I've always been a fan of random tables (it's why I had the OGRE generator built for EN World, allowing folks to create their own automated random generators and tables). Mike Mearls of WotC talks about random tables in his column this week. This was material he originally presented at a convention panel in 2006. In this article, he presents tables ofr combat colour, and for denizens and employees of a gaming parlor.
The article is here. And here are a few of my own favourite random tables:
The article is here. And here are a few of my own favourite random tables:
- Mundane treasure generator -- Mundane (non-magical) treasure: trade goods, objects d'art, etc. Whether your treasure hoard contains a new-looking copper figurine depicting the ship The Lady of Berpool, a big steel bracelet with a cuddly dragon motif, a flawless ebony needle, or a shabby copy of Archbishop Copperbane the Trifold's Planar Encyclopedia of Numinous Alchemy, you'll be sure to find a wide variety of non-magical trinkets and items!
- Tavern Creator -- Generate a detailed tavern - including its name, quality, size, and owner, plus varied drinks and food menus, patrons, current events, lodgings, and local rumours. A complete tavern in under 2 seconds!
- Sci-fi corporation generator -- Create a quick sci-fi corporation, along with a few details about their business. Useful for any sci-fi RPG.