System as Shock

This whole post might be stating the obvious, but it's something that's been bouncing around my head a bit.

You don't need a system for your RPG. A group can sit down and rule things by consensus, or under a lone arbiter. 

What's in the cave? Maybe it's what I planned before the game, maybe it's what makes sense in the current context, or maybe it's the best idea that the whole group can think of.

I stab the dragon! Hmm, maybe you're right that this sword couldn't possibly hurt it. But wouldn't it be cool if it did? Let's work it out. 

Of course, whatever arrangement we have in place at this imaginary table is a system, but for this post I'm talking about the specific type where there are written rules and procedures that exist independently of the people at the table.

Randomness is a part of it, but also procedures like dungeon stocking do their part. Anything where the GM can point to the book and say "hey, I can't take credit/blame for what just happened!"

Alongside the players it contributes to the game, almost like an extra person sat at the table. 

And for me, a huge part of the appeal is the element of shock. 

I've been surprised by other players at the table, and by revelations from the GM, but I've only ever been shocked by contributions from the System.

Here shock isn't innately a good or bad thing, but it's always impactful. A deeper, more intense flavour of surprise, where something is truly unexpected, often forcing an urgent or complex response.

That goblin scoring two critical hits on the barbarian. That Purple Worm encounter on the first level of a dungeon. That friendly reaction roll from a hideous monster. 

These could have come from player or GM input, but in my experience those twists don't quite carry the same weight, and can sometimes feel arbitrary.

Nothing shocks like system. 

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