Using d4s for action resolution may sound slow — but it's surprisingly quick once you understand the patterns.

This page shows why adding up d4s is fast and intuitive, especially when using your hands or visual matching.

When you roll multiple d4s, many of them naturally form pairs that add up to 5:

• (1 + 4)
• (2 + 3)
• (2 + 2 + 1) also makes 5

▶ Example: You roll: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4

You can match them like this:

• (1 + 4) = 5
• (1 + 4) = 5
• (2 + 3) = 5
• Leftover 2 = 2

Total = 5 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 17

Just count your 5s, then add the remainder!

With a d4, the possible results are: 1, 2, 3, 4, each with equal 25% chance.

That means when you roll 6+ dice:

• Most results can be matched into 5s
• Even unpaired dice are easy to count
• It’s often faster than adding 6 random numbers

Players typically roll 3–7 d4s per action — well within the “quick math” zone.

Lay dice out in pairs as you roll:

• Match 1s to 4s and 2s to 3s
• Stack matched pairs or push them aside
• Count “5, 10, 15…” and add any leftovers

This becomes second nature after just a few turns.

If players use one color for Aspect dice and a different color for damage dice (like d8s), it’s even easier to sort and total them.