NPCs

Big City Denizens

ART FABENFORTH “There oughta be a law!”

An elderly man in darned AN ELDERLY human man cure curse-induced halitosis, he’d
clothing, whose thin gray with a bad back and worse knees, be interested.
beard and messy white hair are Art Fabenforth is an incredulous 1 Secret or Obstacle Art’s
accentuated by a cloud of pipe shopkeep—if you can call the biggest problem is his inability
smoke trapped under a floppy nearly empty shack he’s often to concede that he might
hat; he is the very definition sitting outside a shop—who be complicit in his own
of “an old coot.” You also get does not like the way things are ostracization. And his breath,
a whiff of his breath when going in his city (or his province, which is not great.
he opens his mouth, and it’s or his realm, or his life). He 1 Carrying 22cp; something he
thinks things should be the way calls “a plugged nickel”; a stick
decidedly unpleasant. they used to be. He has a hard that always points the way to
time expressing why without clean groundwater; an empty
For the Insightful getting agitated. His breath, tin holding remnants of
combined with his tirades, are peppermint leaf.
It’s possible a lot of this man’s literally exhausting. Incredulous Breath. Any
anger and frustration stems creature within 10 ft. of Art
not from the fact that the city 1 Wants & Needs A stiff drink and when he’s upset and breathing
(or province or world at large) a time machine. Barring that, heavily must succeed on a DC
changed, but that change has he’d like there to be some kind of 10 Constitution saving throw or
ultimately left him behind. law that would get things back suffer two levels of exhaustion.
Maybe he just needs a hug? to the way they was. Back then.
When things were better. At a
nonspecific time. And if you can

HATTIE NOTTINGHAM, with Barnabus the Beetle

“That sounds exciting! Not like this crap store.”

A teenage girl with wide eyes, Barnabus are stuck here for now. BBP(colenouetaitecstlo)e,nrare, 300gp
a freckled smile and brown 1 Wants & Needs Hattie wants to
get out of this city and see the TfbtratolthoahcuaaDenimsatsrretsdnuwhadrnogCtrpdbceviaiwehoisrtcceoiit1shennpd.eeeepi0sPpsOisgsgeiteounvoslaeCanuie.nfttendasrf2hhnd.oIoetama4mAefcronrlnotooysrfetshefuhcahwmtnzd1fIeseiroifeedsitntleeuacbuscdue6cccabcasayird.trtattovhelsipTuempoisuosaoihnaoraunafsnhtoietavgfcctsiuaerrseetioicisntartevtt,nucendhsaesvedtrtbetetorishtihdefdljenowotueaefaeaadegwsnricoitmnodllnut.nnslnersa5otdd,eg,ahtieieits
hair that’s never been cut, she world. And would do just about
is toying with a bright blue anything to achieve that goal.
beetle she lets crawl on her If only she didn’t have to stick
calloused hands. around to watch this stupid store.
1 Secret or Obstacle As long as the
For the Perceptive family’s store is in operation, Hattie’s
or Nature-minded dreams will have to wait. Sometimes
she whispers quietly to Barnabus as
The beetle looks quite exotic, she fantasizes about poisoning her
and would likely be worth a lot of family so she can finally get away
money to the right buyer. It’s also from the city. It’s mostly talk. Mostly.
deadly poisonous. 1 Carrying 2cp, 8sp; a key to the
family store; three tiny vials
A YOUTHFUL and starry-eyed of blue beetle poison (which
student of the natural world, with she would consider selling, but
rosy cheeks and outlook to match, would rather give away to anyone
Hattie Nottingham would love to willing to watch the store for just
spend more time outside of the city. like...three hours).
Alas, someone has to watch the
family store, so she and her pet beetle

BOOKER VARENDOLT “Could be! Who knows?”

A heavy-set man with a jolly and all who pursue them. He Optimism, a guide that touts the
face and positive disposition, trusts the city watch implicitly, power of looking on the bright side.
his teeth seem just a little too and can’t imagine why anyone 1 Secret or Obstacle Booker has
wouldn’t. After all, if you stay on been asking so many nobles to
big for his mouth. the right side of the law, what invest in his book that they’ve
could you possibly need to worry started to think he has an
For the Perceptive about? Booker seeks investors to ulterior motive, which is why he’s
help publish a book he’s written, being followed.
Hard to say for certain, but it looks but in the process may have run 1 Carrying 12cp, 8sp, 1gp;
like Booker is being followed. afoul of the very people he’s been a dogeared handwritten
A MIDDLE-CLASS citizen with hoping to impress. manuscript, The Secret Art of
upper-class aspirations, Booker Optimism—the only one in
Varendolt believes the city 1 Wants & Needs Booker would existence.
presents opportunities for any love investors to print his
manuscript, The Secret Art of

“SURLY JANE” ARGENTO “SHUT IT.”

A young woman in plain JANE ARGENTO, “Surly Jane” to the by any means necessary.
clothes, with dark braided hair locals, might be considered one of the 1 Secret or Obstacle Jane saved
and a severely clenched jaw, region’s great beauties if she weren’t up enough money to buy a
whose green eyes spark with a also among its most temperamental. fireball potion from a local mage,
mix of anger and restlessness. The fact that this is a universally and plans to use it the next time
accepted truth in her town is only part her parents start yelling—or
For the Insightful of what makes Jane seethe with rage. perhaps if one more person tells
Her father Karl beats her mother Ada, her to smile more.
Jane has seen too much, perhaps her mother beats her brother Thom, 1 Carrying 12cp, 3sp; a journal
knows too much, about people and Jane has had enough. cataloguing all the things that
in general to treat them with 1 Wants & Needs Jane wants to get make her angry; a fireball potion.
unearned kindness or respect. her brother away from her parents,

RALLY O’MALLEY “Try to keep up!”

A young, blond half-elven man RALLY O’MALLEY works as a 1 Wants & Needs Rally needs to get
with quick feet and a chip courier in the city, delivering all the package he’s carrying across
on his shoulder, his angular manner of parcels and packages. town. But he has plenty of time!
He is as quick-witted as he is fleet Wanna race?
features and lithe build suggest of foot, and his cocksure attitude 1 Secret or Obstacle There are
a body built for speed. regarding his natural abilities some in the city who wish to break
have led to numerous friendly Rally’s legs. They’ve been waiting
For the Athletic wagers among the populace. until today to make their move.
He’s rarely lost, a fact he is quite 1 Carrying 11cp, 4sp, 2gp; an
Rally looks like he could win any proud of (and also never shuts up unmarked package containing the
short foot race, but his body is about). He has a movement speed still-beating heart of a devil; a small
built for speed, not endurance. of 45 ft., but he needs to catch his bottle of ointment to prevent chafing.
breath if he runs top speed for
more than five rounds.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 51

Big City Denizens

OPHELIA CLINK “Mind holding onto this baby?”

A flinty-eyed woman in tattered For the Perceptive 1 Wants & Needs Coin. Maybe a hot
clothes, wearing a dull holy meal. Anything you don’t need. And
This mother and this child look a private word with anyone lacking
symbol, she is carrying a wailing absolutely nothing alike. in both children and scruples.
infant under one arm and a 1 Secret or Obstacle Ophelia would
LIFE HAS BEEN unkind to be willing to sell this child, which
sack of turnips under the other. Ophelia Clink, and she has she took off a lovely couple’s hands
responded in kind. A generally a few nights ago, to the right buyer.
For the Religious unpleasant woman, she’s wearing She’d say as much in Thieves’ Cant.
or carrying everything she has 1 Carrying 3cp; a small tin cup; a
This woman is wearing a symbol in the world, and it’s all for sale. crust of bread; a slip of paper that
of Pelor, but does not strike you Ophelia thought having a child reads “Mortimer Dawes, 400 gold,
as an acolyte of life. would make begging a little easier. crossroads, next full moon.”
She’s mostly right. But the child she
has isn’t exactly hers.

OBEDIAH MONSOON “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

A bearded old man with a A KINDLY MAN with a generous airship, The Steady Breeze, so he can
gentle aspect and crows’ spirit if relatively empty pockets, spread his wife’s remains over the city
feet earned from a lifetime of Obediah Monsoon and his wife where they shared their lives.
smiling, wearing a dark tunic Angelique met in their early 20s 1 Secret or Obstacle Obediah
and breeches, with a black and spent nearly every day of the plans to join his wife’s ashes as
thistle pinned to his top. next 68 years by one another’s side. they fall to the city below.
He’d very much like to be with her 1 Carrying 23cp, 3sp, 3gp; a hand-
For the Scholarly again, but wants to make sure she’s carved wooden box containing the
laid to rest according to her wishes, cremated remains of Angelique
In some philosophical circles, a somewhat costly endeavor under Monsoon; a flyer for The Steady
wearing a black thistle is a sign the circumstances. Breeze (which details charter rates
that you are ready for the next at GM discretion).
phase of your life: death. 1 Wants & Needs Obediah wants
a pass for a private trip aboard an

POLLIE KORDA “Anyone care for a game?”

A smiling, elderly woman NO ONE is quite sure how old 1 Secret or Obstacle Pollie is difficult
standing a shade below five Pollie Korda is: there are elders to beat, as her years of solitude have
feet, a height made to seem in the city who don’t remember a given her time to become an expert
shorter by her pronounced time when she wasn’t an old widow, at every game her game board can
slouch, carrying a large gaming sitting on her front porch playing replicate (which is to say any game
some version of solitaire or another, you can name and some you can’t).
set under one bony arm. sometimes playing both white and She is looking for a player who is
black on a chessboard. She values true to the “spirit of the game,” so she
For the Perceptive company above everything else. can pass on her gaming set and the
1 Wants & Needs A best-of-nine magic item she carries.
If playing a game, Pollie would be series in her favorite game, a 1 Carrying 12cp, 2sp; her magical
observed giving her opponents variation on backgammon. game board; 10d6 hard candies; a
helpful, though discreet, hints. rare magical item (at GM discretion).

CHESTER “CHET STAIN” STAINEROKOVSKY “And another thing…”

A full-cheeked man with greasy locals) is among the greasiest wheels 1 Wants & Needs A group of
chest hair poking out of his around. It’s hard to say what he pickpockets rolled him for nearly
tunic, sucking his fingers and enjoys more, eating or complaining. 12sp in coin and IOUs and took
gesturing with a turkey leg. When it isn’t full of food (and often his mother’s amulet, worth at least
when it is) he’s using his mouth to 200gp. And no one seems to care.
For the Scholarly upbraid someone over some slight 1 Secret or Obstacle Chet has
or another, and his modest legal never worked for a lawyer, and his
Chet’s complaints may be marked background helps these complaints threats to sue are primarily used
with legalese and references to pack more punch. Recently he was as a shrewd tactic to get those he’s
litigation, but don’t line up with any taken advantage of by a group of complaining with to settle.
laws or statutes you’re aware of. local pickpockets. And he tripped on 1 Carrying 2sp, 3gp; a backup
IN A CITY where the squeaky a loose cobblestone while chasing turkey leg wrapped in greasy
wheels get the grease, Chester after them. And the puddle he fell paper; a list of petty grievances;
Stainerokovsky (“Chet Stain” to the in got some mud on his tunic. Who’s the dirtiest handkerchief.
going to pay for all this? Did you
know he used to work for a lawyer?

SEDONA MYTH “You didn’t hear it from me...”

A blonde-haired woman of A GOSSIP-TRADER with a gift 1 Wants & Needs Protection. At
middle age, with almond- for gab, Sedona Myth knows a little least until she can sort things
shaped eyes, gapped teeth and a something about nearly everyone out with Janeen, who’s definitely
voice louder than it needs to be. in the part of the city she calls cheating on her husband...with...an
home. She has a lovely family, a orc! Can you believe it!?
For the Insightful habit of making boring stories 1 Secret or Obstacle Sedona can’t
more scandalous and a price on stop herself from spreading stories
Sedona seems to prefer shifting her head—a consequence of an about folks in town and has very few
the conversation to other people’s embellished tale about Janeen true friends (if you can believe it).
troubles than talk about her own Montclair that made its way to 1 Carrying 13cp, 18sp; a hairpin
woes—which are considerable. Janeen’s father Kart, a powerful sharp enough to function as a
merchant with deep pockets and a dagger; a rudimentary disguise kit.
strong sense of honor.

JIG JOINER “Are you an elf? Or just elf-ish?”

A young halfling with an eager JIG JOINER was lost in life, with 1 Wants & Needs Jig was once told
outlook and somewhat slim little motivation other than the consuming a diet of elven hair
build, wearing a screen-printed pursuit of affordable food and drink. could lead to a transformation,
tunic that says “I Heart Elves.” But waking from a dream where and as such has been attempting to
they experienced life as an elf, Jig felt collect as much as possible.
For the Perceptive invigorated with renewed purpose: 1 Secret or Obstacle There are
to become one. Maybe you have no known means, outside of a
Jig looks fairly trim, but their skin some ideas? Or know some elves resurrection or wish spell, for a
hangs a little loose in some areas, who might? Jig would very much like non-elf to become one. And elven
indicating they might have once to become an elf, and will pursue any hair has no nutritional value.
been on the heavier side. reasonable method. Some say it’s a 1 Carrying 17cp, 13sp; an extra “I
foolish dream. But Jig knows a true Heart Elves” tunic, in green; several
elf would never let pessimism stand locks of elven hair in an envelope.
in their way.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 53

Big City Denizens

IGGY RIPASSO “You’re not from around here, are ya?”

A diminutive man, short even AFTER LEAVING the comfort of 1 Wants & Needs A day off. And a
for a dwarf, with bushy red hair a dwarven mine nearly a century new courier. His last delivery was
ago, Iggy Ripasso (formerly intercepted by highwaymen. Iggy
parted down the middle and Ignatious Stonebeater) has since needs a few items picked up from
a beard to match in a leather made a reputation for himself as a the Lizard King of the Undercity.
apron that keeps getting caught humble shopkeep who somehow 1 Secret or Obstacle Sometimes
connects buyers and sellers all Iggy will tip off local bandits about
under his feet. his legitimate deliveries, collecting
over the realm. He’s what the insurance money on the stolen
For the Roguish goods—an old habit he can’t seem
underworld refers to as “a cart”—a to break.
Iggy carries himself with the legitimate go-between who can 1 Carrying 31cp, 81sp, 30gp; a few
confidence of a street savvy lend credibility and a good word maps outlining the sewer system’s
operator, even if his operation when various gangs want to parlay most clear cut routes under the city.
seems fully legitimate—suggesting or trade in goods and services. If
he might have some sort of it exists and it’s on this plane, Iggy
criminal background. can usually find out who’s got it and
what they want in exchange.

PATSY FOXENHEIMER “You trying to...butter me up?”

A big-armed woman with a alike agree her butter has a rich 1 Wants & Needs To make her
focused gaze and incredibly flavor that’s simply unmatched. butter in peace, and for Logan
smooth hands, wearing a blue Anywhere. At any price. She Boondurger and the thugs from
bonnet and a simple yellow frock. makes a modest living, despite Udder Bliss to “churn in the hells.”
the fact she could sell her product 1 Secret or Obstacle The heavies
For the Charismatic for a significant sum, preferring at Udder Bliss have stolen Patsy’s
to keep her operation small, local churning stick, which they think is
Patsy seems to believe the pun is and available on a first-come, the secret to her success.
the highest form of comedy. first-served basis. A single pat is 1 Carrying 21cp, 26sp, 1gp; a pound
PATSY FOXENHEIMER is a as good as gold in the right circles. of Patsy’s Pats of Butter, worth
beloved member of the city’s Perhaps it’s for this reason that roughly 50gp; an invoice for several
trade class. Prince and pauper she’s receiving anonymous letters gallons of owlbear milk.
suggesting she give up her recipe
to a local milk magnate, “or else.”

IDA HEDGEBURROW “That sounds nice.”

A scrappy, dark-haired woman CITIES LIKE THIS ONE depend 1 Secret or Obstacle Ida is a
with a build like a badger’s, on the steady, unrelenting work werebadger, a trait that skips
ethic and sensible practicality of a generation in her family. She
wearing a heavy, handknit shawl citizens like Ida Hedgeburrow. She has no idea that many nights,
and sensible shoes. is crafty, but not too ambitious. she transforms and wreaks
Dedicated, but not looking to rise havoc on any and all who have
For the Druidic beyond her station. Content, but underestimated, undermined or
not necessarily happy. She has a underappreciated her. And folks in
Ida seems very in tune with the strong sense of smell. She lacks a the city have started to notice.
natural world, almost as if there’s strong sense of self. 1 Carrying 42cp, 18sp; a set of
a bit of beast in her. 1 Wants & Needs Ida doesn’t know gardener’s tools; a modest darning
what she wants. A tea? kit; a half-knitted scarf.

