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Hey all. Want to get your creative juices flowing in prep for RPG superstar. There used to be a program on the web, that you could enter a number and it would spit out that many tavern encounters. Short little description of people that are in a tavern. How about we make some here. small encounters that a DM can throw randomly into a tavern to add some atmosphere. There are a few rules.
1. Keep it generic, so it can be used in any fantasy game, world, etc.
2. No stats/rules. Just description
3. keep it relativity short. One liners are fine, but try to keep it under five.
4. If you add magic, make it subtle, that way it works for low magic games.
5. If you want to add a spot check, don't add a DC. Leave that to the DM. See the examples below.
6. LaST but most important, don't go gonzo. Making it interesting, and leaving a hook a DM can work with is fine, but don't go too out there or it will be unusable in a lot of games.
Here are some I have.
A middle aged man sits at a table. He wears a brown cloak that is closed tight. His hair is short, and he is reading a book. [perception] He is actually hiding a scroll behind the book and is reading off of the scroll
Two young women sit close looking at a deck of ivory cards. One chooses a card from the deck and laughs.
A young man dressed in a red cape with gold trim sits at a table eating an expensive meal. He has a hunting dog sitting on the floor beside him. When he moves, you think you see something glowing faintly on his belt.
Anyone want to add?

DrDew |
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A striking woman in a fine green gown leans against the bar sipping from a mug. She is watching the minstrel intently while she spins a fantastic love story.
You see a half-orc woman performing what appears to be a drunken table dance while the men at the table leer at her. [perception] to see her use slight of hand to steal a gold ring from one of the patrons at the table.

Kilbourne |
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8 - The village idiot, employed at this tavern, sweeps desolately in the corner. He grips a small doll tightly as he works.
9 - A table of women, housewives mostly, drink wines and laugh uproariously at the dirty jokes their share amongst themselves.
10 - A man and woman at the corner table are kissing furiously. Well-wrought scabbards lie unattended on the floor near their feet.

DrDew |
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15. A well-dressed youth with an eyepatch sits at a secluded table, his exceptioanlly tall butler standing behind him politely.
[perception/adventure hook] The young lord is at the tavern, looking for clues to a recent crime's perpatrator.
[perception] You notice him move the eypatch to the other eye and rub the one that it was over.

Goth Guru |
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1 - middle aged man
2 - Two young women
3 - A young man and his dog
4 - grizzled old man
5 - A striking woman
6 - Table Dancer
7 - A large balding man snoring
8 - The village idiot
9 - A table of women,
10 - A man and woman
11 - A heavily cloaked figure
12 - a goblins sits
13 - A bedraggled man
14 - A gnome is desperately trying to extinguish a small fire
15 - A well-dressed youth with an eyepatch
16 - Four well dressed men sit around the table
17 - 5 men sit at a table covered in strange instruments,,
18 - A beautiful, tall, young woman with a map askes you if you will help her loot a dungeon and give her an even share.
DM. She is a Gnoll wearing a mask of humanity. Her breath smells of carrion. She is evil but her offer is sincere.

BenignFacist |

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21. Old Lenny
Old Lenny's eyes are bloodshot and his tattered fishmonger leathers stink of stale sweat and fish. He stands unsteadily at the bar and keeps rubbing his neck with his dirty hands. Occasionally he sneezes and then wipes his noise with a large blue rag.
Spot check: The rag seems to be a piece of cloth cut from a flag.
Spot check: Lenny's hands are covered with rust-brown spots.

Azzy-Kun |
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22. An odd 'lil chap, walks into the establishment, his tattered trench coat made for a biggun, drags across the floor, and occasionally snagging on a chair or other minor obstacle, with each snag, you catch a passing glimpse of 2 odd looking wands with lil triggers, and Ivory hand grips strapped to his sides. (Casting detect magic or knowledge (arcane) reveals them to not be of magical design or of any magical reference.)

Goth Guru |

19. A man or is he an elf, enters the bar, a strange V-shaped leather cloak hides his features well, his hood shadowing his face except for a a very long blood colored braided goatee, a broken claymore strapped to his back, he walks with a slight twitch in his step.
The Greatsword, not the mine, or the anime, right?
I may put the spilled beer in an unlistable list.Either that or item 0.

