Being the first of many profiles on the polyhedral life our favorite dice. This week: the d4.
Poor four-sided die... He's truly the runt of the litter. Though he seems to invoke pyramid power, he is doomed to be called "3-sided" by noobs, and stare up at confused faces who can't tell what number he landed on.
Real name: Tetrahedral Die
Nickname: Caltrop
Uses: Mostly D&D and derivatives. Represents crappy weapon damage and the feeble health of magic-users (no time to go to the gym when you're studying magic).
Beloved because: Though extremely hard to spin (a popular time-killing activity for gamers), the dreidle-like d4 IS spinnable and is the most impressive to see.
Hated because: Doesn't roll very well. Just... drops really. Plops. And if plopped on the floor, beware your tender feet.
Biggest rival: The 4-sided prism.
The d4 remains traditional and will always be included in polyhedral sets thanks to its small size, but the prism actually rolls and can, in a pinch, be used to represent a precious gem.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got something sharp in my shoe.
Poor four-sided die... He's truly the runt of the litter. Though he seems to invoke pyramid power, he is doomed to be called "3-sided" by noobs, and stare up at confused faces who can't tell what number he landed on.Real name: Tetrahedral Die
Nickname: Caltrop
Uses: Mostly D&D and derivatives. Represents crappy weapon damage and the feeble health of magic-users (no time to go to the gym when you're studying magic).
Beloved because: Though extremely hard to spin (a popular time-killing activity for gamers), the dreidle-like d4 IS spinnable and is the most impressive to see.
Hated because: Doesn't roll very well. Just... drops really. Plops. And if plopped on the floor, beware your tender feet.
Biggest rival: The 4-sided prism.
The d4 remains traditional and will always be included in polyhedral sets thanks to its small size, but the prism actually rolls and can, in a pinch, be used to represent a precious gem.Now if you'll excuse me, I've got something sharp in my shoe.
Comments
http://www.chessex.com/Dice/Specialty%20Dice/4_sided.htm
Roger