ALÉSIA TELESZ “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”

A youthful-looking, spindly tables holding her antique teapot at a ruby ring worth 44gp; gold
woman with waist-length all times, making light conversation bangles; a little black book.
platinum hair, dagger sharp with her exclusive clientele while
eyes and a gilded teapot in her serving steaming cups of tea and LLioppsLaonogserla1oosra0WoatfeatnhfvsfmtAindoceireihnssarnfito,idedsnthegtittaeonaezuhritdarnmatahgtoewiuv,egsnneymapirsahstmepbe.nuaarrabbpouOovertscvnfraieetipioenonengbltcetunwvrfggtehroeaunesh.t,tetudtsthmdsieOhahhemutmweeisrrpcncrmss.euoitrcplomesstatweleehmaohiaiasalfn’es.(tslnasokcgDu,oWiefkleulrtoifnteCyhpepfaorhde,e-amoec1syn5ntfpisd)geahkt
hands, adorned in a flowing, the occasional bit of local gossip,
long-sleeved silk gown which never failing to pair a face with a
gives her the appearance of name (nor discerning the reason
floating rather than walking. for their visit).
1 Wants & Needs Alésia would like
For the Perceptive to open a second tea room and
expand her business, but needs
This woman is far too pale, the money.
graceful and statuesque to be fully 1 Secret or Obstacle Well...
human—she must be part-elf. the secrets of the area’s rich and
A TALL, THIN, half-elven woman powerful could certainly be of
with a voice so faint it sounds as value to someone. And a few of her
though it’s coming from another teas have a way of loosening her
room, Alésia Telesz is the discreet clients’ lips.
hostess of a storied tea room that 1 Carrying 17cp, 4sp, 8gp; 13gp in
caters to the realm’s elite. Known assorted tea blends, as well as four
for her exotic rare blends and sachets of Lopsang Lip Looser;
impeccable memory, the 147-year-
old proprietress glides between

SILAS EAVES “That’ll be the day.”

A young man with steel gray cousin, Richard, was responsible far away from here to call home.
eyes and wild red hair, wearing for starting the fire that killed Maybe he’ll settle down and start a
Silas’s family. As Richard’s right- farm like his old man wanted.
a long black coat, boots and hand man in the family’s trading 1 Secret or Obstacle Silas has
gloves, and pacing in circles like business, Silas plans to make off been pocketing small amounts
with Richard’s fortune and slip of Richard’s profits since he was
a caged animal. away to forge a new life elsewhere, a boy and has arranged to have
having never shaken the feeling a fisherman help him find safe
For the Insightful or that he might be next. But word harbor at a foreign port.
Orphaned spreads fast in closed circles, and 1 Carrying 30cp, 7sp, 5gp; a blue
Silas might have let slip a hint or ribbon that belonged to his sister;
Silas’s unspoken grief hangs two of his plan to a few partners an unsigned deed to a small plot of
around him like a dark shroud, whose loyalty isn’t quite as deep as land downriver.
but he seems eager to please. He their debts.
might be an orphan. 1 Wants & Needs Silas wants to
AN INTENSE-LOOKING young liberate his family’s wealth from
man with a piercing gaze, Silas his cousin and find a small town
Eaves has long suspected his
father’s wealthy and well-connected

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 55

Big City Denizens

TILLIE TREFUSIS “Just once, I’d like to shine.”

A teenage girl with cropped and ridiculously good-looking 1 Wants & Needs Dante has sung
dirty-blonde hair and wide siblings, plain Tillie Trefusis has ballads about her brothers and
hazel eyes, wearing what looks long lived in the shadow of her sisters’ exploits and adventures,
to be a hand-me-down green family members’ accomplishments. but despite having performed with
dress with orange embroidery. During the day Tillie works at Tillie for three years, he has failed
the local crypt. At night, she is to so much as remember her name.
For the Insightful the backup flautist for Dante, the 1 Secret or Obstacle Tillie
village bard. Every night around confided her desire to be noticed
When Tillie speaks of her famous sundown, Dante receives cheers and to a persistent voice she converses
brothers and sisters, her words acclaim for his fantastic singing and with in the crypts. She left her flute
are laced with monstrous spite. dancing as Tillie performs in the in the crypt overnight like it asked.
THE OVERLOOKED auxiliary background, barely even noticed. 1 Carrying 10cp, a flute touched
child in a family of seven famous She deserves a moment to shine. At by a ghost; the sheet music for an
least, that’s what the voice in the outlawed ballad; lip balm.
crypts keeps saying.

MIRIAM MACTAVISH “What do you think, Morty?”

An elderly woman with a sing- dreams of winning the local enter the greenthumb competition.
song voice and pink complexion, greenthumb competition with the But she can’t figure out a way to do
mushrooms she’s cultivating in her that without killing them.
wearing a brown apron. Her cellar. Also in her cellar are a family of 1 Secret or Obstacle Miriam
curly silver hair is swept up mostly friendly giant rats that enjoy would love to stop the rats, even the
under a red handkerchief. nibbling on her carefully cultivated big one she dotingly calls “Morty,”
fungi. Although their presence from eating her mushrooms.
For the Perceptive occasionally proves frustrating, 1 Carrying 12gp; a slice of aged
Miriam would rather have a few rats Gruyère covered in rat hair; a
Miriam frequently pulls out a in the house than be plagued by an pair of reading glasses; a pocket-
piece of cheese from her pockets, otherwise empty home. sized book on botany; an ancient-
claiming it’s a snack. She never 1 Wants & Needs Miriam wishes looking love letter signed “Love
eats it. she could protect just a few of her Always, Mortimer.”
mushrooms from the rats so she can
AN ELDERLY WIDOW and
homemaker, Miriam MacTavish

SEVE ROBARTS “Bring out your dead!”

A round man with a powerful PUSHING HIS cart through 1 Wants & Needs A steady flow of
(if pudgy) build, dressed in the streets every morning, Seve coin to sate his growing hunger.
canvas work attire covered in Robarts collects the cadavers of 1 Secret or Obstacle Seve isn’t
plague victims and, he claims, burying the bodies at all, simply
unidentifiable stains. buries them all himself for a few emptying his cart into a ravine
coins. His hulking figure is a staple each day at dawn. He’s essentially
For the Perceptive in the city’s slums, even if that robbing the poor to feed himself.
figure has grown more rotund of 1 Carrying 75cp, 3sp; a sack lunch
Seve seems like he once was late. He’s quick to brag about the featuring a high-end liverwurst
pretty athletic but is clearly letting money to be made with nothing but sandwich; a crudely drawn map of
himself go, a notable fact given all a pushcart, but when asked if he’s the area highlighting a ravine.
the digging he’s allegedly doing. hiring is quick to walk away. Too
quick, really.

WES HUXLEY “Got any candy? Pleeeeeease?”

A fast-talking boy with frizzy, A CLEVER, EXCITABLE and 1 Wants & Needs To find and eat
straw-colored hair whose grin impressionable 6-year-old boy, ALL the candy. And to figure
reveals he is clearly losing his Wes Huxley enjoys nothing more out which one keeps giving him
teeth, fiddling with a brightly- than exploring the city in search of horrible nightmares.
colored candy wrapper, balling sugary treats. While his parents toil 1 Secret or Obstacle Wes wonders
away at a local tavern, Wes slips out whether or not someone has given
it up in his hands. for adventures across town, where him cursed treats. There was that
sympathetic strangers are known to time he accidentally wandered into a
For the Perceptive toss the precocious lad an occasional room full of hooded people chanting
confectionery or two. It’s become something in Undercommon…
This child appears to be quite something of a habit, as there’s Where was that, again?
comfortable walking alone, despite nothing else for him to do, but not 1 Carrying 10cp worth of candies,
his age. He must know something everyone appreciates his propensity bonbons and chocolate truffles.
about the city you don’t. for wandering about.

DANILO FOP “Wanna bet I can’t?”

A sinewy farmer dressed in A SMALL-TIME sharecropper 1 Wants & Needs A few more gold
ill-fitting work wear and and widower who manages a tiny pieces and a ride out of town. He’s
plot within the city limits, Danilo won enough money that he has
carrying a large keg of ale on Fop has worked his entire life, nearly enough to send his beloved
one shoulder and a bale of as hard as possible. Told early daughter Danila to study in the
on that hard work was the only country, far away from big-city life,
barley on the other. way to please the gods and make to become a high priestess.
them favor him, Danilo has never 1 Secret or Obstacle Danilo can be a
For the Insightful uttered a complaint about his lot little too eager to put his money where
in life. He does, however, hope his mouth is, and while he hasn’t met
Danilo’s over-the-top dedication to create a better environment his match yet, one hubristic setback
to physical strength seems to for his daughter. To that end, he’s could cost him everything.
suggest he’s lived through a taken betting on his strength in 1 Carrying 350sp; thick boar-hide
trauma or embarrassment for barroom contests with the hope of gloves; a good luck note from his
which brawn would have been the supplementing his income. daughter.
ultimate solution.

ALEXIS GELLFARER “Halfling my arse. I ’m whole!”

A halfling woman with dark LAID OFF from her job at efficiently organize warehoused
hair in a messy bun, her Turlington Textile Exchange, Alexis goods.” She also wants payback.
works odd jobs, and is quick to 1 Secret or Obstacle Alexis hides
lavender eyes gaze ahead. speak up if it’s implied halflings the fact that she wears lifts in her
can’t achieve as much as their more shoes so she’ll seem a little taller
For the Perceptive vertically blessed peers. than most halflings.
1 Wants & Needs Alexis is all 1 Carrying 3sp, 1gp; a detailed
Alexis rarely, if ever, cranes her about halfling pride and doesn’t schedule of the comings and goings
neck or looks up—as if she refuses want others of her race to suffer of Rictor Turlington, her former
to make eye contact with anyone the embarrassment she felt after employer; a loud whistle.
taller than she is. being deemed “too diminutive to

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 57

Big City Denizens

URSULA VERTE, “THE CANNONBALL” “Family? No. I have a corporation.”

A short, solid and bullish URSULA VERTE has been the 1 Wants & Needs To start a Verte’s
woman, with a clipboard de facto manager of her father’s Greengrocer on a nearby island
in hand, glasses way down grocery since she was 10 years old. with no business district—yet—
her nose and an extremely Her customers affectionately—and as it is currently overrun with
determined demeanor. a bit reverently—refer to her as The gnolls.
Cannonball. She has turned the 1 Secret or Obstacle Verte is so
For the Seafaring grocery into a thriving stopover for invested in her dream of a grocery
all kinds of merchants. All around store empire that she’s willing to do
There’s a bit of red cloth pinned the shop her dozen-odd children anything to make it a reality.
to Ursula’s top with a pearl stock shelves, do calculations 1 Carrying 12cp, 50sp, 100gp;
brooch, signifying a need for a on small abacuses and generally garden clippers; a worn
discreet seaborne courier. make themselves useful. Even the notebook detailing a 17-phase
youngest, unable to reach above the expansion plan.
first shelf, are being groomed for
the family business.

JOACHIM OGLEPINE “You stress too much, my friend.”

An intimidatingly large man, bellies up to a bar next to him is exchange for their silence.
both tall and broad, sipping a cup glad they did. The mysterious barfly
of wine and smiling like he’s been seems to infect those around him 1 Carrying 100sp, 200gp; several
with his optimistic, devil-may-care small vials of an amber liquid, his
kissed by a god. attitude. He’s never worried about “Angel’s Spit.”
what comes next, but always seems
For the Perceptive prepared, even excited, to find out. Angel’s SpitAtcwthlcnehSutiaolshoicpcaenasnkekismnvytAstidluiidfnbanniaaemqebglrgyeaurieone,llt-issbilhdaahut’obonmrsyuhsotlndSeecteaweidlpshdrctes,isvaefe.etShioecndAnmftsokruatcatt,ceernhrd,roaaidecdrgeptnfdottfhai1dAioarutobtdorcugntnlh4ekmryhigsloeo,otreauaootnlusrh’ltssla.tor
1 Wants & Needs If he has any, they
If in an appropriate setting, aren’t readily observable to those
Oglepine will covertly produce a around him. Maybe a good story?
small vial and add a few drops to Spin a yarn?
his first cup of wine. If pressed 1 Secret or Obstacle An unspoken
about it, he grins gamely and worry that the contents of his vial
says it’s his “hangover helper.” will become common knowledge.
NO ONE is sure where Joachim If anyone presses him about it,
Oglepine came from or how long he will share some with them in
he plans to stay, but anyone who

Big City Denizens

Nobles & Leaders

T he moneyed, powerful or both, these individuals carry a hefty amount
of influence within the city walls and in many cases far beyond them (or
else would very much like to). Whether born into power or having toiled
to attain it, their names command respect in most corners of the city, and their
problems typically require tact, discretion or the professional touch. Whether they
are working with, for or against the party is entirely up to GM discretion.

LORD WALLOFER “WALLY” THE FORGETFUL “Do I know you?”

A middle-aged human with Lord Utren. Wally was a valiant, 1 Secret or Obstacle Wally
long, curly hair so dark it fearless commander in Utren’s suspects his maid, Charla, is a
appears almost blue and a army, but after taking a club to the vampire who has been attempting
well-manicured handlebar head during battle, he forgets most to sneak into Utren’s quarters and
mustache, dressed in formal things after only seven days and turn him into a vampire. Because
has since taken on a more advisory of his memory loss, Wally does not
military attire with full role. Lately, he hasn’t been able recall he’s been stalking Charla—
regalia, a gleaming sword and to sleep, and suspects his maid for months. He only thinks she’s
Charla, presumably a vampire, a vampire because once a week at
a tricorn hat. may be plotting to kill his employer. sundown, Charla finishes cleaning
He’s having trouble remembering the crypt, leaving right as Wally is
For the Perceptive things. Another vampire plot? heading to his chambers. He sees
her leaving the crypt and suspects
Wally doesn’t blink much, as if 1 Wants & Needs To protect Utren that’s where she sleeps.
he’s constantly standing guard, from all threats (real or perceived) 1 Carrying 50gp; his weekly agenda;
and his eyes appear bloodshot, as as he once was able, refusing to dried garlic; a wooden stake; a holy
though he hasn’t slept in days. allow his disability to affect his job symbol; a half-full flask of what he
LORD WALLOFER the Forgetful, performance. He’s proud, loyal and believes to be holy water.
known to his friends as Wally, has no time for pity.
serves as the counselor to High

PRINCESS LYSTRA MISTENVALE “That reminds me of something Gwendolyn would say...”

A young half-elven woman A BEAMING half-elven woman 1 Secret or Obstacle The other
with shoulder-length blue with periwinkle blue hair and eyes palace occupants all pity Princess
hair studded with pearls, in to match, Princess Lystra Mistenvale Lystra, claiming this Gwendolyn
a navy blue robe, which she has a habit of wringing her hands, person never existed and that
clutches closely to her chest which are almost always spotted Lystra is betrothed to Prince
while twiddling a fountain with ink. She spends many hours Letholdus Glorymongrel.
pen in her ink-stained hand. of her day writing love letters to her 1 Carrying 30sp, 50gp; a fountain
paramour, a married human woman pen, parchment paper and bottle
For the Insightful named Gwendolyn, who works on of blue ink; a coral cameo brooch
the palace grounds as a gardener. Or featuring a woman’s silhouette;
Princess Lystra may believe did, until two weeks ago, when she a bundle of love letters from
everything she says, but she suddenly disappeared. Gwendolyn, whose writing looks
carries herself with an air of 1 Wants & Needs Princess Lystra eerily similar to Lystra’s.
self-doubt. wants to find Gwendolyn and know
she is safe.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 59

Big City Denizens

LADY KREE “Say that again, only closer.”

A middle-aged female 1 Wants & Needs Lady Kree would tShepElDenedrneeaorfm
kenku noble with jet black appreciate it if people ignored the
feathers and a round build, ludicrous rumors she is somehow Tg(cTrirrlwhAeseaaoehgihxinifssqemnlapotdareiusrsetnneilgiechnaiinisthrafteedlsge1hcienfdpg,w.othsei4rradneoaeehtaaeasncseaatrenhrf,csetnothytarubTeuchrartenergiesrhretageecoiwneevbsehfmomelaseataearbnaoreiriccucgtlencorehfierafetssterytastc)idait.tanmtnufnoogirdenuegitt.er
wearing a large, intricately responsible for the deaths of her
carved gold ring set with a four husbands and got to know her CrwthicUhnealegaaRsrinilmSeseurEfumttmshDbbeeudeemsfrTtion,orrhafoetethlddlfGiaies1ryMadswstt1hat0tdhyiw0mie,s.ictwelThrleteechhatoiireosmenirse. to
single cabochon of Tsavorite. as an individual—maybe inviting
her over for a game of Liar’s Dice
For the Insightful once in a while.
1 Secret or Obstacle Lady Kree’s
Lady Kree is shamelessly flirting as engagement ring, a gift from her
if her days are numbered. first husband which she has never
A MIDDLE-AGED female kenku once removed, is (unbeknownst to
noble who has been ostracized by her) a legendary cursed ring known
the townsfolk, the widowed Lady as the Spleen of the Dream Ender.
Kree spends much of her time 1 Carrying 70gp in coin from
alone at an upscale tavern, where other provinces; a mix of walnuts
she sips bloodwine and tips her and pomegranate seeds; honey
barkeeps generously in the hopes lozenges; a Tsavorite ring that
of making new friends. There are smells of sulfur and decay which,
persistent whispers she devised when held to one’s ear, gives off
the mysterious deaths which befell the sound of almost imperceptible
each of her four husbands, Quill, screams.
Scratch, Thistle and Ben. She is
rich beyond measure, and knows
the day she will die. It’s—well, it’s
not tomorrow, ha ha.

SIR MEREK REDSTREAM “Come again?”