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23. A halfing walks in, wearing tailored but otherwise typical clothing, steps up a barstool to a overflowing mug just poured.
Perception check
[Both the bartender and barwenches are differential to the halfling but not at the expense of the other patrons.]
During a lull at the bar, the halfing motions to the barkeep and a book and a coinpurse are brought to him. After reviewing the book and notating; Halfling pushes the book back, pockets the coin purse and departs.
Local Knowledge check
[Halfling is partial owner, not thieves guild member taking protection money]

Azzy-Kun |

Azzy-Kun wrote:19. A man or is he an elf, enters the bar, a strange V-shaped leather cloak hides his features well, his hood shadowing his face except for a a very long blood colored braided goatee, a broken claymore strapped to his back, he walks with a slight twitch in his step.The Greatsword, not the mine, or the anime, right?
I may put the spilled beer in an unlistable list.
Either that or item 0.
The Highlander Claymore boyo ;)

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2 men throwing darts at a brightly colored cork board, variously marking their points on a chalk board next to the target. The first is a tall human, thin, balding, wearing peasants clothing. He is losing to a well dressed rapier thin half elf, who smiles with self assurance.
A successful perception check shows multiple knives secreted about the half elf, and the carefully concealed brand of a thief from (insert city here).

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A smaller than average halfling sits at a table, sipping a mug. He is dressed rather well for the tavern, and is sitting on a carelessly stacked pile of shoddy book, allowing him to reach the table.
{perception} One of the book has writing on the spine. You are sure it says "potions" in an old tongue.

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A beautiful, if plain dressed young woman sits alone at a table. She has her scarf off and piled on her chair's armrest. She smiles at you, her bright blue eyes, accenting how attractive her face is. She Waves to you, enthusiastically, pointing at the chair beside her.
[PERCEPTION]
She is calling to the man behind you that just entered. A young handsome lad, wearing a shirt, of the same color as her scarf.

