d100 = 1
A man in the room is reading a book. He tells the players, 'I'm reading about a famous wizard named Zan Zan the Magnificent. He lived in this castle centuries ago.' He points to the wall behind him. It's really a painting of Zan Zan.
D1 Royal Court Random Encounters
D&D 5e · 100 scenarios · Roll d100 → roll D1
A complete D&D 5e random encounter table for royal court scenes. Roll a d100 to pick a set, then roll a D1 to pick a scenario within that set — 100 unique D&D encounter scenarios in total. Every scenario is system-neutral and runs on either the 2014 Player's Handbook or the 2024 D&D revision. Pair each scenario with a stat block from our D&D monsters catalogue and you have a session-ready encounter in under a minute.
How to roll this table
- When the party enters a royal court, roll a d100.
- The result (1–100) is your scenario. Read it out and run with it.
The D1 Royal Court encounter table
d100 = 2
The royal chef argues with a fisherman over the freshest catch of the day.
d100 = 3
A group of nobles are arguing about who is going to take over control of a major city. There are soldiers standing in front of their home. A force of 2d6+3 men are standing at the end of the street. They are men from another country.
d100 = 4
The king's royal jeweler has created a magnificent crown for the upcoming coronation ceremony, but it has been cursed by an enemy. The players must find a way to remove the curse before the coronation or risk the king being under its control.
d100 = 5
An elderly scribe quotes ancient texts to anyone who will listen.
d100 = 6
The players encounter an ageless mage who wanders the halls, whispering faint spells of protection. His eyes reflect the agony of millennia, of watching kingdoms rise and fall.
d100 = 7
A group of nobles seem to be arguing about which nobles are more important than others. They are trying to figure out which noble will get to be a member of the King's Royal Court.
d100 = 8
A group of human knights are organizing a tournament for members of the royal court.
d100 = 9
The court announces a rare celestial event where stars align perfectly over the castle. This is believed to be an auspicious sign. The twist: During the event, different factions within the court try to manipulate ancient lore, believing it grants immortality, starting a secretive and deadly scramble for power.
d100 = 10
A court wizard tries to impress nobles with minor enchantments.
d100 = 11
A servant rushes in, announcing the arrival of a surprise gift from a neighboring kingdom.
d100 = 12
A priest is standing in a corner of the hall. He is not moving or saying anything. He looks like he is praying. He looks like he is asleep.
d100 = 13
A tired guard leans against a wall, trying not to doze off.
d100 = 14
The castle's animal handler shows off a trained hawk for the entertainment of the court.
d100 = 15
The royal treasury is running low and the king orders a series of festivals and tournaments to raise money. The players are tasked with organizing and participating in these events. But will they attract a wealthy sponsor or will the events turn into chaotic disasters?
d100 = 16
A noble is celebrating his birthday. The room is filled with revelers who are drinking and singing.
d100 = 17
The courtyard fountain, said to be enchanted with youthful waters, has suddenly turned red, petrifying anyone who drinks from it. The source of its corruption must be uncovered to save the afflicted.
d100 = 18
A stranger arrives at the castle, weary and beaten. He has traveled a long way and has come to ask for help from the king. The stranger is actually an assassin and will try to kill the king if he gets a chance.
d100 = 19
The royal seamstress asks for opinions on a new gown design.
d100 = 20
A courtier’s new perfume sparks both admiration and sneezing fits.
d100 = 21
A wooden sculpture donated to the court is actually a trapped dryad, who, once freed, foresees the court’s downfall unless the artifact binding her is destroyed.
d100 = 22
A famous scholar is giving a lecture on the history of the kingdom, but their information seems distorted and biased. Will you challenge their statements or let the people be deceived?
d100 = 23
A group of dragon riders from a nearby kingdom have come to challenge the king's own dragon riders for supremacy. The players can choose to participate in the fierce aerial battle or assist in other ways.
d100 = 24
The king requests the help of the party in solving a murder mystery in the palace. The suspects include members of the court and the party must use their detective skills to uncover the truth.