A young half-orc man with confidence about him, Sir Merek 1 Wants & Needs Sir Merek
grayish skin whose face Redstream has survived countless just wants people to speak up,
is dominated by wide-set brushes with death, fought in dammit, and would like to stay
more wars than he can count and far, far away from lutes and flutes
dark eyes, a large jaw and wooed many a maiden with (true) and all who carry them.
prominent lower canines, he tales of his military prowess. 1 Secret or Obstacle Little does
has a muscular build, sports After losing most of his hearing Merek know that what the fortune
leather armor and seems to following an explosion and going teller actually said was, “You will
on military leave, Sir Merek meet your end at the hands of a
expect respect. visited a fortune teller, who told village guard.”
him he would meet his end at 1 Carrying 40gp; a battle ax; a
For the Perceptive the hands of a village bard. As a small wooden box filled with
result, he’s on high alert any time teeth from each of his 17 greatest
Sir Merek hears slightly better in there’s music in the air, and would nemeses; a four-leaf clover.
his left ear, please and thank you. love to have musicians banned
A YOUNG HALF-ORC knight from this locality for good.
with an air of unshakable

FOLLOWER OF GAROCHIIM “The blessed shall ascend.”

A broad-shouldered day and night, the one who calls 1 Wants & Needs Follower of
monk in long brown robes, his himself Follower of Garochiim Garochiim wants all to ascend. To
face is obscured in shadow and drifts endlessly around the hallowed do so, one must be delivered. He
the cuffs of his robes conceal grounds of this city. The Follower does not explain what this entails.
is somehow only a step away from 1 Secret or Obstacle Follower of
his hands, which he holds any and all trespassers, although Garochiim is the ghost of Xanith,
together across his chest he intends no harm. No one knows the first follower of Garochiim, a
while solemnly pacing in no from whence he came, although long deceased monk whose relic
some monks claim he appeared one was stolen from his sarcophagus.
particular direction. night after a thief stole a priceless He cannot return to rest until the
relic, Xanith’s File, from Darkpriest relic is returned and the one who
For the Perceptive Xanith’s crypt beneath the altar stole it is destroyed.
of Garochiim. Although the other 1 Carrying Brown robes; an
You see no trace of this monk’s skin, priests find him unpleasant and are unspeakable burden.
and cannot make out his race. perturbed by his intense disposition,
A SILENTLY-MOVING monk who the Follower does not mind.
watches over the shrine of Garochiim

SIR LAMOTTA SUCCESS “Sing it with me! LOUDER.”

A stocky man with a face CASTLE-BORN and battle- 1 Wants & Needs A chance to sing at
whose contours have been hardened, rumor has it Sir one of the noteworthy castles of the
defined by hundreds of fights, Success changed his last name realm that might allow him to take
wearing fancy clothes that after taking one too many mace- back his rightful place as a member
don’t seem to fit his body or his blows to the head in combat and of the noble elite.
tournament. In any case, he gave 1 Secret or Obstacle He’s terrible.
morose demeanor. up the manor lifestyle and moved And also terribly rude.
to the big city, where he armed 1 Carrying 54sp; a bag of lozenges;
For the Charismatic himself with a new name and a a wand that can cast animate
new career: lounge singer. His objects once per day.
Sir Success is using his questionable shows aren’t the best, but he has
skill at magic to charm the piano been known to threaten the lives
into playing on its own. A talented of any who walk out, so enter his
bard might wish to offer their domain with care.
services for the evening.

THE KING OF THE CROSSROADS “No one passes for free.”

A hunched and unkempt man AN OLD NOBLE who has grown 1 Wants & Needs The King hopes
in the tattered clothes of an slightly mad, The King claims to become a de facto leader rather
aging hedge knight, carrying complete control over a domain than one who merely claims power.
a sword with more dents than encompassing the four corners of 1 Secret or Obstacle He knows,
this big city crossroads. He can deep down, he’s only a hedge knight
straight steel. generally be found shuffling across and has no claim to a kingship,
the intersection to accost travelers even one this small.
For the Insightful for a toll and has been known to 1 Carrying 18cp; several uncut
ask young and healthy warriors to precious stones with a potential
The King of the Crossroads, like help him collect in exchange for a worth of 28gp; a staff; a crown
most actual monarchs, is susceptible cut of the profits. made of repurposed wood.
to flattery and gift-giving.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 61

Big City Denizens

MAXIMILIAN “MAX” MARGASTER
with “Lemmy” the greatsword

A precocious boy no more than 8, with 1 Carrying 21sp, 15gp, 12pp; a short list of adventure
shaggy blond hair he keeps huffing out of his eyes, locations he wants to explore; a rudimentary map of
dragging an ornate, blood black greatsword that’s the realm and all its capital cities; a set of flash cards
detailing deities and their known domains; a device he
nearly as long as he is. inhales through when he gets too excited.

For the Martially Trained Maximilian “Max” Margaster

The sword this boy is carrying looks razor Small human, chaotic neutral
sharp and likely weighs more than he does. The legendary death knight blade, known as Limbrender to its
The fact he can even carry it is a bit of a shock. former patron, now responds to “Lemmy,” the chosen moniker
of this boy currently bonded with it.
The middle child in a family of seven, Maximilian
Margaster’s mother Alice died last solstice Armor Class 16 (breastplate) INT WIS CHA
under somewhat mysterious circumstances, and Hit Points 150 (blood pool) 12 16 18
his father, Duke Darville Margaster, receded into his Speed 30 ft. (+1) (+3) (+4)
private study. A precocious kid who never thought up a
question he wouldn’t immediately ask aloud regardless STR DEX CON
of circumstance, Max was still somehow overlooked, and 20 14 20
found solace in the library of his family’s estate. (+5) (+2) (+5)

While wandering the library alone (as usual), Saving Throws Dex +8, Wis +9, Cha +10
Max heard a voice calling to him through the stacks. Skills Deception +10, Persuasion +10
Following it led him to a long-neglected corner of the Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
library’s cellar, where he discovered a cobweb-covered Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, poisoned,
trunk. The voice compelled him to open it—and Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13
within Max found the source of the echo in his head: Languages Abyssal, Common (telepathy 30 ft., sword only)
a gleaming-clean greatsword the color of dried blood, Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)
with a rich black hilt inset with runes he couldn’t
decipher. Naturally, Max picked it up. Magic Resistance. Limbrender and the creature to which
it is attuned have advantage on saving throws against spells
The sword, introducing itself as Limbrender, is a and other magical effects.
forgotten death knight, cursed to stalk (well...be carried Marshal Undead. Unless Limbrender and the creature to
around) the realm as a sentient blade. Limbrender which it is attuned are incapacitated, it and undead creatures
promised Max great power, the chance to change the of its choice within 60 ft. of it have advantage on saving
world, to pit nation against nation in a cyclical battle for throws against features that turn undead.
soul coins. Max doesn’t know what soul coins are, or what Blood Pool. A creature attuned to Limbrender gains access to
Limbrender (whom he refers to as “Lemmy”) wants with the sword’s blood pool, as well as fortified Constitution—20
them, or why he’s suddenly unstoppable in single combat (+5). The creature’s HP maximum is increased to 150. This
and can shake the ground with his fists, but so far he and HP can only be restored by a long rest.
Lemmy have had a lot of fun. Just don’t tell his dad?
1 Wants & Needs Max would very much like to go on an Spellcasting. Limbrender and the creature to which it is
adventure. Any adventure. Perhaps to one of the places attuned are a 19th-level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability
he read about in the library? Maybe to the Cave of is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks).
Desire? Oo ooo or the Underpit of Scorn? Or that alley They have the following Paladin spells prepared:
downtown that leads to the sewers—did you know birds
drop dead when they fly through there? 1st level (4 slots): command, compelled duel, searing smite
1 Secret or Obstacle Max is 8, so going places requires 2nd level (3 slots): hold person, magic weapon
parental approval or a late night climb out of his 3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, elemental weapon
bedroom window. He has no idea that he and the 4th level (3 slots): banishment, staggering smite
sword he carries are now effectively a single undead 5th level (2 slots): destructive wave (necrotic)
creature—a death knight—but the fact that he mumbles
to himself in Abyssal is overall not a good sign. Actions
Multiattack. Limbrender makes three greatsword attacks.
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 11 (1d12 + 5) slashing damage, plus 18 (4d8)
necrotic damage.
Hellfire Orb (1/Long Rest). Limbrender expels a magical
ball of fire that explodes at a point it can see within 120 ft.
of it. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on
that point must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. The
sphere spreads around corners. A creature takes 35 (10d6)
fire damage and 35 (10d6) necrotic damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.
Reactions
Parry. Limbrender adds 6 to the AC against one melee
attack that would hit the creature to which it is attuned. The
creature attuned to Limbrender must see the attacker and
must be wielding Limbrender.

62 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“I need to
ask my
sword.
I mean
my dad.”

Big City Denizens

LADY PHILLIPPA ANDERS, “SER PHIL ANDERSHIFT”

“I know it’s cliché!”

A knight of modest stature in battle-streaked, parents as well as proof of Karl’s treachery. Surely there’s
shining plate armor, face obscured by an ornate something of use within her former estate.
1 Secret or Obstacle Lady Phillippa’s survival depends on
helmet, carrying a shield marked with a sigil: discretion, so she can’t do much of the work required to
a great owl, swooping talons first. supplant Karl on her own. And she lacks trustworthy allies.
1 Carrying 12sp, 29 gp, 44pp; a small emerald ring
For the Perceptive worth 750gp bearing the symbol of house Anders she
keeps on a chain under her armor.
This knight seems to be affecting their voice to sound
more masculine, like a boy imitating his father. Lady Phillippa/Ser Phil

For the Noble or Scholarly Medium human, lawful good
A woman masquerading as a masculine knight in order to
You’re not familiar with the sigil on this knight’s keep herself safe.
shield—and you’re familiar with them all.
LADY PHILLIPPA Anders spent her formative years Armor Class 17 (half plate and shield) WIS CHA
being told her parents would have preferred a boy, an Hit Points 14 (3d8) 14 18
heir who could carry the family name. She scoffed at Speed 30 ft. (+2) (+4)
this notion then and thinks even less of it now, but when
her parents were murdered by her horrible uncle Karl STR DEX CON INT
Anders, she was forced to use her considerable wits, 11 14 11 12
wealth and access to some of the realm’s finest smiths to
create a false identity for herself and go into hiding. She (+0) (+2) (+0) (+1)
seeks vengeance on her uncle, as well as an opportunity
to grow back her hair once all this mess is ended. She just Skills Deception +6, Insight +4, Persuasion +6
needs to rally a few more families to her cause, without Senses passive Perception 12
revealing her true identity, before her 18th birthday. Languages Common, Elvish
1 Wants & Needs Support in her quest to avenge her Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Actions
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

PERCIVAL BLOOM, ESQ. “Work? No, I’ll marry rich, thanks.”

A long-haired man with a Grossly Harmengrad, ensuring his colleagues and start a new branch
confident air but a decidedly family’s status will only grow as of a noble family.
bookish aspect, wearing brand the generations pass. Making sure 1 Secret or Obstacle Percival
new clothes and carrying a the wedding is a success is his top simply cannot ignore female
priority, and nothing less than a attention, and those loyal to his
bouquet of flowers. social calendar-defining event will future in-laws have started to notice.
be acceptable for him. After that, 1 Carrying 18cp, 9sp, 38gp; a
For the Perceptive he only has to get his new bride perfume-soaked handkerchief
pregnant, and all the pieces of his with the initials of his betrothed;
Even as he’s planning his wedding, plan will have fallen into place. a second perfume-soaked
Percival seems to take keen Speaking of plans, do you think handkerchief, with a different scent
interest in the way other women that peach across the way has any? and the initials KT; a third distinct-
look at him. smelling handkerchief with the
THE CHARMING son of petty 1 Wants & Needs To impress his initials OG.
nobles, Percival is betrothed to the new in-laws, the Harmengrads,
daughter of a local leader, Baron and ingratiate himself with their

KING BRACHUS VON MEER, “NUMBER 9” “Speak up or don’t bother.”

An elegant man with a deep scar that stretches The Diviner’s StoneTttaaTiushtmskaoYsteahiaibeiusTeenomniblinsofluogywedhiebemfsnfto,icadidutoytstguoaitae(hahrntuoncnmsrerwoegrhvteemeiretohafeiitseheqtoacsgtruaicr,pse,lsruneealkwsailedrf,sroyzlaisetooemoyrecedatcsrlaildoeelnsalrereallrueosd.ct1iesagttnreuedpAeanheiailsngrc2wfmyllebt,tehitsa0oyritnwsetdastcouetdrgtha0etyaolattnahannlorard,tnhtawedduhcotheetivodnkltleiomrowlviier.epcffn.rareofrecaaooeYblpafaoydsryliinootdnllre,ctdrui,drtaottrtycsashs)aytepmoerta1heaahrkeuvto.uthseolediuiWflscniair.trtnsavtgoeeTrhpnuchineenthtmoeehshehatsoniuixehbnreatnoloipetyettftodsti.wreoenyirofinnuvursoftostodigtoupfdrulitelundcrhelaeaoildesln.h.
across his throat, in the trappings of royalty, with
a crown made of woven gold and a heavy chain King Brachus von Meer

featuring a large black opal pendant. Medium human, lawful evil
A king with a connection to the future, Brachus seeks to put to
For the Arcane the sword any responsible for his near-death experience.

The necklace the king is wearing has a magic aura, and Armor Class 15 (breastplate) INT WIS CHA
may be a particularly powerful artifact. Hit Points 36 (8d8) 18 14 16
Speed 30 ft. (+4) (+2) (+3)
KING BRACHUS IX of House Von Meer, “Number
9” to those who remember his father and “that cheeky STR DEX CON
bastard” to those who tried and failed to kill him during 16 13 11
the Servant’s Revolt a few years back (assuming they (+3) (+1) (+0)
have tongues to speak or breath to create sound), rules
his kingdom not with an iron fist, but with a steady Saving Throws Str +6, Con +3
hand. Introspective and meticulous, he makes his Skills Insight +8, Persuasion +6
decisions with the gaze of a man who has seemingly seen Senses passive Perception 12
the future, or at least is prepared for every version of Languages Common, Elvish
it. He does not fear death, as he’s seen that too. He can Challenge 2 (450 XP)
sometimes be found roaming the city on his own, and
is often out of the area for weeks or months at a time, Death Ward (1/Long Rest). The first time Brachus would
seeking information regarding the attempts on his life. drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking damage, he instead
1 Wants & Needs Brachus would like to find the last of drops to 1 hit point, and the spell ends.
the usurpers who tried to have him killed. All he has as Premonition (1/ Long Rest). Brachus can choose to replace
a lead is the scar on his neck, which pulses when he is one attack roll, saving throw, or ability check of his choice (be
closer to someone involved in the plot to kill him. If you it his own or an enemy that he can see) with a predetermined
know of anyone connected to the Servant’s Revolt, he outcome (rolled before combat). If no such roll has been
would certainly be interested in information. made, use 10.
1 Secret or Obstacle Brachus’s scar is only pulsing because
of an artery partially blocked by scar tissue. The cleric
who tried to explain this was put to death for sedition.
1 Carrying A list of names he has yet to personally
interrogate; a +1 rapier in an ornate hilt; The
Diviner’s Stone.

Actions
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 65

Big City Denizens

LADY CORRILA LARENHALE

A slender, deathly pale, paper-thin skinned high wLaodulydC-boercrliolcakwLaorrkenlihchale,
elven woman in a dapper coat with a sharply
Medium undead, lawful evil
pointed chin and dark eyes, whose arms are covered This high elven clockmaker is biding her time, putting all the
in intricate wristwatches, with receding blonde hair gears into place so she can ascend to full lichdom.

and an ornate hourglass in her right hand. Armor Class 17 (studded leather +2) WIS CHA
Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54) 14 16
For the Insightful Speed 30 ft. (+2) (+3)

Lady Corrila Larenhale speaks in steady, perfectly STR DEX CON INT
measured tones, as if she has a direct connection to 11 16 16 20
the plane of order.
(+0) (+3) (+3) (+5)
Aonce charming noble and clockmaker, Lady
Corrila Larenhale’s sole joy was gifting exquisite Saving Throws Con +10, Int +12, Wis +9
timepieces to any guest who visited her estate. Skills Arcana +19, History +12, Insight +9, Perception +9
But some weren’t on time. Pity. A true shame. Perhaps Damage Resistances cold, lightning, necrotic
unforgivable. Her obsession with their tardiness led her Damage Immunities poison, bludgeoning, piercing and
to explore ever more elaborate clockwork pieces, delving slashing from nonmagical attacks
into time magic and searching for a way to ensure the Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
entire realm would run in synchronous harmony, toward paralyzed, poisoned
any aim she desired. She pursued this goal incessantly, Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 19
descending into madness and working to ascend to lawful Languages Abyssal, Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, Infernal
lichdom, eventually discovering the ability to warp time Challenge 22 (41,000 XP)
and keep her own body in a form of stasis. Looking far
younger than her near millenia of life would suggest, Legendary Resistance (3/Long Rest). If Lady Corrila fails a
Lady Corrilas’s desire is to impose order in a world saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
where she is no longer bound by mortality, or her self- Clockwork Rejuvenation. If Lady Corrila has her hourglass
made prison, surrounded by the octogenarian servants and is not at full health, she is healed for 13 (2d12) hit points
who fearfully do all she asks. at the start of her turn.
1 Wants & Needs Lady Corrila Larenhale is attempting
to ascend to full lichdom, she merely requires a number Spellcasting. Lady Corrila is an 18th-level spellcaster. Her
of rare arcane components to complete her phylactery. spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit
She will pay any cost necessary to achieve this aim, with spell attacks), with the following Wizard spells prepared:
provided those supplying them are punctual.
1 Secret or Obstacle Due to the nature of her time Cantrips (at will): mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
magic, Lady Corrila is fearful of leaving her estate-based 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile, shield,
lair, unsure of the impact it might have on her body. thunderwave
She seeks willing adventurers to locate the artifacts she 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror
needs. Those on the fence about aiding her will find they image, scorching ray
are quickly running out of time to say no. 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, fireball, slow
1 Carrying 100pp; an ivory comb; a stunning 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door
assortment of jeweled pocket watches and wristwatches 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying
worth 2,784gp; her pocket stopwatch; an hourglass she 6th level (1 slot): contingency, globe of invulnerability
hopes to convert into a phylactery, and which can cast 7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift
time stop once per day. 8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, maze
9th level (1 slot): foresight
66 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters
Actions
Pocket Stopwatch. Melee Spell Attack: +12 to hit, reach
5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) force damage. The target
must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be
Paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on
itself on a success.

