3.5e NPC Generation (Part 3: Why Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 needs a NPC Generator)

3.5e NPC Generation (Part 3: Why Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 needs a NPC Generator)


3.5 NPC Generator (Part3: Why Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 needs a NPC Generator)

One of the first things WotC should of considered when creating Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 is the fact that to be successful software support should be just as critical as the core books themselves.  They almost got this right, they seemed to have a good plan but poor execution of that idea gave us ETools.  The NPC Generator part of seemed at best a half measure and really did not do any generation because based all 1st level fighters were the same just as all 15th level fighters were as well.  From there all effort by WotC to create a NPC Generator stopped.

Now why does Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 need a NPC Generator, the answer is very simple.  Just take some time and sit down to create a NPC for your game, depending on how picky you are this can take hours.  There is also a problem with this method because unless you are careful all of your npc’s that are of the same type will look almost the same when it comes down to it but in reality your npc’s should have variety and flavor not just in background but also in how they are developed stat wise as well.  Dungeons and dragons game preparation for a dungeon master is extremely time consuming, this is what lead to adventures being such a successful product line for many d20 – OGL – 3.5 companies. I still have many memories of running games for 1e/2e and being able to basically wing it based on a small outline of how I wanted the story to go, everything fit together and really was not complicated.  This is not to say you couldn’t run a few sessions off the cuff but running a whole campaign and have things fit together would be another matter.  This is where a good solid npc generator comes in handy, it can save you hours for each session in game preparation alone in addition to having better campaign material ready for your players.  No longer will you have to make up what the bartender has for skills on the fly or guess what a noble may be able to do in combat if the situation comes on unexpectedly.  Below I have added 2 different kinds of stat blocks you can get from NPC Designer, these are not the only 2 however it should give you an idea of what is available and how it can help your preparation.

There are a few NPC Generators available for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 so I do recommend you checking out google and taking a look for yourself, while I personal recommend NPC Designer – 3.5 NPC Generator you however may find something else that fits your needs.  The goal of the game is to have fun, remember that.


Normal Stat Block
Game Ready Card

Edmeth CR1

Female Human Aristocrat 1

CN  Medium Humanoid

Init +0; Senses Listen +1, Spot +8

Languages Common, Ettin, Orc

AC 11, touch 10, flat-footed 11

hp 9 (1HD)

Fort +1 Ref +0 Will +3

Speed 30 ft.  (6 squares)

Melee mwk dagger +2  (1d4+1/19-20)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Base Atk +0; Grp +1

Abilities Str 13, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 18

Feats Negotiator, Skill Focus (Spot)

Skills Appraise +6 (+4 ranks, +2 int), Decipher Script +4 (+2 ranks, +2 int), Diplomacy +10 (+4 ranks, +4 cha, +2 negotiator), Handle Animal +8 (+4 ranks, +4 cha), Ride +4 (+4 ranks), Sense Motive +7 (+4 ranks, +1 wis, +2 negotiator), Spot +8 (+4 ranks, +1 wis, +3 skill focus), Swim +5 (+4 ranks, +1 str).

Possessions mwk light wooden shield, mwk dagger, 2 pp, 15 gp, 11 sp, 12 cp, 495 gp in other assets.

Personal Info: Background: Adventurer, Ht: 5' 8", Wt: 190lbs, Hair: Dark brown, Eyes: Grey, Age: 21.

Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 NPC Generator


Related Links

NPC Designer (Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 NPC Generator)