Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Alternate Random Encounter Tables for Traveller

Somebody's about to have a Random Encounter.


The Traveller Book makes it plain that Referees can and should create their own custom encounter tables for their game. These custom tables will reflect the specific situations on the planets the Travellers visit. 

From the Encounters chapter:

"The list provided is only an example, and other lists may be generated for specific adventures or situations. For example, if the adventuring group is on a world embroiled in a civil war, the random encounter list might be full of troops, refugees, guerrillas, war profiteers, petty warlords, and members of various factions."

"Reactions are an important part of random encounters. Once the encounter occurs, the referee should consult the reaction table to determine the specific response to the encounter by the other side."

Here are two that I've done, to get you started. While still 'generic', they have elements distinct enough from the baseline table to keep your players guessing. 

Urban Encounter Table, sample:

31

Drunks (roll for SOC)

-

1D

32

Noble with retinue

L, G

2D

33

Street food vendor

-

1-2

34

Tourists

+1 TL

3D

35

Street gear vendor

-

1D

36

Police Patrol

GA

2D

41

Fugitives

G

2D

42

Fugitives

L

3D

43

Criminals fleeing pursuit

L, G

1D

44

Vigilantes

L, G

2D

45

Muggers

G

1D

46

Purveyor of Vices

L, G

1D

War Zone Encounter Table, sample:

41

Artillery barrage

-

-

42

Refugees

2D

G

43

Field Hospital

6D

L, G

44

Patrol

3D

L,G, A

45

Abandoned civilian vehicle

1

V

46

Conscript labor party w/guards

4D

G, L

51

Barracks (1-4 occupied, 5-6 abandoned)

2D

-

52

POW camp w/ guards

6D

G, L

53

Fortifications, active

4D

G, A, L

54

Fortifications, abandoned

1

-

55

Mercenary soldiers

3D

G, A, L

56

Guerrilla/irregular fighters

3D

G, L


The full tables are available in .pdf format from the links below. Enjoy!

Urban Encounters

War Zone Encounters


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