Perchance
Perchance is a free, web-based platform designed for creating and sharing random generators. It provides an intuitive, list-based syntax that allows users to build complex random text generators without any prior coding knowledge.
How It Works
The core concept is simple: you create lists that reference other lists. When the generator runs, it randomly selects items from these lists and combines them to produce output. For example:
output
Your [pack] contains [item], [item] and [item].
item
a few coins
an old {silver|bronze} ring
a handkerchief
pack
purse
backpack
bag
Key Capabilities
- Weighted Randomization: Adjust the probability of specific items being selected
- Import System: Use other people's generators as building blocks
- Text Manipulation: Change capitalization, pluralization, tense, and other properties
- Shorthand Notations: Quick syntax for common tasks like ranges and alternatives
- Sharing & Distribution: Share via URL, download as HTML, embed in websites, or create bots for Twitter, Tumblr, and Discord
Technical Foundation
Perchance is built on HTML/CSS and JavaScript, serving as both a generator tool and a gentle introduction to coding concepts. The platform is inspired by other random text languages like randomgen by Orteil and Rant by TheBerkin.
Target Audience
Writers, game designers, RPG enthusiasts, educators, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating random content generators without coding experience
Key Features
- Simple list-based syntax for creating random generators
- Weighted randomization with adjustable probabilities
- Import system to reuse other generators
- Text manipulation (capitalization, pluralization, tense)
- Shorthand notations for ranges and alternatives
- Share generators via URL
- Download generators as standalone HTML files
- Embed generators in external websites
- Create Twitter, Tumblr, and Discord bots
- Community forum on Lemmy for sharing and support
Use Cases
- Creating RPG and tabletop gaming generators
- Building random name generators
- Generating random story prompts
- Creating loot tables and item generators
- Making random decision tools
- Educational tool for learning basic coding concepts
- Building social media bots
- Creating random writing prompts
- Generating random character descriptions
- Building procedural content generators
Pros
- Completely free to use
- No coding knowledge required
- Simple and intuitive syntax
- Easy sharing and embedding options
- Active community for support
- Can be downloaded for offline use
- Serves as a gentle introduction to coding
- Highly extensible for complex generators
Cons
- May be excessive for very simple random selection tasks
- No official API (though workarounds exist)
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Web-based platform requires internet for initial use
Pricing
Free to use
