NPC Database

If you're like me, you enjoy coming up with the connective tissue of a story when you're GMing. How do the players get from point A to point B? What challenges arise? What are the details that give these movement life? How does the story represent itself even in the background? I love this part of GMing. It's improvisation mixed with writing, and it's probably what your players find the most compelling. After all, it's these details which are more or less unique to role-playing games. But you can't focus on these kinds of details if you're worried about more small-scale aspects of the game. For me, coming up with NPCs to drop into the world can be fun, but it takes a lot of mental energy I would rather spend on story stuff. So I created a series of lists of NPCs with enough information to be complex and three-dimensional at a glance. I thought I'd share it, as it will be highly useful to GMs who want to focus their creative efforts in other places. 

A few notes before the lists: I have fairly specific naming conventions for each race in the standard D&D collection, and you'll notice that I stick with them. If these don't fit your world, of course tweak them to make them fit. But I think most D&D settings can use what I have here. Also, I include the vital information on a character (name, age, race, alignment) as well as personality traits--I use these so that each NPC isn't just a different skin on the same plot-progressing machine. But these are as much jumping-off points as complete characters, so use these however is useful. If they help even a few GMs, I'll be very happy. 

Finally, I recommend using dice to select NPCs to drop into situations. You can roll a d8 to select the race of a character (the seven races in the 3.5 Player's Handbook is what I've gone by, with humans accounting for two rolls since I have two distinct bloodlines of humans in my homebrew setting), then a d100 to select an individual name (33 names on each list, so you can convert a roll higher than 33 by subtracting 33 or 66 from your roll to get a usable number--if you get a 100, I suggest using an established NPC). That's a total of 264 characters to work with! Some of the characters I've used from these lists have become major parts of campaigns, and others have been one-time appearances never referred to again. That's fine by me--I just want to have a character to work with without having to come up with them on the spot. So good luck with the lists and your campaigns!

Humans

1. Zed Clanton, 65, NE, selfish, aggressive, curious
2. Susan Plainview, 18, NG, bold, idealistic, haughty
3. Gabriel Herndon, 24, LE, controlling, gregarious, disapproving
4. Nancy Painter, 36, LN, patient, ambitious, jokester
5. Clarence Porter, 51, NG, reflective, blunt, unsentimental
6. Anne Lecky, 40, CG, practical, neat, determined
7. Peter Overstreet, 37, N, serious, aloof, inattentive
8. Claire Matthews, 43, NE, studious, intellectual, dismissive
9. Lorne Nelson, 19, CG, creative, abstract, bizarre
10. Catherine Howard, 20, CN, imperturbable, bright, kindly
11. Preston Turner, 43, LE, stable, arrogant, determined
12. Eva Wyatt, 15, N, protective, spiteful, hypocritical
13. Aaron Brown, 45, LE, personable, trusting, temperamental 
14. Bertha Cooper, 54, LE, private, industrious, slow
15. Carmine Dixon, 25, CN, stoic, laid-back, devious
16. Della Eckman, 31, LN, thoughtful, conventional, opportunistic
17. Ezekiel Ford, 49, CG, innovative, devout, giving
18. Frances Gant, 26, NG, perfectionist, extroverted, idealistic
19. Gil Huston, 23, LG, innocent, unfortunate, carefree
20. Hetty Innsbrook, 61, LE, violent, driven, calculating
21. Ira Jeffers, 47, NG, industrious, passionate, serious
22. Jen Kimmel, 39, NG, adventurous, insistent, dependable
23. Klaus Laird, 32, NE, unyielding, headstrong, dishonest
24. Linda Morgan, 45, N, organized, playful, dramatic
25. Marcus Nast, 24, NE, shifty, leader, impatient
26. Norma Opal, 37, CE, vengeful, irritable, talkative
27. Owen Prince, 51, LE, resourceful, creative, noble
28. Posie Quarterlane, 36, CG, intense, intuitive, friendly
29. Quint Randolph, 12, LN, pointed, curious, outspoken
30. Rhonda Skinner, 53, CG, leader, sensitive, warm
31. Sid Travers, 33, CN, imaginative, bleak, childish
32. Trish Updike, 20, CE, pushy, energetic, reactive
33. Ulric Vance, 43, LG, artistic, spiritual, private
34. Violet Ware, 11, N, logical, reserved, polite
35. Yancy Zorn, 28, LG, systematic, resilient, diligent
36. Zora Archer, 59, LN, performative, jealous, philosophical
37. Melvin Yamhill, 51, LG, brilliant, guarded, uncertain
38. Liddy Brenner, 14, CN, sincere, guilty, outraged
39. James Sheffield, 16, CE, perfectionist, greedy, addictive
40. Blessing Briscoe, 17, CG, knowledgeable, rebellious, affectionate
41. Heidi Trane, 29, CE, forceful, dismissive, sarcastic
42. Gunther Lawrence, 32, NG, introverted, self-conscious, contemplative
43. Wanda Ewing, 21 NG, faithful, mature, rowdy
44. Riley Malone, 9, CN, risk-taker, insecure, charming
45. Emmitt White, 40, LN, frenzied, weird, shy
46. Ophelia Purdue, 31, LE, secretive, listener, timid
47. Marvin Toome, 37, LN, cooperative, observant, respectful
48. Harriet Redman, 50, CN, sneaky, argumentative, worried
49. William Fortune, 27, N, foolish, friendly, mysterious
50. Helen Briggs, 45, CG, industrious, guarded, helpful
51. Jason Kline, 60, NG, soft-spoken, humorless, secretive
52. Kyra Winnow, 23, LE, snobbish, ignorant, bewildered
53. Vanessa Wharton, 54, N, suspicious, careful, dreary
54. Chester Harkin, 41, LN, devout, faithful, supportive
55. Howard Hyde, 47, LN, attentive, decisive, quiet
56. Abigail Turnbuckle, 43, NE, critical, cowardly, nervous
57. Donald Connors, 88, LG, serene, empathetic, mindful of simplicity
58. Candace "Caddy" Williams, 35, CN, somber, gentle, restless
59. Earl Sumner, 46, CE, possessive, irritable, resistant
60. Catherine Haskill, 39, CN, adaptable, aloof, brave
61. Niles Nelson, 20, CN, entrepreneurial, argumentative, underhanded
62. Elliott Swiftblade, 30, NG, adventurous, brave, confident
63. Hera Dixon, 38, CE, immature, noisy, sensitive
64. Lancaster Beale, 76, LG, helpful, curious, reserved
65. Shyla Compson, 26, NG, spontaneous, impertinent, ambitious
66. Geraldine Hoffman, 33, N, rebellious, intuitive, loyal

