What Is a d12?
The twelve-sided die (d12) is shaped like a regular dodecahedron and produces results from 1 to 12 with equal probability, giving an average roll of 6.5. It is part of the standard set of polyhedral dice used in D&D and other tabletop RPGs, though it tends to see less action than the d8 or d10.
Common d12 Rolls in D&D
- Greataxe damage - The greataxe deals 1d12 slashing damage, making it the signature weapon for characters who want to swing big. It is the only common weapon that uses a d12 for its base damage.
- Barbarian hit dice - Barbarians use a d12 for their hit dice, the highest of any class. This gives them 1d12 hit points (plus Constitution modifier) per level, making them the toughest characters in the game by raw hit point totals.
- Toll the Dead - This cleric cantrip deals 1d12 necrotic damage to targets that are already injured (1d8 against healthy ones), making it one of the few spells that regularly calls for a d12.
The "Underused" Die
Among D&D players, the d12 has a reputation as the least-used die in the standard set. Only one common weapon (the greataxe) uses it for damage, and only one class (the Barbarian) uses it for hit dice. Compare this to the d8, which covers five classes and dozens of weapons, or the d6, which appears everywhere from fireball damage to sneak attack rolls.
That said, when the d12 does come out, it tends to hit hard. A greataxe critical hit rolls 2d12, and a high-level Barbarian rolling hit dice during a short rest can recover large chunks of health in a single roll. The d12 may not see the table often, but it makes an impact when it does.