Legendary Actions
Lady Corrila can take one of the 3 Legendary Actions below
at the end of another creature’s turn. Spent Legendary
Actions are regained at the start of each turn.
Cantrip. Lady Corrila casts a cantrip.
Pocket Stopwatch (Costs 2 Actions). Lady Corrila casts
Pocket Stopwatch.
Distort Age (Costs 3 Actions). Lady Corrila creates a
localized shift in the passage of time. Each non-undead
creature within 20 ft. of Lady Corrila must make a DC 18
Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking 21 (6d6)
necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on
a successful one, as their bodies rapidly age 6d6 years. This
transformation can only be reversed by the wish spell.

“Never be
early… and
don’t even
think about
being late.”

Big City Denizens

LADY CANDICE OF HOUSE POPPENFEATHER,
THE DUCHESS OF SWEETS “Delightful!”

A dazzling, youthful woman, wearing a gorgeous eternal youth and the ability to create portals would
peach gown with an oversized bustle and layer after be terribly disappointed to learn she’s also hoping to
layer of lace and tulle; her makeup alone suggests an find a way out of their contract through her sponsored
individual with money to spend and time to enjoy it. planar expeditions.
1 Carrying 45pp; a large, foldable fan that can cast gate
For the Insightful once per day; a satchel containing 8d8 toffees.

The Duchess spends an awful lot of time flattering Lady Candice Poppenfeather,
others, suggesting she either revels in giving The duchess of sweets
compliments or is hoping to gain (and exploit) trust.
LADY CANDICE Poppenfeather, or simply “Candy” to her Medium human, chaotic good
closer confidantes, is the head of House Poppenfeather and
the self-styled Duchess of Sweets. Her saccharine kindness Armor Class 11 (14 with mage armor) WIS CHA
is somewhat off-putting to her peers, but she carries much Hit Points 28 (5d8+5) 12 17
favor with the lower classes, sharing her considerable Speed 30 ft. (+1)
wealth (to say nothing of her signature toffees) with the (+3)
populace in a way that suggests very little regard for money STR DEX CON INT
and/or a heightened sense of how important it is to be 8 13 12 13
beloved. In addition to overseeing the vast Poppenfeather (-1) (+1) (+1) (+1)
Toffee empire, the Duchess of Sweets also has an interest
in the development of new and exciting candies using Saving Throws Wis +4, Cha +6
ingredients from all corners of the realm—and even has Skills Arcana +4, Deception +6, Persuasion +6
a means of transporting would-be sweetsmiths to other Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11
planes, provided they sign a contract offering exclusivity to Languages Common, Infernal
any/all discovered delicacies and delights. Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
1 Wants & Needs The Duchess of Sweets is interested in
financing any adventurous types who might gain access Dark One’s Blessing. When Lady Candy reduces a hostile
to rare ingredients, particularly on planes beyond the creature to 0 hit points, she gains 8 temporary hit points.
prime material. Additionally, she can cast mage armor at will, without
1 Secret or Obstacle The devil to whom Lady Candy sold expending a spell slot.
her soul years ago in exchange for the appearance of
Spellcasting. Lady Candy is a 5th-level spellcaster. Her
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit
with spell attacks). She regains her expended spell slots when
she finishes a short or long rest. She knows the following
Warlock spells:

Cantrips (at will): eldritch blast, mage hand, minor illusion
1st-3rd level (2 3rd-level slots): blindness/deafness,

hypnotic pattern, command, hold person,
dispel magic, major image

SNEAD van VELD “Power is the means: money is the end.”

A skeletal human man whose TALL, THIN and rookish, 1 Wants & Needs To create the most
spindly limbs seem to make Snead van Veld was born into an efficient business in the city by
up the bulk of his form, hidden exceptional amount of wealth. using this standard: What makes
beneath a suit of clothes so black His primary goal since then has the most money?
it seems to have a void-like depth. been to add to that already large 1 Secret or Obstacle If anyone
sum by any means necessary. He’s with a conscience and power
For the Roguish not interested in spending any of enough to stop him should see the
it, however, choosing instead to conditions at the mill, they would
Van Veld looks like an easy mark hoard it. After purchasing a grist be forced to act.
for anyone claiming to have a mill, he turned it into a success 1 Carrying A large pouch full of
new product or technique to with ruthless tactics, and is always 200gp in mixed currency; a keyring
protect investments. on the lookout for a new way to with a dozen skeleton keys.
balance the financial scale even
further toward himself.

GET GRAYGREEN, PRINCE OF THE PEOPLE

“What’s good for you is good for me…”

A devilishly handsome man with wide, Get Graygreen
greenish grey eyes, in a well-worn navy topcoat,
Medium shapeshifter, chaotic neutral
pressed white shirt and dark riding boots. A mercurial sorcerer with a gift for persuading others, he’s at
home at court or while courting others.
For the Perceptive or Shapeshifting
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor) WIS CHA
When Get blinks, which is rarely, he does so in a way Hit Points 59 (9d8+18) 12 17
that seems communicative. Speed 30 ft. (+1)
A GLAD-HANDING neophyte noble with charm and (+3)
ambition to spare as well as the savvy to help others STR DEX CON INT
make mutually beneficial deals, Get Graygreen is new 9 14 14 14
money as far as most nobles are concerned, which suits (-1) (+2) (+2) (+2)
him fine. After all, it’s his touch with the common class
that’s the true source of his power. It doesn’t hurt that Saving Throws Con +6, Cha +7
he’s also got a wild magic streak surging through his Skills History +6, Deception +7, Persuasion +7
veins—veins that are part of a shapeshifting body. Using Condition Immunity polymorph
his ability to change forms, Get has built a vast empire Senses passive Perception 11
and stellar reputation, assuming the identities of royals Languages Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish
(Prince Marcos of Morovir; Lady Stallsborne of Castle Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Trench), merchants (mead magnate Angus Plank;
gem appraiser Giddy Shellgame) and even favored Wild Magic Surge. When Get uses a spell of 1st level or
adventurers in the area, all of whom have nothing but higher, roll a d20. If the result is 1, roll on a Wild Magic
kind words to say about their old friend Get Graygreen. Surge table, at GM discretion.
1 Wants & Needs Short term? A favor here, a good word Tides of Chaos. Get can use this ability to gain advantage on
there. He’d pay handsomely for access to the seals used one attack roll, ability check or saving throw. However, when
by royals and other nobility. Long term? Full control of he does so, the next spell he casts (of 1st level or higher)
the city, if not the realm itself. causes a roll on a Wild Magic Surge Table, at GM discretion.
1 Secret or Obstacle Get’s true identity as a shapeshifter Meta Magic (3/Long Rest). Get can use this ability to modify
is known to a select few confidantes and others of his a spell in one of the following ways:
race. This information would be particularly valuable to
his rivals. Heightened Spell. When Get casts a spell that forces a
1 Carrying 45sp, 32gp, 10pp; a thick fountain pen creature to make a saving throw to resist its effects, he
carved from a roc feather; fine parchment; green wax; gives one target of the spell disadvantage on its first saving
a stamp featuring two interlocking Gs, the seal of house throw made against the spell.
Graygreen. Quickened Spell. Get may use a bonus action to cast a
spell with a casting time of 1 action.

Spellcasting. Get is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell
attacks). He has the following Sorcerer spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): acid splash, fire bolt, friends, mage hand,
prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): charm person, mage armor, magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, lightning bolt, fly
4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility
5th level (1 slots): animate objects

Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach
5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 2) piercing
damage.

Reactions
Bend Luck (3/Long Rest). Get can add or subtract 1d4 to
another creature’s attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
It must be after the roll, but before its effects are realized.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 69

Big City Denizens

PRINCE HAMPTONY LEEMAX
with Sigmund the Ferret

A tall, fit man with slicked back black hair sporting Prince Hamptony Leemax
a blue and gold cloak and a wolf fur scarf, he stands
with his chest puffed out and his chiseled chin held Medium human, lawful good
high, a well-groomed white ferret in a turtleneck-style
Armor Class 18 (studded leather + suave defense) CHA
green wool sweater balanced on his shoulder. Hit Points 32 (7d8) 16
Speed 35 ft. (+3)
For the Perceptive
STR DEX CON INT WIS
Prince Hamptony keeps tapping his index finger 11 16 11 12 14
and thumb together, either because he has a
nervous tic or he’s sending a signal. (+0) (+3) (+0) (+1) (+2)

Ahandsome, charismatic prince who also happens Skills Deception +6, Insight +5, Persuasion +6
to be a master swordsman, Hamptony Leemax Senses passive Perception 12
has quite a lot going for him. As far as royal Languages Common, Sylvan
figures go, however, he’s polarizing at best. Some believe Challenge 1 (200 XP)
he’s doing plenty for the city by just waving out of his
window or fencing shirtless in the courtyard, while others Lightfooted. Prince Hamptony can take the Dash or
feel he’s a “do-nothing celebrity” who’s more likely to Disengage action as a bonus action on each of his turns.
step over a common man lying in the street than help Suave Defense. While Prince Hamptony is wearing light
him get back on his feet. His ferret, Sigmund (“Ziggy” or no armor and wielding no shield, his AC includes his
to close company) is a constant companion. Recently, Charisma modifier.
Prince Hamptony has been dealing with troubling night
terrors, and his stepmother, Lady Portia Regata, has Actions
gone catatonic. This is troubling indeed, but not nearly as Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
vexing as the choice of what to wear to the forthcoming target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Revel of Riches, an annual display of ostentatious Reactions
opulence attended by any noble who’s any noble. Parry. Prince Hamptony adds 2 to his AC against one melee
1 Wants & Needs He wants at least 16 more wolf pelts attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker
(and a merchant who can properly dye them) so he can and be wielding a melee weapon.
have one to match every cloak he owns. He would also
love to know why it feels like his shadow is plotting his Sigmund the Ferret
murder.
1 Secret or Obstacle Prince Hamptony does not know Tiny beast, Unaligned
how to read. He’s always had his servants do it for him.
1 Carrying 15sp, 15gp; a +1 rapier with a golden blade Armor Class 13
and bejeweled handle worth 500gp; a pet ferret wearing Hit Points 1 (1d4-1)
a tiny wool sweater. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

3 16 8 2 12 13
(-4) (+3) (-1) (-4) (+1) (+1)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5
Senses passive Perception 13
Challenge ¼ (50 XP)

Keen Hearing and Smell. Sigmund has advantage on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Harry. Sigmund can distract or otherwise divert another
creature as an action or bonus action, granting advantage to
the first attack made against that creature or disadvantage on
the first attack made by that creature.
Weasel Ancestry. Sigmund can Hide as a bonus action.

Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 3 (1d4) piercing damage.

70 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“Oh yes, the
stars are

singin’ to me
tonight!”

Big City Denizens

KIBANA KUBERNETES “That would please the Old One.”

A burgundy tiefling with tight horns under Kibana Kubernetes
a smart brunette bob, wearing a dark enameled
piece of leather armor embellished with a sigil: a Medium tiefling, chaotic evil
single tentacle stretching upward from the Abyss. A young noble tiefling, and warlock of the Old One.

For the Insightful Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor) WIS CHA
Hit Points 91 (14d8+28) 12 18
Kibana pauses often, signaling she is either finding Speed 30 ft. (+1)
the right word to say, or listening to a conversation (+4)
happening only in her mind. Whatever the reason, STR DEX CON INT
these pauses are...unsettling. 9 14 15 12
(-1) (+2) (+2) (+1)
PROUD DAUGHTER of Oleo and Alash Kubernetes,
legendary servants of the Old One (long may its Saving Throws Wis +6, Cha +9
unknowable chaos disrupt our day-to-day triviality), Skills Arcana +6, Intimidation +9
Kibana Kubernetes wishes to grow stronger in her faith Damage Resistances psychic
while simultaneously bringing about the end of the Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
status quo. She enjoys long walks on the beach, musings Languages Abyssal, Common, telepathy 30 ft.
on the nature of the void between the stars and plotting Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
in private to overthrow the city’s leadership so that the
servants of the Old One may rule, or watch anarchy Spells of the Old One. Kibana’s connection to an elder being
descend...whatever pleases the Old One. Like many allows her to cast the following spells:
servants of the Old One, she possesses the ability to At will: detect magic, jump, levitate, mage armor (self only),
speak telepathically with others. She has no issue using speak with dead
this ability to place suggestions, machinations or even 1/day each: arcane gate, true seeing
the “will of the gods” into the minds of unsuspecting do- Whispering Aura. At the start of each of Kibana’s turns,
gooders. Messing with people is fun. each creature of her choice within 5 ft. of her must succeed
on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic
1 Wants & Needs Access to the Book of Windows, an damage, provided she isn’t incapacitated.
ancient text detailing the particulars of summoning
and planar travel, which was stolen from her family the Spellcasting. Kibana is a 14th-level spellcaster. Her
night they were killed. spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit
with spell attacks). She regains her expended spell slots when
1 Secret or Obstacle For someone as meticulous as she finishes a short or long rest. She knows the following
Kibana, serving the very foundation of chaos is a Warlock spells:
challenge. Luckily, she has a direct line.
Cantrips (at will): chill touch, eldritch blast, guidance, mage
1 Carrying 31sp, 43gp, 12pp; a rod of tentacles; a mask hand, minor illusion, prestidigitation, shocking grasp
in a bag with a pitch black interior.
1st-5th level (3 5th-level slots): blight, crown of madness,
clairvoyance, contact other plane, detect thoughts,
dimension door, dissonant whispers, dominate
beast, gaseous form, telekinesis, vampiric touch

Rod of TentaclestTayeatctonCehsatmsMupntaiairtoeoaschegtevcnfcnoaterliefealsineceordteonttseeclgdoiswnaeiott.sasvwutidviedoWotshhitteteinenhrioarraa(roaghweoaclr,iamnlnvctiwksioetlblsettdlhaesne1shqordaegt,rdlroani,havfeuoian6tlocuciairownltinthce1subuwrndwgh5ehlnaaetseuiaaitcettiftotasdsnehtthnitspfc.intghgduratooaoaieoateecitnttnsnafocswmc+otae,c’lynetttudn.7elbtusohie,Ovuhdusnntrbusa.asoevtng,noot.eenniserEnafedtmtar,ootnrauieamaittdftgtydsamascae,.ebcucschitnOyaltroksauoiuigtontntatornnreaheumn)nretnt..aDch(,acesatIsIrkrtahakff)etehecnoe,ixeaycteelrette,oeauaunerci1tnustumrrDdhrehmiebehriteaeCanaeybiikrntntpgeue1areau5strynatheet’e.s

“THE DIVINE VOICE,” QUEEN JALEEDA D’SOUN

“I ’ll ensure they remember you.”

A half-elven woman in various shades of violet, Queen Jaleeda D’Soun
with rich turquoise eyes and a knowing smile,
Medium half-elf, chaotic good
teasing the strings of a weathered viol. A bard who is now a queen, still getting the hang of her job.

