The Curious Case of the d20: Tracing Its Origins in Gaming
The 20-sided die, or d20, is an icon in the world of tabletop gaming. But while its association with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is undeniable, the question of whether D&D was the very first game to use a d20 is more complex than you might think. The truth is, the d20’s journey into gaming began before D&D hit the scene.
So, what was the first game to use a d20? The answer is: It is difficult to pinpoint a single game that was the absolute first to ever use the d20, but it wasn’t D&D. While D&D certainly popularized the d20, it was not the pioneer of its game use. The d20 as a physical object existed for centuries, even dating back to ancient times, but its application in a game setting is another story. Dungeons & Dragons was an early and significant user of the d20, and it is important to understand this difference. Instead of a single first user, the early history of the d20’s game use saw simultaneous exploration and implementation by different game designers and systems.
The Early Days of Polyhedral Dice
The d20 is a member of a family of dice known as polyhedral dice, which include the d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and of course, the d20. These dice were not immediately standard in early gaming. For a long time, games primarily relied on six-sided dice (d6). However, as designers looked for ways to create more complex and nuanced gameplay, they explored dice with more sides to produce a wider range of outcomes.
The earliest known d20 dates back to around 300 BCE in Egypt, around the time of Ptolemy I Soter. However, this early iteration was not used for gaming as we know it. Rather, it likely served as a tool for fortune-telling or divination. Its eventual adoption for use in games was a gradual process. While the historical origins of the object are clear, the first game to use it in play is more nebulous.
Dungeons & Dragons and the Rise of the d20
Though not the first to use it in a game context, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), which first appeared in 1974, played a pivotal role in popularizing the d20 as a standard element of role-playing games. The original 1974 D&D set did not solely use the d20, but the rules specified its use along with other dice. However, it was not until the 1977 Basic and Advanced sets that the d20 truly became standard. D&D’s popularity throughout the 1970s and 80s cemented the d20’s role in gaming culture.
Prior to D&D, wargames sometimes incorporated d20s. But D&D was critical in standardizing the usage in a role-playing game context. The use of the d20 in D&D, and subsequent iterations, brought it into the mainstream and influenced many other games that followed. Its use became synonymous with fantasy role-playing, although many other genres of game have adapted to incorporate it.
The d20 System: A Formalized Approach
Wizards of the Coast’s D&D 3rd edition in 2000 formally established the d20 System, which further solidified the d20’s role in modern roleplaying games. The d20 system applied a consistent set of rules and mechanics across different kinds of game tests, where a d20 was rolled and modifiers were added to determine the outcome. This move marked the d20’s elevation as a core element of the entire game and moved away from earlier, less consistent mechanics that had used multiple types of dice to determine results.
The advent of the d20 System not only simplified D&D but also popularized its core mechanics and opened the door for other game systems to adopt similar structures, cementing the d20’s status in the modern era. It is important to recognize that this was not a single innovation, but more of a culmination of earlier gaming explorations using the d20. The d20 System as formalized by Wizards of the Coast became a pivotal moment in tabletop gaming and cemented a style of design for many games that followed it.
Conclusion
While no one game can be definitively named as the absolute first to use the d20, its usage was not started by D&D. D&D’s role in popularizing the d20 is undeniable, especially through the formalization of the d20 System by Wizards of the Coast. The d20 is today an essential part of the tabletop gaming scene. It stands as a testament to the evolving nature of games and the innovation of game designers as they explored different ways to use dice. The d20, like the many games that use it, continues to fascinate gamers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a d20?
A d20 is a 20-sided die. Each face of the die is typically marked with a number from 1 to 20. It is used in various games, especially role-playing games, to introduce an element of chance and determine the outcomes of actions.
When was the earliest d20 discovered?
The earliest known d20 dates back to approximately 300 BCE in ancient Egypt. However, these early d20s were not used for gaming in the modern sense but rather for fortune-telling or divination.
Was D&D the first game to use a d20?
No, D&D was not the first game to use a d20. However, it was a crucial factor in popularizing the die’s use in role-playing games. The 1974 D&D rules used it, but not as a single central mechanic. The d20’s central importance to D&D arose from the 1977 Basic and Advanced rules onward.
What is the d20 System?
The d20 System is a role-playing game system published by Wizards of the Coast in 2000 for the 3rd edition of D&D. It employs a consistent mechanic where a d20 is rolled, with modifiers added, to determine success or failure for most actions. This system was then open to license.
Does Call of Cthulhu use a d20?
Yes, some editions and supplemental materials for Call of Cthulhu do use a d20 system, in addition to other dice types like percentile dice (d100) for skill checks. However, the core system uses other mechanics.
How does a d20 work in most games?
In most games using a d20, players roll the die and add any relevant modifiers (such as skill bonuses or ability modifiers). The total result is then compared to a target number; hitting or exceeding the target means that an action succeeds.
What happens when you roll a 1 on a d20?
Rolling a 1 on a d20 usually represents a critical failure or an automatic miss, regardless of modifiers. In contrast, rolling a 20 is usually an automatic success, even in situations that might have made it seem impossible.
What are other games that use the d20 System?
Several other games have adopted the d20 System or a variation of it, including:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Disco Elysium
- Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
- Neverwinter Nights
- Planescape Torment
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker
- Pool Of Radiance
- Knights Of The Chalice 2
What other dice are commonly used in role-playing games?
Aside from the d20, other common dice in role-playing games include the four-sided die (d4), six-sided die (d6), eight-sided die (d8), ten-sided die (d10), and twelve-sided die (d12).
What is the most common use of a d20 in tabletop gaming?
The most common use of a d20 in tabletop gaming is in role-playing games to determine whether an action succeeds or fails. For example, to see if an attack hits or if a skill check is successful.
Is a d20 copyrighted?
The term “d20” is not copyrighted. It’s considered public use. However, the term “d20 system” is copyrighted material. Its use is open for those who follow the rules of the Open Game License.
How are the numbers arranged on a d20?
The numbers on a d20 are usually arranged so that opposite faces add up to 21. For example, 1 is opposite 20, 2 is opposite 19, 3 is opposite 18, and so on.
What does the “d” stand for in d20?
The “d” in d20 stands for “die” or “dice”. So, d20 refers to a 20-sided die.
Are d20s completely random?
While d20s are designed to produce random results, some dice might be slightly weighted due to manufacturing flaws. In large enough samples, the results of a die roll should approach randomness, but that randomness is not perfect.
What did dice look like before polyhedral dice?
The precursors of dice were often knucklebones (astragals). These were ankle bones from animals, sometimes with markings. Early dice were used for both gaming and divination.