Random Town Encounters (1d100)

xanth-the-wizard:

The complete list of my Town Encounters #1-5! Vote for the next set of Random Encounters HERE. (Image Credit: x)

[1] An enormous bear stumbles around town wearing human clothing. They’re attempting to order drinks at the local tavern, but so far they haven’t had much luck
[2] You arrive early morning into a quiet little village. Unfortunately nobody is around to greet you because they have all been turned into candy
[3] A festival is taking place in the center of town. They seem to be celebrating a historical figure that looks oddly similar to someone in the party
[4] Dashing through the streets, a bandit has stolen a powerful magic artifact. Anyone they pass by are turned to stone. A hefty reward will be given to anyone who can catch them
[5] Hm? In your back pocket there’s a piece of paper with directions to somewhere in town. If asked about the location, nobody seems to know where it is
[6] While walking through the streets a child runs into the party at full speed, falling to the ground. They apologize profusely as they begin to collect their dropped goods. This includes a baby dragon
[7] Rumor: The guards in this town are not human, they never sleep. Most people speculate they are from another realm
[8] Enticing smells fill the air, there seems to be a cooking competition in town. And it looks like it’s not too late to sign up. Anybody know how to make a killer quiche?
[9] Rumor: Beneath the city lies an ancient tunnel leading to a thief’s lost treasure. But everyone is too afraid to look for themselves. When prompted on what is down there, people dance around the question
[10] Sentient vegetables rebel against the local chef. At first glance it seems to be a harmless prank, but anyone bit by the veggies begin morphing into vicious vegetables themselves
[11] Magic is outlawed in this district of town. Anyone who casts any spell begins to glow
[12] Little ducklings follow behind the party, quacking merrily. They are perfectly harmless but without their mother. Did somebody order 8 new beautiful children?
[13] Ghosts have driven out the living from the town leaving behind a literal Ghost Town. The Ghosts are actually quite friendly, too friendly
[14] Rumor: Grandma Crabapple, a sweet old lady who lives alone in her cottage up on the hill is actually a Doppelganger. Looks like we’re going to have to eat her famous cherry pie and get to the bottom of this mystery
[15] The local tavern has been recently reconstructed, a group of rowdy adventurers burned it down a few months back. The locals don’t take kindly to any adventurers now
[16] Every year in spring a nearby lake floods, threatening the village’s safety. But every year the cobblestone wall surrounding them keeps them safe. But this year, something goes horribly wrong. And it’s probably one of your player’s fault
[17] Rumor: The local school is teaching children to summon demons and worship the devil
[18] Rotten tomatoes fly as an Orc Bard attempts to perform in the streets for gold
[19] A potion brewer has set up shop in town, they have an extra special brew that grants anyone who drinks it invisibility. But the effect happens randomly and without warning
[20] Perched upon a crumbling building, a gargantuan bird watches the town silently. The villagers claim that wishing upon one of the bird’s feathers can grant a wish. Unfortunately the bird doesn’t shed very often and doesn’t like to be bothered
[21] Rumor: The alcohol in the bar is watered down with a substitute that creates intense cravings for more alcohol
[22] Transcending space and time, you cat appears. They are to scale with your figurines and demand your attention
[23] Goblins have invaded! Oh, looks like they’re just selling baked goods at reasonable prices. You win this time Goblins…
[24] The water wells have frozen over unexpectedly. A sentient ice elemental is passing through
[25] You have entered into a town created with sand and dirt, there is a lone tower in the center. A wizard has created their own town by controlling local ants. The wizard smells really bad
[26] A real life celebrity has a look-alike in your campaign, and they are the bartender at a small tavern with dreams of being famous
[27] A Magic Shop is selling the most illegitimate looking magic items you’ve ever seen. But for some reason people are flooding to their stand and buying all of their merch. Do they not realize?
[28] Rumor: In this small farming town, the Scarecrows are said to awaken at night looking to exchange bodies with anyone who loses to them at their game. The game is hopscotch
[29] You’ve been handed a flyer for a local religious group. It seems they worship an Insect god. Surely they are up to no good! Oooh, look! They have a buffet!
[30] A horse cart race is under way, are you in?
