Reaction Rolls

Not everything wants to fight. Reaction rolls let the world surprise you — and your players.

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Why This Matters

Don’t pre-script NPC behaviour. A goblin patrol might be lost, hungry, or fleeing something worse. Bandits might want to negotiate. Even a troll might pause if offered food.

The reaction roll creates emergent encounters. You discover what happens alongside your players, and that’s part of the fun.

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When to Roll

Roll when the party encounters creatures whose intentions aren’t already established. Don’t roll for mindless creatures, sworn enemies, or when the party attacks first.

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The Roll

Roll 2d6:

Roll	Reaction
2	Hostile — attacks immediately
3–5	Unfriendly — threatens or demands
6–8	Uncertain — wary, waiting
9–11	Friendly — willing to talk
12	Helpful — offers aid

Adjust for context: weapons drawn, reputation, gifts offered, what the creatures are protecting. A +1 or −1 either way is usually enough.

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After the Roll

The result is a starting point. Good roleplay can shift it — if what the party says or offers makes sense, move the reaction one step without a roll. If it’s a hard sell, call for a CHA check.

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Retainers

Hiring retainers uses a similar 2d6 reaction roll. See Retainers for details.