There is a complete subreddit of d100 tables. Many books have been written filled with random tables. I have even seen an occasional d1000 table.
This looks great on paper, but in practice they are overwhelming. The answers are often just not right. For example, using a generic forest encounter table when you know it is spider-infested. I prefer improvising d6 tables instead.
A d6 roll has 6 possible answers. You can also use it as a d2 or d3. Thinking of 2 or 3 answers for any question is easy. You don’t even have to write them down because you can keep them in your head. (Try that with a d100 table).
Sometimes I want to zoom in. Instead of choosing a specific answer, I have categories. When rolling said category, I choose specific answers (or deeper categories). This all to keep everything in my head.
To give an example, suppose my solo RPG heroes encounter goblins. The characters want something. I would ask, “What go the goblins demand? (Something valuable or something weird)”. As I rolled a 3, it is something valuable, but I don’t know what yet. This is where I zoom in with a second roll. “What? (All their gold, their armor or that magical ring the fighter has)”. Answer: 6 tells me it is the magical ring.
For the negotiation I also need to know: “What happens if the players refuse? (Nothing major, The trade is off, Combat)”. With a 6 I know the goblins will kill for the ring. “What risk has combat? (They have an owl-bear, Hidden snipers and traps, Reputation)”. With another 6, I know that killing the goblins will cause a scandal. The goblins may ban the players from their market or even declare war.
This has given me more than enough content for the trade. The goblins are desperate to get the magical ring the players have. They are willing to kill and escalate if needed but prefer a legal trade.
Common pitfalls
With any tool there are pitfalls that you can fall into.
Using boring or not fun options. If you are unprepared for each potential outcome of a roll, don’t roll it. It is better to have only 2 awesome options than 2 awesome option and 1 crappy one. A re-roll will give you a bad taste in your mouth.
Reusing tables. I find that if I re-use a table, I use my brain less. It becomes a brainless roll where you need to fit the narrative afterwards. This is often less satisfying. For the best result you need to make a new table for every question even if the question is the same. This forces you to adapt to new knowledge.
Worrying about probability. This deserves its own post but I’ll summarize here. Thinking about probability will often result in boring options. After most things that happen during real life wouldn’t fit in an action movie.
Conclusion
I find, these d6 tables leads to specific, engaging and consistent stories. It is hyper-specific to whatever scenario you are in. Something that standard tables often lack. It is a good tool to have in your GM tool-belt. Use it where it feels appropriate.
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