Beginner’s Guide to Oracles

Ask clear questions, interpret results, and keep momentum.

~6 min read

What are oracles?#

Oracles are randomizers that answer questions and spark ideas. The classic form is a weighted yes/no with occasional twists, but tables, cards, and prompts all count too.

You can start with a simple d6 table or use tools from our Resources — Oracles section.

Ask good questions#

Frame questions that move play: make them specific, about the immediate situation, and with clear stakes. Prefer “Does the guard notice me?” over “What happens next?”

Interpret results#

Read the outcome in context. A “Yes, but…” might add a cost or complication; a “No, and…” may introduce a new obstacle. Keep your system’s rules in sync with the fiction.

Use twists wisely#

Twists keep stories fresh—use them sparingly to reframe the scene, reveal a truth, or escalate a threat. Avoid derailment; aim for momentum.

Practical examples#

Scene: Sneaking past a guard. Question: “Does the guard notice me?” Roll: Yes, but… Interpretation: You slip by, but drop a token that could be found later.

Keep a short session log to track outcomes, truths, and next hooks in 2–4 sentences per scene.

Next: Use the Quick Oracle Reference to act fast at the table; see How to Play Solo — Oracles for a quick overview, or browse more tools in Resources — Oracles.

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