d100 = 25
In the royal garden, the marble statue of a weeping angel serves as a silent guardian to the tomb of a lost royal child, its melancholic presence deepened by the vines creeping up its base.
d100 = 26
A dispute between two noble families threatens to turn violent. The players must act as mediators and come up with a solution that satisfies both parties before things get out of hand.
d100 = 27
A servant rushes in, announcing the arrival of a surprise gift from a neighboring kingdom.
d100 = 28
The court alchemist is seeking rare ingredients for a powerful potion and offers the party a handsome reward if they can retrieve them. However, the ingredients are guarded by dangerous creatures or hidden in treacherous locations.
d100 = 29
The sound of a ringing bell can be heard in the distance.
d100 = 30
You see a group of women standing in the corner
d100 = 31
A group of nobles are sitting around a table, talking about the economy and prices of goods.
d100 = 32
A group of diplomats from a neighboring kingdom arrive, seeking an alliance with your kingdom. Will you help or hinder their efforts?
d100 = 33
You overhear two men talking about a meeting in the Royal Throne room. They are talking about a business deal that is going to happen in the near future. You remember reading about this meeting in the paper. It is the company that is working on the new revolutionary wheel that is going to replace the wheel in all of the carriages.
d100 = 34
A renowned chef is preparing a feast for the court but has run into trouble in the kitchen. The players must help save the meal from disaster before it's served to the king and queen.
d100 = 35
A group of nobles are having a heated debate over which color scheme to use for the royal banquet. The players are asked to step in and make the final decision. The choices are: a) red and gold, b) blue and silver, or c) green and white. Their decision will affect the mood and outcome of the banquet.
d100 = 36
The players stumble upon a secret meeting between two members of rival noble families. They are plotting to overthrow the king and the players must choose whether to inform the king or keep the information for themselves.
d100 = 37
A group of 2d6 merchants bring in a new type of product to sell to the kingdom. It is up to the king and his advisers to decide if the product is worth buying or not.
d100 = 38
Vile and wretched creatures are celebrating a depraved wedding in the middle of the throne room. The party will have to deal with the following: 3d6+8 barbarian warriors wearing wolf pelts, a priest of Talar, a male half-elf cleric of Talar, and a female half-orc cleric of Talar. The party is expected to attend the wedding.
d100 = 39
A group of 2d4 guards are standing at the entrance to the throne room. They will not let the party in unless they have permission from the king or from his messengers.
d100 = 40
A young boy named Jacob approaches you and says that his brother has been turned into a frog by a witch. If you ask him how he knows it's a witch, he will say that he saw a witch do it.
d100 = 41
The queen has hired a famous fashion designer to create extravagant outfits for her and the court. However, the designer's eccentric requests make things difficult for the players who are tasked with fulfilling them.
d100 = 42
A man in the room is drinking wine. He says to the players, 'You look like you can handle your liquor. Want to try the wine of the kingdom? It's the best in the world. It's called Blackwater.' He hands them a cup. It's actually very good.
d100 = 43
Up ahead, three people are arguing in the hallway. They are nobles arguing about something. Players haven't a clue about what it is.
d100 = 44
A group of well-dressed people seems to be listening to a speech about how the kingdom's economy is decreasing because their gold is leaking away.
d100 = 45
As the players enter the court, they see a group of underprivileged peasants protesting outside the gates, demanding better treatment from the king. The players must decide whether to support the peasants or stay loyal to the king.
d100 = 46
A senior advisor sternly explains the repercussions of neglecting diplomatic relations.
d100 = 47
A heavy snowfall conceals dangerous secrets as an ambassador collapses, foaming at the mouth. The court suspects a plot involving ancient fae magic. The party must determine the source of the poison amidst mounting fear of fae treachery and plunging temperatures.
d100 = 48
The court is visited by a group of gnomish tinkerers, offering their latest inventions for sale. However, some of their inventions seem to be causing more harm than good.
d100 = 49
The queen holds a lavish feast and invites the players. However, the food is secretly poisoned and the players must figure out who is behind the plot and stop them before it's too late.