BenignFacist |
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28. Micky Finns
A humanoid figure sits, utterly drenched in water. The figure is wrapped tightly in a large soggy cloak. The cloak covers their face and body. A large puddle is forming beneath its chair as water drip drip drips from their cloak.
[Perception] A flash of a pale scaled limb can be seen beneath the cloak.
Notes: The figure is an aquatic humanoid that must remain damp/regularly submerge themselves in water or risk dieing of dehydration. They came to surface to experience ground-walker life. However, they are now lost and afraid, having recently been attacked and have taken refuge within tavern while they consider what to do next…
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29. Poochie
An exceptionally well groomed poodle sits at the end of the bar, licking a puddle of ale. It wears a red collar that features many sparkling stones.
Note: Any character attempting to grab the collar causes the poodle to repeatedly bark loudly. Moments later, a man-at-arms of a powerful merchant bursts into the tavern exclaiming, “Poochie! There you are! Are you ok?”
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30 The Old Crone Trick
An haggard old lady sits hunched over her table. In front of her lie many strange cards, each marked with a unusually somber illustrations. The haggard old lady is wrapped in exotic silks and a heavy dark robe. If approached, she smiles, revealing many gold teeth, and asks for a drink. At her feet sleeps an old black cat with a one ear.
Note: The old hag is indeed a very old lady. She is also a drunk and hates buying her own drinks. She will imply as much as possible that she is nothing more than an tired old lady, while sorting her deck of unusual cards and giggling. She answers every question with a knowing smile and a denial of her mystical talents and nature. She will then ask for another drink. After five drinks she falls asleep, snoring and occasionally passing wind, loudly. The cat is not hers. Her teeth are not real gold.
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31. The Beligerant Dwarf
A loud mouthed, utterly drunken dwarf stands by the bar, insulting anyone he sees. He is dressed in simple rags and wears a silly hat. The dwarf has seven tankards of ale set before him.
[Perception] The hat is a child’s party hat and has the number ‘5’ on the back.
Note: The dwarf is a Drunken Brute barbarian. Today is his birthday and he’s upset that no one remembered. His charisma is very low, however he quite handsome and dashing when sobre. Each tankard of ale can potentially extend his Rage by one round, if he spends a move action draining it dry. He is actively looking for a birthday brawl...
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32. LIES!
A very young child runs between the tables. The child is dressed smartly and has scuffed knees. She repeatedly blows on a tin whistle, much to the annoyance of several of the other patrons..
Note: The child is the cousin of the tavern owner. She has just learnt to lie and will say anything rather than the truth. Her first lie is “I am a princess…”
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33. The Help
A shambling figure drags in a fresh keg up from the cellar, sets it behind the bar, taps it and tests the contents before shambling back down to the cellar. He returns moments later to carefully close the cellar door while peering at anyone he can see….
Note: The shambling figure is an elderly half-orc scholar who has rented a room opposite the storage room beneath the tavern. In return for free meals he carries up kegs when they are needed.
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34. Flash Brassballs
A simply fabulous half-elf swaggers along the bar. He is dressed in fine swashbuckling attire and wears a large brimmed hat. He occasionally slaps one of the patrons on the back, cheers and then orders them a drink.
Note: The half-elf is a bard who has recently returned from an adventure. He has an unusually high charisma score and is happily spending a fraction of his well earned treasure. He insists on everyone having a good time and will try his best to cheer anyone up who seems sad. Seemingly, he’s almost impossible not to like….
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35. Teacher teacher..
A young man sits at a table alone, writing in a small book. His face wears an expression of intense thought. He occasionally looks up and around but not at anyone in particular and habitually chews at the end of his writing implement. He orders cheap wine and glares at anyone who knocks his table.
Note: The young man is a teacher. He teaches small children in a school nearby. He is a simple commoner with the feat ‘Skill Focus: Intimidation’. He is planning a lesson for tomorrow.
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36. The Philosopher
A young lady stands at the bar, dressed in clothes of a scholar. She is actively attempting to engage anyone who will listen in a discussion about Life, The Universe, and Everything, and makes sure to mention that she is a scholar and has read many books concerning such things.
Note:While she claims she wishes to engage in a discussion she is actually looking for someone to confirm her views. Anyone who challenges her views is dismissed on either the grounds that she has read more books than them or that they are simply wrong and don’t understand.
Note: The lady is highly annoying. Secretly she doubts herself and fears she will become just like her mother. If pushed, she will storm out of the bar, mocking her ‘opponent’ as she leaves.
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37. Greased Naked Man
A naked man sits alone in the corner, sipping a pint whilst chuckling. He is covered in grease. If asked, he we explain that he is doing it for bet.
Note: The man has been bet that he can’t spend the evening (5 hours) in the tavern, naked, without being thrown out. He stands to win 3 gold. Two more hours and the man will win his bet. He has already escaped the clutches of several annoyed patrons, wriggling to freedom. He is thin and quite agile.
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38. THE VOICES
A middle-age man sits at a table. He is dressed in magnificent green plate armour. On the chair next to him rests an ornate heavy flail and a fearsome helm. His face is a mask of scars. Occasionally, he talks to himself in low whispers before banging the side of his head with his gauntlet-clad hand.
[Perception] The man is whispering ‘I will crush you all into a bloody mulch! No! No!’ and various other disturbingly graphic threats punctuated by denials and self flagellation (beating his head).
Note: The man is a paladin. He was enrolled within a holy order by his guardians in the hope that a strict regime would help him control violent impulses. The holy order succeeded in helping the man control his madness but he still manifests signs of his rage. He adheres strictly to the paladin code, knowing it is the only thing keeping him losing control. In battle he screams loudly, relishing in the chance to unleash his fury.
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39. The Actual Old Crone
A beautiful middle-aged woman sits alone. She is dressed in fine clothing and has the scent of an exotic perfume about her. She smiles at you raises her drink. Her hands are covered in white silk gloves.
[Perception] The woman is wearing lots of masterfully applied makeup on her face
Note: The middle-aged woman is actually an elderly crone with a healthy sexual appetite. She is a long retired rogue and a master of disguise. She is looking to for a night of wanton carnal excess. She still retains a decent dexterity score…

