Not Every Rumor Should Relate to the Adventure; Not Every Detail Should Lead to an Encounter

A few days ago I saw a great article on the Kobold Quarterly website that listed 50 rumors that have nothing to do with whatever adventure the PCs are pursuing. Roleplaying Tips had a similar article a while back.

When you’re running an RPG game it is important to mix some of these into the party’s conversations.  They help give the players a feel for the town or inn and these rumors keep the players from zeroing in too easily on the adventure’s plot.

Likewise, not every detail you mention while the PCs are traveling or exploring should lead to a random encounter.  That’s why I put together a small list of normal encounters.  Not every bridge that you mention should have trolls ready to ambush.  A passersby may be just a local farmer.