
Good examples of dice in this category are the Opaque collection from Chessex. Often sold between 4 and 6 euros, you can find more than 19 different colors, including varied colors for the legends.
Acrylic dice with effects
By investing slightly more, often between 8 and 15 euros, you will suddenly unlock an immense variety of colors and effects, each more resplendent than the last.
The Nebula Ocean/Gold Luminary Dice from Chessex are absolutely stunning, and even glow in the dark
These dice are often designed with color mixes, or even glitter inclusions that make them truly unique. Whether dice with reflections of precious gems, dice with starbursts or captivating color gradients, these dice can be true works of art in miniature.
Metal dice
A step above in terms of budget, metal dice are often sold between 30 and 70 euros. These are particularly appreciated thanks to their weight: often two to three times heavier than their acrylic or resin counterpart, holding them in hand and throwing them gives an unrivaled feeling of authenticity.
Chessex Metal Old Bronze dice have a very elegant raw texture
There are all types; Chessex metal dice tend to have a rougher, simpler texture, but you can find others with more intricate designs: dragons, dwarven runes, or even hollow dice!
Sharp Edges resin dice
In the same category as metal dice, resin dice with sharp edges often sell for between 20 and 80 euros. These dice are most often made, polished and engraved by hand and not by machines, which explains their higher price.
Slightly larger than acrylic dice, their sharp edges give them an extremely high-quality appearance. In addition, they often combine very interesting effects, such as smoke, or the inclusion of mini figurines such as small animals.
Resin dice Liquid Core dice
Liquid core resin dice are the most expensive category, with the complete set often costing at least 30 euros, and often between 60 and 80 euros. They are very similar to sharp-edged resin dice, as they themselves are sharp-edged, and made, polished and engraved by hand.
However, these dice also include a liquid heart : a liquid bubble inside each die, often glittery, that moves when you roll your dice. This gives an absolutely magnificent bewitching movement effect.
Additional accessories
Dice track
An essential accessory for all resin or metal dice, a dice track is an object on which (or into which) to throw your dice. She allows to:
- protect the dice, by adding a fleece layer between the table and the dice;
- protect the table, especially for metal dice which could otherwise leave marks;
- avoid losing your dice when you throw them with a little too much enthusiasm.
There are all kinds of dice tracks, in all price ranges: foldable, wooden, magnetic, pressure, etc. It is not necessarily necessary to invest a fortune in it, but having a basic dice track is essential to make your games more fluid and improve the durability of your dice.
Dice purse
Practical for storing your dice and taking them everywhere with you, the dice bag is an accessory that can also be very aesthetic and reinforce immersion. There are also all kinds and materials; some can even unfold completely, and thus be used during the game as a personal dice track.
Conclusion
Dice are the accessories you will use the most during your role-playing games. In this article, we have reviewed the different types of dice depending on the game you play, the aesthetic options available to you, and the accessories that you can purchase with your dice to protect them and improve their durability. You now have all the keys to choosing the appropriate dice set for your next role-playing game!
Take the time to explore the different options, unleash your creativity and prepare for epic moments thanks to your carefully chosen dice. May the dice be with you!