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40. The Pegasus Knight
Suggested Name: Xiphion "Xee" {pronounced ZEE-fee-on or ZEE}
A jaded elf with black hair, brown eyes, and pale skin sits at the end of the bar, alone. He has two old scars on his face and the other patrons seem wary of him. He is wearing a very nice chain shirt, and he notices you as you come in. His cloak has several large feathers in and on it.
[Knowledge: Local] This man is not one of the local patrons. He's from out of town. +5: He's a mercenary, but not usually a troublemaker.
[Knowledge: Nature] Those feathers on his cloak are pegasus feathers.
[Perception] He is wearing loose clothing that could easily hide a few weapons. +5: He has a very well-concealed dagger at his belt.
[Appraise] His chain shirt is definitely mithral, and possibly magic.
NOTE: The elf in question has a pegasus mount, and is just passing through on business. He is a mercenary, but one in good standing with the local government and is currently in their employ. He can easily be used by the DM for the following:
1) Vendor of an unusual item ("Psst. Yeah, you. You look like you could use a nice ________. I found one over in _______. I'll take X gold for it, if you want it.")
2) Advice to the PC's on a future encounter or dungeon. ("Hey. I just got here from _______, and if you're going that way you should know...")
3) An adventure hook. ("You know, the king didn't send me here to deal with this town's troubles; I need to leave tomorrow morning. But if you help out around here, I'll make sure you get paid contractor rates. Deal?")

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42. A ragged, tiny halfling walks in and sits at the bar. He's obviously dirty, leaving dust marks on other patrons he bumps into. The bartender won't make eye contact with him/her, serving him warm tea with a lot of honey
[PERCEPTION DC 10] Faint giggles are heard beneath the cloak every so often
[PERCEPTION DC 20] You notice specks dripping beneath the seat of the halfling. These specks later turn out to be a mixture of dried blood and wax.
[SENSE MOTIVE DC 20] The halflings movements seem quite jerky and uneven. You notice she doesn't touch her tea until it cools right down.
If no one bothers the halfling, eventually a large Half-orc becomes angry at the perceived mocking laughted and takes a swing at him/her. The halfling's cloak flies off, revealing a desiccated halfling corpse filled with bees. The tavern is filled with a bee swarm, with patrons fending for their own lives.

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43. The pleasantly plump cook is beginning to attract a crowd as she tells her harrowing tale of beheading and resurrection at the hand of a local evil tyrant. It can't be true. Can it?
[Perception] A stern figure in the shadows watches the woman with great interest.
[Even better perception] You catch a glimpse of the figure's badge, identifying him as a member of the tyrant's guard.

Yucale |
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44. A figure dressed in tattered, stained robes slumps against the inn wall, apparently dead drunk. A strange large bowl-shaped hat conceals his face. A strapping peasant, maybe seventeen, stands nearby, obviously agitated, occasionally trying to get the unconscious man to wake up.
45. In a shadowed corner, an old man (though his exact age is hard to guess) sits sipping tea and grinning to himself. He is dressed in mis-matched black clothes, with a tall black hat. He has a large scar across his face.
[other]The old man is an informant for the underground. He knows a surprising amount, as if he were a scholar, and is more likely to aid good-aligned PCs than evil ones. He has a disconcerting habit of reading thoughts, and will dispense philosophic advice at any opportunity.
46. An old man tries to bargain with the barkeep for a meal. A thin, scared young boy follows him closely.

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48. An unkempt odd-looking patron is seated beneath one of the animal heads mounted on the wall, one of several throughout the tavern. He mumbles to himself as he inspects each animal mounted and the stuffed bear standing guard near the door. If one of the heads has shown significant tavern patron damage, he offers the barkeep a replacement if desired.
Perception check difficult: Only if the PCs make note of the animals closely before/after, the animal heads appear to have a slightly different angle then before. If the PCs touch, it is not the least bit flexible.
Local Knowledge check: He is the resident butcher and Taxidermist. He is a friendly fellow, who understands his work can make a few people uncomfortable and avoids talking about the gory part of work. The smell of his butcher's store never really washes off of him.
[Unknown to the residents, he is a budding necro learning/finetuning his arts on dead animals. The heads move as per his mumbled commands but otherwise do nothing. The bear will defend him, if he is attacked but only him.]

