Short Encounters for Characters of Any Level

Table of Contents Foreword ...... 2 Adventure Customs and Shorthand ...... 2 About the Authors ...... 2. . . . So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs Ran Across Our Path… by Alan Tucker . . .3 . So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, Walked into Our Campsite… by Chad M. Lensch . 4 . So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… by Harm Delva ...... 5. . . So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… by Ciaran O’Halloran ...... 6 So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra Landed on Our Campsite… by Elven Tower 7 So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… by Tony Petrecca ...... 8. . So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Road… by Beatriz T. Dias ...... 9 . So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the Road… by David McDonough . . .10 . So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… by Matt Vaughan (Dungeon Rollers) . . . 11 So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… by George Sager ...... 12 So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of Peasants Block the Road… by Duncan Rhodes . . 13. So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road…by Morten Greis ...... 14 So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step Onto the Road… by Richard Malena-Webber . . 15 So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of Sheep Walk Onto the Road… by Karl Sciberras . . 16 Encounter Modifier Tables by ELF Vesala ...... 1 7 . .

Short Encounters for Credits Design & Layout: Alan Tucker Characters of Any Level Art: Alan Tucker, and licensed and modified stock art from DepositPhotos.com and DMsGuild Community Resources It Clicks! Editing: Linda May and Alan Tucker This version of the product is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, the dragon ampersand, and fully hyperlinked so you can all other wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. move around and find what you need with ease! by Various Authors This work contains material that is copyright wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is used with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild. All other original material in this work is copyright ©2019 by MAD Design, Inc., Alan Tucker, Chad M. Lensch, Harm Delva, Ciaran O’Halloran, Elven Tower, Tony Petrecca, Beatriz T. Dias, David McDonough, Matt Vaughan (Dungeon Rollers), George Sager, Duncan Rhodes, Morten Greis, Richard Malena-Webber, Karl Sciberras, and SampleELF Vesala and published under the Community Content Agreementfile for Dungeon Masters Guild. Foreword Adventure Customs About the Authors The travel montage… as DMs, we’ve all and Shorthand Alan Tucker and Undermountain: Caverns of the Ma- done it. The players only want to get from ny-Legged. Alan is a contributor and author of a point A to point B and skip over “the bor- Within the adventure, you will see text number of bestselling products on the ing parts.” that is set apart in a box, like this: Matt Vaughan (Dungeon Rollers) DMs Guild, including Hey, Mister, Can But, when things happen in between Author of the Treasures of… series, fea- and the highly acclaimed adventures, on the road, it can make your This text is meant to be read aloud or para- You Help Me? turing new magic items for use in all your . Alan also has world seem much more alive and interest- phrased to the players. Myriad, City of Tiers campaigns. Dungeon Rollers has many several fantasy and science fiction novels ing! So, make travel and camping out be- new items coming in the coming months. Other items will be highlighted in bold, side the road fun and intriguing and even to his name. You can find more atwww . referring to an ability check, saving throw, a wee bit dangerous… AlanTucker .net. George Sager monster, or item from one of the published Following in the footsteps of the amaz- George is a contributer to Storm King’s D&D materials, such as the Monster Man- Chad M . Lensch ingly popular So, a Cleric and a Vampire Barrows, has a credit in Kobold Press’ ual. Text that is bold and blue indicates Chad is a contributor to Villains and Walk Into a Tavern, and the newly released Creature Codex, and DMs a 5e campaign an active link to another page in this book . He is working on other projects to So, a Wizard’s Apprentice and a Demon Lairs for friends when he isn’t working on one where you can find more information be released soon! Walk Into a Magic Shop…, this collection of several other projects on the go. Follow about a particular NPC, encounter, or oth- So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs of short encounters takes your party on him on Twitter @GeorgeSCanada. er reference. The core published books for Harm Delva Ran Across Our Path… the road, trekking through the wilderness. 