> The internet reports that D100 is impractical to use...
It's a nice novelty but it's not terribly practical. Despite having a d100, 2d10s are invariably more comfortable to use and easier to read. My d100 was purchased back in 1998-ish for its novelty and nostalgia value, not its functional value.
The idea was that your starting circumstances would be modified by the d100 zocchihedron roll.
One time, my buddy rolled a 2; our DM grimaced. "Well, you aren't starting off dead... but you might wish you were".
His starting conditions?
Naked. In total darkness. Sealed in a coffin. But at least he wasn't alone: he had a rat nibbling on his toes!