The action of propelling a multifaceted object with numbered sides, often a cube, to generate a random number is a core mechanic in many tabletop pastimes. This number then dictates movement, resource acquisition, combat resolution, or other in-game events. For example, a player might toss a six-sided die to determine how many spaces their game piece advances on the board.
This random number generation introduces an element of chance and unpredictability, which is a key component of the experience for many. This introduces the potential for unexpected outcomes and strategic adaptation. Historically, this type of random number generation has been used for millennia in games of chance and divination, laying the groundwork for its incorporation into modern-day entertainment.