5th edition are abbreviated as follows: Harm wanted to give something back to the Inside, you’ll find imaginative stories from Duncan Rhodes o a verfneblin hased by a uergar osse PHB = Player’s Handbook community after years of impressing his S , S , C D P , some of the DMsGuild’s best and brightest Duncan is the author of several best-sell- Walked into Our Campsite… players with stuff he mooched off the DMs contributors. You’re sure to find something DMG = Dungeon Master’s Guide ing titles on the DMs Guild, most nota- Guild. This is his first ever contribution. So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… to liven up that trip to the next adventure! MM = Monster Manual bly Esquiel’s Guide to Magic Weapons, I sincerely want to thank the tremen- which brings 120 new blades, battleax- VGtM = Volo’s Guide to Monsters Ciaran O’Halloran So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… dous community of DMsGuild authors, es, and bows to your game (along with a Ciaran is a new contributor to the DMs artists, and other contributors for their XGtE = Xanathar’s Guide to Everything treasure trove of more fun stuff). He also So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra Guild. He is a DM, Dad, and Drama amazing support. This creative collective is MToF = Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes blogs at www .hipstersanddragons .com. Landed on Our Campsite… teacher. absolutely top notch and true fans of this So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… hobby we all love. Elven Tower Morten Greis —Alan Tucker Morten is a new contributor to DMs So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Elven Tower is a powerhouse of RPG con- Guild, blogs at Stemmen fra ådalen and Road… tent creation. The small indie studio has converts Danish adventures to English on created hundreds of fantasy maps, short So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the DriveThruRPG. adventures, and DM content for three Road… years straight. Richard Malena-Webber So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… Tony Petrecca Richard is a contributor and author of many projects on the DMs Guild, includ- So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With Tony has been DMing since the last mil- a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… ing the Ravnica adventure The Tomb of lennium. He is the author of several Svogthos and Rise of the Champions. So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of critically acclaimed DMsGuild adven- Peasants Block the Road… tures. Check out his best sellers Hunted, Karl Sciberras Journey Through the Center of the Karl’s first adventure,All in a Day’s So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… Underdark, and Killer Kobolds. Work, was released to the Guild in late So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step Beatriz T . Dias 2018. More adventures will follow as he Onto the Road extracts all the stories that are rattling Mostly an adventure writer, the DMsGuild around in his head. So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of has several of Beatriz’s works. Sheep Walk Onto the Road David McDonough ELF Vesala Encounter Modifier Tables ELF is a random generator aficionado David is a new contributor on the DMs blogging at https://randomcreation . Guild and author of the adventures The net/. His favorite die is d10. Priest, the Witch, and the Lost Temple Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 2 versaries to challenge their party. cause trouble in the Material Plane in the This encounter originally appeared under So, a Displacer Beast If the party decides to help the cub, a near future. the title of “Wild Kingdom” in, Can We Keep pack of several blink dogs will arrive to Him?, another free collection of encounters Cub and a Pack of join the fray. Again, it is left up to the DM About the Author with the central theme of party pets. to decide how difficult they wish the en- Alan is a contributor and author of a Blink Dogs Ran counter to be by adjusting the number of number of bestselling products on the dogs in the pack or by adding additional DMs Guild, including Hey, Mister, Can Across Our Path… fey as suggested in the Alternatives sec- You Help Me? and the highly acclaimed tion below. Myriad, City of Tiers. Alan also has by Alan Tucker several fantasy and science fiction novels isplacer east ub to his name. You can find more atwww . Suggested Party Level: Any D B C Tiny monstrosity, lawful evil AlanTucker .net. Traveling through this forest has been Armor Class 11 (natural armor) pleasant for the most part, but you sense Hit Points 5 (2d4) something in the air this evening you can Speed 20 ft. only describe as anticipation or tenseness. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 6 (-2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 4 (-3) 8 (-1) 7 (-2) While keeping your eyes peeled for a place Senses darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 10 So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs Challenge 1/8 (25 XP) to make camp, you hear a plaintive, animal Ran Across Our Path… cry just before a tiny, dark-furred creature Avoidance. If the displacer beast is subjected to an effect So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, bounds from the brush into your path. that allows it to make a saving throw to take only half Walked into Our Campsite… Tentacles wave with nervous energy from damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds, and only its shoulders. half damage if it fails. So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… Displacement. The displacer beast projects a magical So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… A moment later the air behind the little illusion that makes it appear to be standing near its actual newcomer shimmers and another, larger location, causing attack rolls against it to have disadvantage. So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra If it is hit by an attack, this effect is disrupted until the end of creature, with canine features and long, Landed on Our Campsite… its next turn. pointed ears, pops into existence. The dog So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… bears its teeth and growls at the smaller, Actions seemingly helpless beast. So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Multiattack. The displacer beast makes two attacks with its tentacles. Road… The tiny creature is a displacer beast (MM Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the page 81) cub (which experienced players target. Hit: 1 (1d4 - 2) bludgeoning damage plus 2 (1d4) Road… will likely recognize) and the menacing canine is a blink dog (MM page 318). The piercing damage. So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… players have stumbled onto an ancient conflict and must make a split-second Alternatives: So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With decision: help one creature or the other, or a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… This encounter offers many possibilities do nothing and see what transpires. for further adventure. The blink dogs So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of While the displacer beast is only a new- could be part of a Seelie Court (good fey) Peasants Block the Road… born, and many players’ first thoughts hunting party that has crossed into the might be to keep it as a pet, the creatures So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… Material Plane for a bit of sport. If the are inherently lawful evil. The blink dog, party has harmed or killed one or more So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step on the other hand, is lawful good. Your of the dogs in order to protect the young Onto the Road party’s general disposition along the good displacer beast, the fey could become or evil spectrum may come into serious quite cross with the adventurers, leading So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of question depending on what comes next. Sheep Walk Onto the Road to some interesting conundrums for the If the players do nothing, or aid the players— especially if their characters are Encounter Modifier Tables blink dog, the cub’s parent(s) or pride will of good alignment. emerge from the forest, possibly already The displacer beasts could be from a bloodied from combat before. The DM can breeding program run by a group of evil determine an appropriate amount of ad- fey (Unseelie Court) who have plans to Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 3 mals as they burrow. The harness may be She promptly sits up, looks at you with with a conical iron housing that resembles So, a Sverfneblin, targeted by the players, and has an AC 15 terror-filled eyes, and shrieks, “Please help a rounded fin. You watch as the leader and 20 hp. If it is destroyed, the duergar me! They are going to kill me!” As if on cue, unclips from his harness, and pulls himself hased by a uergar may no longer burrow underground with C D you feel a slight tremor in the ground. from underneath the protective shield. the bulette. Posse, Walked into Gutta’s Desperate Deal The laughing stops, its metallic echoes Combat Strategies Our Campsite… Gutta could not escape the posse. Her fading as he speaks, “You can try all you The posse attempts to keep Gutta from es- strategy for evasion was to head to the want, but you cannot escape, you repulsive caping whenever possible. If she does run, by Chad M . Lensch surface, where the sun would be unpleas- little worm! Give us the gem, now!” the posse disengages from the party to ant for the duergar. After she meets the give chase. The posse easily follows Gutta uggested arty evel The posse was hired to retrieve the black S P L : 8-10 party, the desperate gnome pleads with due to the bulettes’ tremorsense. sapphire, and if possible, bring the thief’s Can be Adapted to: 5-20 them for help. She lies to the party at first, The posse burrows into the ground and head back for extra money (an addition- telling them the reason her pursuers are attempts to surround or flank its enemy. al 50% of the gem’s worth). They are not Overview chasing her is because they hate gnomes, If it is advantageous for the duergar, they against