In a fantasy setting, characters will frequently visit taverns. This may be to meet with contacts, arrange deals, find out information or simply to get a place to stay for the night. Some of the customers and staff in taverns will be important. But what about the others?
This supplement has a list of 100 different people who could be encountered in a tavern. Instead of glossing over the other occupants, a GM can describe them in more detail if desired. The NPCs have their name and some other details given. They may have useful skills, be a source of information and adventure hooks or simply background colour.
NPCs can be selected randomly by rolling d100 but a GM is advised to pick suitable ones manually.
Here are some sample results:
37. Darius “Thunderhead” Karnth: A huge young man, with the chest and shoulders of a bear, Darius is almost as legendary a carouser as he is a jouster. Years ago, Darius entered a tournament as a black knight, and actually won. When he was unmasked, rather than being punished, Darius immediately found a patron. A travelling tourney knight since that day, Darius is treated like a lord by most establishments he’s recognized in. He always makes sure that wine and ale both flow freely for whoever else is in the tavern with him, though.
38. Liandra Blackkettle: A young halfling woman with a smooth laugh and a rough tongue, Liandra plies the trade routes all throughout the region. If anyone expresses concern that one little halfling would be in a great deal of danger on the open road, she just grins and opens a case on the seat next to her. Inside is a hardwood, repeating crossbow and a selection of vicious, barbed bolts. Liandra pats the stock, throws back her shot, and smiles before she says, “If there’s anything left of a highwayman once Beckett here is done with ‘em, I feed ‘em to my horses.”
39. Bludger Hammerhand: Tall and ropy with muscle, Bludger’s lower tusks are capped in bronze. With rough hands and a barking laugh, this young half-orc always has a back slap and a drink for anyone who looks like they ply a rough trade. If asked why, Bludger smiles and taps the side of his nose. “It’s fellows like you who break tables, and fill coffins. I fix the former, and
make the latter.”
Reviews for 100 NPCs You Might Meet At The Tavern
“A great mix of characters to put not only in your taverns/inns but anywhere your world needs a quick NPC.”
Sarah B. (five stars)
“…the range offered goes well beyond the standard published fare…”
Dara W. (five stars)
“All in all, a great supplement, and well worth the price.”
Jean H. (five stars)
“A good thing to have for any DM looking to add flavor to towns and taverns and add a bit more rp to their sessions. “
Kris Y. (five stars)
“If you’re tired of only seeing drunkards and wenches in your taverns, this is the resource for you!”
Amber B. (five stars)
“…can’t wait to use some of these in my next game!”
Harry H. (five stars)
“This comes in handy when you need an NPC that’s more fleshed out than stats and generic classes.”
Steven H. (five stars)
“Another great book of hooks from Azukail games”
sdonohue (four stars)
Released: 4th August 2018 Pages: 17
PDF ($1.99): DriveThruRPG
YouTube Preview of the PDF