- River of Pain background, but forgets it all when stressful situations (like combat) arise and breaks into song because (s)he's a Bard.
- "Prophet of Silence" NPC wizard doesn't speak (uses Message instead) and has Sign Language as a Language.
- Really wants to go get some important artifact of his family's heritage, but can't stand travel / inns so never gets very far along the road.
- Travels by boat or on foot (on island campaign), never rides any land vehicle.
- Thinks he is very smart, but keeps making common observations of unremarkable facts.
- River of Pain background and takes out his unhappiness over his past on whoever has the misfortune to be athwart his path.
- Used-car (wagon?) salesman with Criminal background couldn't make an honest sales pitch to safe his life.
- Zealous Paladin of Doctrinal Purity is a heretic of his faith (about something obscure) and cannot resist getting into religious arguments with mainstream Clerics.
- Very old woman, looks like a plain unremarkable Commoner, secretly is a member of a Hag coven and supplies them with rumors / gossip.
- Guy who is the bait for a "Good Samaritan trap" has Second Wind and Tavern Brawler. The PCs find this out by coming to his aid by the roadside.
- Zorro / the Scarlet Pimpernel / Robin Hood - fights against a local unjust lord or law. Usually arrives on-scene by dropping off a tree branch or climbing in a window.
- Wants every meat dish he eats covered in ketchup. Locals think he is a vampire. He's actually addicted to tomatoes (weird body chemistry)