For the Bardic Armor Class 15 (chain shirt) INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8) 10 13 17
Queen Jaleeda D’soun’s viol, an incredible specimen, Speed 30 ft. (+0) (+1) (+3)
looks sturdy enough to handle a night of playing in
the roughest tavern, yet exudes a delicate, haunting STR DEX CON
sound, indicating it might have magical properties. 11 14 12
WHEN JALEEDA D’Soun won the heart of King
Hrothmane of the Hollow Keep, it was with a song that (+0) (+2) (+1)
brought the battle-ready blond brute to his knees. When
she won the hearts of the people, it was through action, Saving Throws Dex +4, Wis +3
singing a durge that knocked the red dragon that had Skills Acrobatics +4, Perception +5, Performance +7
devoured her husband out of the sky. Now, with the fate Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
of the realm on her shoulders, she must do more than Languages Celestial, Common
sing—she must lead. A talented bard whose thirst for Challenge 3 (700 XP)
knowledge nearly eclipses her thirst for ale, she is bored
with palace intrigue, a blind spot that may prove costly if Song of Rest. Jaleeda can perform a song while taking a
the rumors about a plot to usurp her are to be believed. short rest. Any ally who hears the song regains an extra 1d6
1 Wants & Needs Someone to handle the day-to-day hit points if it spends any Hit Dice to regain hit points at the
burden of ensuring she doesn’t get killed by those in end of that rest. She can confer this benefit on herself as well.
her inner circle. Perhaps for starters, keep an eye on her Taunt (2/Long Rest). Jaleeda can use a bonus action on her
valet, Alicia Vickersby. She seems...off. turn to target one creature within 30 ft. of her. If the target
1 Secret or Obstacle Jaleeda is so accustomed to being can hear her, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Charisma
beloved she can’t fathom someone would kill her for the saving throw or have disadvantage on ability checks, attack
crown. Her weakness for ale might give them an opening. rolls and saving throws until the start of Jaleeda’s next turn.
1 Carrying 22sp, 43gp, 81pp; a bundle of parchment Scoundrel’s Purse. Jaleeda can cast the hold monster spell
tied with a viol string, featuring several in-progress once per long rest using her magical viol.
ballads; the Scoundrel’s Purse, a magical instrument.
Spellcasting. Jaleeda is a 4th-level spellcaster. Her
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to
hit with spell attacks). She has the following Bard spells
prepared:

Cantrips (at will): friends, mage hand, vicious mockery
1st level (4 slots): charm person, healing word, heroism,
sleep, thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): invisibility, shatter

Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

HIS HOLINESS BARDLE SHANKSWORTH

“Only gold can grease the machinery of the heavens.”

A man of average height and WITH GLEAMING white teeth 1 Wants & Needs A relic of
bald except for a tonsure of hair and a smile that never falters, His great value recently acquired by
Holiness Bardle Shanksworth is Shanksworth has gone missing. He
around the back of his head, the supreme spiritual authority needs it returned.
with a better-than-you smile. for hundreds of this city’s denizens 1 Secret or Obstacle Shanksworth
and spent years building his flock appears to inspire no loyalty in his
For the Perceptive among the area’s rich and powerful. staff, only in his congregants.
By offering the rich a chance to “pay 1 Carrying 352cp, 12sp, 100gp; the
The army of ushers, altar their way” to divine favor by buying poor-box key; several small candles.
tenders and others employed by absolution from Shanksworth, he’s
Shanksworth seem to share a become one of the realm’s most
universal disdain for him. powerful residents.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 73

Big City Denizens

Lawkeepers & Lawbreakers

I n large urban areas, those who hold the line are always in a struggle against
those who would leverage the city’s size to step around it. Some who uphold
the law are so militant in their devotion to it that they’ll utilize power without
discretion, while others understand the only way to change a corrupt system is to
subvert the system’s rules—and if you make a little coin doing so, well, all the better.
Where your party falls on the spectrum between law and chaos, as well as right and
wrong, will likely put them at odds with half the city.

GOURD GAZPACHO “Aw c’mon, I was gonna say that!”

A rotund man with a DESPITE BEING a veteran mystery novel, but he won’t allow
weathered face, who is bald detective with decades of experience, himself to step away until he solves
except for a small patch of Gourd has yet to truly crack a case on a crime on his own. He’s currently
his own. He certainly claims credit for trying to determine who killed
orange-blonde hair that solving plenty of past crimes, though, Horatio, the mayor’s cat.
sticks straight up from the assuming his current colleagues 1 Secret or Obstacle Gourd is one of
center of his skull, carrying a won’t bother looking into years- those “so daft he thinks he’s a genius”-
contraption built of wood and old cases from a different precinct. types, and his steadfast belief in his
Gourd is chasing the glory of being own abilities as well as his pride are
broken glass. a hero more so than the professional both roadblocks to his success.
achievement of solving a crime. He 1 Carrying 16cp, 4sp, 1gp; four
For the Perceptive works hard, he just doesn’t work shards of glass of varying size tied
smart, and is susceptible to endless to an X made of sticks that he uses
This man seems like he’s making rabbit holes most other detectives as crude magnifying glasses as well
mental notes of everyone in the know to avoid. His self-confidence is as “a reference model for how glass
party, as if he’s collecting misplaced, yet oddly inspiring. usually shatters.”
evidence for a crime that hasn’t 1 Wants & Needs Gourd would love
yet transpired. to retire so he can finally write his

KARDINA MINTLEAF “Smell that? That’s a fresh-baked crime!”

A petite woman with wide BY FAR the most polite and 1 Wants & Needs Kardina is
green eyes and a big ball of bubbly city patrol person around, pushing for legislation requiring
curly gray hair, her crooked Kardina Mintleaf has such a all the city watch to smile and stay
smile looks like a lightning bolt. joyful enthusiasm for her job upbeat while on duty.
you’d probably guess she catches 1 Secret or Obstacle Each night,
For the Insightful butterflies for a living rather than when she’s all alone, Kardina plays
criminals. Even when she shackles her flute and drinks fermented
This might be the most positive particularly aggressive types, licorice tea until she passes out,
person any of you have ever met. Kardina maintains her sunny in an effort to forget the man who
It’s a little unnerving. disposition as she uses her shocking tormented her in another life.
strength and understanding of 1 Carrying 8cp, 11sp, 11gp; a brass
body leverage to muscle much flute she uses as a billy club or to
larger men to the ground. signal for backup.

“LIL SLIPPERY” ELRI IZACAL “Noooooo, I would never!”

A spry young elf with For the Perceptive is why he’s trying to pull one big job
perfectly disheveled blond hair to fund his journey to fresh territory.
Elri never breaks eye contact, 1 Wants & Needs Elri needs a couple
and puppy-dog brown eyes, suggesting either a keen interest more accomplices to pull off his
he packs a lot of handsome in conversation or a trained carefully plotted beef heist at the
into his tiny frame, which looks practitioner who knows how to city’s largest meatpacking operation.
especially tiny thanks to his hide a lie. 1 Secret or Obstacle Since he’s
quite the escape artist when it
oversized cloak. AN EFFORTLESSLY handsome comes to fleeing a scene, Elri has
and charismatic elf, it’s easy to never actually found himself in
For the Insightful or see how Elri has pulled off so real danger from a job gone wrong.
Roguish many robberies, heists and cons Chances are he wouldn’t fare so
throughout the city. Though his well in a fight.
Elri’s charming interest in your reputation precedes him, he still 1 Carrying 6cp, 8sp, 15gp; a dagger
party may be genuine, but his manages to make his bones as a with a mysterious insignia he uses
honeyed words are laced with criminal because try as they might, “for protection,” which is, in fact, a
techniques used by ace-level potential marks just can’t seem to fancy letter opener.
con artists. say no to the guy. Still, he knows
he’ll eventually run out of cons to
pull in this part of the realm, which

ROID “HEAVY HANDS” TURLAK “You deserve a pat on the back…”

A massive, muscular orc with affectionate gestures such as a RCGohiodaldi’ns
rich green skin, humongous clap on the back or a shoulder rub
hands and a sinister smile for those who whine about their TfptaWa(oSahtswsrhrhtciishesterreeioieegoqeimcennrneanmuuagteadlwaugiatnbtprrhreirttlcaeeaoluei(yrarpsnhAutaelofieanastccobndshdhutroi.alttlatdfteoaduieuhytnrvinntmolcaihyicssesnsiet,)iscmtimwoacornghnnaepheeeasorcnoiclkoesd,tkwilnen)sair,gscaeha.eldln, ad
that’s missing one of its tusks, predicament. Because his hands are
wearing a heavy gold chain. so powerful, he’s actually causing
them great anguish and casually
For the Perceptive or breaking their bones.
Athletic
1 Wants & Needs Roid does not
Roid’s aggression and outsize understand why he hasn’t been
strength are no joke, and it looks promoted to warden yet, and feels
like his grip would be tough to he could honestly develop a better
wriggle out of. disposition if given the chance.
AS ONE of the head guards of the
city prison, Roid “Heavy Hands” 1 Secret or Obstacle Beyond tired
Turlak is a miserable brute (and an of his tactics, the other tenured
uncommonly strong commoner, guards are plotting Roid’s (very
with 18 Strength). Tired of the aggressive, very public) dismissal
tedium of guarding criminals he from the prison.
believes are physically incapable of
real harm, Roid amuses himself at 1 Carrying 13cp, 7sp, 2gp; a long,
work by grappling and “snoozin’ ” splintering club adorned with a
the prisoners he finds most boar tusk on top; a large metal
annoying, or offering seemingly ring with 50 jagged keys; Roid’s
Gold Chain that appears magical.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 75

Big City Denizens

CONSTABLE GRINDLETHORPE
THISTLESPINE, “THE GUPPY”

A forest gnome barely taller than 3 feet, but whose Constable Grindlethorpe
confidence and impressive posture make him seem Thistlespine, “The Guppy”
a little taller, in robes of vibrant yellow that contrast
Small gnome, lawful good
sharply with his shock of red hair, full sideburns, A gnome who has dedicated his entire life to improving
tasteful goatee and pale blue eyes, with two the lives of others in this city through his work as a
medallions conspicuously around his neck. constable, the Guppy is the man authorities call when they
have big fish to catch.
For the Perceptive
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor) WIS CHA
Constable Thistlespine seems almost top heavy Hit Points 59 (9d6+27) 12 11
between the numerous pouches on his belt and his Speed 30 ft. (+1)
two medallions (of which he seems particularly proud) (+0)
draped around his neck. STR DEX CON INT
9 14 16 17
For the Scholarly or Militarily-Trained (-1) (+2) (+3) (+3)

The medallions Constable Thistlespine is wearing Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +5
are the same: the Mark of the Watchful, an award Skills History +7, Investigation +7
granted to those who serve in a post with merit and/or Senses passive Perception 11
distinction for 100 years. Languages Common, Draconic, Gnomish, Undercommon
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
AMAGE of middling power but impeccable letters
of recommendation, Constable Grindlethorpe Wand of Wonder. Constable Thistlespine carries a wand of
Thistlespine adores the people of this city and sees wonder, and he’s not afraid to use it.
them all as part of his extended family—a rarity in a city
this size. Though he’s spent most of his adult life (204 Spellcasting. Constable Thistlespine is a 9th-level
years to be exact) serving (with merit!) as a constable spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save
within the city walls, a recent string of disappearances DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following
and deaths have left the residents resentful of his inability Wizard spells prepared:
to bring the perpetrators to justice—a reality that has
caused him to question his own efficacy as well as the Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand,
longevity of his career. The man once jokingly referred to prestidigitation
as The Guppy feels like a fish out of water, and may bring 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic missile,
in backup to bring the perpetrators to justice. shield
1 Wants & Needs Constable Grindlethorpe’s anxiety 2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion
at the current situation, 12 missing in just the last 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly
four days, is palpable. He was hoping to retire soon, 4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, confusion
knowing he’s getting older and has lost a step. He can’t 5th level (1 slot): geas
walk away until this job is complete.
1 Secret or Obstacle The disappearance of citizens has Actions
disrupted trade and has made the merchants, the city’s Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.
lifeblood, uneasy. He needs the situation dealt with so or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
the city can return to business as usual—but he’s simply
at a loss for what to do next.
1 Carrying 32sp, 18gp; a loop of several keys,
one of which he knows unlocks the city treasury;
a wand of wonder.

76 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“I’m
getting
too old
for this
stuff….”

Big City Denizens

CAPTAIN GREY MOUNTAINDARK “Hold the line.”

A dwarven man as wide as he is tall and missing Captain Grey Mountaindark
one of his front teeth, his impressive black and
Medium hill dwarf, lawful evil
white beard meets the middle of his chest. A stalwart dwarven military man, this captain leads through
He’s wearing finely crafted, battle-beaten armor force of will (and force in general).
that seems to shake the ground as he walks and is
Armor Class 20 (plate, shield) INT WIS CHA
carrying a large hammer covered in runes. Hit Points 68 (8d10 + 24) 12 10 13
Speed 20 ft. (+1) (+0) (+1)
For the Perceptive or Medically Trained
STR DEX CON
The knees of the armor Captain Mountaindark is 18 14 16
wearing don’t seem to bend, possibly to protect old (+4) (+2) (+3)
joints and shredded ligaments, which might affect his
movement speed. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
THE HEAD of the city’s Heavy Company, a glorified Damage Resistances poison
guard who both protect and police the citizenry here Languages Common, Dwarven
with an iron fist, Captain Grey Mountaindark has Challenge 5 (1,800xp)
applied the dwarven principles of pride, hard work
and unrelenting stubbornness even in the face of Dwarven Resilience. Captain Mountaindark has advantage
insurmountable odds to his role as a military leader— on Saving Throws against poison.
and those under his command adore him for it. He is Martial Advantage. Once per turn, Captain Mountaindark
missing one of his front teeth, and as a result whistles can deal an extra 10 (3d6) damage to a creature he hits with
a bit when he says words that start with S. No one has a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 ft. of an ally of
laughed at this fact in nearly 30 years. Captain Mountaindark that isn’t incapacitated.
1 Wants & Needs Though he’d never admit it, the Heavy Leadership (1/Short or Long Rest). For one minue
Company has its hands full with a group of thieves after invoking his Leadership as a bonus action, Captain
operating out of the city’s sewers, as well as a growing Mountaindark utters a special command or warning
threat from a pack of gnolls that have been reported whenever a non-hostile creature he can see within 30 ft. of
circling the city. His soldiers can’t be everywhere at once. him makes an attack roll or a saving throw. The creature
1 Secret or Obstacle Captain Mountaindark has can add 1d4 to its roll provided it can hear and understand
an interest in keeping the city safe using outside Captain Mountaindark. This effect ends if Captain
contractors—he’ll need all the men he can muster for Mountaindark is incapacitated.
the coup he’s plotting.
1 Carrying 21sp, 30gp, 43pp; a few bounties and Actions
contracts needing assignment; a rough map featuring Multiattack. Captain Mountaindark makes two dwarven
updates on gnoll sightings; a dwarven curler. curler attacks.
Dwarven Curler. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
Dwarven Curler (Thrown). Ranged Weapon Attack: +10
to hit, 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 7) bludgeoning
damage. Two targets, Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage
to the first target and 4 (1d8) to a second target of equal or
less AC within 10 ft. of the first target.

Dwarven Curlerhifbnait1wga.scdtchote8eikWafoaebptdtnnhlooh,ouyenepyudSfont,frrotggYthiuoi.orruhyetorleasvcorooiluttnniamnsudhowtngdgi(omeawmhnnhtardsnahirgiahieeetdptentlddiodqawhcrtofaiehateoareapniunimteptwtD+vgfdhohieieseria3lreerentcraygsethaxcbthttherysfnorot(oraltiaetnigswnoohnwaoejrdeeleusgisitilaestcxttsetotbhytthrtamaduotafoerrhofcasarn6aaghosekyatgaae0bnriecttmttmotilaoomtc.tuofwfcnharetdkwmty.mocdee,gthokuaeunewaateeulrasaotaldghtricprrtnnnrueagi)ohhbiagdctcre,nnaa.nhlykttngvdeA.vghwercdaIrdeaesi’aotmi,sbsaratonldehdhpmyalfbeeaa.iugwnonaa2tsrseglnh0ea1tiaeunh0rrsgefe)

SER LEXINGTON BARKDIGGLY “SER LEX” HEARTWARMER III

“Did I do good?”

A humanoid canine, with shiny golden fur, Ser Lexington Barkdiggly
big brown eyes, floppy ears and a suit of shining Heartwarmer, III
blue and silver armor, carrying a large wooden club
Medium humanoid canine, chaotic good
and a shield with the sigil of a heart aflame. An oath of devotion paladin who just wants to do good.

For the Insightful Armor Class 20 (plate, shield) INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) 8 10 22
Ser Lex seems eager to please, as if his main goal Speed 30 ft. (-1) (+0) (+6)
in life is the pursuit of praise. And possibly food.
And more bones. Bones are great. STR DEX CON
A PROUD paladin of house Heartwarmer, like his 16 12 15
father and grandfather before him, Ser Lexington (+3) (+1) (+2)
Barkdiggly Heartwarmer III is as devoted to the idea
of doing good as he is dedicated to the task of ensuring Saving Throws Str +6, Con +5, Cha +9
those around him have lives filled with joy. Wandering Skills Athletics +6, Insight +3, Persuasion +9
the streets of this city, Ser Lex greets all he encounters Senses passive Perception 10
with a smile on his face and a humble request for Languages Celestial, Common
food on his lips. He’s been known to undertake any Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
number of requested tasks in exchange for a simple
crust of bread or cut of beef or scrap of salmon Fetch Quest (1/Long Rest). No matter where he is in the
or the occasional whole turkey when temptation city, Ser Lex knows of at least one individual within a 5-mile
grows beyond his willpower. And bones, he does like radius who needs something done, and knows payment for
bones. Ser Lex has a nose for trouble and an almost this service will include at least one (and possibly several)
preternatural gift for unearthing buried secrets, and bits of food. Upon hearing the phrase “Fetch Quest,” Ser Lex
most mercenaries for hire know that if you’re looking will head in the direction of the closest “side job for good” as
for a side gig, Ser Lex can fetch one for you, provided he calls them, at GM discretion. Once this feature has been
you don’t mind doing your best. For example—did you activated, it cannot be used again until Ser Lex has finished a
know the city’s crypts are currently writhing with the well-deserved long rest.
walking dead? Brave. Ser Lex has advantage on saving throws against being
1 Wants & Needs Ser Lex wants to feel wanted, needs frightened.
to feel needed and in order to pursue those feelings of Divine Smite. Ser Lex can expend a spell slot to cause his
admiration and affection has chosen to do good for the melee weapon attacks to magically deal an extra 9 (2d8)
people of this city—a Heartwarmer family tradition. radiant damage to a target on a hit. If Ser Lex expends a spell
1 Secret or Obstacle The dead are walking among the slot of 2nd level or higher, the extra damage increases by 1d8
living throughout the city, a fact Ser Lex knows more for each level above 1st. The damage increases by 1d8 if the
than he lets on about. Perhaps he doesn’t want you to target is an undead or a fiend.
think it was his fault, or maybe he just wants to keep Warding Bark. Each creature that can see hear Ser Lex’s
all of their bones to himself. deafening display within 30 ft. of him must make a DC 13
1 Carrying 43cp, 30sp; a bright green orb about the Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute,
size of your hand; a patterned red cloth he occasionally and must use their reaction and subsequent turns to move as
far away from Ser Lex as they can. Fiends and Undead make
dons as a neckerchief. this save at disadvantage. A creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on
itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful
or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Ser Lex’s
Warding Bark for the next 24 hours.