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49. An old man sits at the bar. His frayed and wrinkled clothes were finely tailored of expensive cloth about 20 years ago. He grips a cigar in one hand and a shot of strong liquor in the other. Every ten minutes or so he has a lung-racking cough, otherwise he engages the patrons in polite conversation.
Local Knowledge check: He is a retired private investigator/adventurer.
Local Knowledge check difficult: The local thieves guild has an agreement with him; that he stays retired and no one bothers him.

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50. Looks like #31 got his wish. There is a horse-drawn cart outside piled high with chairs&stools (broken condition) and the sound of hammering/sawing inside. The hired help is sweeping the floor, Barkeep in foul mood, a few regulars sitting on a salvaged bench watching the carpenter and his apprentice fix "thier" table. Another pile of broken chairs in the corner awaits the next cartload. As the PCs walk in, the barkeeps pardons the disarray and offers a slight discount for the lack of chairs. Any dwarf in the party will be given an evil glare and watched closely.
51. Traveling artist trying to sell the barkeep his/her services for a mural backdrop. Failing that, he/she remains in the tavern to capture the mood of the place, sketching out the architicutral details and notable characters. A few quick sketches are on display around the table where she sits of various customers. She/He is dressed in eccentric and colorful clothing but not garishly so. She welcomes any interested potential customers to peruse her portfolio. Several tavern interiors and colorful (unpurchased) portraits are within as well as a couple of "Region's Most Wanted" posters from this region and the neighboring one as well. All are original and signed and "For sale".

DrDew |
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53. At the largest booth in the bar, a richly dressed human man sits next to an elf woman in practical garb. On the table, in front of them are several rolls of parchment and a pen with an ink well.
54. A group of four feline humanoids enters the bar. They notice the richly dressed human man and an elf woman in practical garb at a large booth and walk to the table to join them. They all speak in hushed tones as they look at the papers on the table.
Perception: The Human appears to be trying to get everyone to sign something.

Ma Gi |

56. A group of traveling musician/spice merchant elves are playing in the tavern. During their breaks they try to sell their foreign spices. They also have some potentially valid information on a nearby dungeon, treasure hoard, creature's lair, or other adventure tips for trade.
57. Someone always comes into the tavern with outside food and drink with strong smells. It is distracting the regulars and something must be done. Previous attempts of legal intervention have failed.
58. The "Dragon Heart Inn" from the outside appears to be a small cottage. Walking inside the inn seems to be much larger than the outside.
Note for DM: Narsil, the half-owner of the inn, was magically turned into a black dragon but usually takes his original human form. He has an adopted silver dragon girl named Kiira. The other half-owner is a rogue named Nimble, who avidly worships the god of thieves and dual wields rapiers.

Goth Guru |

58. The "Dragon Heart Inn" from the outside appears to be a small cottage. Walking inside the inn seems to be much larger than the outside.
Note for DM: Narsil, the half-owner of the inn, was magically turned into a black dragon but usually takes his original human form. He has an adopted silver dragon girl named Kiira. The other half-owner is a rogue named Nimble, who avidly worships the god of thieves and dual wields rapiers.
I'm thinking of making a list of buildings, but this is a list of random persons in a tavern. Hopefully, you will replace 58 with a patron or employee.
59. The deliveryman wears a turban and is carrying a case of 12 bottles of wine of some sort.
GM Development- The deliveryman id a devil, and his product is an infusion of Demon Ichor. He is actually selling it for the largest tabs any patrons have run up.
Chateau de Landshark. It's a charming Infusion of Demon Ichor. If it can make an armadillo look good to a snapping turtle, it can help you create that 3 way hybrid you have nightmares about. :)

