The fact that characters live or die on the whims of dice is one of the more odd things about roleplaying, if you look at it from an actor's perspective. But as Sally has learnt, the uncertainty is part of what makes it so intriguing. Most people don't want to risk a 1 in 20 chance of death in real life just in order to have a bit of adventure.

Roleplaying provides the chance to do just that, and to revel in the successes you achieve. Successes made all the sweeter by the real chance of failure.

Transcript

Obi-Wan: {running to check on Qui-Gon} Master Qui-Gon!
Qui-Gon: Whu? How did you do that?
Obi-Wan: Force Jump.
Qui-Gon: Oooh! I'll take that instead of Critical Pirouette!
GM: Uh...
Obi-Wan: I try to stop the bleeding.
Qui-Gon: Wow, that Darth guy really liked to talk, didn't he?
GM: Roll for First Aid.
Obi-Wan: 6.
GM: No good. Okay, it's all down to the final Stabilisation roll. Jim?
Qui-Gon: Pete, can I have one of those pre-rolled dice?
R2-D2: Here you go.
Anakin: What? Whether Qui-Gon lives or dies is being decided at random?
Jar Jar: Dice rolls issa important. Yousa has to not know what will happen. Otherwise it'sa no fun.
Anakin: Hmmm...
GM: All right. This is it. Roll.
Qui-Gon: Okay...
Qui-Gon: Huh. 1. What are the odds?
R2-D2: One in 8000. Awesome! That die will be even luckier next time!
[SFX]: < zizizibap-jing bee-OO-oop dip doot bippity >