On Swingy Dice: The Design of Motif

Dice systems play a key role in shaping the dynamics of tabletop RPGs. They not only determine the mechanics of success or failure but also create the emotional backbone of tension, excitement, and consequence in gameplay. In Motif, swingy dice (those that produce wide variations in outcomes) are a deliberate feature that enhances the game both as an oracle and a game engine. Let’s dive into why this choice is central to Motif’s design and how it contributes to the overall experience.

Why Swingy Dice?

Motif is meant to be swingy despite being 2d6/3d6. Because each die is counted individually, so they’re swingy. This swinginess creates excitement and uncertainty, a perfect fit for an oracle system. Here’s why:

• Small Range, High Impact
  The dice in Motif (d6) stay within a small range, reducing the risk of extreme streaks. The range is small (limiting/mitigating streaks) and it’s an answer oracle, so you want it weighted random. This limitation prevents outcomes from becoming overwhelming while still allowing for significant swings that can drive the narrative forward.
  • The combination of small numerical values (1-6) and independent rolls means that variability remains dynamic yet manageable, unlike systems with broader ranges like d20. This balance ensures that the game’s mechanics feel lively without derailing play.
• Individual Randomness
  Because each die is counted individually, each one represents a unique factor or aspect of the answer. With each die being swingy, this creates a complex random pattern of answers. The outcome isn’t a smooth progression but rather a series of varied shifts, where each die’s result contributes to the overall response in unpredictable and dynamic ways.
  • In practical terms, this design choice mirrors the chaos of real-life decision-making, where multiple variables can pull in different directions. This keeps players engaged and reactive, adapting to each roll as the narrative unfolds.
• Impactful Modifiers
  The small scale makes simple +/-1 and 2 modifiers meaningful. The small range of the dice ensures that even small shifts in modifiers can dramatically influence the outcome, keeping the stakes high and the decisions weighty.
  • This contrasts with systems like d20, where a +1 modifier might have a subtler impact, or percentile systems, where slight adjustments can feel almost negligible. In Motif, every modifier directly affects the narrative’s momentum, making every choice resonate more strongly with players.

Distribution and Narrative Impact

Dice distributions directly shape the flow and tone of a narrative by controlling how predictable outcomes are and where results tend to cluster. Swingy systems, such as Motif, create a wide range of outcomes that amplify uncertainty and tension, whereas bell-curved systems lean toward predictability and realism.

For example, the Motif system’s use of individual d6 results means every roll offers a spread of possibilities, contributing to a dynamic and fluid narrative structure. Each roll feels less like a calculation and more like a narrative catalyst. In contrast, systems like 3d6 summed create a bell curve, where middle-range results dominate. This design favors games where outcomes need to reflect consistent skill levels or controlled probabilities, such as simulationist RPGs.

Tension and Stakes in Dice Systems

One of the most critical elements of a dice system is its ability to manage player tension and stakes. Swingy dice systems like Motif excel in this area by creating outcomes that are unpredictable yet significant. Players can never fully anticipate results, keeping the stakes high and the narrative alive.

Modifiers interact differently across dice systems and can drastically alter tension. In Motif, where small changes to a d6’s outcome have a profound impact, a +1 modifier could entirely shift the narrative’s direction. In bell-curved systems or large scale die systems (like d20), modifiers often produce more subtle shifts, with their impact most pronounced at the extreme ends of the probability curve.

Dice pools, like those found in systems such as Blades in the Dark, emphasize the number of successes over individual rolls, creating another form of tension. Adding a single die to a pool can significantly improve odds, making even small adjustments feel meaningful. These systems, however, trade the swinginess of individual rolls for the aggregated predictability of multiple dice.

Embracing Uncertainty

While great for detailed mechanical gameplay and reliability, bell curved systems can lack the dramatic unpredictability that swingy dice provide. In Motif, the swinginess serves to amplify the storytelling aspect, ensuring that every roll feels significant and emotionally charged. This approach captures the chaotic and improvisational spirit central to the approach’s design.

The uncertainty and excitement are great. Swingy dice encourage unpredictable outcomes, which create tension and drama. Unlike bell-curved dice systems, which tend to cluster results around the average, Motif’s dice allow for more variance, giving every roll a feeling of consequence and unpredictability.

Ultimately, each approach tailors the level of tension and the stakes players experience. Swingy systems like Motif excel at delivering dramatic highs and lows, while bell-curved systems smooth out the experience, favoring consistency over chaos.

Reflect on Your Dice System

Take some time to think about your chosen dice system. Is it swingy? Bell curved? What is the range like? How do the modifiers interact with the odds? What is the general feel? These questions are key when designing or choosing a dice system, as each system influences the tone and pacing of the game. Consider these examples:

• Bell Curves (3d6 Summed or Dice Pools)
  Bell curves produce more predictable outcomes, ideal for games focused on consistency or skill-based challenges. They reduce uncertainty but sometimes may not generate the same high tension. This makes them excellent for simulating realistic systems where skill or practice governs success.
• Percentile Systems (d100)
  Percentile systems offer high precision, which is perfect for games where exact outcomes matter. % systems are great for high-stakes or high-tension games where that exacting, unforgiving vibe works. While these systems can feel cold or overly mechanical, they shine in contexts where specificity is vital.
• Swingy Dice (Motif or d20)
  Swingy dice systems like Motif fuel tension and surprise. With unpredictable results, every roll feels consequential, and players are always kept on edge. The resulting emotional intensity complements games emphasizing improvisation and narrative twists.

Final Thoughts

Motif’s use of swingy dice enhances the game’s unpredictability, creating excitement and meaningful choices in a compact system. Whether you’re designing your own game or playing with others, understanding how dice mechanics affect the overall experience is crucial. Are your dice systems swingy or predictable? How do they affect the tension and stakes of your game? By reflecting on these factors, you can better align your mechanics with the experience you want to deliver.

What’s your take on swingy dice? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss how different dice systems shape gameplay! Shout at us over on Bluesky.