Spellcasting. Ser Lex is an 8th-level spellcaster. His
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17, +9 to
hit with spell attacks). He has the following Paladin spells
prepared:

1st level (4 slots): bless*, cure wounds, detect evil and good,
heroism*, protection from evil and good
2nd level (2 slots): aid, lesser restoration, magic weapon*
*Ser Lex casts these spells on himself before combat.

Actions
Multiattack. Ser Lex can use Warding Bark, then makes two
melee attacks with his longstick.
Longstick. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage

Reactions
Parry. Ser Lex adds 2 to his AC against one melee attack
that would hit him. To do so, Ser Lex must see the attacker
and be wielding a melee weapon.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 79

Big City Denizens

GABRIEL “THE DENT” DANTON
Undead Underboss

A dapper gentleman with sallow skin talents to collect dirt on nearly every lawkeeper in the
whose wide-brimmed hat appears to be covering city, and has since operated with the shroud of immunity
a portion of his caved-in skull. His rich blue eyes that only top notch blackmailers or those with a legacy of
ruthlessness can enjoy. Luckily for The Dent, he is both.
seem to be tracking everything in the room. 1 Wants & Needs The Dent pays better than most for
intel regarding what those in power do after dark (and
For the Roguish double for info related to illicit daytime activities) and
seeks an angle on the leader of a community crime
Tales of the Dent are legendary, and seeing him in the watch, Alderwoman Janet Pogue, who seems delicious.
flesh means either he needs something important or 1 Secret or Obstacle Given The Dent is also a vampire,
you’ve made a horrible mistake. he has difficulty operating during the day, and can no
longer sneak unbidden into others’ homes (which is a
For the Devout real shame, as it was one of his more useful talents).
1 Carrying 0sp, 38gp, 19pp; a few vials of blood; a pair
Though his shirt cuffs have been doused in a rich of round, dark-lensed glasses; an oversized parasol.
cologne, the Dent carries the unmistakable stench of
the undead. GM Note

When he was just a common sneakthief, Gabriel “The Dent” Danton uses the statistics of a
Gabriel “The Dent” Danton suffered a blow vampire (CR 13), with one additional feature:
to the head from an overzealous guard Cunning Action. The Dent can take the Dash,
that should have taken his life—or at least set him Disengage or Hide actions as a bonus action.
on a straighter path. Instead, the young pickpocket
recovered, and vowed that if he was going to live on the
wrong side of the law he’d do so by ensuring he never
had to deal with guards again. He used his considerable

“CREEPY” SHEENA O’PINERY “I just had the BEST dream about you!”

An exceptionally tall and KNOWN FOR her bizarre giggle 1 Wants & Needs Sheena would like
slender woman with long, fits and penchant for invading to start making life-sized replicas of
thinning dark hair and yellow personal space, Sheena was her favorite city dwellers. To do so,
teeth, she has a diagonal scar recently released from a stint in she’ll need to unearth a few more
on her face that stretches prison after being caught stealing parts.
from the corner of her squinty bones from mangled corpses 1 Secret or Obstacle Sheena has
right eye to the bottom of her across the city. As it turns out, very thin skin, both figuratively
she was using the skeletal pieces and literally. Also, the city guard
cracked lip. to create crude dolls resembling working the graveyard district
some of the citizens she’s obsessed knows her face (and smell).
For the Perceptive with—and she’s not shy about 1 Carrying 17cp, 8sp, 5gp; a rusted
letting them know how often she bonesaw; a sharpened femur for
Sheena rarely makes eye contact thinks and dreams about them. protection.
for long and often appears to be Prison did not do much to break
on the verge of tears (when she’s her of this habit. If anything, doing
not laughing maniacally). time made her more bold.

80 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“That’s
gonna
leave a
mark.”

Big City Denizens

“SCRIM” GORDENHURST “Yeeargh, that’s gonna cost extra.”

A one-eyed, muscle-bound merc who barely fits “Scrim” Gordenhurst
inside his studded leather armor, he has a facial
tattoo that incorporates his empty eye socket into a Medium human, chaotic neutral
A landlocked sailor dealing with a bit of a curse.
picture of a giantess hurling a boulder.
Armor Class 14 (studded leather) WIS CHA
For the Insightful or Seafaring Hit Points 53 (5d12 + 20) 9 13
Speed 30 ft. (-1) (+1)
Scrim has the look and feel of a steadfast seaman.
There’s something curious about the fact that he STR DEX CON INT
refuses to work on, or around, the waves. 18 15 18 10
(+4) (+2) (+4) (+0)
For the Perceptive
Senses passive Perception 9
Scrim will occasionally touch his chest just above his Languages Common
armor, as if ensuring something is still on his person. Challenge 2 (450 XP)

A FORMER FELON of the high seas who has since Reckless. At the start of his turn, Scrim can gain advantage
taken up land-based mercenary work after an encounter on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but
with a kraken left him afeared of the water, Scrim will attack rolls against him have advantage until the start of
face down any would-be foe, provided it lacks tentacles. his next turn.
1 Wants & Needs Scrim wants money, plain and simple,
and will do just about anything for it. He’d love a steady Actions
job in a town that’s as far away from the sea as possible. Multiattack. Scrim makes two attacks with his heavy cutlass.
And if anyone asks, his name is Magoo. Heavy Cutlass. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
1 Secret or Obstacle Scrim fears the reason a kraken one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
attacked his ship a few months ago is because his crew
raided an undersea temple and took a few artifacts— Call of the SeawkcCptriadulhAruanlenokernsdcdpseiaoeorrneebdeetrrai.aktrltwlytOienolutmaoyrnirutnewecoestceeorvisahtettaatscathhntwiarp(utteedgsrunoot(ewewnweugcsnqdeohnaoeaddnirreultnfderottrttissreeooro“sotaraehlbtgbbuashswiryeosswaeltuaahrpoiaitCemttnu.tserm”takgrbotuslToaaitfplrnvfhcesetohaekrhehsefeetc.cedmi.tesuclthlor,riteetsefinermenaS3e)mat0.tceeur)kAsaarfe,latetda.adacdaalcielastlsryicoweto.aianemgTntlaaulehblirsnlaireysssea,anaatdhe
including the intricate shell necklace he continues to
wear under his armor.
1 Carrying 43cp, 18sp; a heavy cutlass; chain shirt; the
Call of the Sea, an intricate shell necklace that is most
assuredly cursed.

Character Variant Table (Optional) 5 2,500gp
6 3,000gp
Killer for Hire
1d10 The contract stipulates the killing must...
This (or any) NPC has been tasked with taking out
another NPC. Roll on the tables to find out the rate, the 1 ...be slow and tantalizing.
contract and the reason, then roll on the table on pg. 267 2 ...look like an accident.
to determine which character is the target of this contract, 3 ...be incredibly public.
or choose an established NPC at GM discretion. 4 ...take place far from town.
5 ...involve poison.
1d6 This contract pays... 6 ...happen before the next full moon.
1 500gp 7 ...take place at sea.
2 1,000gp 8 ...involve a fall from a great height.
3 1,500gp 9 ...include an animal accomplice.
4 2,000gp 10 ...look like a suicide.

ANGELINA POPPERS “This is gonna get us killed. I like it!”

A half-elf with an androgynous build, tight cropped Angelina Poppers
sandy hair, an upturned nose and an array of
crossbow bolts crisscrossing their chest. Medium half-elf, chaotic neutral
A crossbow expert with a bad habit (which can be good).
For the Perceptive or Medically Trained
Armor Class 16 (studded leather) WIS CHA
Angelina is either hyper focused or in a bit of a daze, Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) 9 12
and their wide mood swings suggest their attention is Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft. (-1) (+1)
chemically or magically altered.
A STEADY HAND with a crossbow, Angelina Poppers STR DEX CON INT
is also quick with directions to the finest sources of 11 18 14 12
illicit goods.
1 Wants & Needs Angelina needs to continue working for (+0) (+4) (+2) (+0)
their employer (a secretive individual they will only refer
to as C.L.B.), and Gaze. Angelina needs more Gaze. Skills Stealth +7, Thieves’ Tools +7
1 Secret or Obstacle Angelina is addicted to Gaze, an Senses passive Perception 9
herbal supplement available on the black market in Languages Common, Elvish
tincture form. Angelina will drop it in their eyes when Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
they need to focus—typically before they know they’re in
for a fight. Cunning Action. On each of their turns, Angelina can use a
1 Carrying 23cp, 18sp, 2gp; crossbow and assorted bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage or Hide action.
ammunition; studded leather armor; four small vials Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Angelina deals an extra 14 (4d6)
of Gaze. damage when they hit a target with a weapon attack and has
advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 ft.
of an ally of Angelina’s that isn’t incapacitated and Angelina
doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Actions
Multiattack. Angelina can make two attacks with their light
crossbow.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Gaze Light Crossbow (if under the effect of Gaze). Ranged
Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

1d8 The target has been marked because… GazeiasachnacarDabdAuepzaarCfp+etettle,5eudi1”drer8t(DdesaotbsabfuChuyesotecrafeponoorofcinaenpitnaGunapvyreldssteciperactrineudosmznlirantgyrneewenfueeeiarn1ngwthndtdtoitheglutaoeimvedefstrantmviaeehreisawerts’sspwoahsslaefreketorevroea)oaecnfooi.yfpmfifnrofG,mfeoefitegwostexcnhahtrhtsnthzieosehahteeaoctcwteerrcuftohhoeoyrmaosir,alowetctrrlkiGas.hkloe.oedtkWacqOanurawveuzaor,nhiiespiehlvnwaellawoeigmlnhasflfe+nopyituaatclhrt5ahnsliah,lret1esatenthicsosradhataueakiaowtirncn“sneibuachvciGiotavrieettyhn.laenuiepatdz,drlioetyetretirohavabnweeeal

1 ...they angered the wrong noble.

2 ...they insulted the local leader.

3 ...they are forming a rival religion.

4 ...they are connected to a dangerous prophecy.

5 ...spite?

6 ...they refused to support a labor union.
…they are the child of the son of the daughter
7 who wronged a powerful family.

8 …love makes you do crazy things.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 83

Big City Denizens

ZELLI “Z” TRAINER, URBAN RANGER
with Kiefer the Raccoon

A silent-stepping halfling woman with long dark Zelli “Z” Trainer
hair shaved tight above her left ear, wearing
Small halfling, chaotic good
leather armor and a dark brown cloak, and who A fearless urban ranger, Z always gets her goblin.
would likely be fully inaudible were it not for the
Armor Class 15 (studded leather) WIS CHA
sound of her chewing gum. She is trailed by Hit Points 28 (5d8 + 5) 16 11
a giant raccoon nearly as big as she is. Speed 35 ft. (+3)
(+0)
For the Perceptive STR DEX CON INT
11 17 12 11
The base of Zelli’s cloak is stained and dripping wet,
and carries the smell of the sewers. (+0) (+3) (+1) (+0)

While most rangers prefer to warden open Skills Nature +3, Perception +6, Stealth +9, Survival +5
country or boundless wilderness, Zelli “Z” Senses passive Perception 16
Trainer is certainly not most rangers, and Languages Common, Halfling
instead gets her thrills exploring the cavernous depths Challenge 2 (450 XP)
of natural tunnels and interconnected sewer pipes that
snake through the city’s foundations. A courageous, Keen Hearing and Sight. Zelli has advantage on Wisdom
solitary sort, she has only one true companion: a (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
massive raccoon she calls Kiefer or “Keef.” Together, Z Lucky. Zelli can reroll a 1 on any skill check, attack roll or
and Keef dispatch goblins, hags and other undercity saving throw, but must use the result of the new roll.
monstrosities, but they’ve come to recognize there are Naturally Stealthy. Zelli can attempt to hide even when she
creatures lurking in the shadows that may be too much is obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger
for a girl and her raccoon to handle alone. than her.
1 Wants & Needs Backup, even if she doesn’t want Command Critter. Zelli can issue a command to Kiefer the
to admit it. The city’s underbelly is teeming with raccoon, who acts independently on her turn per initiative.
dangerous beasts who are getting more aggressive, more
cunning and worst of all, more numerous. Actions
1 Secret or Obstacle Given that she spends most of her Multiattack. Zelli makes two melee attacks or two ranged attacks.
time alone in the sewers, Z has a tough time articulating Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
the challenges the city faces from below, and an even target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
harder time getting those in power to listen on account Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, ranged
of the smell. 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
1 Carrying 31cp, 34sp; a few wads of a minty, gum-like
substance; a small sack of dried goblin ears, which serve Kiefer, “Keef” the Raccoon
as a reward for her well-trained raccoon.
Medium beast, unaligned
84 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters This cuddly, bandit-masked creature enjoys three things:
collecting shiny bits, eating goblin ears and getting scritches
from Zelli. The first almost always leads to the others.

Armor Class 11
Hit Points 23 (5d4 + 10)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
3 16 14 6 12 3

(-4) (+3) (+2) (-2) (+1) (-4)
Skills Perception +4, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +6
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Understands Common but cannot speak it
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Keen Hearing and Sight. Keef has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Get the Shiny. As a bonus action, Keef can attempt to
steal an object weighing no more than two pounds using a
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. Keef ’s Sleight of Hand
bonus is doubled if the item is shiny (at GM discretion).

Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 1 piercing damage. The creature must make a DC 10
Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes an
additional 2d6 poison damage and is diseased with arcane
rabies. Until cured, the creature takes 2d6 poison damage
each time they wake from a long rest.

“Ladies
first.”

Big City Denizens

ARCHMAGE REAGAN DYSART “My stars!”

A beautiful archmage in a flowing silver and white Archmage Reagan Dysart
robe, her wild red hair teased high like a lion’s
mane, her freckled face warm and welcoming. Ancient silver dragon in human form, lawful good
This kind, caring human woman is an ancient silver dragon
For the Insightful in disguise, and seeks to protect the realm so all can enjoy the
simple pleasures of human existence.
Despite the daily challenges facing the city, Archmage
Dysart seems to be in high spirits, suggesting she has Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor) WIS CHA
an extremely long view of the realm. Hit Points 487 (25d20 + 225) 20 23
WITH A casual manner and a voice that never exhibits Speed 30 ft. (+5) (+6)
tension or anger, Archmage Reagan Dysart has adopted
this realm as her home and manages its defense against STR DEX CON INT
external threats from within the city’s walls. Somewhat 10 14 12 20
absent-minded, she has forgotten more spells than most (+0) (+2) (+1) (+5)
will learn in a lifetime of study, and though she could
shape or shift the realm with a flick of her wrist, she Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +8, Wis +12, Cha +13
would much prefer to sit back and see how things shake Skills Arcana +12, History +12, Insight +12, Perception +19
out on their own. Still, she’s been known to offer a nudge Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing and slashing
here or a wish there when times are particularly dire. damage from nonmagical weapons
She is fond of puzzles, poetry and piping hot bread— Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive
especially if it has a crumbly crust. Of late, she’s felt her Perception 29
arcane abilities begin to slip alongside her memory, Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Dwarven,
though she’s not certain whether or not these facts are Elvish, Gnomish, Infernal
related. How delightfully intriguing! Challenge 26 (90,000xp)
1 Wants & Needs Archmage Dysart isn’t quite sure
why, but it seems some of her power is starting to fade. Magic Resistance. Archmage Dysart has advantage on
Isn’t that interesting? If she concentrates, she can feel saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
it being pulled, like a thread on an unraveling shawl, Legendary Resistance (3/Long Rest). If Archmage Dysart
toward a cavern north of the city. fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
1 Secret or Obstacle Archmage Dysart is an ancient silver
dragon who simply enjoys being human. She also can’t Spellcasting. Archmage Dysart is an 18th-level spellcaster. Her
remember where she left her treasure hoard. No bother. spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 20, +13 to hit
It’ll turn up sometime! with spell attacks). She can cast disguise self and invisibility at
1 Carrying 4gp; five gems worth 1,000gp each; will and has the following wizard spells prepared:
a +1 magnolia wand she uses as an arcane focus.
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand,
prestidigitation, shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor*,
magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fly, lightning bolt
4th level (3 slots): banishment, fire shield
5th level (3 slots): cone of cold, scrying, wall of force
6th level (1 slot): true seeing
7th level (1 slot): teleport
8th level (1 slot): mind blank*
9th level (1 slot): wish
*Archmage Dysart casts these spells on herself before combat,
assuming she wouldn’t rather reveal her dragon form.