Ma Gi |

Ma Gi wrote:
58. The "Dragon Heart Inn" from the outside appears to be a small cottage. Walking inside the inn seems to be much larger than the outside.
Note for DM: Narsil, the half-owner of the inn, was magically turned into a black dragon but usually takes his original human form. He has an adopted silver dragon girl named Kiira. The other half-owner is a rogue named Nimble, who avidly worships the god of thieves and dual wields rapiers.I'm thinking of making a list of buildings, but this is a list of random persons in a tavern. Hopefully, you will replace 58 with a patron or employee.
Alright I wasn't sure that was goona fly, that was just one of my favorite inns I'd been to. Hope this one's better.
58. A fidgety noble sits at a table. He looks around nervously and tenses up a bit every time the doors opens.
Note for DM: He's waiting to deliver payment for illegal services rendered by the thieves guild, an assassin, or the like.

Goth Guru |

Goth Guru wrote:Ma Gi wrote:
58. The "Dragon Heart Inn" from the outside appears to be a small cottage. Walking inside the inn seems to be much larger than the outside.
Note for DM: Narsil, the half-owner of the inn, was magically turned into a black dragon but usually takes his original human form. He has an adopted silver dragon girl named Kiira. The other half-owner is a rogue named Nimble, who avidly worships the god of thieves and dual wields rapiers.I'm thinking of making a list of buildings, but this is a list of random persons in a tavern. Hopefully, you will replace 58 with a patron or employee.
Alright I wasn't sure that was goona fly, that was just one of my favorite inns I'd been to. Hope this one's better.
58. A fidgety noble sits at a table. He looks around nervously and tenses up a bit every time the doors opens.
Note for DM: He's waiting to deliver payment for illegal services rendered by the thieves guild, an assassin, or the like.
Ok, good solid item. Thank you.

Parka |
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60. A fat man in gaudy jewelry sits with a richly-appointed, much more tastefully dressed woman and a dwarf man dressed as a craftsman. They seem to be arguing off-and-on every few minutes or so, remaining fairly quiet in between.
[Sense Motive: The fat man doesn't like the tavern much, and likes the dwarf less. The woman seems bored. They are all trying to remain civil despite being agitated.]
[Perception: They are talking about the trip they are soon to take. They are waiting for their caravan master to arrive (either to make arrangements or to leave, depending on the time of day).]
61. An impossibly muscled woman sits, talking enthusiastically to a handsome young man with an expensive instrument slung.
[Perception or Heal: The woman's muscle growth is at the border of what could be called natural. Other than this, she would be fairly attractive. The man appears to be a Bard, but worships an obscure deity of magic.]
[Sense Motive: The two are familiar with one another already, and the man is not bothered in the least by his companion's physiology.]
[Knowledge: Geography/History: The woman's garb and a few subtle markings indicated she is a member of the closest tribe known for their Berzerkers.]
[DM: The woman was born this way, and the man is her only frequent companion whom she cares for dearly. Besides being a talented Barbarian, she also has the ability to predict the weather for the incoming week with perfect accuracy.]

Goth Guru |

Ma Gi wrote:
58. The "Dragon Heart Inn" from the outside appears to be a small cottage. Walking inside the inn seems to be much larger than the outside.
Note for DM: Narsil, the half-owner of the inn, was magically turned into a black dragon but usually takes his original human form. He has an adopted silver dragon girl named Kiira. The other half-owner is a rogue named Nimble, who avidly worships the god of thieves and dual wields rapiers.I'm thinking of making a list of buildings, but this is a list of random persons in a tavern. Hopefully, you will replace 58 with a patron or employee.
59. The deliveryman wears a turban and is carrying a case of 12 bottles of wine of some sort.
GM Development- The deliveryman id a devil, and his product is an infusion of Demon Ichor. He is actually selling it for the largest tabs any patrons have run up.
Chateau de Landshark. It's a charming Infusion of Demon Ichor. If it can make an armadillo look good to a snapping turtle, it can help you create that 3 way hybrid you have nightmares about. It’s actually a tincture as the 80 proof alcohol is mixed with the demon ichor and aged for a month at least.:)
I don't want the grey lawyers of the outlands to get on my case.