I am compiling a list of non-mystical obstacles that would be a challenge for 0-level Villager PCs.

I am compiling a list of non-mystical obstacles that would be a challenge for 0-level Villager PCs.

I am compiling a list of non-mystical obstacles that would be a challenge for 0-level Villager PCs.  Help me make it a big honkin’ list!

Physiological Needs

heat/cold

darkness

odors

smoke (danger of passing out)

scarcity of game/food

running out of food/water

tainted water/rations

wearing out one’s shoes

minor injuries (twisted ankle, fever)

travel fatigue

Non-Monstrous Creatures

insects

bats

spiders

large, non-magical predator (panther, etc.)

migrating herd

stinging nettles

mosquitos/flies

hornets

snakes

rats

fleas

biting ants

Natural Phenomena

rock slide

cave in

fire 

blizzard

rain/thunder/lightning

earthquake

flooding

Man-Made Hindrances

rope bridge

bandits

crossing enemy territory

potholes in the road

hostile/indifferent locals

Landscape Features

Steep climb/descent

impenetrable copse

river

fog

a tight passage

mud

swamp

unclimbable wall/undescendable cliff

quicksand

getting lost

washed out road/bridge

16 thoughts on “I am compiling a list of non-mystical obstacles that would be a challenge for 0-level Villager PCs.”

  1. Social Phenomena

    approaching tax collector

    approaching in-laws

    lazy child or other dependent

    attractive but dangerous crush

    local village leader’s birthday approaching but not sure what to get for it

    cruel step-parent or step-siblings

    awkward family curse

  2. Oh, damn Marshall Miller: An abandoned cart with enough food for the whole village.

    That gives me a whole new category, but I’m not sure what I’d call it.  Strokes of fortune that derail your original mission.  Yeah, you were suppose to go get the stolen sheep back from the ogre clan, but how can you pass by a cart with enough food for the entire village.  Who needs wool for winter clothes, anyway?

  3. Renaissance Themed!

    feuding families

    shipwrecks

    smugglers

    tariffs

    mercenaries

    mutiny

    striking dockworkers

    storms at sea

    draining a swamp

    guild politics

    challenge to a duel

    identical twins

    poison

    gossip

    lost libraries

    secret lovers

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