Awhile back, I mentioned that I was making some random tables as an engine for creating quests, NPC's, and for answering open-ended questions. Since I was asked, I've been meaning to share an early draft of two of the three tables for the quest generator. For the sake of consistency, these tables will be for fantasy, but the general idea should be adaptable to any genre.

Awhile back, I mentioned that I was making some random tables as an engine for creating quests, NPC's, and for answering open-ended questions. Since I was asked, I've been meaning to share an early draft of two of the three tables for the quest generator. For the sake of consistency, these tables will be for fantasy, but the general idea should be adaptable to any genre.

Quest Generator (Incomplete)

To create a random quest, roll 1d10 for each of the three tables: the Action table, the Object table, and the Obstacle table. (This sample doesn't include the obstacle table.)

Actions

This table provides actions that must be taken for the quest.

1. ) Steal
2.) Rescue*
3.) Destroy
4.) Kill*
5.) Hide
6.) Kidnap*
7.) Buy
8.) Alert*
9.) Build
10.) Deceive*

* This action requires rolls on the NPC generator tables, rather than on the Object table. These options most likely won't make the final draft.

Objects

This table provides things to be acted upon; these are the objects to be acted upon.

1.) Holy scroll
2.) Amulet
3.) Magic gem
4.) Ring
5.) Sword
6.) Wolf
7.) Information
8.) Ship
9.) Treasure map
10.) Crown

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Example: I rolled a 1 on the Action table, and a 10 on the Object table. So, this would be a quest to steal a crown. (Why? That's for the solo RPG'er to decide, at this point.) Of course, there needs to be some form of opposition to make this quest a challenge, which would need a roll on the Obstacles table, which I'm still slowly working on.

So, what do you guys think? As I said, I'm also working on tables for an NPC generator, thus answering "who", as well as tables to answer the questions "what", "where", and perhaps "when", "why", and "how". I've still got a long way to go with this.