A guard is turned to stone as they check a reinforced covered wagon carrying a basilisk. The driver tries to make a panicked getaway.
Random tables for disturbance at the city gates, what's in someone's pockets and residents of a city home.
Tangled tables - monsters | villages | foraging & signs | city | items | potions
[Image by Patrick E. Pullen]
City Gates, What's in their Pockets and City Residents
System neutral ideas for a disturbance at the gates, contents of someone's pockets for pickpockets or random npcs. And who's in a particular house or home in a town or city.
Originally from tables requested by patreons and on instragram, now compiled in a PDF, A Tangle of Tables on DM's Guild.
Disturbance at the Gates
Guards might include a veteran, mage, priest or beasts.
| d10 | |
|---|---|
| 1 | A cabbage cart overturns, spilling coins (or other valuables) hidden within. There is a scramble as everyone gathers what they can. |
| 2 | A brightly dressed figure is provoking the guards with insults from a nearby corner. They are a distraction for criminals (or fugitives). |
| 3 | A guard is turned to stone as they check a reinforced covered wagon carrying a basilisk. The driver tries to make a panicked getaway. |
| 4 | A hated commander has imposed a dress code of specific hats (or scarves) for those wanting to enter (or to skip the queue). The commander's friend sells the required items from a nearby cart. |
| 5 | A preacher near the gates angrily denounces a local official. The growing crowd grows unhappy as guards try to silence the preacher. |
| 6 | A renowned pie seller sets up nearby, but only has a few of a popular seasonal pie. There is pushing and shouting to get one. |
| 7 | Some adventurers have mules with bulging packs. They are trying to avoid taxes by trying a variety of ways to get past the guards. |
| 8 | The guards went on a break and locked the gate. Now the key is lost! |
| 9 | A foreigner is desperate to get through gates but carries signs of plague. Guards warn them not to come nearer or be shot. |
| 10 | There is a long queue as the guards check people going through gates. The checks are slowed by the guards loud and heated conversation about romance (or local taverns). |
What's in Their Pockets?
| d10 | |
|---|---|
| 1 | A wanted poster (or missing person poster) for someone the character knows. There is a substantial reward. |
| 2 | A scented handkerchief (or cloth) with dark stains. |
| 3 | A pet... 1d10 (1. spider; 2. mouse; 3. insect; 4. rock; 5. lizard; 6. toad; 7. snake; 8. beetle; 9. chick; 10. kitten;) |
| 4 | Something sticky (50% chance is stuck to something else - roll again) |
| 5 | A variety of coins worth 1d10 gold pieces |
| 6 | A heavy bronze key with two runes |
| 7 | A tool... 1d10 (1. hammer; 2. chisel; 3. scissors; 4. ruler; 5. knife; 6. spoon; 7. scraper; 8. pliers; 9. needle; 10. clamp;) |
| 8 | A letter from a friend (or relative) |
| 9 | A snack...1d10 (1. fruit; 2. a cookie; 3. bread; 4. a pastry; 5. a pie; 6. a carrot; 7. jam tart; 8. nuts; 9. berries; 10. hunk of cheese;) |
| 10 | A small collection of... 1d10 (1. stones; 2. coins; 3. chalk ; 4. marbles; 5. dead insects; 6. herbs; 7. feathers; 8. notes; 9. charms; 10. bones;) |
Residential Occupants
Optional extra included in italics
| d10 | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Five generations of a family live here, many with very similar names. Loud arguments are frequent. (They have a magical pet) |
| 2 | A dwarven (or elven) couple recently moved in. Many chests still unpacked and neighbors are curious. (They have magical wards) |
| 3 | A family of shapechangers tries to pass as a normal family in a home full of religious icons. (There is a secret exit to beneath the city) |
| 4 | A nature-loving couple live with lizards, birds, spiders and other pets. Decorated in bright colors. (An adventurer rents the basement) |
| 5 | A wealthy couple live here with three young children, an older relative, a servant, two cats and a dog. (Related to local ruler) |
| 6 | A mix of artists, students and a prostitute live here. Every evening they invite neighbors for a communal meal. (There is a rooftop entrance) |
| 7 | Living here is a young couple with a dog and a baby. One of them is a tax collector and disliked by neighbors. (One of the is a spy) |
| 8 | Three old folk live here, always several grandchildren visiting. They are influential in local politics. (They are a coven of spellcasters) |
| 9 | Seven adult siblings live here with partners, children and pets. A mix of clashing ornaments and objects (They are a feared crime family) |
| 10 | A young healer lives with seventeen cats. Carvings and picture of nature decorate the home. (They work for a local villin) |
More Random Tables
Originally from tables requested by patreons and on instragram, now compiled in a PDF, A Tangle of Tables on DM's Guild.
