Desirable Dice (#RPGaDay2024.25)

Let’s talk about dice. Specifically, let’s talk about the borderline obsession some folks have with collecting them. Now, before anyone gets their custom-made dice bag in a twist, let me just say: I get it. Dice are pretty. They’re shiny, they come in all sorts of colors, and rolling them can feel pretty darn satisfying. But I have to wonder, when did we start treating these little plastic polyhedrals like they’re precious gemstones? And why on earth does anyone need more dice than they could ever possibly use?

The Appeal of Dice: I Get It, Sort Of

I’m not completely out of touch. I understand the appeal of a good set of dice. There’s something about having a set that feels just right in your hand, the perfect weight, the satisfying clatter they make as they roll across the table. And yes, sometimes they’re just nice to look at. Those swirls of color, the glittery bits, the way a well-made die can catch the light—it’s all very pleasing.

But here’s the thing. How many sets of dice does one person really need? I’ve seen people with dice collections that could rival a small gemstone emporium. There are dice for every occasion, dice that match character classes, dice that are themed after TV shows, and even dice that glow in the dark. And don’t even get me started on the “display dice,” the ones that are too fancy to actually roll. What’s the point?

Utility versus Collecting: Where’s the Line?

Let’s not forget the primary function of dice in roleplaying games. They’re tools, people. You roll them, they give you a number, and then you move on with the game. They’re not magical artifacts (well, unless you’re really deep into your fantasy setting). So why the need for dozens, or even hundreds, of dice? I can count the number of times I’ve needed more than two or three sets in a single session on one hand, and I’ve been playing for decades.

Sure, it’s nice to have a backup set or two, in case one mysteriously rolls off the table and vanishes into the abyss that is the floor under the gaming table. And okay, maybe having a different set for different games makes sense if you’re into that sort of thing. But we’re way beyond practical utility here. We’re talking about people with entire drawers full of dice, enough to start their own roleplaying supply store. It’s as if collecting dice has become its own sub-hobby, completely separate from actually playing games.

The Cult of the Dice: A Bit Much, Don’t You Think?

What really baffles me is how some folks treat their dice like they’re sacred relics. You know the type. They’ve got their dice in velvet-lined boxes, they won’t let anyone else touch them, and they have elaborate rituals for choosing which set to use each session. It’s like watching someone choose a wine for dinner, except instead of wine, it’s a sparkly blue set of D20s. And let’s not forget the superstition. “These dice only roll well if they’ve been in my lucky dice bag,” or “I can’t use those dice; they’re cursed.” Cursed? Really?

It’s one thing to have a bit of fun with your tools of the trade, but when you start acting like your dice have personalities or are imbued with some kind of mystical power, you might be taking things a bit far. They’re random number generators, not enchanted artifacts. Let’s keep things in perspective.

The Money Sink: How Much Is Too Much?

Then there’s the financial side of things. Have you seen what some of these fancy dice sets cost? There are dice made of gemstone, metal, wood, and even meteorite. Yes, meteorite. And they’re not cheap. I’ve seen people drop serious cash on dice sets that they’re too scared to actually use, because what if they get chipped or scratched? If you’re buying dice you can’t bring yourself to roll, I have to ask, what’s the point?

I know, I know. Everyone spends their money on different things, and if buying fancy dice makes you happy, then go for it. But it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow when someone shows off their new set of hand-carved obsidian dice that cost more than a decent board game. You do you, but let’s not pretend this is about anything other than indulging in a very specific, very niche obsession.

The Bottom Line: They’re Just Dice

At the end of the day, dice are just that—dice. They’re a tool for the game, nothing more, nothing less. They’re pretty, they’re fun to roll, and yes, they can add a little bit of flair to your gaming experience. But the idea that you need a massive collection of them, or that your gaming experience is somehow incomplete without a specific set, is a bit much.

So, let’s dial it back a notch. Enjoy your dice, roll them proudly, and if you feel like buying a new set every now and then, go for it. But remember that the real magic of roleplaying games doesn’t come from the dice you roll—it comes from the stories you tell and the people you share them with. And that’s something you can’t buy, no matter how fancy your dice are.