Using questionable sources of inspiration

In any dynamic campaign world, the player characters are likely to have a few competitors. Usually an NPC will be created from scratch, but when creating whole groups at once, sometimes you may want to save time and borrow from other sources, especially if it’s just for a throwaway random encounter.

There are countless conversions for science fiction, superhero and fantasy characters, but anything can be used as a source of inspiration. So here’s an example of something a little different. Even selections of sitcom characters can be quickly converted into adventuring parties:

The merchants

LN monk/ ranger, his professions include: parchment merchant, root vegetable farming.
CG bard, he is also a parchment merchant, prankster, and loves to torment the monk/ ranger, though cannot defeat him in ranged combat.
CN arcane trickster, an aging kleptomaniac ex-cleric/ ex-bard, ‘herbalist,’ can’t remember names.
LE druid (with cat companions), a diminutive, judgmental elf woman, hates apologizing.
CN bard (party leader), parchment merchant, playwright and musician, low wisdom, cowardly, but can defeat the monk/ ranger in unarmed combat.

The city-dwellers

LN cleric of order, skilled cook, woe betide anyone who brings chaos to her world.
CN druid/ bard healer, enjoys singing about cats, has an evil twin.
N rogue, worked as a bar wench despite being born into a wealthy family, manipulative fast talker.
NG bard (thespian), infamous womanizer. Low intelligence, high charisma.
CG bard (jester), has a sharp wit despite his mediocre charisma.
LN earth elementalist, speaks draconic, disciplined despite anger issues concerning theft of his travel rations, occasionally casts light spells on his own teeth.

The dynasty

CN sorcerer, he favors illusion, conjuration and fireballs, but is limited by mediocre intelligence.
CN rogue, her skills include fast-talking and disguises, including a cripple, a crone, and a shaman.
CN fighter, one-handed style. He favors older women. Fearful and prone to panic attacks.
CN bard, ex-healer, occasionally disguises himself as a woman, occasionally uses blue body paint.
CN rogue/ noblewoman (party leader), cunning manipulator and alcoholic.
(At least half this party is arguably CE rather than CN).

The headstrong

CG bard/ ranger, skilled in carpentry and survival. A carnivore, secretive (especially about his bard abilities) but always tells the truth. Has a high constitution, owns several hidden treasure hoards. High hit points, can survive a fireball. He is supposed to be the party leader but lets the paladin do it.
NG cleric, she is a voice of reason for others, less so for herself.
LG paladin, she is zealous, driven and willful, and best of friends with the cleric.
CN witch, she pretends to be evil (especially to the cleric) but probably drifts more toward good.
CG bard, low intelligence, low wisdom, but he still manages to attract the cleric and the witch.

Depending on the tone of the campaign, you can keep your sources of inspiration to yourself, or make them obvious (through unsubtle anagram names or catchphrases). Too many references to other realities can threaten the immersion of a serious game, but the occasional easter egg can bring some brightness to even the most grimdark adventure before the party is plunged back into horror and doom.