incubation/arbitrary_selection_mechanics.md

2.6 KiB

Arbitrary Selection Mechanics

Coin

  • Heads: 0
  • Tails: 1

Dice Mapping

Die Value Coin Flip Encoding
1 100
2 010
3 110
4 001
5 101
6 011
7 111
8 000

Background

  • coin flip values based on binary numbers
  • 0 is highest value on selection lists
  • encodings are indexed starting at 1
  • coin forces 8 possible values
    • 111 and 000 are "special options"
    • free choice as option
    • re-roll as option

Mechanic

  • list and number options
    • up to 6 or 8 based on die/coin selection
    • if half as many, give each choice multiple numbers
  • roll die once or flip coin 3 times
    • note/remember each coin flip result
  • lookup choice based on value obtained
  • act upon the choice

Additional Information

  • be sure to evenly assign options to values or the randomness will skew in favor of a subset of options -> it will no longer be even odds
  • if you have experience with binary numbers and binary counting, you can add or reduce the number of coin flips if needed
  • use free roll / re-roll for padding choices to ensure a propr selection list
  • it is advised / recommended to keep selection lists short to avoid fatigue caused by coming up with options to choose from
  • if creating a selection list at the time of need proves difficult, try working on general, re-usable lists when not in need of a selection list
  • if you notice you have a regular set of "go to" choices, this came can add variety to times that require a selection from the "go to" choices
  • selection list development can be a very challenging process, please do NOT "fight it" or "push through" or similar. even only 2 options allows the game to be played
  • if you can only think of one choice, you've likely already made a decision
  • if you can not think of any choices, please try playing the game at a later point

Example Lists

Yes / No / Maybe

Value Choice
1, 4 Yes
2, 5 No
3, 6 Maybe

Activity

Value Choice
1, 5 Park
2, 6 Movie
3, 7 Coffee
4, 8 Nature Center

Adult Time

Value Choice
1, 3, 5, 7 Dinner / Movie
2, 4, 6, 8 Netflix / Chill