I have found through experience that what brings a game of dungeons and dragons to life is the little things. So I believe that it is important to have backgrounds and short bio’s for NPCs.

This doesn’t mean every NPC that your players run into needs a short history. What it means though, is that you need to add some life and history to your dungeons and dragons campaign by forging NPCs that have lived in it.

This, in my experience, is important because it adds elements to the game session that can draw the players in. I’ve had NPCs that grabbed the players attention and spawned role playing encounters where I didn’t expect it. A seemingly small meeting turned into a full blown non-combat encounter. It can also be used to give hints into whatever mission/quest/adventure the PCs are on. A very good way to make sure the PCs go and explore where you want them to, all the while making them feel like they are in a non linear world where they can act freely.

So as with everything I want to do on this site, I am going to share an NPC with a lose history. It is merely a wireframe and meant for you to take it and go in any direction you want.

Gruut Warbeard

Gruut Warbeard is an old surly Dwarf. He spends most of his time pining over maps and scrolls at the local tavern. These maps and scrolls are old family heirlooms containing information on the mines his ancient ancestors used to live in. Gruut’s father, Duncan Warbeard, went missing 3 years ago searching for the mines. Gruut is unsure whether his father is dead or alive or if his father even found the mines. Duncan has become obsessed with the maps and scrolls over the last year.

This NPC can be used as a hook or just a flavorful character to add life to your world. There is plenty that could be added here.

Enjoy.