Elves

1. Davil Prenille, 265, LG, world-weary, skeptical, giving
2. Valerica Achilleos, 954, LG, resourceful, principled, dorky
3. Hakari Huri, 564, CN, spunky, uninhibited, accepting
4. Corbell Sispen, 137, NG, grounded, outspoken, idealistic
5. Quarsa Fielt, 145, LN, considerate, competitive, indulgent
6. Toniel Gla'asa, 526, N, brilliant, calm, quiet
7. Megalla Quintar, 891, CG, protective, faithful, patient
8. Achiel Miltari, 194, CN, irreverent, innovative, expressive
9. Barim Nustar, 438, CG, realistic, resourceful, joker
10. Coriel Ossitar, 271, NG, capable, easy-going, persistent
11. Dinoska Pillas, 1007, CE, vengeful, irritable, sly
12. Echira Quanisa, 177, CG, practical, neat, determined
13. Forihim Ruskinil, 999, NG, friendly, dramatic, adventurous
14. Gemila Sappol, 671, LG, bold, self-involved, eager
15. Higella Ternala, 190, CE, enthusiastic, restless, harsh
16. Illthar Urmar, 185, LG, tentative, cordial, forgiving
17. Junym Visyl, 817, NG, guiding, patient, heroic
18. Kastra Wymora, 850, CE, selfish, artistic, reckless
19. Lorasta Xarkas, 787, CG, strange, absent-minded, loving
20. Merwin Yannorin, 654, NG, focused, defiant, confident
21. Nyrill Zylora, 874, LE, charismatic, proud, studious
22. Othar Arsys, 897, NE, bossy, ignorant, scornful
23. Pethana Bresyra, 174, NE, authoritative, systematic, oppressive
24. Quandyl Cosbell, 465, CG, impulsive, outgoing, selfless
25. Ruthil Derwynn, 763, CN, helpful, outgoing, parental
26. Sorildyn Eleris, 1114, CG, dedicated, honorable, optimistic
27. Tothali Folwyn, 320, CE, brutal, careless, possessive
28. Ulen Gemalkin, 596, NE, petty, disruptive, impractical
29. Vascala Hellewin, 954, N, maternal, businesslike, friendly
30. Worion Idaro, 890, LN, quiet, timid, dutiful
31. Xoala Julastin, 1058, LE, bored, inconsiderate, power-hungry
32. Yano Kosandoral, 960, CN, trouble-maker, bold, wacky
33. Zaida Lenala, 644, CG, independent, thrill-seeker, capricious

