How to read parallel dice
Before you scroll down how about challenging yourself.
See if you can decipher how the markings on parallel dice indicate each number.
The six sided dice (d6) has the same layout as a normal die
(one to six - right handed, western die)
Sometimes starting with the four sided die (d4) helps but be warned the d4 and d6 are slightly different.
The key to parallel dice are:
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You don't read the top of the dice as you would a standard die.
You read the sides.
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The opposite sides of six sided dice add to seven
one and six
two and five
three and four
The lines going around the dice are located at specific positions
The line representing one and six (p1/6) is positioned one part from one face and 6 parts from the opposite face.
It is the same for the other lines, p2/5 is positioned two parts from one face and five parts from the opposite face. p3/4 three and four parts
When the dice is rolled and comes to rest on one face ignore the top face and vertical lines. Look only for the horizontal line running the entire way around the dice. Its height on the dice will indicate the unique valve rolled. If it is one part down you have rolled a 1. If the dice were the other way up it would be a 6 (the line would be six parts down from the top face)
The graphic below shows the top face of a normal dice when rolled and the corresponding side face of a parallel dice (ignoring the vertical lines which don't matter). This line will be the same on all sides.
The graphic below is for the 4 sided dice (d4)
