Modified Wandering Monster Check Procedure
Normally, a wandering monster check has a 1-in-6 chance every 2 turns. Then, the referee has to roll again on the dungeon's encounter table.
Instead, roll both at the same time by rolling 2d6. On doubles, the listed encounter on the dungeon's random encounter table occurs.
It's the same chance.
Retainer Vignettes
Normally, a wandering monster check has a 1-in-6 chance every 2 turns. *
On a roll of 1, a random encounter occurs. The referee rolls again on the dungeon's random encounter table.
On a roll of 2-3, a retainer vignette occurs instead. A retainer vignette is a roleplaying moment with a retainer that colors the party's experience with them.
The referee can roll or choose from the following vignettes:
- Problem. An NPC realizes there's a problem: they've left behind an item from their pack, failed to perform one of their jobs, or helpfully points out a developing difficulty.
- Background. An NPC shares their personal goal or demeanor. They may say this outright, or share a pithy anecdote from their past.
- Rumor. A rumor an NPC's heard about the current dungeon or expedition.
- Opinion. Volunteer an opinion about the situation at hand. This can be a startling insight (pointing out something the party hasn't realized) or it could be exactly the wrong thing (although there's no bad ideas in brainstorming).
- Fraternize. Chatter with another NPC. Flirtatious, argumentative, funny.
- Offer help. An offer of an item or insert their skills into the situation at hand. Rolls up their sleeves, ready to get to work! Dubiously useful.
* If you are using the "modified wandering monster check procedure," you can have a retainer vignette if either dice comes up 1. Or you could have two different colored dice: if one dice comes up 1 or 2, use the result from the second dice to determine what sort of vignette occurs.
