Here's a fun mini game I've been using to add some spontaneity and surprise to conversations with NPCs. You're character is allowed to say anything on his side of the conversation, but the NPC must use a word randomly rolled from this list of 100 common nouns during his/her turn. This list is tuned for a medieval fantasy setting, but could easily be tweaked for any setting.

Here's a fun mini game I've been using to add some spontaneity and surprise to conversations with NPCs. You're character is allowed to say anything on his side of the conversation, but the NPC must use a word randomly rolled from this list of 100 common nouns during his/her turn. This list is tuned for a medieval fantasy setting, but could easily be tweaked for any setting.
E.G.
My character is in the Church of the Sun and is seeking the Head Priest in his quest for a holy artifact. He encounters a young man in robes walking hurriedly past.
PC: Excuse me good sir. I seek the leader of this temple.
NPC: [15: student] Yes, I am a student of his, may I ask why it is you seek Elder James?
PC: I'm on a quest given by the King himself. It is urgent and I must speak with him. He may hold crucial information.
NPC: [45: book] My master will often be found with in a book in his hand. I would hazard a guess that he is in the library.
PC: Thank you. Can you tell me where I might find the library?
NPC [37: area] The library is in the northern part of the temple. Near the garden area.
PC: Thank you again my friend.
I then hurry off to the library.
#NPCConversations