While many adventurers trod the cobblestones and high roads of major cities and small towns, these places are often where the heroes begin and end their campaigns. The bulk of their tales tend to take place beyond the lights of civilization, on lonely expanses of road or out in the wilds where few will ever go. It’s in such places where danger and opportunity go hand-in-hand, after all.

That doesn’t mean these places are empty, though.

Whether you want to know what fellow travelers your party runs into between the tavern and the next outpost, or you’re wondering what unusual folks are out in the wilds in pursuit of their own ends, this list can help your world feel a little more populated. And if you want to use some of these NPCs as more than just window dressing, working them into your ongoing narrative as either allies or antagonists, that is also an option!

To use the list, either roll d100 for a random result or select appropriate ones manually.

Here are some sample results:

25. Saraga: Dressed in layers of robes and veils, Saraga seems like any other traveler one might meet while out on the open road. Her voice is soft, and she speaks with an unusual accent, but she is generally pleasant, as well as polite. She does not bare her face until after sundown, however, for the drow swore an oath to the moon that her goddess’s bright sister would never again catch sight of Saraga’s face. This oath is harder to maintain while living on the surface than beneath it, but she takes it quite seriously.

26. Gorvun Laar: Often heralded by the sounds of crashing footsteps, or great splashing if one is near the shore, Gorvun is not a stealthy creature. Large and loud even for one of his kind, the ogre loves nothing more than a good challenge. Everything from rock-skipping flat stones across the surface of a lake, to hurling javelins at far-off targets, is a good game as far as he’s concerned. Win or lose, those who take up his challenge are considered his friends for the day… and Gorvun is usually more than willing to help his friends in the event they need something he can help with.

27. Tavara Dan’Kosku: Typically wearing brown leathers and a half cape, the lithe woman has nut-brown skin, a bob of black hair and she typically has a sardonic smile twisting her thin lips. While Torvara may look like nothing more than a common caravan guard or militia soldier, those who catch sight of her sword may notice the intricate hand guard, as well as the roaring lion on the pommel. This type of blade is carried by duelists of the Brass Capitol, and it’s a sign of an extremely dangerous individual. While some might not believe Tavara has a right to carry such a rapier, most wouldn’t want to risk saying so to her face, lest they be proven wrong.

Released: 21st June 2025 Pages: 22

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