[31] Out of the sewers, four turtles emerge. They have varying magical mutations. One can turn invisible, another has super speed, the remaining turtle’s powers are unknown. They are causing quite a ruckus in town
[32] Rumor: Eerie whistling is heard by the graveyard every night. The townspeople believe it is a restless spirit
[33]  Tap dancing frogs, followed by synchronized flying ravens appear. A local swamp witch is accomplishing her dream. She expects applause and tips, or else
[34] A group of local teens are attempting to fundraise a dangerous project. They promise that it will revolutionize the world
[35] Rumor: The leader of this town is actually a dozen frogs in a trenchcoat
[36] You are given a free lotion sample at a stand. The lotion has strange side effects including but not limited to, sprouting wings
[37] A villager appears to the party, they are an obvious caricature of your favorite video game character
[38] Servants of a local noble rebel. They are protesting outside the castle
[39] There is a college within the town that holds forgotten history. It’s a favorite among the world’s most powerful magicians. Surely you’ll meet someone interesting inside?
[40] Many clues lead you to believe that there are witches hiding in the city. The truth is, the entire town is a coven, everyone is a witch. Can you trust this coven?
[41] There is a flea-market in town with hundreds of vendors selling everything from valuable artisan goods to worthless junk. If you’re lucky you may find a neglected magic item for sale
[42] A thieves guild takeover is currently underway and somehow you’ve managed to get involved
[43] An earthquake ravages the city, within the rubble ancient prophetic texts are discovered
[44] Rumor: Beneath the meat shop there is an illegal underground fighting ring. What will you do? Stop it from getting out of hand, make some bets, or sign up as a fighter yourself?
[45] Riots in the streets spark as an unjust ruler is appointed into a position of great power
[46] Taco Bell is real and Baja Blast is now canon
[47] Rumor: An unknown infant Monster is roaming the streets. It is incredibly dangerous and there is a bounty for its capture. People believe it is a Basilisk
[48] Twin scientists advertise around town for their Monster business. They buy and sell monster parts and some interesting Monster related goods
[49] The town drunk happens to know a lot of interesting/important information but nobody seems to be listening
[50] The world’s first train operates within this bustling city. While visiting a catastrophic event occurs involving a busted engine
[51] Rumor: Pranksters have animated the children’s toys and stuffed animals at the local General Store causing some traumatic memories for the local kids. People believe the culprits are the store owners themselves. But how true is this claim?
[52] Rumor: The abandoned castle on the hill is full of tremendous treasure and wealth. But so far nobody has discovered where it is hidden
[53] Local crime lord strolls around town with their new love interest. Everyone is afraid of this criminal but do nothing to stop them from taking advantage of their town
[54] An industrialized revolution is happening! Lots of unique goods and services are all over the city. But this massive urban development comes with a steep cost. Nature spirits are planning an attack on the city for invading their homeland
[55] You are in a town blessed by nature. Colorful fauna is everywhere and on every building. It is a beautiful culmination of nature and society. They also grow rare and exotic crops
[56] Yup. It finally happened. The most chaotic member of the party has a bounty. Good luck
[57] This town is inhabited entirely by avian beings. They are friendly, but most places are inaccessible if you can’t fly
[58] A local Barber is willing to give your party’s pet a cool new haircut. What’s that? They have no hair you say? No problem! Stylish wigs are also an option
[59] “Welcome! Tonight is the big game! The Bardic and Wizarding colleges are going to face off! Be sure to buy your tickets now!”
[60] Zelda-esque mini games are all over the place! Smash pots, hit some targets, win some rupees!
[61] A town of sentient horses. An equestrian experience nobody will forget
[62] Stone guardians have become animated and are rampaging through the town. First we must stop the guardians. Second we have to figure out who did this
[63] Rumor: Buildings are falling apart as bricks and stones are disappearing randomly. Some believe the bricks are alive. It’s the curse of the Were-Bricks!
[64] A special promotion for a local tavern is given to anyone who can catch and dispose of the rats from their basement. Problem is, these rats aren’t just simple street rats
[65] Did somebody say, Shopping montage? A trendy fashion store has opened up, it’s the perfect to accessorize! Maybe some new outfits for the next campaign arc?
[66] Just put your players in the town of Whiterun from Skyrim. Perfect
[67] And while I’m talking Skyrim, instead of stealing Whiterun. Instead you should just quote the Skyrim NPC’s constantly. “Let me guess… someone stole your sweetroll.”
