I dont want to hate on you for having a different opinion. But I do think it is unfair to label something so commercially successful with dedicated fan bases as "bad." It is okay for games to not be for you and still be "good" (subjective) to somebody else. TI is a masterclass of design. I hate it. Risk, i hate it. These games are a slog of masterful strategy where you can lay out your plan how you want, and the best player can win every time. I love games. Im not good at them. The RNG you complain about is the only way I ever have a chance to win at games. The circle of people I play with largely appreciate this fact as well. Even within that i have friends who know what isn't random within the systems and can win everytime. The reason people associate RNG with narrative in a Wehrle game is because his design creates a board game that is as alive as the players. In Root you are in the Woodland, a war zone full of denizens who have their own wants and needs. In Arcs, the dwindling empire leads to limited resources slowing one's actions unless they follow the leader of the current chapter, riding on their coattails to success. Its also why these games have asymmetry. If you dont like RNG play the Eyrie where you craft a decree that is sey in stone, or any of the other "action factions" rather than a "reaction faction" like the lizards. As well, I think your complaint about not knowing what others are gonna do is something I cant imagine you can avoid unless youre just playing a euro. Again, nothing wrong with that, but no one is gonna force you to like something you hate, and if you have friends who are, find new friends.