Back in 2021 I released Issue 1 of my d12 Monthly zine (you can also grab a printed copy) which had a table that let you roll what a monster was doing when the PCs showed up.
This was mainly for random encounters, but could be used for any encounter really.
Later that year I wrote an article about it to showcase how it could be used and the importance of it when trying to simulate a fantasy world and to keep verisimilitude.
The Main Issue
The issue with the table was that it was a 2D6 table, which (as you probably already know) creates a bell-curve of results. I am not sure why I created the table this way, but I eventually realised a more linear table was needed.
I added an extra result and made it a 1D12 table instead.
This was a pretty easy process, but I thought I would see if I could go further with it.
Taking it One Step Further
A recent article on this site dealt with how to use a monster’s intelligence to influence how you would run them (especially in a solo roleplaying session).
Given this, I thought I would set up the table to utilise this – having monsters behave based on their intelligence levels.
You can download a PDF cheat sheet of what followings at the end of this blog post.
The Monster’s Intelligence
The die rolled will depend on the INT of the monster:
Animal (INT 1-2) – 1D8 or 1D10 (depending on if the animal is a predator or prey)
Bestial / Low (INT 3-5) – 1D10
Low Cunning (INT 6-8) – 1D12
Human-Level (INT 9-12) – 1D12
High (INT 13-15) – 1D12+5
Genius (16+ INT) – 1D12+10
The Table
The table has 20 results, but you don’t roll a D20. You roll the die indicated in the intelligence table, above.
1. Hunting…
2. Resting/Sleeping/Recreation
3. Moving through area
4. Patrolling territory
5. Eating/Cooking
6. Fighting with…
7. Caring for…
8. Trapmaking/Marking territory
9. Escaping from…
10. Searching for…
11. Crafting/Sharpening weapons
12. Trading with…
13. Planning…
14. Negotiating with/Issuing demands to…
15. Training/Instructing others in…
16. Researching/Experimenting on…
17. Manipulating…
18. Bating enemies
19. Executing on a multi-stage scheme
20. Observing and waiting
Want More Info on Encounter Tables?
Examples
For example, if the characters encounter a pack of wolves, the GM rolls 1D8 and gets an 8 – Trapmaking/Marking territory. The wolves are expanding their territory and are marking it by scent marking, howling, or physically (scratching trees or dirt or leaving identifiable tracks).
Another example would be if the PCs stumble upon an NPC adventuring group. The GM rolls again, this time for high intelligence monsters (for the leader of the party who happens to be a magic-user) and rolls a 1D12+5, getting 14 – Negotiating with/Issuing demands to….
The GM can make this up on the spot or role on a word table or the encounter table again to inspire some ideas.
Why This Works Well
This system works well as there is only one table to roll on – it’s just the die rolled that varies – which still keeps it simple. It also adds some more choices and gives the GM a better idea immediately on what the encounter will be like.
Change Die Types or Add Adjustments
The GM is also free to use dice different to the above or add adjustments to the roll in certain situations.
For example, if the GM knows that orcs in the area are being commanded by a greater monster (with higher intelligence) and could have been issued commands by them, they may add +1 to +5 to the 1D12 roll as the orcs may be following orders instead of their natural instinct.
PDF Download
Download the cheat sheet to use at your table, whether that be in a group game of when playing D&D solo.
Over to You
Do you see yourself using this in your games? Did I miss something on the table? Let me know in the comments below.
While You’re Here…
Since 2021 I have been publishing d12 Monthly, a monthly zine, which has a ton of articles for any edition of Dungeons and Dragons.
Printed copies are available in my store. The PDF is available on DriveThruRPG and you can get both, plus support my work, via my Patreon.
I will also be releasing some more products in the near future.
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter or my contact page any time.