Random encounter
From Free net encyclopedia
A random encounter is a feature commonly used in hack and slash role-playing games to simulate the chaotic nature of a monster-infested wilderness, dungeon or other area.
In table-top RPGs, random encounter tables have been available since the early inceptions of the games in the 1970s. Usually they're based on terrain (and/or time/weather), and have a percentage chance for differing encounters with different numbers or types of creatures. Further modified by character tables, or other types of tables, which will determine whether the encounter is friendly, neutral or hostile. GMs are often encouraged to make their own tables, or modify results as they see fit. Specific adventures often have specific tables for micro-locations, like a temple's hallways.
Computer and console RPGs have used random encounters since Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and The Bard's Tale in the mid-1980s, if not earlier. Random encounters happen when the player is traveling from one place in the game world to another (often through the use of a "world map" or overworld). Most often, the player encounters enemies (usually multiple) but sometimes also friendly or neutral characters, with whom the player might interact and possibly trade. Random encounters are, as the name implies, most often more or less random. But they can also vary in form and frequency depending on a number of factors, such as, for example, where the player is located in the game world and the statistics of the player character. As such, random encounters usually occur more frequently in caves, forests and swamps than in open plains. A simplified example of a random encounter algorithm (but similar to those used in many games) would be the following:
- Set X to a random number between 64 and 255.
- For each step in plains, decrement X by 4. For each step in forest, swamp, or desert, decrement X by 8.
- When X < 0, a fight ensues. Go to step 1.
A game with this type of system can sometimes be taken advantage of by initiating some action that will reset the counter (pausing, opening a menu, saving), especially when using an emulator. This is a popular trick in speed runs to skip time-consuming or dangerous battles, or it can be used conversely to ensure that each battle results in a rare or valuable encounter.ja:エンカウント