d100 = 50
Eighty-five maidens are standing around, waiting for Prince Farad to pass judgment on their suitors. The suitors are in one corner of the room. The maidens are moving about, talking to each other. One is talking about going to the beach. Another is telling one of her friends about how beautiful Prince Farad is. Several others are in pairs, gossiping about other people at the court. The suitors are standing around in one corner, fidgeting and waiting for Prince Farad to decide their fate. One of the suitors is talking about how the prince is getting married soon. The suitors' parents are gathered in a group near one door. They are discussing the prince's decision. Prince Farad is standing in the centre of the room. He is waiting for the court to quiet down.
d100 = 51
As you walk through the gardens, you come across a young prince sitting on a bench, staring longingly at a portrait of a beautiful woman. He looks sad and lost in thought. Do you approach him?
d100 = 52
A diplomat from a neighboring kingdom fumbles with the customs of the court’s etiquette.
d100 = 53
Courtiers chuckle over an attempted jest by a noble poorly landing.
d100 = 54
A bard roams the hall, seeking inspiration for his next song.
d100 = 55
Players see a group of bullies picking on a weak boy. They are trying to steal some coins from him.
d100 = 56
A pet ferret causes havoc, running through the court.
d100 = 57
The queen's prized jewels have gone missing and she suspects one of her own advisors. The players must search the palace for clues and catch the thief before they can make a getaway.
d100 = 58
A man with a long grey beard and white hair is sitting at a table, looking very drunk. He is talking to himself about how he is going to be king soon. He says he will be king because he is going to kill everyone else!
d100 = 59
The king's advisor has been accused of treason and is set to be executed. The players can either find evidence to prove their innocence or help them escape before it's too late.
d100 = 60
A man enters the room and says, 'You are under arrest. Come with me.' He is wearing leather armor and a leather thong around his forehead. He is holding a sword and a shield. He is a bounty hunter.
d100 = 61
The annual royal ball is interrupted by a group of thieves who steal the crown jewels. The players must chase after them through the winding streets of the city and retrieve the stolen items before the thieves get away.
d100 = 62
A mysterious stranger appears at the court, claiming to be a long-lost member of the royal family. The players must investigate and determine if the stranger's story is true or if they are an imposter with malicious intentions.
d100 = 63
A cursed object is discovered in the court, causing chaos and confusion as it appears to bring bad luck to whoever touches it.
d100 = 64
A man is arguing with a butcher over the price of some beef before they see the local judge.
d100 = 65
A noble and his friends are celebrating his birthday. They are drinking, singing, and dancing.
d100 = 66
A woman named Violet is in the throne room, she is trying to get an audience with the king and queen. She has lost her dog and needs help finding it. She will give the players a reward if they help her. She will also give the players a reward if they don't help her.
d100 = 67
A mysterious masked individual is spotted sneaking around the castle grounds. The players must catch the culprit and discover that it is actually a member of the royal family who is working with a secret organization to overthrow the King.
d100 = 68
The queen's prized white rose bushes have been dying one by one, causing immense grief to the queen. The players must find out the cause of the sudden withering and save the rest of the roses before the queen's heart breaks.
d100 = 69
A queen's lady-in-waiting seeks advice on a delicate matter.
d100 = 70
An old man is walking back and forth in front of the throne room, staring at it.
d100 = 71
A group of noblewomen from an opposing kingdom are visiting the court. They are beautiful, but dangerous. They are spies for their kingdom. They are looking for information on a certain topic. They will try to get the party to help them with their task.
d100 = 72
During a royal hunt, the players stumble upon a secret entrance to an underground dungeon, filled with traps and treasure. Will they explore it or report their findings to the king?
d100 = 73
A weeping noblewoman seeks comfort after a recent heartbreak.
d100 = 74
A courtier shows off the latest painting commissioned by the king.
d100 = 75
A group of nobles is found here, arguing about whether or not the king is fit to rule. They are making plans to depose him if he doesn't step down soon.
d100 = 76
A bard's elaborate tale of heroism is interrupted by a skeptical heckler.