Actions
Dragonshift. Archmage Dysart drops her human form
and reveals herself as an ancient silver dragon. At GM
discretion, she loses access to her ability to cast spells for
1d100 days, as the transformation muddles her memory
and scatters her arcane abilities.

BRIAR “DIAMOND” McCLURE “Keeps the head clear.”

An older human man with a clean-shaved face 1 Wants & Needs To keep his restaurant open the clean
accentuated by a rather large mole on his chin, and honest way, and gain the respect of his fellow
business owners. And maybe to know a little more about
freshly nicked with a bit of blood he keeps the heavily guarded vault he saw at the Calluga Caviar Co.
dabbing with a pocket handkerchief wearing a
faded black suit and a gold pinky ring with three 1 Secret or Obstacle Some of the people Diamond stole
empty settings clearly missing their diamonds. from are the very people he’s hoping will trust him as
a restaurateur, but they’ve banded together to create a
For the Perceptive commission with the sole purpose of booting him out.
He might have to put his contingency plan into place.
Diamond’s suit is of high quality but ill-tailored,
suggesting it might be secondhand. 1 Carrying 8 fake platinum pieces mixed in with
BRIAR McCLURE—known in his criminal heyday as 22cp; his top dentures; a stolen pocket watch with the
“Diamond”—looks a decade younger than he is (73) inscription “Mine!”; three diamonds from his gold pinky
thanks to a life without alcohol or drugs, which he is ring (worth 20gp each).
quick to bring up in any conversation (it “keeps the head
clear”). A former jewelry thief, Briar has cultivated a bit Briar “Diamond” McClure
of a rocky reputation with the city’s business owners,
having built his now-floundering restaurant The Open Medium human, chaotic neutral
Hearth using the money he’s collected from pawned A dashing thief in his heyday hoping to make things work
goods stolen from some of the city’s elite. And middle now that he’s chosen to go straight, it’s hard to know which
class. And poor. He was a busy guy back then but he’s will catch up with Diamond first, time or his choices.
totally changed! Armor Class 14
Hit Points 85 (13d8 + 26)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 18 15 10 10 14
(+0) (+4) (+2) (+0) (+0) (+2)

Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +3
Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Sleight of
Hand +10, Stealth +10, Deception +8
Languages Common, Thieves’ Cant
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Cunning Action. On each of his turns, Diamond can use a
bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage or Hide action.
Evasion. If Diamond is subjected to an effect that allows
him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half
damage, he instead takes no damage if he succeeds on the
saving throw, and only half damage if he fails.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Diamond deals an extra 25 (7d6)
damage when he hits a target with a weapon attack and has
advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 ft.
of an ally that isn’t incapacitated and Diamond doesn’t have
disadvantage on the attack roll.
Actions
Multiattack. Diamond makes three attacks with his
shortsword.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 +4 ) piercing damage.
Reactions
Uncanny Dodge. Diamond halves the damage from an
attack that hits him. He must be able to see the attacker.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 87

Big City Denizens

Oddballs & Outsiders

N o matter the size of a city or the inclusiveness of its population, there are always
those who stand out, either by choice or circumstance. While “normal” is often
a subjective notion, the following would likely seem out of place anywhere,
but are definitely drawing attention to themselves in this urban environment. Whether
attention is well-received or ill-fated is entirely up to GM discretion.

CRAGGLE UMPTEENTH “It is possible, and I’ll prove it!”

A cross-eyed, middle-aged A HOPELESSLY optimistic actually capture lightning in a
man covered in soot wearing dreamer, Craggle Umpteenth starts bottle. He hopes to propose to her
pieces of scrap metal tied to every day with the same goal in with the bottle of electric bolts in
mind: to catch lightning in a bottle. lieu of a ring.
his arms and legs. Literally. Climbing the tallest 1 Secret or Obstacle
buildings and highest hills in the Unbeknownst to Craggle, another
For the Inventive city clad in crude armor he calls inventor in town, Eddie Thomason,
“bolt bait,” he ignores the scoffs and has been sabotaging Craggle’s
Craggle’s armor is certainly eye rolls of his fellow citizens as he efforts at every turn.
conductive—but has no way of sets up his uncorked bottles and 1 Carrying 12cp, 11sp, 7gp; a case
transferring energy into a singular pleads with stormy skies. of empty wine and liquor bottles;
vessel. He also needs a means of 1 Wants & Needs Craggle is in love various pieces of scrap metal; a
ensuring he isn’t roasted alive. with a woman, Karolina Wedlock, lightning rod.
Maybe you can help? who will only marry him if he can

REDUCTO THE OMNIPOTENT, with Derp the Homunculus

“I am Reducto. Quake and tremble.”

A cloud of mist that seems ONE OF the most powerful namely locating and sealing the
to be following you, trailed wizards in the realm of his own Gate of Unhope, a legendary portal
mind, Reducto the Omnipotent to a dangerous Abyssal realm—but
by a waddling, winged was certain he’d discovered a he can’t so much as pick up a quill
homunculus about a foot tall. way to augment the gaseous form to graph out arcane parabola.
spell to maximize its longevity
For the Insightful and utility, allowing him to shift 1 Secret or Obstacle Reducto
into this form at will for days at a has telepathically explained his
This mist is obviously sentient, time. But it’s been about a week predicament to his homunculus,
perhaps even intelligent. And did now, and...well. Perhaps he’s still Derp, but critical problem solving,
it just roll its...mist at you? working out the kinks. to say nothing of communicating, is
not Derp’s strong suit.
For the Arcane 1 Wants & Needs Reducto would
very much like to no longer be 1 Carrying Nothing, on account of
It’s possible you’re observing a mist, as he has work to complete— him being mist.
mage under the influence of a
version of the gaseous form spell.

CHIRPANNY LILOX “The wings of The One True will carry us forward!”

A wavy-haired elf A SPIRITED elf with a message to 1 Wants & Needs Chirpanny needs
with sparkling cerulean relay, Chirpanny Lilox is determined to convince at least a dozen people
eyes wearing a long flowing to spread the word about a bird of The One True in order to justify
dress made entirely of fresh she refers to as “The One True.” the land she’s already purchased for
flowers and the feathers According to the numerous scrolls her commune.
she’s written herself, a single feather 1 Secret or Obstacle The land
of various birds. from this mysterious bird can Chirpanny purchased abuts the
permanently cure existential dread, roost of a roc, and, as an extremely
For the Perceptive depression and indigestion so long as territorial creature, it has followed
an individual carries it with them at her scent here.
Chirpanny picks petals from all times. She has never encountered 1 Carrying 12cp, 6sp, 1gp; scrolls;
a flower on her dress and, The One True herself, but she adorns a necklace made of daisies; a small
if she thinks no one is looking, herself in flowers and feathers she’s bag of birdseed.
eats them. convinced were at least grazed by the
bird at some point.

ODAR POOLIMP “A goat ear a day keeps me away!”

An elderly man with white call him a “ditch doctor”—as in, 1 Wants & Needs Odar is searching
hair wildly jutting out from all of his patients end up dead in for an albino blue dragon, as he
a ditch. Operating out of a poorly believes the animal’s kidneys can
his temples, he wears a constructed tent adorned with cure blindness.
monocle in each eye, a animal parts on the outskirts of 1 Secret or Obstacle An animal
necklace featuring a half- the city, Odar pushes his natural rights group is planning to burn
eaten corn cob and shoes remedies on passersby who are down Odar’s tent if he ever leaves it
made from untreated...seal lured out of curiosity, necessity for more than an hour at a time.
or desperation. Some of his go-to 1 Carrying 11cp, 4sp, 2gp; a
skin? Hard to say. recommendations for maintaining severed octopus tentacle; a vile of
good health include snorting a baboon blood; 22 tarantula legs;
For the Perceptive bushel of blackbear hair (annually), several sacks of dried beast parts
drinking ground elk antlers, and at GM discretion.
Odar appears to have a slight using the hardened heart of a gnoll
nosebleed. It’s probably fine. as an exfoliating body scrubber.
THOUGH SOME refer to Odar
Poolimp as a “witch doctor,” others

LURMIS LOOMID “Here’s lookin’ at you, squid!”

A frail man with scraggly A STREET performer who 1 Wants & Needs A place to live.
silver hair and one large entertains absolutely no one but Lurmis has been homeless for quite
rotting tooth in his mouth, himself, Lurmis Loomid can a while now.
usually be seen juggling a glass eye 1 Secret or Obstacle Lurmis is
which is wide open. and a baby squid outside various not comfortable with living under
taverns across the city. He attempts a roof, otherwise the deva that
For the Devout to flirt with anyone who watches occasionally speaks through him
his act via poor whistling and odd won’t have a way of tapping into his
Despite your better judgment, attempts at catcalling and keeps a brain matter, get it?
something about your connection hollowed out watermelon at his feet 1 Carrying 8cp; a glass eye; a
with your deity is telling you to in case anyone feels sorry enough live baby squid; a hollowed out
converse with this man. to toss a few coins in. watermelon.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 89

Big City Denizens

SISSY ONTARIO

Wearing roughspun clothes covered in Sissy Ontario, Urban Druid
scavenged and upcycled armor and city-street
stains, her dark hair in two thick braids that hang Medium human, neutral good
on either side of her chest, carrying a leg that A powerful druid with a devotion to the unique ecosystem
created by this urban environment, she really wants to save
looks like it was ripped off a mannequin. the vermin.

For the Perceptive Armor Class 16 (studded leather, shield) WIS CHA
Hit Points 55 (10d8 + 10) 20 11
Sissy is being trailed at a modest distance by a brown Speed 30 ft. (+5) (0)
mouse and an orange cat, which appears to have a
cockroach on its head. She seems content with their STR DEX CON INT
general concern and curiosity. 10 14 12 12
(0) (+2) (+1) (+1)
WHILE THOSE who leverage their connection
with the natural world to marshall druidic Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +9
power typically dwell in the wild, there is a Skills Medicine +9, Nature +5, Perception +9
whole kingdom of beasts who call this city home, and Languages Common, Druidic, Elvish
Sissy Ontario is their voice. Communing with the cats, Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
rats and cockroaches who weave in and out of the alleys
here, Sissy knows this city’s every nook and cranny, and Change Shape (2/Long Rest). As an action, Sissy magically
uses her considerable arcane abilities to ensure that polymorphs into a beast or elemental with a challenge rating
what little protections the city’s beastial creatures are of 6 or less, and can remain in this form for up to 9 hours.
afforded are kept firmly in place. As eccentric as you Sissy can choose whether her equipment falls to the ground,
might expect a woman who speaks with vermin to be, melds with her new form, or is worn by the new form. Sissy
Sissy is kind of heart and slow to judge. reverts to her true form if the form dies or falls unconscious.
Sissy can also choose to revert to her true form using a bonus
1 Wants & Needs Sissy has heard there’s a plan to action on her turn.
exterminate an entire nest of roaches beneath the city. The City Stride. Sissy can move through nonmagical difficult
roach nest is part of an elaborate ecosystem, and removing terrain at full speed and can also pass through nonmagical
it could doom the whole city. Plus they’re so cute! plants without being slowed by them and without taking
1 Secret or Obstacle Sissy can’t seem to convince anyone damage from them if they have thorns, spines or a similar
a nest of roaches is worth saving. In part because they hazard. (GM Note: Sissy is also immune to damage from
are roaches, but also because she is a bit disconnected piles of garbage.)
from the other things that make a city this large
function, and has a reputation for being “difficult.” All Spellcasting. Sissy is a 10th-level spellcaster. Her
of this is a real shame, as the roaches are ensuring the spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit
Enduring Shadow is otherwise occupied. Do you want to with spell attacks). She has the following Druid spells
release the Enduring Shadow? Well? Do you? prepared:
1 Carrying 18cp; a hunk of bread and small honeycomb;
a salvaged wooden leg; a few choice cuts of fancy cheese; Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, mending, produce flame,
her arcane focus, a piece of scrap metal bent into the shillelagh
shape of a cat. 1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, entangle, faerie fire, speak
with animals
2nd level (3 slots): animal messenger, beast sense,
heat metal
3rd level (3 slots): conjure animals, meld into stone,
water breathing
4th level (3 slots): dominate beast, locate creature,
stoneskin, wall of fire
5th level (2 slots): commune with nature, tree stride*
*GM Note: This spell works on this city’s piles of trash as well.

Actions
Wooden Leg. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Wooden Shillel-leg (if using shillelagh). Melee Weapon
Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 5).

90 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“Think
of the
roaches!

Please!”

Big City Denizens

“KING” INDIGO SERPIENTE “No, thhomething’th jutht in my eye.”

A mass of muscle in heavy plate, with shoulder- “King” Indigo Serpiente
length black hair that obscures his glacier
Medium serpentblood, neutral evil
blue eyes, carrying a longsword and a shield Born and raised as a serpentblood before rebelling against
emblazoned with a sigil: a snake eating its own tail. his own family and race, “King” Indigo Serpiente is looking
for others like him so he can stomp them under his boot.
For the Insightful
Armor Class 21 (+1 plate, shield) WIS CHA
This individual seems to be avoiding words with Hit Points 143 (22d8 + 44) 14 16
the letter S in them, perhaps to hide a somewhat Speed 30 ft. (+2) (+3)
serpentine lisp.
STR DEX CON INT
For the Perceptive 20 15 14 10
(+5) (+2) (+2) (+0)
Though hidden behind a curtain of overlong bangs,
King’s eyes look reptilian. Saving Throws Str +9, Con +6
BORN FAR beneath the surface in a civilization built Skills Athletics +9, Intimidation +7, Perception +6
on cold-blooded calculation and the struggle for power, Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Indigo Serpiente did not gel well with his serpentblood Languages Common, Draconic
siblings on account of his emotional outbursts and Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
bipedal form. When his mother agreed it would be best
if he sacrificed himself so they could bring on the reign Magic Resistance. King has advantage on saving throws
of the World Eater, Indigo ate his family instead. After against spells and other magical effects.
conquering his entire nest and bathing in their blood, Indomitable (2/Short or Long Rest). King rerolls a failed
Indigo christened himself “King,” and ascended to the saving throw.
surface. Royalty in his own mind, he has but one aim: Second Wind (1/Short or Long Rest). As a bonus action,
to destroy all serpentbloods, by any means necessary. King can regain 20 hit points.
He has traveled to nearly every continent that’s been Hearty Blows. While he still has more than half his hit
charted on a map, and his genocidal quest has brought points, King delivers an extra 7 (2d6) slashing damage when
him here, where he’s certain a nest of serpentbloods are he attacks with his longsword.
planning to displace the city’s most powerful leaders.
1 Wants & Needs King is motivated by a singular desire Innate Spellcasting. King’s spellcasting ability is Charisma
to destroy the serpentblood race—and he’s learned of a (spell save DC 15). He can innately cast the following spells,
nest taking root in this city. He needs allies. requiring no material components:
1 Secret or Obstacle King does his best to hide the fact
that he’s a serpentblood, with limited success. Given the At will: animal friendship (snakes only)
rumors about his race, he has a difficult time gaining 3/Long Rest each: poison spray, suggestion
others’ trust. Raised to believe all emotions are vile and
useless, King still hides his as best he can, but they—like Actions
the serpentbloods—have a way of rising to the surface at Multiattack. King makes three attacks with his longsword
the worst possible time. Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
1 Carrying 50sp, 18gp; a bag of holding; +1 full plate one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage, plus 7 (2d6)
armor; a longsword; a cape and boots crafted from his slashing damage if he has more than half of his total hit
mother’s blue-black snakeskin; a book of poetry with points remaining.
several missing pages. Rattling Armor (1 /Short or Long Rest). King stands firm
and shakes in his heavy armor, creating an intimidating rattle
effect. Each creature within 30 ft. of King that can hear this
sound must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or
become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature may
attempt the save again at the end of its turns, ending the
effect on a success. A creature that succeeds on this saving
throw is immune to this effect for 24 hours.

JULIAN “JUDE” HALIFAX “I do not know what you mean. Help?”