[68] Rumor: A mad scientist has created life, but the being has escaped and stalks the dark alleyways
[69] A bird delivers an important letter to a member of the party… That or it’s a 25% off coupon for a local Costume store
[70] The circus is in town! But something’s not quite right. The attendants of the shows can never recall what happens during the performances but are always dying to go back
[71] A knock off group of Fantasy Avengers appear and take credit for the party’s heroic deeds. They do this multiple times throughout the campaign. I’d suggest settling this debacle once and for all in battle!
[72] “Welcome! Have you checked out our main attraction? It’s our pride and joy! People come from all over the world to catch a glimpse of this spectacle!” Examples: House made entirely out of food. A skyscraper that can reach space. A wishing well that supposedly grants one word wishes. A captivating glowing orb of pure hatred and hellfire
[73] Rumor: During a full moon a store opens up for business selling strange artifacts. Rumors also suggest the owner of this business is the Devil himself
[74] Giant Snail races are being hosted tonight, care to make a wager?
[75] Rumor: The local fortune teller has been warning the village of some ominous futures. Surely this is just a ploy to snag some extra profit?
[76] A carnival you say? Introduce a bunch of sleazy carnies to con your party into massive debt. A debt so large that it can only be repaid with even sleazier side quests
[77] A FUN carnival you say? Let your players participate in some fun games to show off their strengths and clever skills (AKA cheating)
[78] Local orphans take a liking to your party, they are very sweet
[79] Roll initiative! A mugger has attacked- Oh! False alarm. It’s only a knife salesman
[80] A bored god appears within the city demanding the town’s finest ales and to battle an honorable adversary
[81] The local Odditorium* is an enticing tourist trap that is offering a questionable new promotion (Think, The Mystery Shack from Gravity Falls or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!)
[82] The most unlikely individual offers the party an assassin job. Unfortunately, this job is wacky and requires dressing up like members of a circus
[83] A blessing! Local flower shop gifts a player a lucky daffodil. Good fortune and prosperity is in their future
[84] A curse! One of your players has been struck with a curse of familiarity. In every town you enter someone will swear they look just like someone else and mistake them for said person
[85] Rumor: There’s a rumor going around about your party. A bad one. Nobody trusts you
[86] It is migrating season for Unicorns and this town is in the middle of their migration path. Despite their beauty, these Unicorns are dangerous and untrusting
[87] The entire town is riddled with traps and wires, be careful where you step
[88] As your party travels through the town, one member of the party seems to be teleported to another realm. In reality they haven’t moved at all. Stranger things have happened I’m sure. It’s probably nothing (It’s definitely something)
[89] Rumor: A man known as the Master of Riddles lives in town. He will reward anyone for solving his riddles. But the rewards are unlike anything anyone’s ever seen
[90] Taxidermied animals rampage through the streets, a Necromancer is to blame
[91] Your reoccurring “Big Bad Villain” just happens to be in town. They don’t immediately recognize the party and seem to be doing some pretty domestic stuff. Is this their hometown or is this just a pit stop in their travels?
[92] This river settlement is quite large. They have just begun developing this area, most buildings are still being constructed. The tavern, inn and a few shops are open. Trouble looms in the distance as a large beast’s home is directly below
[93] Local pants thieves begin messing with the party and it is hilarious
[94] Rumor: Inside the oldest building in town there is an ancient door that is said to lead to the heavens. Nobody has ever been able to open the door, not even with magic. The key’s location is an unsolved mystery. Some say the key is buried somewhere nearby
[95] Rumor: Local inventor claims to have created a machine that can fly and is willing to pay anyone to give it a test run
[96] Dozens of missing person and lost item posters are all around the town (For an extra twist, one of the missing people is someone in the party)
[97] In the center of town lies a guild of mice adventurers. They protect this town and make sure all outsiders are trustworthy
[98] Take all the snacks and drinks you and your players brought to today’s session and create a boss fight out of it! It emerges from the earth with little to no warning
[99] A group of teens run around the city role playing their favorite book characters. Unfortunately these characters are swashbuckling looters. Time to put these kids in time out
[100] A traveling merchant sells odd wooden closets, drawers, and chests. When opened, these objects lead to portals between dimensions. Suddenly, one of the closets tip over and the doors swing open