It's been a while since I talked about tables in my attempt to write a gamebook.
Random Tables for Open-World Gamebooks
Much of Rand Roll is dedicated to Random Tables, especially in roleplaying games. So it's no great surprise I'm using them in my upcoming gamebook(s). I've written about gamebook tables and encounters in previous Gamebook Diaries.
Since then I've also found more examples of tables being used in gamebooks (Expeditionary Company, In the Ashes, Lost in the City, Isle of Torment) and bounded solo rpgs (2d6 Dungeon, Ker-Nethalas, Starforged). And thought of other tables to possibly add.
For now here are three more tables, as they currently are. Carousing at the Duck and Badger, finding a Minor Treasure and meeting Beasts of the Briar.
They will change before seeing the next playtesting or the final book!
Carousing
I love the idea of an adventurer spending their hard-won wealth on celebrating at a tavern. And it's perfect for a random table as all sorts of things can happen. But its also something that can easily be ignored by the player.
Carousing was last covered in Gamebook Diaries 2, with a table from another gamebook (still in progress as a draft). It's also a concept popular in some Old School Revival games as a way of converting gold into experience points or other rewards.
The Duck and Badger is a lively place, famous for its hospitality and atmosphere. You can carouse here, relaxing with travellers and locals, forgetting the life of the wanderer you have adopted.
It will cost two non-junk items (or two drinks tokens). If you don't pay go to 200
Roll 2d6 and add them together to see what happens
| 2d6 | Carousing Table |
|---|---|
| 2 | After a few drinks you are lured into a game of cards. You win an ornate birch lovespoon, and then continue your game. Turn to 129 |
| 3 | You wake up with memories of a good night, a silk shirt, a red ribbon (small) and a crude fertility figurine (junk) |
| 4 | [] [] You have a memorable night and meet interesting people. If either box is unticked, tick it, gain 1 XP and and restore 1 LUCK. But...note passage 200 and turn to 158 |
| 5 | You made a new friend who joins you on your adventures as a Companion. Note passage 200 and turn to 146 to see who they are. |
| 6 | You drink a good drink and have a great night that ends in pain. Gain code Sickened, a half-eaten meat pie (junk, small) and Friend of Halvard. (While Sickened you remove one die on all Tests) 7 |
| 7 | You find a misplaced drinks token and get talking to some regulars here. Note passage 200 and turn to 144 |
| 8 | You vaguely remember trading for an ugly mask. Either lose an item at random or two non-junk items of your choice. |
| 9 | You get into a brawl. Turn to 5 |
| 10 | Everything seemed to go right for you! Restore 1 LUCK. If you are already at maximum LUCK, gain code Succour. |
| 11 | You wake up with a hangover somewhere unexpected. You also have a mysterious goblin statue. Turn to 99 to find out where you are. |
| 12 | You have a great night, make friends and foes. Someone gives you a nice gift, but you also make yourself a target. Gain code Boggard and Roll on table T1 |
Minor Treasures
Next is the supplemental table T1, which details minor treasures. Often found as loot or as some other reward.
Some may have uses elsewhere in the gamebook or have other significance. Such as keywords "charm", "silver", "triangular" and "gold".
You find a minor treasure!
| 2d6 | T1 - Minor Treasures Table |
|---|---|
| 2 | You find some heavy armour (bulky, valuable) |
| 3 | You find five drinks tokens (junk, small) |
| 4 | You find a silver ring (small) |
| 5 | [][] Tick one of the boxes. If both are already ticked treat as result of 7. You find a lump of gold (small, valuable) |
| 6 | You find a triangular symbol (small) |
| 7 | You find 1d6 shillings in a pouch. It's not so useful in the Briar. |
| 8 | You find a pile of furs (bulky, valuable) |
| 9 | You find two ugly figurines with contorted faces |
| 10 | You find a badger statuette |
| 11 | A smiling oak charm (small) |
| 12 | You find a silver dagger (throw) |
Beast Encounters
There are lots of encounters in the Briar, as it's one of the results of exploring. Especially because of the character you are playing.
The table for beasts has many animals that you might meet. Most of them don't involve combat. Or at least they don't have to...
A beast encounters you!
Roll two d6 and add them together to find out what
| 2d6 | Beast Encounters | |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 | A bear. Turn to 319 | |
| 4 | If you are a Friend of the Philosophers turn to 343. Otherwise turn to 336 | |
| 5 | Insects. Turn to 372 | |
| 6 | If you have code Bereft turn to 385. Otherwise a strange beast, turn to 358 | |
| 7 | [] If this box is unticked and you have code Bleat tick this box and turn to 47. Otherwise turn to 385 | |
| 8 | A boar. Turn to 329 | |
| 9 | Some deer. If you want to hunt them turn to 308. Otherwise turn to noted passage | |
| 10 | Birds...turn to 394 | |
| 11-12 | A black cat...turn to 301 |
Finishing Up
Getting closer to doing a proper playtest of the Briar!
Happy gaming!