Half-Elves

1. Webster Xan, 34, N, studious, cautious, driven
2. Xillia Yarborough, 339, CG, adventurous, grateful, paternal
3. Algar O'Dell, 345, NG, faithful, quiet, solemn
4. Dewey Tynellin, 329, NG, cooperative, generous, principled
5. Edmund Biriel, 56, CN, mature, absent-minded, calm
6. Lynette Adoma, 109, CG, gregarious, inventive, silly
7. Gilbert Topperill, 154, CG, curious, procrastinator, temperamental
8. Norma Disseel, 184, LN, traditional, curious, reserved
9. Fintik Barber, 389, CG, fussy, thoughtful, humble
10. Sigil Tanner, 393, LG, ambitious, imaginative, realistic
11. Kinta Harmon, 25, CN, honest, hard-working, artistic
12. Ivell Cardham, 21, LN, patient, kind, imaginative
13. Alles Finch, 152, CG, rebellious, merciful, entrepreneurial
14. Uvi Pinetop, 226, LN, cheerful, thoughtful, sly
15. Talya Birdsong, 94, CE, insincere, neglectful, clumsy
16. Riash Zimmer, 125, CG, headstrong, naive, unlucky
17. Tianel Stoutman, 259, CN, creative, open-minded, intuitive
18. Gimiel Wortham, 354, NE, spiritual, dissatisfied, distracted
19. Haleira Yamhill, 47, CG, elegant, affectionate, leader
20. Iljor Ashford, 171, CG, protective, temperamental, logical
21. Janet Biquinial, 65, CN, devout, mentor, organized
22. Khyrym Coleman, 25, CN, harmonious, principled, passionate
23. Lisaro Dunmere, 356, LG, self-controlled, strong-willed, assertive
24. Marietta Eritora, 80, NG, patient, courageous, impulsive
25. Nicole Fyrra, 402, NG, introspective, loner, wise
26. Osharia Golfaren, 38, CG, balanced, trusting, open
27. Perry Holcomb, 211, N, fair, responsible, decisive
28. Qesterin Iludi, 340, CG, vulnerable, curious, unconventional
29. Rychell "Rye" Jamseon, 20, LN, future-focused, unafraid, gravely ill
30. Sandy Lombard, 158, CN, opportunistic, unfortunate, skittish
31. Tessimar Moore, 73, NG, moderate, diplomatic, energetic
32. Urym Niwenys, 273, LG, obsessive, indulgent, frustrated
33. Valerie Orson, 33, CG, dramatic, insightful, humble

Dwarves 

1. Tane Stonehauler, 336, LG, hopeful, inspiring, generous
2. Madeline Dustsifter, 164, LN, imaginative, anxious, easily confused
3. Viola Goldsmith, 349, NE, happy, childlike, philosophical
4. Davenport Hidesplitter, 284, LE, authoritative, organized, vicious
5. Damon Stonesplitter, 15, LG, vigilant, dutiful, humble
6. Wanda Earthmover, 314, LG, helpful, trusting, uncertain
7. Savannah Rockshaker, 223, N, opinionated, hopeful, forgiving
8. Heidi Throatstomper, 341, NG, detail-oriented, devout, maternal
9. Jacob Marbleminer, 336, LG, well-respected, peaceful, teacher
10. Meredith Sandmover, 290, CG, ambitious, inventive, confident
11. Emily Muddigger, 153, LG, bold, original, contemplative
12. Gordon Treeclipper, 200, LN, prepared, visionary, principled
13. Lana Golddigger, 168, NE, joyous, self-destructive, personable
14. Maxwell Hammerpounder, 24, LG, narrow focus, ambitious, regal
15. Frances Oakcutter, 231, LN, studious, reserved, spiritual
16. Heathcliff Mudcarver, 303, LG, disagreeable, competitive, proud
17. Charlotte Rockhewer, 334, CG, acclaimed, hardworking, dedicated
18. Edgar Grassgrower, 361, CG, determined, confident, reluctant to change course
19. Korkner Barkeater, 36, NG, decisive, hopeful, future-oriented
20. Arlene Granitebreaker, 190, N, defensive, perseverant, wounded
21. Peyton Copperminer, 209, NE, exhausted, struggling, worried
22. Carlisle Blessedforge, 298, NG, enthusiastic, risk-taker, expressive
23. Dolly Bronzebane, 278, CG, passionate, charming, thrill-seeker
24. Ethan Alegrip, 320, LG, generous, independent, warm
25. Fallia Hammermaster, 174, LE, inspiring, assertive, inventive
26. George Mudgrog, 217, LN, deliberate, watchful, survivor
27. Hector Steelhelm, 69, NE, forceful, intimate, intuitive
28. Isha Blackchain, 379, LE, affectionate, businesslike, spiritual
29. Juniper Deepforge, 90, LG, exuberant, harmonious, energetic
30. Karl Hidegrip, 172, CG, dissatisfied, self-absorbed, bored
31. Lanier Goldlace, 338, LG, grieving, regretful, defeated
32. Molly Silverstone, 367, CG, sentimental, kind, blissful
33. Norris Anvilback, 403, LN, indecisive, dreamer, principled