A waifish individual of indiscernible gender, Julian “Jude” Halifax
with glistening blue-green skin and algae-slick
hair, wearing armor crafted from leather and Medium amphibioid, neutral good
A denizen of the deep, Jude is seeking an audience with
barnacle-covered shells. someone who can assist in the ongoing war back home, and
perhaps fertilize some eggs.
For the Perceptive
Armor Class 15 (studded leather) WIS CHA
It looks like this creature has a set of gills hidden just Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4) 13 9
behind their ears. Speed 30 ft., swim 50 ft. (+1) (-1)
“THE CITY of Gliss is under attack from dark forces that
have creeped out of the depths. Will you come to her STR DEX CON INT
aid?” This is the overwhelming request of Julian “Jude” 13 16 12 12
Halifax. Unfortunately, Jude cannot communicate this (+1) (+3) (+1) (+1)
notion, as the language of Gliss is a long-forgotten one
and back home, Common is anything but. Jude needs Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
to rally a powerful army to save Gliss—or at least bring Languages Glissian
back a few allies, and possibly a mate. Challenge 1 (200 XP)
1 Wants & Needs The city of Gliss is in dire need of aid
in its ongoing battle against something called “The Limited Amphibiousness. Jude can breathe air and water,
Strife.” As a backup plan, if Jude is unable to secure but needs to be submerged at least once every 4 hours to
support, the unfertilized eggs that have been secreted avoid suffocating.
on Jude’s person will serve as the foundation for a new
civilization—provided Jude can find a mate that’s willing Innate Spellcasting. Jude’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom
to generate the saliva necessary for conception. (spell save DC 12), and Jude can innately cast the following
1 Secret or Obstacle Jude could communicate all the spells, requiring no material components:
details and particulars if only someone spoke Glissian.
Failing that, Jude may do something rash. 3/day each: fog cloud, goodberry (as pearl-sized eggs)
1 Carrying Roughly 700gp in pearls of various size; an 1/day: control water
ornate spear crafted from seaglass and whale bone;
a discreetly hidden water pouch containing 100,000 Actions
unfertilized eggs. Multiattack. Jude makes two melee attacks with either their
claws or spear.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5
ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing
damage, or 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a melee Attack.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 93

Big City Denizens

TAREK HARBORLAN

A tall human man with swarthy skin and short brown 1 Carrying 2cp, 5sp, 1gp; a +1 vicious dagger, a useless
hair, sprinkled liberally with grey. The scowl on his sharpening stone.
face implies he’d rather be somewhere else and the
knife he carries speaks loudly about his willingness Tarek Harborlan
to protect what little he has.
Medium human, lawful evil
For the Perceptive or Insightful A beady-eyed dock worker by day, horrifying cult leader by
night, this man brings new meaning to the word vermin.
Tarek’s eyes constantly dart from side to side, as if he is
looking for a place to flee, a habit he may have picked Armor Class 13 (leather armor) WIS CHA
up during his time living on the city’s streets as a boy. Hit Points 40 (8d8 + 6) 13 14
Speed 30 ft. (+1) (+2)
WHEN THE city’s fishing industry gave way to
robust trade, Tarek Harborlan had nothing STR DEX CON INT
and was worth even less—until he heard the 11 14 12 10
whispers of Yargathal. Today, he is its loyal servant, and
has led the local chapter of the Cult of Yargathal to the (+0) (+2) (+1) (+0)
precipice of a great summoning. He will see Yargathal’s
reign in the prime material. He and his wererat cultist Saving Throws Int +3, Wis +4
brethren will bathe in the filth of the masses in order to Skills Deception +5, Persuasion +5, Religion +3
be washed clean. He just needs a few more bodies, a few Senses passive Perception 11
more souls, a few more moonless nights. Languages Abyssal, Common
1 Wants & Needs To seize power over the city and bring Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
forth the avatar of his god to wreak havoc on the Master
Merchants who sullied it, before moving outward to the Wererat. Tarek is a wererat cultist, as detailed below.
lands beyond. Yargathal’s rise is coming, and soon. Dark Devotion. Tarek has advantage on saving throws
1 Secret or Obstacle The ritual that will bring on the against being charmed or frightened.
rising of Yargathal requires a not insignificant amount of
fresh meat—he’s been collecting bodies for weeks now. Spellcasting. Tarek is an 8th-level Spellcaster. His spell
He’s so close to his goal, but knows the authorities are on casting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with
to him. He’ll have to lure more powerful blood into his spell attacks). He has the following Cleric spells prepared:
summoning chamber in order to speed things along.
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
3rd level (2 slots): spirit guardians, vampiric touch

Actions
Multiattack. Tarek makes two vicious dagger attacks.
Vicious Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 3)
piercing damage. If Tarek rolls a 20 on his attack roll to hit
with this dagger the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) piercing
damage in addition to the critical damage.

Wererat Cultist into a tiny rat, a rat-humanoid hybrid or into a giant rat, or
back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size, are the
Medium humanoid, lawful evil same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t
transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Armor Class 13 Keen Smell. The wererat cultist has advantage on Wisdom
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6) (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Speed 30 ft. Actions
Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). The wererat
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.
10 16 12 11 12 14 Bite (Rat or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to
(+0) (+3) (+1) (+0) (+1) (+2) hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage. If
the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution
Saving Throws Int +3, Wis +4 saving throw or be cursed with wererat lycanthropy.
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +6 Shortsword (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) piercing
nonmagical attacks that aren’t silvered damage plus 4 (1d6) necrotic damage.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 Hand Crossbow (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Ranged
Languages Abyssal, Common (can’t speak in rat form) Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6
Challenge 3 (700 XP) + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d6) necrotic damage.

Shapechanger. The wererat cultist can use its action to polymorph

94 The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters

“That’s
life,

innit?”

Big City Denizens

CLEM DUSTERBOOT “I ain’t from around here.”

A bow-legged red tiefling with an extremely CfrloenmtiDerugsutnesrlbinogoetr,
long tail, wearing dark leather chaps, a black
buckskin vest and a telescope gambler-style Medium tiefling, chaotic good
A bow-legged bumpkin from far beyond the city limits,
hat cocked toward the front of his head to Clem has come to seek vengeance on the investment group
accommodate undercurled horns. that destroyed his family’s farm.

For the Insightful Armor Class 14 (hide armor) INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) 10 10 12
Clem talks tough but does seem unnerved by the Speed 30 ft. (+0) (+0) (+1)
size, shape and sound of the city.
STR DEX CON
AFTER A flood washed out his family’s farming 11 16 14
operation on the open range north of the realm, all
Clem Dusterboot could do was watch his inheritance (+0) (+3) (+2)
drown or float away, leaving him nothing but the iron
on his hip and a jug belonging to his grandfather. Saving Throws Str +4, Con +6
When he learned the cause of the flooding was a dam Skills Acrobatics +7, Stealth +7
break ordered by a bunch of big city bankers angling Damage Resistances fire
to repurpose his family’s land as a lakeside resort, well, Senses passive Perception 10
that’s enough to make any man with nothing to lose find Languages Common, Infernal
out what he might have to gain by taking action. Clem’s Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
since uncovered a vast conspiracy among the city’s elite
to further disadvantage those who make their homes Lasso Tail. Clem’s incredibly long tail functions as a rope
where you can still see the stars, and he’s determined to of entanglement. As a bonus action on his turn, Clem’s tail
find a way to put a stop to it. Who knows—maybe he’ll darts forward to entangle a creature he can see within 20 ft.
uncork his grandfather’s old jug, and see what chaos Ol’ of him. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving
Pap’s stopper has kept at bay all these years. He might throw or become restrained. He can release the target as a
get a little hot when he’s angry, but he’s sorry for yelling. free action.
That ain’t right.
1 Wants & Needs Clem knows the names of a few of the A creature restrained by the tail can use an action to make
investors involved in destroying his family’s farm—he a DC 15 Strength or Dexterity check (creature’s choice). On a
just doesn’t know what he’ll do when he finds them. success, the creature is no longer restrained by the tail.
1 Secret or Obstacle Clem is both overwhelmed by The tail has an AC of 15. If the tail specifically suffers 20
the size of the city and skeptical of its technological hit points or more of damage, it immediately releases any
advancements—even the most basic. The jug he carries creature it has grappled.
is home to an efreeti. Crack Shot (3/Short or Long Rest). As a bonus action, Clem
1 Carrying 29cp; a handcrafted pistol and hunting can add 1d10 to his next attack or damage roll with a pistol,
rifle and plenty of ammunition; a list of names for an revolver or rifle.
investment group he’s labeled “The City Slickers”; a jug
hosting a trapped efreeti. Actions
Multiattack. Clem makes two attacks with his revolvers or
one attack with his hunting rifle.
Revolver. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 40/120,
one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Hunting Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
120/240, one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 3) piercing damage.

MASTER CADE UNDERFOOT, with Practice the Battle Dummy

“Practice is not perfect.”

A barefoot halfling man with a dense white beard Master Cade Underfoot
and wearing a navy gi, his hair is frazzled as if
Small halfling, lawful neutral
exasperated with an ongoing circumstance, and A devoted martial arts master whose personal style is one of
he is accompanied by a large steel construct that patience is finding his will tested due to his new student.
buzzes, whirs and clicks as it stumbles behind him.
Armor Class 20 (unarmored defense) WIS CHA
For the Inventive Hit Points 70 (14d8 + 14) 20 10
Speed 35 ft. (+5) (0)
This construct seems like it could operate on its own
free will if properly tinkered with, but perhaps that’s a STR DEX CON INT
switch better left unflicked. 11 20 13 11
MASTER CADE Underfoot hasn’t had a pupil in nearly (0) (+5) (+1) (0)
40 years, a decision made after his prize student used
Cade’s training to menace the realm with impunity. Saving Throws Str +5, Dex +10
Seeking a sparring partner that wouldn’t be corrupted Skills Acrobatics +10, Insight +10, Stealth +10
by the power of the Tiny Fist technique, Master Cade Languages Common, Halfling
turned to a local inventor, Wabash Filigree, who built Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Practice the battle dummy. Practice endeavors to do
all Master Cade has taught him, and for the most part Unarmored Defense. While Master Cade is wearing no
succeeds. But occasionally when they spar, Practice’s armor and wielding no shield, his AC includes his Dexterity
protocols get knocked haywire and Master Cade must and Wisdom modifiers.
chase his only student throughout the city in order to Touch of the Tiny Fist (3/Short or Long Rest). After a
subdue him. successful melee attack, Master Cade can force the target to
1 Wants & Needs Cade is concerned the devices that make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the
manage Practice’s operational protocols have been target’s mind seizes and they are paralyzed for 1 hour, or until
damaged, which might explain why the battle dummy they take damage. While the target is paralyzed, as an action
keeps wandering off and wreaking havoc. Master Cade can sacrifice 40 hit points to deal 80 (20d8)
1 Secret or Obstacle Practice is just a few more blows psychic damage to the target, as his astral form projects
away from being knocked into sentience. From there inside their consciousness and pummels their brain.
comes the ability to make its own decisions and use
what it’s learned from Master Cade to its own aims, at Actions
GM discretion. Multiattack. Master Cade makes five unarmed strikes.
1 Carrying 12sp; a small pipe and dried leaves for Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach
packing; a dogeared instruction manual for Practice the 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If
battle dummy. the target is a creature, Master Cade can choose one of the
following additional effects:

• The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving
throw or drop one item it is holding (Cade’s choice).
• The target must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving
throw or be knocked prone.
• The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving
throw or be stunned until the end of Cade’s next turn.

Reactions
Deflect Missile. In response to being hit by a ranged weapon
attack, Master Cade deflects the missile. The damage he
takes from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + 5. If the damage
is reduced to 0, Master Cade catches the missile if it’s small
enough to hold in one hand and he has a hand free. As part
of this reaction Master Cade can throw the missile back at its
target (20/60).

GM Note

Practice the Battle Dummy has the statistics of a
shield guardian, but possesses none of its other
features. Instead, it can deliver two fist attacks as a
single action, and can force the same Unarmed Strike
effects as Master Cade on its fist attacks (with a DC of
13). Practice is also learning Master Cade’s Touch of
the Tiny Fist (1/Short or Long Rest), but cannot utilize
the astral projection feature as Practice currently has
no consciousness to project.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 97

Big City Denizens

Random NPC Generator

The wider realm could contain billions of characters—this list is a start. Roll 1d20 on any of the following three tables, or
roll 6d20 (one for each column) for a less predictable persona. Combine columns from all three tables for more chaos.

First Last Brief Wants Secret or Also
1d20 Name Name Description & Needs Obstacle Carrying
Gelhorn ...with red hair, ruddy ...who knows the ...and is 12cp, 18sp; a ream
1 Toady Toupee cheeks and an eager end is near... extremely of fliers about the
2 Rand Archer contagious. dangers of “the
3 Gale Boynado gaze... ...and has an goblin plague.”
4 Hork aversion to 21cp, 9sp, 2gp; a
Trent ...with an oblivious ...who has a terrible all forms of small notebook
5 Whitaker Googlesby stare, a runny nose stomach ache... medicine. detailing various
6 Collie Hardborne favors owed.
7 Shepherd McClatchy and a bad hip... ...and 3cp, 31sp; a well
8 Thrust suffers from worn set of prayer
Borgnine ...with ageless, graceful ...who needs a place agoraphobia. beads; a lace hankie.
9 Big Flip green eyes and dark, to spread a box of 11cp, 4sp, 122gp;
Shawl sonnet-worthy curls... ashes... ...and has 24 a list of bugbear
10 Cardigan hours to pay gladiators and
...with hairy arms and ...who has a can’t- off a 3,000gp their strengths/
knuckles and a half- miss investment gambling debt. weaknesses; a map
to an underground
dead tooth... opportunity... ...and is the fighting pit.
city’s foremost 42cp, 14gp; a small
...in a cloud of ...who needs an milk bottle; a sack
perfume wearing a escort to the bad purveyor of holding 5 newborn
well-loved overcoat... illegal owlbear owlbears.
part of town... 23cp, 5sp, 1gp;
cubs. some chalk and
...with a face like a ...who can’t seem to ...and will drop flat piece of slate; a
meat pie and a body open this bottle of note explaining their
formed from enjoying dead if they cursed condition.
wine... utter more 19cp, 9sp, 31gp; a
them... than 30 words. bag of bird seed; a
...and is an bird call.
...who is lean all over, ...who wants to find informant 7cp, 4sp, 9gp; an
with thinning hair their missing bird... for the local aged book with
and thinner lips... ancient script; a set
guards. of thieves’ tools; a
...with braided ...who seeks an goblet with inlayed
brown hair sporting airtight alibi... ...and recently gems worth 1,000gp.
makeshift armor and stole several
a fresh black eye... 8cp, 2gp; an emerald
religious engagement ring
...with an athletic, ...who needs help artifacts. worth 14gp.
imposing frame, arranging an
shorter hair and a ...and is 22cp, 8sp; a
chin built for taking a elaborate marriage unknowingly dehydrated ear; a
proposal... journal featuring
punch... harboring clippings covering
chaotic “The Main Street
...a caring demeanor, ...who thinks the rent magical
with graying hair and is too darn high... powers. Mangler.”
gleaming blue eyes...
...and is the
Main Street
Mangler, a
killer thought
long dead.

First Last Brief Wants Secret or Also
1d20 Name Name Description & Needs Obstacle Carrying
Secret Inarritu
& O11bstaclOems ega Potstill ...short and stocky, ...who is utterly, ...and is on the 62sp, 15gp; a
Royalshine with wide-gapped hopelessly lost... run from royals disguise kit; a bottle
12 Yearner Wanderbrow teeth and a cheerful of regenerative hair
13 Pep in a nearby
14 Volnag Ignon disposition... province. tonic.

15 Sh’la Dupree ...with greasy black ...who needs a place ...and needs 14cp, 28sp, 3gp;
Fostermaker hair and overlong to lie low... to mock the a list of nearby
16 Loon fingernails, wearing powerful in safehouses, all
17 Ridge Lurkenfaben clothes that look too order to keep a crossed out; a book
T’choko curse at bay. of insults in Abyssal.
18 Aven Poutine big...
19 Fatusi
20 Shylar ...with an altogether ...who has a ...and who has 36sp, 3gp; a strip of
polished look, stranger’s severed no idea what to burlap; a dull knife;
hand in their bag... do next. some smelling salts.
well-groomed and
glistening...

...barefoot, with a ...who wants to start ...and is also a 63gp; an ornate
wild topknot and an urban walking rakshasa. walking stick; a list
deep dimples... tour company...
of local haunted
houses; a list of the
area’s best pubs; an

empty tip jar.

...wearing a headscarf ...who is desperate ...and is 42sp; an
that hides a scarred for a bite to eat... planning to assassination
assassinate the contract worth
face... 5,000gp for a local
prince. leader who is still
alive; a vile of purple
worm poison.

...with patchy hair, ...who needs a few ...and is 33cp, 14gp; a fresh
a steady smirk and strong-types to keep smuggling a baguette; a package
pack of 3d6
sticky fingers... an eye on some goblins into of soft cheese; a
crates... small pot of honey.
the city.

...with a scowl that ...who is prepared to ...and doesn’t 21cp, 13sp; a flagon
cuts through the drink every drop of want to be of whiskey; a flask of
pretense and jowls alone. vodka; a jug of cider;
you could use to keep booze in town...
a bottle of lager; a
warm... tub-shaped bowl
used as a drum.

...with stylish blond(e) ...who needs 18 ...and is trying 7cp, 8sp, 2gp;
hair, leather pants more signatures for to overthrow literature detailing
and a pristine top... a petition...
the local how aberrant
government. creatures replaced
area leadership; a hat
made of thin metal.

...with dark hair, ...who is making eyes ...and is 21cp; a dozen roses
several tattoos and at the party’s oldest incredibly parceled off into
even more piercings... member... nervous
singles for sale; a dull
around switchblade.
strangers.

...with a missing left ...who wants ...and 6cp, 7sp, 1gp; a bag
eye and drooping someone to massage impulsively of rabbit teeth; a
headbutts
bottom lip... their throbbing everyone they half-empty bottle of
skull... strong spirits.
meet.

The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters 99