Polyhedral Dice: A Comprehensive Guide To The World Of Dice
Polyhedral Dice: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Dice
Polyhedral dice, also known as D&D dice or role-playing dice, are an essential component of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons. These dice are used to determine the outcome of actions, from combat rolls to skill checks. Each die has a different number of sides, ranging from four to twenty, and each side is numbered.
History of Polyhedral Dice
The earliest known polyhedral dice date back to ancient Egypt, where they were used for divination and gambling. These dice were typically made of bone or ivory and had four or six sides. Over time, dice with more sides were developed, and by the Middle Ages, dice with eight, ten, and twelve sides were common.
In the 1970s, polyhedral dice gained popularity with the rise of Dungeons & Dragons. The game’s creator, Gary Gygax, wanted to use dice that were more random than traditional six-sided dice. He chose to use dice with four, six, eight, ten, twelve, and twenty sides, which became the standard set of polyhedral dice used in RPGs today.
Types of Polyhedral Dice
There are many different types of polyhedral dice available, each with its own unique shape and number of sides. The most common types of dice are:
- D4: A four-sided die, also known as a tetrahedron.
- D6: A six-sided die, also known as a cube.
- D8: An eight-sided die, also known as an octahedron.
- D10: A ten-sided die, also known as a decahedron.
- D12: A twelve-sided die, also known as a dodecahedron.
- D20: A twenty-sided die, also known as an icosahedron.
In addition to these standard dice, there are also many other types of polyhedral dice available, such as:
- Percentile dice: A ten-sided die with two sets of numbers, 0-9 and 00-90.
- Fudge dice: A four-sided die with two plus signs, two minus signs, and two blank sides.
- D30: A thirty-sided die.
- D50: A fifty-sided die.
- D100: A hundred-sided die.
Materials and Colors
Polyhedral dice are made from a variety of materials, including:
- Plastic: The most common material for polyhedral dice, plastic is durable and affordable.
- Metal: Metal dice are more expensive than plastic dice, but they are also more durable and have a more premium feel.
- Wood: Wood dice are a natural and beautiful option, but they are not as durable as plastic or metal dice.
- Stone: Stone dice are the most expensive type of dice, but they are also the most durable and have a unique look and feel.
Polyhedral dice are available in a wide range of colors, from basic black and white to vibrant rainbow colors. Some dice are even glow-in-the-dark or have other special features.
Choosing the Right Dice
When choosing polyhedral dice, there are a few things to consider:
- Game: The type of game you are playing will determine which dice you need. For example, Dungeons & Dragons requires a set of seven dice (D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D100).
- Material: The material of the dice will affect their durability and price. Plastic dice are the most affordable, while metal dice are the most durable.
- Color: The color of the dice is a matter of personal preference. Choose a color that you like and that will be easy to read.
- Size: Polyhedral dice come in a variety of sizes. Choose a size that is comfortable for you to hold and roll.
Rolling Polyhedral Dice
Rolling polyhedral dice is simple. Simply hold the die in your hand and roll it onto a flat surface. The number that is facing up is the result of the roll.
There are a few different ways to roll polyhedral dice. The most common way is to roll the die on a table or other flat surface. You can also roll the die in your hand, but this is less accurate.
If you are rolling multiple dice at once, you can use a dice tray to keep the dice from rolling off the table. Dice trays are also helpful for preventing the dice from getting lost.
Using Polyhedral Dice in Games
Polyhedral dice are used in a variety of games, including:
- Tabletop role-playing games: Polyhedral dice are essential for tabletop RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons. The dice are used to determine the outcome of actions, from combat rolls to skill checks.
- Board games: Polyhedral dice are also used in some board games, such as Risk and Catan. The dice are used to determine the movement of pieces or the outcome of events.
- Card games: Polyhedral dice are sometimes used in card games, such as Magic: The Gathering. The dice are used to determine the damage of spells or the outcome of other events.
Conclusion
Polyhedral dice are a versatile and essential tool for tabletop role-playing games and other games. They are available in a wide range of types, materials, colors, and sizes. When choosing polyhedral dice, consider the game you are playing, the material you prefer, the color you like, and the size that is comfortable for you to hold and roll.
5 Best Polyhedral Dice for Tabletop Gaming
Polyhedral dice are an essential part of any tabletop gaming experience. They are used to determine the outcome of actions, from combat to skill checks. With so many different types of dice available, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. Here are five of the best polyhedral dice for tabletop gaming:
1. Chessex Pound-O-Dice
The Chessex Pound-O-Dice is a great value for the price. You get a pound of dice in a variety of colors and styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect set for your game. The dice are made from high-quality plastic and are durable enough to withstand even the most intense gaming sessions.
2. Wiz Dice Precision Machined Metal Dice
If you’re looking for the best possible dice, then you need to check out the Wiz Dice Precision Machined Metal Dice. These dice are made from high-quality metal and are precision machined to ensure accuracy. They are also weighted to perfection, so you can be sure that they will roll fairly.
3. Q WORKSHOP Resin Dice
Q WORKSHOP Resin Dice are a great option for gamers who want something unique and stylish. These dice are made from high-quality resin and are hand-painted with intricate designs. They are also weighted to perfection, so you can be sure that they will roll fairly.
4. Die Hard Dice Polyhedral Dice Set
The Die Hard Dice Polyhedral Dice Set is a great all-around set of dice. They are made from high-quality plastic and are durable enough to withstand even the most intense gaming sessions. The dice are also weighted to perfection, so you can be sure that they will roll fairly.
5. Ultra PRO Dice Tower
The Ultra PRO Dice Tower is a great way to add some excitement to your tabletop gaming experience. This dice tower is made from high-quality plastic and is designed to prevent dice from bouncing off the table. It also has a built-in sound chamber that amplifies the sound of the dice rolling, making it even more exciting to watch.