Half-Orcs

1. Delia Primm, 70, CN, deep thinker, future-focused, burnt out
2. Larski Brot, 13, LG, content, proud, principled
3. Shav Krink, 76, CN, joyful, peacful, personable
4. Blet Scran, 63, NG, creative, intuitive, intimate
5. Trall Kort, 53, CE, visionary, empathetic, subtle
6. Ruk Frenk, 33, LE, spiritual, imaginative, soothing
7. Dulk Sart, 5, CG, diplomatic, wise, caring
8. Feln Trapp, 60, CG, intelligent, truthful, just
9. Gint Larb, 16, CN, indecisive, compromising, struggling
10. Nerk Zanf, 26, LE, lonely, betrayed, spiteful
11. Dort Grott, 19, CE, meditative, anxious, lost
12. Charf Nilt, 58, CN, disappointed, hostile, self-interested
13. Rilka Brek, 41, LG, sad, suppressed, in need of guidance
14. Tigug Ulgan, 24, LG, cunning, independent, witty
15. Vriska Kilug, 7, CN, confused, powerless, angry
16. Globat Borbal, 77, CN, imaginative, practical, personable
17. Ghorza Rulfim, 11, CE, depressed, exhausted, desperate
18. Shelur Farghed, 52, N, defeated, distrusting, forlorn
19. Xurl Dugorim, 43, N, knowledgeable, honest, impulsive
20. Larek Ragash, 60, CN, fierce, intellectual, direct
21. Shadbak Uloth, 13, N, clever, truthful, respectful
22. Grat Sharn, 14, CE, rational, impartial, leader
23. Gul Dombuk, 35, LE, practical, opportunistic, clarity of purpose
24. Nagh Murzush, 57, CN, flexible, playful, focused
25. Bula Lazgar, 70, CN, cooperative, prepared, passionate
26. Yotul Lagahk, 63, CN, greedy, resistant, impatient
27. Lazgar Mazoga, 47, NE, insecure, ill, disapproving
28. Lash Bagdurash, 73, NE, reflective, patient, unconventional
29. Bolar Rogmesh, 28, CN, generous, authoritative, leader
30. Orzul Gharol, 40, CE, diligent, focused, curious
31. Yazgash Mog, 56, LG, hardworking, self-reliant, refined
32. Zubug Pargu, 9, NG, traditional, helpful, charitable
33. Zilg "Z" Vigdug, 31, LE, responsible, common sensical, trusting

Halflings

1. Clover Loom, 77, N, unwavering, cautious, thorough
2. Kirk Tumbler, 97, NE, realistic, industrious, principled
3. Tabitha Tealeaf, 221, N, nurturing, down-to-earth, resourceful
4. Jordine Spoke, 110, NG, patient, dependable, modest
5. Augustana Belt, 101, LN, apprehensive, hurried, righteous
6. Lisa Keyhole, 291, LN, cocky, incoherent, shrewd
7. Burton Cuff, 257, LE, shameless, composed, irreverent
8. Greta Lock, 180, NG, formal, plucky, pious
9. Josephine Glass, 115, N, inspiring, emphatic, self-doubting
10. Abner Rainfellow, 76, LG, devout, lost, inconsolable
11. Betty Bluebottle, 200, NE, arrogant, vicious, unrelenting
12. Connor Yarn, 54, NE, self-centered, practical, imaginative
13. Daisy Littlehill, 238, CG, curious, self-assured, unflappable
14. Eddy Nailtop, 288, N, sneaky, irresponsible, unlucky
15. Felix Manykeys, 221, NE, gregarious, braggart, easily manipulated
16. Georgia Goodbowl, 290, CG, principled, dishonest, wise
17. Harry Stoutleaf, 55, N, restless, aimless, easily manipulated
18. Isla Razor, 188, LG, inventive, directionless, brave
19. John Wirebrook, 230, LG, knowledgeable, aloof, passive
20. Kassie Wheelspring, 244, LG, helpful, scared, heartbroken
21. Louis Goodeye, 133, NE, outraged, violent, principled
22. Maude Crazygoat, 189, LE, irritable, jokester, temperamental
23. Nathaniel Soap, 68, CN, driven, obsessive, self-destructive
24. Opal Bookdale, 143, CN, self-absorbed, oblivious, possessive
25. Paul Shortwick, 130, LN, straightforward, loving, simple
26. Quinn Goodbarrel, 105, CG, forgetful, desperate, clever
27. Ralph Warmpipe, 51, N, practical, paternal, artistic
28. Sally Cloudworth, 253, LG, gruff, negative, strategic
29. Tenille Brushlock, 149, LG, incredulous, irritable, hopeful
30. Omar Slowhand, 399, CN, bold, private, in control
31. Vicki Mooncloak, 155, NG, authoritative, tough, direct
32. Wendell Farbutton, 95, NG, loudmouthed, addictive, unruly
33. Sarah Freeshadow, 183, LG, stern, protective, talkative

