Hex Flower Game Engines

A hex flower is a procedural random event system, often used in tabletop role-playing games, that functions as a type of "game engine" for generating sequences of events, terrain, weather, or dungeon encounters. It is structured as a central hexagon surrounded by 18 other hexagons, forming a total of 19 interconnected hexes arranged in a symmetrical configuration. This layout allows for a dynamic, memory-informed random process where the current state influences the next outcome, creating a more logical and immersive sequence than a simple random table.

The system works by placing a token on a starting hex, typically representing the entrance or initial state. To move to a new hex, a player rolls dice - commonly 2d6 - based on a movement key that dictates which adjacent hex to move to. The dice roll determines the direction of movement, and the resulting hex provides the next event or description. The movement rules can be designed to create a probability gradient, making certain outcomes more common or rare, and can include edge rules that allow for "wildcard" jumps or blocked paths to introduce unpredictability.

The idea was popularized by the "Hex Flower Cookbook" by Goblin’s Henchman, which provides a comprehensive guide to creating and using these systems.