Polyhedral dice are multi-sided dice that are essential tools in many tabletop games, especially role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). These dice come in various shapes, materials, and sizes, each serving unique purposes within games and sometimes even as collectibles or art pieces. Below is a comprehensive guide covering all you need to know about polyhedral dice.
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What Are Polyhedral Dice?
Polyhedral dice are dice with multiple polygonal faces, usually equal in size and shape, designed to give fair and unbiased random outcomes. The term “polyhedral” refers to any three-dimensional shape made up of polygons. Unlike the standard six-sided die (d6), polyhedral dice can have a variety of numbers of faces, ranging from 3 up to 100 or more.
Common Types of Polyhedral Dice
The most recognized set of polyhedral dice used in RPGs includes seven types:
| Dice Type | Number of Faces | Shape | Common Use in Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| d4 | 4 | Tetrahedron | Often used for small damage rolls or spell effects |
| d6 | 6 | Cube | The classic die, commonly used for damage, skill rolls, and other game mechanics |
| d8 | 8 | Octahedron | Used for damage or variable effects |
| d10 | 10 | Pentagonal trapezohedron | Used for percentile rolls, damage, or probability checks |
| d12 | 12 | Dodecahedron | Less commonly used, often for damage or special rules |
| d20 | 20 | Icosahedron | The most iconic RPG die, used for most attack rolls, skill checks, and spellcasting |
| d100 | 100 | Zocchihedron or percentile dice (often two d10s combined) | Used for generating percentages or rare effects |
These dice are integral in RPG mechanics to simulate chance and uncertainty, where each die is designed for fairness and balanced probability distribution.
Historical Context
Dice are some of the oldest gaming tools known to humanity, with evidence of dice-like objects dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Polyhedral dice, especially d20s, trace back to Ptolemaic and Roman times. The modern use of sets of polyhedral dice became popular with the growth of wargaming and role-playing games starting in the late 1960s, evolving into a staple for tabletop gaming culture since then.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Polyhedral dice come in various materials, each offering a unique aesthetic or functional benefit:
- Plastic: The most common due to affordability and durability.
- Resin: Offers clear or custom effects, like swirls or glitter.
- Metal: Adds weight and a premium feel; often collector items.
- Gemstone: Used for luxury sets, combining aesthetics and rarity.
- Specialty materials: Include wood, bone, or custom composites.
Dice quality can range from mass-produced sets to artisanal, hand-crafted pieces with meticulous balancing to ensure fairness in rolls.
Dice Numbering and Variations
Most polyhedral dice have faces numbered from 1 up to the number of faces (e.g., 1 to 20 for a d20). Some variations include:
- Spindown dice: Numbered in reverse order (often used to track health or counters).
- Percentile dice: Two d10s where one represents tens and the other units, generating numbers from 1 to 100.
- Alternate numbering: Dice can sometimes have adjusted numbers for specific gameplay scenarios, such as non-sequential or averaged value dice.
There are also collectible or novelty dice with symbols, letters, or instructions instead of numbers, used in games like Boggle or for thematic purposes.
Usage in Games
In RPGs like D&D, each die has specific roles:
- d20: Central for action resolution, determining success or failure of skill checks, attacks, or saving throws.
- Damage dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12): Determine the amount of damage dealt or healing provided.
- Percentile dice (d100): Resolve probability-based effects or rare outcomes.
Different games customize their dice usage, but the polyhedral set mentioned above is widely considered essential for many RPG experiences.
Fairness and Symmetry
Polyhedral dice are designed to be fair, meaning each face has an equal probability of landing face up. This fairness relies on geometric symmetry; most RPG dice are based on the Platonic solids, which are perfectly symmetrical. Beyond Platonic solids, other shapes like Catalan solids or trapezohedra are used for rarer dice with more faces.
Long dice and teetotums are other variants designed with different principles but aimed at fairness. Specialized dice like the Zocchihedron (100-faced die) exist but may not be perfectly uniform due to geometric constraints.
Collecting and Hobby Aspect
Dice collecting is a vibrant hobby, with enthusiasts gathering sets made from rare materials or with unique designs. Dice sets often have emotional value, serving as gifts or commemorating special events. The culture around dice emphasizes stories behind each set, craftsmanship, and personal preference in textures and colors.
Practical Tips for Choosing Polyhedral Dice
- Consider the material based on durability and feel; metal dice are great for weight, while plastic is best for daily use.
- Ensure the dice are balanced and fair—poorly made dice might favor certain outcomes.
- Look for clear numbering—even glow-in-the-dark or color-contrasted numbers improve readability.
- Match the dice type to the game requirements; for D&D, a complete set of seven dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and percentile) is standard.
- Some players prefer additional dice (like extra d20s or damage dice) for convenience during gameplay.
Advanced Polyhedral Dice
Some modern manufacturers produce dice with more than 20 sides for novelty or specialized games—such as 24, 30, 50, or even 100 sides. Game designers sometimes utilize these dice to simulate complex probability distributions or for unique gameplay mechanics. However, these are less common and often more for collectors or niche gaming purposes.
In summary, polyhedral dice are much more than gaming tools; they are a blend of mathematics, craftsmanship, and game mechanics that enhance the interactive storytelling of tabletop games. Knowing the types, history, materials, and uses can deepen appreciation and improve your gaming experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid collector, polyhedral dice hold a fascinating place in the world of games and culture.