Gnomes

1. Strut Galili, 414, LE, decisive, vicious, calculating
2. Cecil Corbo Blink, 268, NG, taciturn, dedicated, action-focused
3. Melodrome Boddynock, 38, N, principled, brave, mysterious
4. Haftra Fiskinspark, 81, LN, happy, trusting, nervous
5. Beep Tolnackle, 595, CE, loner, defensive, surprised
6. Skip Liddle, 165, CN, spiteful, motivated, uncertain
7. Tavar Tock, 489, N, quiet, exacting, sneaky
8. Finny Laskinack, 32, LE, loud, violent, short-tempered
9. Tinktink Clicksteel, 281, LN, faithful, persistent, reserved
10. Goldie Thistlespark, 115, N, heroic, volatile, dreary
11. Dinlo Fastfizzle, 129, LN, dark, misanthropic, inquisitive
12. Quilp Wobblebonk, 128, N, suspicious, defensive, cloying
13. Olbiglius Swizzlepipe, 226, CG, confused, idealistic, scientific
14. Gorbulus Boffins, 588, LG, adventurous, unassuming, dutiful
15. Lyssbetonk Cogswagon, 276, LE, sneaky, calculating, opportunistic
16. Bixi Thenbabrick, 375, CN, open-minded, intellectual, well-rounded
17. Dimly Sadpockets, 222, CE, strategic, careful, resourceful
18. Mimble Ladlesworth, 480, CN, devout, charismatic, nurturing
19. Queen Bobrick, 376, NG, depressed, directionless, handy
20. Arcwitz Jellyroll, 99, NG, reserved, inconsistent, productive
21. Bolt Cogsmith, 8, LG, comical, critical, animated
22. Gilbin Bottlefingers, 36, CN, reckless, open-minded, zany
23. Arcalena Greenyellow, 345, LN, tentative, nimble, anxious
24. Dizzy Doublecannon, 191, LG, self-aware, creative, caustic
25. Spark Bumbletumble, 443, N, renegade, strategic, bold
26. Jerylin Hatstink, 209, LE, knowledgeable, gentle, charismatic
27. Trifffft Penderflerflur, 491, LE, mysterious, self-serving, crafty
28. Seven Fifteen, 364, LN, perceptive, exacting, responsible
29. Lorelai Cobblewobbles 152, CG, conflicted, helpful, unfortunate
30. Warble Zarzaphod, 92, NG, over-the-top, ingenious, bizarre
31. Darcy Fortypigs, 421, NG, calculating, idealistic, organized
32. Bart Zazezizozuz, 584, CN, driven, empathetic, grounded
33. Sippikup Magee, 137, N, investigative, principled, pushy

A final note: if you want to come up with a resource like this for yourself, here's some advice. For names, I find it easier to make up a name if I have initials to start with. So I'll list the alphabet down the page and go from there. (If you look at most of the name lists, you'll see this pattern.) Ages and alignments are easy to pick randomly given the race of the character. And for the personality traits, you can use all variety of methods: envision a personality and describe it; use lists of personality traits (like this one); look at your favorite books/movies/video games/etc and describe your favorite characters; I even used my tarot decks to create a good chunk of the personalities in this list. Any jumping-off point that works for you will be good. And if you find that good-aligned characters have negative traits and evil-aligned characters have positive traits, that's fine! It makes for more complex storytelling if the evil person is actually superficially nice or the good person is a pushy snob. Remember alignment is about tendencies, not personalities. 

Hopefully, this resource is helpful to a few DMs out there. Next time, a write-up of the mystery campaign I've been using these names for with more information on how to craft an ongoing mystery campaign. 

Coming soon: how to deal with critical rolls, how to create in-game documents, and how to design a dungeon. Until next time, happy gaming!

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