Creating an Encounter Table
Each location that can be explored, such as a dungeon or a province has its own associated encounter table. Consider the following format for such a table. You can fill out this table when creating said location or as-needed. Guidelines provide simple ideas on what you might encounter.
| d100 | Encounter | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| 01-28 | Very Common | Local beasts or monsters (low-level, many) |
| 29-42 | Common | Local beasts or monsters (low-level, some) |
| 43-56 | Common | Local beasts or monsters (mid-level, few) |
| 57-70 | Common | Local faction (low-level, some) |
| 71-77 | Uncommon | Local beasts or monsters (mid-level, some) |
| 78-84 | Uncommon | Foreign beasts or monsters (low-level, many) |
| 85-91 | Uncommon | Local faction (mid-level, some) |
| 92-98 | Uncommon | Foreign faction (mid-level, few) |
| 99 | Rare | Foreign unique monster or NPC (high-level, single) |
| 00 | Rare | Local unique monster or NPC (high-level, single) |
For smaller locations you can also use a simplified version.
| d12 | Encounter | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rare | Local unique monster or NPC (high-level, single) |
| 2 | Rare | Foreign unique monster or NPC (high-level, single) |
| 3-6 | Uncommon | Local faction (mid-level, some) |
| 7-12 | Common | Local beasts or monsters (low-level, many) |
Rolling for Encounter
When rolling for a random encounter, roll on the appropriate encounter table for that location. Also consider rolling for distance and reaction of the encounter. When rolling for an encounter as a Complication from the Tension Pool, you can just roll the remaining polyhedral dice and use them to lookup the relevant information.
Distance and reaction can also be rolled on any die. Interpret the low result as being close (Distance) or friendly (Reaction) and high results as far away (Distance) or hostile (Reaction).
Distance
| d4 | Distance |
|---|---|
| 1 | Close |
| 2 | Near |
| 3 | Far |
| 4 | Distant |
Reaction
| d8 | Reaction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Helpful |
| 2 | Friendly |
| 3 | Wary |
| 4 | Indifferent |
| 5 | Unfriendly |
| 6 | Threatening |
| 7 | Hostile |
| 8 | Violent |
Activity
You may also wish to roll for an activity that encounter is currently performing. Alternatively you may wish to consult a random ⚅ prompt.
| d20 | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Starving |
| 2 | Infighting |
| 3 | Waiting in ambush |
| 4 | Carrying or dragging something |
| 5 | Sleeping or resting |
| 6 | Celebrating |
| 7 | Eating |
| 8 | Scavenging |
| 9 | Arguing |
| 10 | Fishing or Hunting |
| 11 | Travelling |
| 12 | Returning to home |
| 13 | Building or repairing something |
| 14 | Tending to wounds |
| 15 | Digging |
| 16 | Prowling or stalking something |
| 17 | Guarding something or someone |
| 18 | Burning something |
| 19 | Performing ritual or be part of it |
| 20 | Staring into the distance |