talking with the party to get the Two duergar (MM p122), each riding a and they already killed two of her friends. may dismount to engage the party while gem without a fight. (“We have no quarrel bulette (MM p34), are chasing down Gutta If the party succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom the bulettes flank them. with you; hand the gnome over to us and Perchapulp, a deep gnome (MM p164). She (Insight), Charisma (Intimidation), or If the gem and the body (or head) of we can all go on our way.”) However, the So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs possesses a valuable black sapphire she Intelligence (Investigation) check, they Gutta is obtained, the posse attempts to duergar are not easily swayed from execut- Ran Across Our Path… stole from a powerful duergar warlord, and is see through Gutta’s story. If caught, Gutta burrow underground and leave. trying to find a hiding place on the surface. confesses she has stolen a gem and ap- ing their contract on Gutta, and are quite So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, A duergar posse hunts down the thief, de- willing to fight. The players must succeed Scaling Suggestions Walked into Our Campsite… peals to the party’s conscience. Without mands the gem back, and insists the gnome the help of the party, she will be murdered a DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion, Intimi- Use the following chart to adapt the diffi- So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… will be killed for retribution. This encounter by the noble’s henchmen. As a last resort, dation, or Deception) check, and have an culty of the encounter: exceptional description of the argument/ may happen while traveling on the road, ex- Gutta offers the gem as incentive for the Party # of # of Gem Worth So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… ploring underground, or at a campsite. party to help her. behavior/lie in order to change the gray Level Duergar Bulletes (in gp) dwarves’ minds. 5 1 1 1,000 So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra If Gutta successfully lies to the party, Setup 6-7 2 1 2,000 Landed on Our Campsite… she will continue that lie through the en- Mount and Rider Off and on, through the main adventure, counter, or until her lie is discovered. 8-10 2 2 3,000 So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… have the party make a DC 15 Wisdom (Per- The bulette and its duergar rider wear spe- 11-12 3 3 5,000 ception) check. If it is successful, describe The Posse’s Arrival cial harnesses that attach to each other, 13-16 4 4 8,000 So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the quiet, low-pitched reverberations shaking After the party has had a few minutes to and allow the riders to stay on the ani- 17-18 6 6 12,000 Road… the ground for a minute or two, and de- talk with Gutta, read or paraphrase the 19-20 8 8 16,000 So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the creasing in intensity before going still. This following: Feel free to change the DCs in the en- Road… cycle may happen as many times as the DM counter to increase challenge wishes to create an enigma and build up The tremors begin again, but grow in inten- So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… higher level parties. the encounter. These rumbling noises are sity. Just when it feels as though the trem- ors are under your feet, they stop. A second So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With actually the bulettes traveling underground About the Author later, the earth around you explodes! a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… chasing Gutta, and can be heard over the Chad is a contributor to course of an hour, or even a day. Villains and Lairs. He is So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of As the dust settles, a hollow, metallic working on other projects Peasants Block the Road… The Hook guffawing is heard over a deep, resonant to be released soon! When the DM is ready to initiate the en- So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… breathing. Before you loom two huge, heav- counter, read or paraphrase the following: ily armored beasts, with razor sharp beaks, So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step powerful front legs and thick claws. They Suddenly, a gray-skinned gnome bursts Onto the Road aggressively paw at the ground, and turn from foliage near you, breathing heavily their attention towards you. Each sports So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of and looking over her shoulder. The dis- a rider on their back, seated in a complex Sheep Walk Onto the Road tracted gnome trips and falls, cursing and harness made up of hardened leather crashing to the ground in an undignified Encounter Modifier Tables straps, reinforced by chains and metal flailing of arms and legs. collars around their legs, arms, and necks. On the back of the harness is a saddle Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 4 (Deception) check by Badger. He isn’t