Hey there, just like you, I’m one of those “Forever DMs.” I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it, but there are things that I’d love to do better.
Shadeswatch is the main city at the center of my last long-running campaign. I've always put a lot of effort into the MAIN non player characters, but inevitably, my players want to engage with the people I've NOT fleshed out. The regular folks, the People in the Neighborhoods.
Every so often, somebody at the table would strike up a conversation with a Blacksmith, or a Shopkeeper, or some random person at a tavern, and I'd be stumped. It became a running joke where they’d just start addressing everyone they met, “Hey, Bob!” They didn't mind, but for me? Felt bad, man.
I wanted a better experience for my players and an easier time for me. So I made The DM's Familiar. The first feature is a random generator that creates Non-Player Characters (NPCs) for every scenario. From shopkeepers to guards, each character was fleshed out with unique backstories, personalities, and quirks.
The next time my players headed to town, they met Thrain, the gruff yet kind-hearted blacksmith who had a mysterious past as a warrior. They encountered Elara, the witty shopkeeper with a knack for alchemy, and Captain Roderick, the stern but fair town guard. The town came alive with these characters, each adding depth and color to the story.
My players were captivated. They felt truly immersed in the world I had created and I didn't need to come up with more townsfolk named "Bob". The DM’s Familiar has transformed my ablility to run my game sessions, making every interaction memorable and engaging.
Everyone at the table had a MUCH better time. The players didn’t get ripped out of their immersion in the story, and I didn't need to come up with more townsfolk named "Bob". The NPC Generator has really cut down on one of the more fun-sucking aspects of running a D&D Session, and I’m just getting started.