Are your players’ salvage runs feeling a little too safe? Looking to inject some unpredictable chaos and juicy narrative hooks into your gritty sci-fi or post-apocalyptic TTRPG? This random table is the perfect GM tool to spice things up!
How to Use This Table
It couldn’t be simpler. The next time your crew is picking through the bones of a derelict starship or a ruined pre-Collapse bunker, just have one of them roll a d10. You can also roll in secret whenever you feel the tension needs a jolt. What could possibly go wrong?
The Salvage Mishap Table
- Electrical Surge Activates dormant systems. Roll 1d6: (1-2) Security Bots, (3-4) Attracts Creatures, (5-6) Ignites a fire.
- Structural Collapse A section of the salvage location collapses. Players must make a Dex save to avoid being trapped
- Bioweapon Release A dormant pathogen is released. Players must make a Con save or become infected.
- Environmental Hazard A hidden hazard is triggered. Roll 1d4: (1) Gas Leak, (2) Radiation Spike, (3) Extreme Temperature, (4) Gravity Anomaly.
- Security System Activation Triggers automated defences. Roll 1d8: (1-2) Turrets, (3-4) Lockdown, (5-6) Toxic Gas Release, (7-8) Illusions.
- Unstable Technology A piece of salvaged tech malfunctions. Roll 1d10: (1-3) EMP Blast, (4-6) Teleportation Glitch, (7-8) Summons a minor creature, (9-10) Creates a temporal anomaly.
- Parasitic Infestation Players disturb a nest of parasites. Roll 1d6 to determine the type: (1-2) Flesh Eating Insects, (3-4) Mind-Controlling Worms, (5-6) Symbiotic Fungus.
- Temporal Echo Players experience a brief temporal distortion. They see/hear echoes of the past, which could provide clues or misdirection.
- Reality Glitch The laws of physics temporarily warp in a small area. Low gravity, inverted colours, objects phasing in and out of existence.
- Sentient AI Fragment A dormant AI fragment is awakened. It might be helpful, hostile, or utterly insane. Roll 1d4: (1) Helpful, (2) Hostile, (3) Insane, (4) Indifferent.
Make It Your Own
Use these mishaps as a springboard for your own awesome ideas! Reskin the effects, change the specifics, and tailor these results to fit the unique horrors of your campaign. The best tables are the ones that inspire you to create unforgettable moments for your players. Happy salvaging!