a egg to their lair, since it’s in Badger’s petri- he rey So, a Poacher Walks very good liar and has no bonuses to his T P fied backpack, the basilisks will live in the Deception skill. Before turning in for the night, Badger stables until it hatches—or until someone Into a Lodge… While he’s waiting for the storm to blow excuses himself to check on his mule in forces them out. over, Badger does his best to befriend the the stable. There’s an unpleasant surprise, Other than the basilisk egg, Badger has by Harm Delva party. He gladly shares his food, gives however, waiting for him: a mated pair of the following items in his backpack: basilisks (MM p24) are lying in ambush to Suggested Party Level: 4-6 them useful survival advice, helps them • An ornate but functional ivory dagger navigate the woods, etc. He’ll also try to retrieve their offspring. worth 20 gp A cold wind blows and the sky turns to learn which direction the party’s headed, Badger dons his cloak, takes a deep breath, • A rabbit’s paw that did not bring good an ominous darkness. Before you know it so he can go the other way in the morning. and heads outside, braving the elements. luck on this day you find yourselves in a fierce, torrential He’s genuinely happy to have company Shortly afterward, you hear a muffled voice downpour. In the distance, just off the side this night, however, and will share rumors • A handful of luminescent, dried mush- from beyond the lodge walls, “Berta? What of the road, you can just barely see what or trade stories if the players are interest- rooms happened to—” appears to be a house. A faint orange light ed. You can use these stories to guide the • 10 food rations glows from its windows. characters in a certain direction for fur- If the players investigate they find Badger • A bear trap ther adventures. Have they been fighting eye-to-eye with two basilisks. Badger has The house is a lodge built to give travel- • Skillfully removed, but untreated, wolf giants? He may have seen some large foot- the stats of an archer (VGtM p210) but ing traders shelter for the night. There’s hides prints recently. Looking for some special with a movement speed of 25 ft. He was So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs a small stable right next to it which cur- herbs? He lives in these woods, maybe he met with a double dose of the basilisks’ Ran Across Our Path… rently houses a single mule. The hearth in About the Author can help. Or you can use some of these: Petrifying Gaze and his mule, Berta, the center of the room is almost burnt out. So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, • He came across a couple of mutilated suffered the same fate. Unable to move the Harm wanted to give something back to The lodge itself is currently empty, the only Walked into Our Campsite… goblin corpses near the waterfall north the community after years of impressing other notable thing in the room is a stack of the lodge. his players with stuff he mooched off the So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… of firewood in a corner next to the door. DMs Guild. This is his first ever contribu- • He got caught by an owlbear once with tion. So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… The Hunter his pants literally around his ankles.

So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra The mule’s owner walks into the lodge • He’s heard tales of a deer with antlers Landed on Our Campsite… shortly after the players do… twice the size of a gnome. • He found a coin purse in a hollow tree So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… You’re just acquainting yourselves with the interior when the door swings open and a by the road. He only noticed it because So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the small, drenched, cloaked individual walks a squirrel threw a copper coin at him. Road… inside. He takes off his hood, revealing a So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the distinctly gnomish heritage. He has a few Road… rabbits strapped to his comically large backpack. Seemingly startled by your pres- So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… ence, it takes a moment before he closes

So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With the door and introduces himself. a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… The gnome is called Badger and he’s a So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of local ranger. This is true in the sense that Peasants Block the Road… he lives in these woods, but he omits the fact that he hunts rare animals to sell to So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… his wealthy contacts. He just got back So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step from successfully stealing a basilisk’s egg Onto the Road but the weather caught him off guard. If the players ask what he was doing out- So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of side, he points to the rabbits strapped to Sheep Walk Onto the Road his backpack and says he