If you’re a game master or dungeon master, you know how important it is to create compelling non-player characters (NPCs) to populate your game world. But sometimes it can be tough to come up with interesting quirks and traits that make your NPCs stand out. That’s where a rollable table can come in handy!
I’ve created a rollable table of 20 NPC quirks that you can use to add some personality and flavor to your game world. Simply roll a d20 (a 20-sided die) to determine which quirk your NPC possesses.
I hope this rollable table of NPC quirks will spark your creativity and add some fun to your next adventure!
| Roll | Quirk | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speaks in an overly formal or archaic manner. | |
| 2 | Has a nervous tic or habit, such as tapping their foot or twirling their hair. | |
| 3 | Obsessed with cleanliness and is constantly wiping down surfaces. | |
| 4 | Forgetful and frequently loses or forgets important items. | |
| 5 | Has an unusual hobby or interest, such as collecting stamps or studying obscure historical events. | |
| 6 | Extremely superstitious and believes in all sorts of omens and signs. | |
| 7 | Talks to themselves or has imaginary conversations with people who aren’t there. | |
| 8 | Is always humming or singing a particular tune. | |
| 9 | Has a distinctive physical trait, such as a scar or a birthmark. | |
| 10 | Extremely indecisive and has trouble making even minor choices. | |
| 11 | Is a hypochondriac and is constantly convinced they have some sort of ailment or illness. | |
| 12 | Overly competitive and always has to be the best at everything. | |
| 13 | Is a compulsive liar and frequently exaggerates or outright fabricates stories. | |
| 14 | Is incredibly gullible and will believe just about anything they’re told. | |
| 15 | Is fiercely independent and refuses to ask for help or accept assistance from others. | |
| 16 | Has a particular fear or phobia, such as heights or spiders. | |
| 17 | Is a chatterbox and loves to talk, often rambling on and on about nothing in particular. | |
| 18 | Is always on the lookout for a bargain and will haggle over even the smallest amounts of money. | |
| 19 | Has a strange or unusual pet that they dote on and talk about constantly. | |
| 20 | Is a hopeless romantic and is always seeking out their perfect match, even if it means going to great lengths to find them. |
| D10 | Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flame Kiss Dagger | This +1 dagger deals an additional 1d6 fire damage on a hit. The blade is hot to the touch, but the wielder is immune to the heat |
| 2 | Boots of Leaping | These boots grant the wearer advantage on Acrobatics checks and allow them to make standing jumps up to twice their normal distance |
| 3 | Gloves of Spider Climb | These gloves allow the wearer to climb vertical surfaces or ceilings as if under the effects of the Spider Climb spell for up to 10 minutes per day |
| 4 | Crystal of Elemental Binding | This small crystal can be used to summon a tiny elemental creature of the corresponding element (air, earth, fire, or water) for 1 minute per day. The creature is friendly to the user, but will not obey complex commands |
| 5 | Soul Shard | This small shard of obsidian can be used to trap the soul of a defeated enemy. If the enemy is of equal or lower level than the user, the user can choose to summon the trapped soul to aid them in battle for up to 1 minute per day |
| 6 | Wand of the Magi | This wand has 3 charges, and regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. The user can spend 1 charge to cast the Magic Missile spell, 2 charges to cast Scorching Ray, or 3 charges to cast Fireball |
| 7 | Vial of Enchanted Water | This vial of water is infused with powerful enchantments. When the user drinks the water, they gain advantage on their next attack roll, saving throw, or ability check within the next hour. |
| 8 | Cape of the Bat | This magical cape allows the user to transform into a bat for up to 10 minutes per day. While in bat form, the user gains the ability to fly and can squeeze through tight spaces |
| 9 | Mask of Invisibility | This mask allows the user to become invisible for up to 1 minute per day. While invisible, the user gains advantage on Stealth checks |
| 0 | Staff of Thunderbolts | This +1 quarterstaff has 3 charges and regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. The user can spend 1 charge to cast Thunderwave, 2 charges to cast Shatter, or 3 charges to cast Lightning Bolt |
Have fun and roll some dice!
Owlbear Rodeo Condition Attachments
D&D 5e
As a game master, one of the keys to running a successful TTRPG campaign is to keep your players engaged and interested in the story. While the main plotline of the campaign is important, adding in side quests and adventures can help to break up the monotony and add some excitement to the game.
By incorporating side quests like the ones described in this post, you can give your players a chance to explore new settings, encounter new enemies, and interact with interesting NPCs. These quests can also provide a break from the main plotline, allowing the players to regroup and recharge before diving back into the action.
Side quests can also be a chance to highlight the unique skills and abilities of each player character. For example, a heist adventure might be the perfect opportunity for the rogue to shine, while a puzzle-based adventure might be a chance for the wizard to use their intellect.
