Folks seem to have a curious habit, which I'm beginning to think that there might be a psychology paper in. People obsess over the random number generator, and are convinced that it's out to get them. I don't get it.

I'm a programmer with a background in information theory, encryption and a bit of mathematics; I don't think this means I really understand the math behind many of these algorithms (I also suspect that the number of people who do really understand the math and play in Fumbbl is pretty small - probably approaching zero). I'm happy to take the experts word that the math works; it's my job to use their inventions. But I'm familiar with having to use these algorithms on a practical level.

(It does also make me wish that people would call the 'Random Number Generator' a 'Pseudo-Random Number Generator'. It's a more accurate description. The numbers just appear to be random - but aren't, and that's what folks keep getting worked up about. Or saying they're getting worked up about - personally I think it's just that they remember bad rolls more readily than good. Anyway...)

So, I guess I feel pretty comfortable in saying that, from a practical standpoint, even a basic PRNG will produce an output that is random to the Mark-I Eyeball that's going to be looking at it. The human brain isn't that good at pattern recognition.

I suppose someone could intercept the communication between clients, or hack the client itself. But come on, we're talking about Bloodbowl here, not the lottery. Is anyone really going to try to obtain the seed, predict the dice rolls, and then play according to those predictions? Sure, that's possible, but where does that get fun?

In short, I reckon that worrying about the PRNG says more about the person than the numbers. Yes, sometimes you will beat up skinks all game without injurying any of them!

Anyway, can we not just all agree that the dice appear pretty damn random, sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't, and quit going on about it.