was hunting Encounter Modifier Tables dinner. Should the characters continue questioning him about his whereabouts, or his backpack, let them make a Wisdom (Insight) check, contested by a Charisma Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 5 they hung him up in the gibbet as punish- around hiding place. Exarsht know all their action to try to goad the party closer So, a Goblin in a ment, intending to leave him to starve and traps. Then gang punish Exarsht. Send and over the pit traps, where they intend to mark their new territory. me away. Exarsht too wicked for them. to engage survivors in melee. They use the Cage Hangs Over Exarsht is angry at his ex-compatriots, They punish him. They look after gang, reach of their spears to attack party mem- but was very happy when he was with not Exarsht.” bers who have fallen into a pit. the Road… them. He looked with admiration at their (Exarsht hopes to give the characters The party could gain advantage if they vicious ways and wants to regain their the idea that it is his wickedness the gang realize something is wrong and scout by Ciaran O’Halloran favor. He knows that if the party are aware punished, to imply the goblin is not their ahead for themselves. In this case, Exar- Suggested Party Level: Any of the strength of the gang they may be natural ally) sht continues to ingratiate himself with reluctant to fight them. Exarsht does his What do the gang want? them but will warn the bugbears of their It is late in the day and your travel has been best to portray the bugbears as a harmless “They look for travelers. They want them approach at the last minute. As soon as hard. You will be lucky to reach safe haven religious order who could provide the party to prey. They bring them to their hideout.” the combat turns against the bugbears, in the two or three hours left of daylight. with healing and a safe resting place. If the If the PC’s don’t themselves, Exarsht Exarsht flees into the forest. Fortunately, the road ahead cuts straight party stop to engage with him, he sees an makes a suggestion: If the party flee back the way they came, through the forest that surrounds it. opportunity to talk his way to freedom. He “Exarsht take you to hideaway! Exarsht the bugbears give chase. The party risks tries to tempt them into going to the old know all trap places, he show you! Set him triggering the traps unless they slow to Suspended about 12 feet above the road is mill and paints himself as indispensable free, he take you to Bobar.” search— in which case they risk the bug- what looks like a large rusty bird cage, gen- for his knowledge of the forest and the lo- Insight (Wisdom) checks reveal that the bears catching up. So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs tly swinging in circles. As you come closer, cation of traps he has set. If they find the goblin is indeed telling the truth. A partic- If the party overcome the bugbears and Ran Across Our Path… you see a small humanoid form slumped gang, Exarsht intends to betray them and ularly high check or magic may reveal that search the mill, they find two barrels load- So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, inside like a bundle of rags. prove his worth to his old captors. he is withholding something. ed with provisions, three unusable suits Walked into Our Campsite… Exarsht may give some of the following Exarsht can lead the characters along of leather armor, riddled with holes from If the party examines the area around the responses to the PC’s questioning: the game trail that leads to the new hide- crossbow bolts, and a padlocked chest. So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… cage, read the following: Who are you? out. Along the way he shows them where The padlock can be opened by a character “Exarsht. Exarsht trap-layer!” he has created a pit trap and laid a trip proficient in thieves tools who makes a So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… Surrounded by tree trunks is a sturdy Who put you here? wire. If they are with Exarsht they easily DC 12 (Dexterity) check. Inside is a bag wooden post. Attached is a 10 foot bar that So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra “Bo-bar. Bo-bar gang.” walk around the danger. If not, they need of 128 gp and 380 sp, as well as a silver emerges through the branches to make a Landed on Our Campsite… (Bo-bar is not the name of the order’s to make a Perception (Wisdom) check— inlaid hand mirror worth 75 gp and a po- crude gibbet. The cage hangs from an iron leader, but refers to the bugbear.) adjust the difficulty to reflect the strength tion of gaseous form (DMG p187). Lying So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… hook fastened to the bar. Who is Bo-bar? of the party— the roll should be difficult discarded underneath a small hammock is So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the “People. Bo-bar lead holy gang. Holy gang.” but not impossible. an antique book written in common. It is Road… As you approach, there is sudden motion (The