I've been puttering off and on for a couple of years with creating an NPC Description Generator for fantasy RPGs.  If it reaches a point where I'm not embarrassed by it, then I'll add it to my player-finder website, Find Gamers.

But after 5+ rewrites of the code, it really needs more data to keep the NPCs seeming as unique as possible.  Content is king as they say, it's great to be the king.

I'd love some suggestions for a variety of game books that have hard data, in a table format if possible.  I don't plan to rip table data straight out of game books for a couple of reasons.  First, it might be illegal, it's gauche and would be kind of boring to only be a copy cat.

Looking for these kinds of book data with some examples:

• General descriptions that don't include specifics like nose shape.  "His everyday appearance is always neat and clean."
• Interests and Hobbies, like embroidering, horseshoes or gambling.
• Backgrounds, both common and unusual.  "Survived a fire that destroyed their farm."  Or "Moved here after being married."
• Common day to day things that someone might have a phobia or fear.  Like dogs, cats, rats or dead bodies.
• Quirks that could be physical, mental or something else entirely.  For example they mumble to them self, blind in an eye, ambidextrous, insomniac, giggles when excited or has an eye twitch.

Some wish list items

• An easy method to dynamically generate names.  I have a db table that specifies language root and sex but it might be nice to create names from scratch.
• Criminal motions for NPCs with "criminal" jobs.  Why did they become a criminal or maybe a prostitute?

It's easy to guess that some folks will want to know what the tool is going to look like.  There is a basic example of the interface attached to the bottom of this post.  And here are a couple of generated examples as well.

QuotePerrette is a beekeeper.  She is average in height with a brawny frame.  Her everyday appearance is always fashionable.  She is a self-conscious figure with a sensible nature.  Some people have said Perrette's disposition is an obsessive.  She has a love of watching locals play football.

QuoteHugh is known locally as a oxherder.  He is average in height with a skinny figure, cracked lips and thin beard.  He is usually well groomed in appearance.  He is an unreserved lad with a cowardly temperament.  Local gossips agree that Hugh is known to be a careless character.  Hugh has a faded scar on his face.  He has a heartfelt passion for wood carving.

QuoteHugues is an overworked local oxherder.  He has a tall bony figure, pointed eyebrow, clean shaven and speaks with a tired voice.  He is often a bit unconventional in appearance.  He is a sympathetic bloke with a down to earth nature.  The local rumormill believes Hugues is more often that not, known as a hedonist soul.  He has a mild fear of mice but he can usually overcome it with some encouragement.  Hugues is a natural mimic and can easily reproduce his friends voices or common animals.  He has a keen preoccupation with dancing and he enjoys drinking in the pub just as much.  Hugues has been married several times, all of his spouses have died from unusual circumstances.

Take a look at Inspiration Pad Pro 3.

Although my original post hasn't gone anyway, I've been able to find some ideas in old sourcebooks for various game systems.

Runequest books have some nice background events.  And very old issues of Dragon Magazine have all sorts of gems.

For instance, a background element like a case of mistaken identity offers a lot of different background options.  They might have been sent to jail or mistaken or the "other woman."  Fun stuff.

Creating an app like this isn't a rush, it's not going to change the gaming world.  But it's fun to make.