In Dungeons & Dragons, a tavern is an ideal place for every adventure's beginning and, hopefully, where every adventure ends. Taverns are a place of community; whether it's a sleepy hamlet on the outskirts of a kingdom or a bustling trade district in a metropolis, everyone — good or evil, chaotic or lawful — requires a sit-down and a mug of ale before venturing off into the next exciting chapter of everyday fantasy life.
A tavern's level of popularity and comfort is what players need to find their footing — not just as a character in their current setting, but sometimes as a person diving into their first bits of role-playing. That said, it's essential that locals and strangers alike coming to drink for the day not only reflect aspects of the world they inhabit, but pull players deeper into the DM's narrative.
8 The Zany Artist
The musician tonight is particularly standout (hopefully in a good way), taking requests, performing a piece intriguing to one of the player characters, or perhaps in dire need of a "fill" for a band member who just called in sick with goblin pox. Or, maybe it's a sketch artist sitting quietly with a pad, drawing up the likeness of someone they can't stop staring at, or someone they have no recollection of.
The artist is an easy entry point for conversation, usually having high charisma and a drive for coin, which makes them attractive to a group of players with little effort. Having a bit of table humor over some silly antics with the bard is never a bad idea. Make them memorable by dressing the artist in an obscure fashion, or grant them a bit of magical ability, like prestidigitation.
7 The Retired Adventurer
How clear is it that someone was an adventurer for hire at some point in their life? It's unlikely that someone trying to put slaying monsters behind them will still wield their weapon of choice, but perhaps their muddied boots are of Elvenkind, or on their finger, they still wear a Ring of Mind Shielding out of habit. Maybe they're chatting up the barkeep, an old friend of theirs, on a topic that begs to be front and center — like the argument of how much spice is too much on owlbear jerky.
When things get too rowdy in the bar, this NPC doesn't sit idly by, which can be used to manage a group of players hellbent on sowing chaos. Or maybe someone enters the bar who's come looking for the players, or this particular character, creating a unique plot hook for the next adventure.
6 The Cheeky Gambler
The local watering hole has gathered a crowd; there's one particular patron who's been rolling doubles on their dice all night long. Tymora is one of the many deities who champions luck and wagers; perhaps they are a worshipper? Maybe the dice are weighted, and all it takes is a keen eye to spot the scheme. Whatever the case, pray it's not a visiting Fey to the Material Plane, roping each one of its challengers into a deal they can't escape!
Small games for a tavern setting are unique ways to engage players in a pastime that can involve non-combat uses of spells and other class skills — and in most cases, even inviting players to go up against each other. Adding in a dose of mischief on the part of a gambler, whose winning streak is without end, adds a level of mystery. Perhaps there are stakes that will draw even those characters who have no interest in losing their coin to the table.
5 The Raving Local
Right on the bench, just before you enter, you're accosted by a smelly drunkard who rants on and on about some secret cult practicing ancient rituals in the cellar of the tavern. You push them aside, simply moving on with your business, but something stands out about them. Are their eyes gleaming a strange color? Do they have a tattoo from an old thieves' guild you recognize from long ago?
An exciting NPC that's just as much fun to role-play as it is to encounter, the local drunk is a uniquely engaging vehicle for storytelling. Are they a doomsayer, gifted with prophetic visions of an apocalyptic event? Were they nobility, once thought to be assassinated? Even if the characters pass up the conversation, perhaps what they pickpocket from the drunk or overhear them screaming to another passer-by is just as interesting.
4 The Unexpected Patron
You produce your pouch of coins in exchange for a hard-earned meal, when the barkeep waves you off, telling you that your tab has already been covered. When you ask who, they only point toward an empty table and tell you they've yet to return, but should be back shortly.
Try giving every service in the bar for free to your players. Let them ponder why their money's no good in the establishment, and then surprise them with a person who's been waiting for their arrival. Does this person want to hurt them or help them? Are they of this world, or do they hail from another realm where money has little value to them? This may be the perfect way to set up a fateful encounter with the campaign's big bad.
3 The Off-Duty Guard
Still wearing their chain shirt, the rest of their gear hung up alongside the entrance, they sit at the bar alone, taking in the sounds of the evening's revelry. You'd barely recognize who they are without their helmet on. This town guard is off-the-clock, so whatever the problem may be, it's undoubtedly not theirs to worry about, right?
Suppose the players had a particular run-in with the law, or some involvement in criminal activity. In that case, nothing heightens the player's senses like an unfortunate run-in with the exact person you're trying to avoid. This can set up a juicy social encounter, where the party's "face" is tasked with finding the best exit route for the entire group while trying to distract the one person who could raise the alarm. Or, maybe the group just needs to get their hands on a town guard's uniform!
2 The Rowdy Bunch
You enter the tavern to see it already filled to the brim with patrons. They all seem to know each other, they appear to have made themselves a little too comfortable with the bartenders' trappings. Maybe they've decided to play a game of darts, with the target being the hapless cook, or they've drunk the whole place dry and are looking for more ale when the bartender has nothing left to give.
More than just one NPC, this can be an excellent introduction to the local gang of bandits or crooks that you've already heard so much about in the next town over. Conversations could be carried out with the group leader, where things could turn sour at the drop of a hat. Combat set in a tavern makes for a fun, close-quarters battle where virtually anything can be an improvised weapon.
1 The Innkeeper
They remember everybody's name that's ever walked through their door, no matter how long it has been. The scars on their body tell the story of a life not always slinging drinks behind a counter. The stuffed black dragon's head above the mantle is rumored to be genuine, but the innkeeper refuses to feed the gossip.
The person who owns a tavern in a fantasy setting has to be able to hold their own against a group of players, or have friends nearby who can; that's just what all good DMs prepare. Mind you, not all have to have a life of adventure behind them. Chromatic dragons, particularly of the silver variety, love the company of the mortal races, and will spend most of their time in humanoid guise to live among them. Why not have one set up shop in the most eclectic and exciting places in the mortal realm?