Random plot/adventure generators

[hong]

Seems like there's a random generator for everything out there on teh intarweb. Is there one of these?

I also seem to recall there was something like this in one of the early 3E Dragon issues.

 

[rounser]

Nutkinland had one for the Forgotten Realms in particular.

Apart from parodies, no...

If you're looking for random ideas directly suitable for D&D, I guess you could always go to the story hour forum and start reading pages at random...

 

[Emiricol]

WOTC itself has both a generic D&D adventure hook generator, and a (non-parody) Forgotten Realms one, though it only addresses a few regions.

 

[alsih2o]

http://nielsenhayden.com/overlord/

but i prefer this one http://www.writerbuddy.com/toolbox/plot.php

it just gives you six items to work from

 

[johnsemlak]

Did you ever use the random dungeon generator in the old (1e) DMG? It was in the back, an appendix. It was very complex.

 

[hong]

Did you ever use the random dungeon generator in the old (1e) DMG? It was in the back, an appendix. It was very complex.

No, I don't mean a random map. I can get plenty of maps off the web. I mean an actual plot/adventure seed generator.

 

[Zappo]

but i prefer this one http://www.writerbuddy.com/toolbox/plot.php

Cool, it looks like what you get for Iron DM. If only it had D&D thingies in the database...

 

[Severion]

Seems like there's a random generator for everything out there on teh intarweb. Is there one of these?

I also seem to recall there was something like this in one of the early 3E Dragon issues.

Its in issue #274, combined with TableSmith it can be fairly useful.

 

[Maraxle]

The new rule pack for my freeware JH NameGen program includes an Adventure Hook generator. It's available at www.jhanson.com.

EDIT: Here's some sample output. Some can get humorously long and or convoluted, but others are short and sweet.

A long-running fight against pirates is depleting the town's food supplies.
A secretive old man mentions that a former adventurer is searching for some heroes to investigate reports of someone amassing an army of giants.
A local cleric is missing.
A well-known noble was arrested for posession of drugs, and has accused you of being a part of it.
Dock workers have asked you to nab some hobgoblins who are creating havoc in a nearby town.
Why is a blackguard stocking up on lanterns?
A family friend was seen entering a catacomb under the cemetary, and has not yet returned.
You were framed for harboring an enchanter who is a known felon.
A local celebrity's favorite bow has disappeared, and a respected craftsman is the prime suspect.
Though they are traditionally your enemies, a group of thieves want you to investigate reports of someone planning to unleash a deadly disease.

 

[clockworkjoe]

Did you ever use the random dungeon generator in the old (1e) DMG? It was in the back, an appendix. It was very complex.

Hackmaster GM guide has one in the appendix as well.