d100 = 77
The court is thrown into chaos when a curse causes everyone to switch bodies with another person. The players must navigate this strange new situation and find a way to reverse the curse.
d100 = 78
A demon has infiltrated the royal court, taking the form of a wealthy noble. Can you discover its identity and stop its evil plans?
d100 = 79
A mysterious illness is spreading among the courtiers. The players must find the source of the illness and a cure before the entire court is affected.
d100 = 80
An old bard is sitting in the corner playing a sad tune on a lute. He is the court minstrel. He is playing a requiem for Prince Farad's mother.
d100 = 81
A messenger arrives, delivering news of a rebellion brewing in one of the kingdom's provinces. The king must decide whether to send aid or leave the province to fend for itself.
d100 = 82
A cook inquires if the players have any exotic recipes.
d100 = 83
A group of 2d4 glamorous-looking women are behind the throne waving their fans in a seductive manner. They are fanning the king for extra heat on a hot day.
d100 = 84
Two men are arguing about whether or not a nearby dungeon is actually haunted by ghosts or if it's just rumors spread by desperate local farmers who don't want anyone else to steal their harvests from their fields because they're afraid that their harvests will be stolen if other people don't believe there are any ghosts living
d100 = 85
The court is hosting a masquerade ball and the players must find out who is behind a series of pranks and tricks that are causing chaos throughout the event.
d100 = 86
A group of 2d6 nobles walk into the room, demanding compensation for the damage done to their lands by the kingdom's armies. The king's advisers are working on a solution.
d100 = 87
Courtiers gossip about the latest fashion trends in the realm.
d100 = 88
An excited page delivers news of a major event happening in a nearby town.
d100 = 89
The castle's cook has quit suddenly and the king's feast is just a few days away. The players must find a replacement cook and may discover that the previous cook had a dark secret.
d100 = 90
The castle is suddenly plunged into darkness as an unexpected eclipse occurs. Strange creatures appear and attack the castle, and the players must fight them off and figure out how to bring back the light.
d100 = 91
An antique mirror in the royal chambers, rumored to show not the present, but a reflection of one’s regretful past. Many avoid it, while some stare deeply, lamenting missed opportunities.
d100 = 92
The castle is under attack by a powerful wizard and his army of magical creatures. The players must defend the castle and its inhabitants, while also trying to discover the reason behind the attack and stop it at its source.
d100 = 93
The King suddenly becomes ill and slips into a feverish delusion. The players must find a rare herb that only grows in a dangerous jungle and brew a potion to heal the King before it's too late.
d100 = 94
A group of thieves attempt to steal from the king's treasury during a court event. The players can intervene and possibly uncover a larger plot or join forces with the thieves.
d100 = 95
A famous bard has arrived at the court, and the Queen is ecstatic to hear her perform. The bard's songs inspire courage and hope, and the Queen rewards her with a special gift.
d100 = 96
An old man is asking people for food. If players give him food, he will pray for them.
d100 = 97
The herald announces the arrival of a minor distant cousin of the queen.
d100 = 98
A group of foreign ambassadors has arrived to discuss trade agreements. However, tension arises when one ambassador accuses the other of stealing from their kingdom. The players are called upon to mediate the situation and uncover the truth.
d100 = 99
The court is visited by a group of gnomish tinkerers, offering their latest inventions for sale. However, some of their inventions seem to be causing more harm than good.
d100 = 100
A man is trying to get another man to play chess. The other man will not play, but the man asks him to call out moves for him. The player refuses and is asked to get the other man a drink.
Use this table with the rest of Doungim's D&D 5e toolkit
A random encounter scenario is just the start of a scene. Pair it with a creature from our D&D 5e monsters catalogue (3,000+ monsters with full stat blocks), an NPC from our pre-built D&D NPC roster, a spell from the D&D 5e spell list, and a reward from the D&D magic items catalogue — and you have a full one-page session ready to drop on your D&D 5e or 2024 party.
Other dice tiers for the royal court: D4, D6, D8, D10.
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