By providing new challenges and opportunities for adventure, you can keep the game fresh and exciting, and keep your players coming back for more.
Here are three adventure hooks to get your players excited!
- The Forgotten Tomb: While exploring a remote corner of the kingdom, the players stumble upon an ancient tomb that has been lost for centuries. But as they delve deeper into the tomb, they discover that it is not as abandoned as they first thought. Unseen forces begin to manipulate the tomb, and the players soon find themselves fighting to survive. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having an NPC or quest-giver point the players in the direction of the tomb, perhaps offering a reward for its discovery. Once the players enter the tomb, you can introduce traps, puzzles, and monsters to keep them on their toes.
- The Mysterious Island:
The players find themselves shipwrecked on a seemingly deserted island, with no memory of how they got there. But as they explore the island, they discover that it is home to strange and mysterious creatures, ancient ruins, and perhaps even a hidden civilization. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having the players stumble upon the island while traveling by ship or on a mission. You can use the island as a chance to introduce new creatures and settings, and to explore themes of survival and discovery. - The Heist: The players are approached by a wealthy noble who needs their help with a delicate matter. A valuable artifact has been stolen from his family’s estate, and he needs the players to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands. The catch? The artifact is located in the heavily guarded vault of a rival noble, and the players will need to use all their skills to pull off the heist. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having the noble approach the players with the job while they are on a separate mission. You can then use the heist as an opportunity to introduce new characters, settings, and challenges, as the players plan and execute their plan to retrieve the artifact.
No matter which hook you choose, remember that the key to a successful adventure is to keep the players engaged and invested in the story. Make sure to include plenty of opportunities for role-playing, combat, and exploration, and be open to the players’ ideas and suggestions as the story unfolds.
Have fun and roll some dice!
Hi there! My name is Trisden, and I’m a TTRPG enthusiast with a passion for introducing new players to the hobby and helping them become confident Game Masters.
I first discovered the world of TTRPGs in 2015 as a fully formed adult in my 30s, and I was immediately drawn to the creativity, imagination, and collaborative nature of the games. Since then, I’ve played countless games, explored a wide range of systems and settings, and even created my own homebrew campaigns.
One of my favorite things about TTRPGs is the community. I love connecting with other players and Game Masters, sharing tips and tricks, and collaborating on new ideas. That’s why I started this blog – to share my love of TTRPGs with others and build a community of like-minded gamers.
My mission with this blog is to make TTRPGs accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for new challenges or a complete newbie who’s never rolled a die before, I’m here to help you navigate the world of TTRPGs and discover the joy of collaborative storytelling.
In particular, I’m passionate about introducing new players to the hobby and helping them become confident Game Masters. I believe that anyone can run a successful TTRPG game with the right tools and support, and I’m committed to providing those tools and that support to new GMs.
So whether you’re looking for tips on character creation, advice on running a game, or just some inspiration for your next adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to my blog, and happy gaming!
Writing an exciting story arc for a homebrew campaign can be a challenging but rewarding task. It’s an opportunity to create a unique and engaging story that is tailored to the interests and play styles of your players. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for writing an exciting story arc that will keep your players engaged and invested in the game.
- Start with the Big Picture:
When planning your story arc, it’s important to start with the big picture. What is the overarching theme or conflict of your campaign? What are the major events or plot points that will drive the story forward? Starting with the big picture can help you create a clear and cohesive story arc that will guide your players through the game. - Create Memorable NPCs:
NPCs are an essential part of any story arc, and creating memorable and engaging NPCs can make the game world feel more alive and immersive. Think about the motivations and goals of your NPCs, and how they can interact with the players and the world around them. Creating unique and memorable NPCs can add depth and complexity to your story arc, and give your players a reason to care about the game world. - Use Cliffhangers and Plot Twists:
One of the most effective ways to keep your players engaged and invested in the story is to use cliffhangers and plot twists. These can be used to create tension and excitement, and keep your players on the edge of their seats. Consider using unexpected plot twists or introducing new challenges and conflicts to keep the story fresh and engaging. - Use Player Feedback:
It’s important to listen to player feedback and use it to shape your story arc. Ask your players what they’re enjoying about the game, and what they’d like to see more of. Use this feedback to adjust your story arc and make it more engaging and tailored to your players’ interests. - Emphasize Player Choice:
Finally, it’s important to emphasize player choice in your story arc. Give your players the freedom to make choices that affect the story and the world around them. This can involve offering multiple paths or solutions to challenges, or allowing players to make decisions that affect the outcome of the story. Giving your players agency in the game world can make the story feel more immersive and engaging.
By starting with the big picture, creating memorable NPCs, using cliffhangers and plot twists, using player feedback, and emphasizing player choice, you can create a unique and engaging story arc that will keep your players invested in the game. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and exciting story that everyone can enjoy.
Have fun and roll some dice!
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