bugbears clothes are indeed tat- As they approach the old mill, Exarsht titled, Ancient Tome of Puns and Wordplay from the rags and two grimy, green hands tered and full of holes) begins to sing. He tells the party that this and is worth 120 gp to a collector. So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the reach out. A head emerges and a spindle Why did they put you here? is a prayer song to let the gang know that Include a number of bugbears and bug- Road… nose pokes through. Slender fingers curl “Bo-bar punish Exarsht. Bo-bar send friends approach. He insists the party join bear chief(s) (MM p33) to be a significant So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… around the cage bars. Looking up you see Exarsht away! Exarsht foolish. Exarsht in. Make the players chant the following: challenge for your party. For a party of 5th the yellow glint of hungry eyes as the crea- take food!” “Pray. Pray. All we do is pray. level, 4-5 bugbears, led by a single bug- So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With ture searches for your attention— (Exarsht was sent away for stealing food) All day. Pray. bear chief should present a reasonable a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… Who is the gang? What does the gang do? We like pray. difficulty. So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of “Thir— thirsty. Please….” “Bo-bar like prey. Gang like to prey all But we don’t like Exarsht uses stats for a normal goblin Peasants Block the Road… day. You prey too! Gang like prey like you!” Goblins.” (MM p166) but has two levels of exhaus- The goblin hangs his pink tongue from his (The gang intend to prey on travelers The players may be suspicious at the tion. So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… mouth in desperation. they intend to ambush) authenticity of the song. If the players join About the Author So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step Where are they? in, the bugbears will have time to position The creature is Exarsht, a goblin who took Onto the Road “Gang have new place. Make rest place. themselves. They attack before the charac- Ciaran is a new contributor to the DMs up with a fearsome gang of bugbear (MM By water. With bed. You go to them! They ter can finish the last line. Guild. He is a DM, Dad, and Drama So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of p33) bandits. They have set up a lair in an happy to see you! You big! They like you! Two of the bugbears stay behind the teacher. Sheep Walk Onto the Road abandoned mill half a mile into the woods You pray!” cover of the ruined walls and use cross- and intend to use this spot to ambush Encounter Modifier Tables (The Bugbears will indeed be happy to bows, while two stalk the party through unwary travelers. They forced Exarsht to see the treasure-laden group) the woods, attempting to cut off their lay traps around their new hideaway, but What were you doing with them? escape route. The other two stay close to when they caught him stealing from them, “Exarsht trap maker. Exarsht put traps the mill, using partial cover and delaying Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 6 If any of the PCs makes a claim that these Setup Available Evidence So, an Exotic Merchant discoveries disprove his version of the sto- This encounter happens on the road The PCs will probably look for evidence to ry, Garkaa will attempt to justify and in- and a Crippled whenever the party is resting or camping disprove any of their claims. corporate those facts into a newly revised during the day. • A successful DC 13 Wisdom (Med- version of it. Garkaa is a good liar and it icine) check reveals that Garkaa’s Aarakocra Landed on As you unwind during your well-deserved might still be difficult to tell whether he is wounds are not days old but rather for real or not. resting time, a strange shape appears in recent; a few hours at most. Our Campsite… the sky over a low hill. At first, it appears to The DM is encouraged to let this situation be a hot air balloon, but the structure be- • If a character climbs to the top of the play out for as long as players are interest- by Elven Tower low is too big to be a basket. The structure deflated air balloon, a successfulDC ed. The characters could go either way and 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check help any of them, even making a terrible Suggested Party Level: Any below is like a miniature home. “Henna Shop” is printed in large blue letters on the reveals that the balloon’s fabric was mistake. If you would rather use a skill ackground B house’s façade. torn by claws. check, a successful DC 20 Wisdom (In- Farid is an exotic goods merchant who • If a character enters the home/shop, a sight) check reveals that Garkaa is acting. owns a flying home that floats thanks to a The balloon is quite big but its shape successful DC 15 Intelligence (In- Conclusion hot air balloon. He travels from settlement vestigation) check reveals that there changes with the wind. Something is not If the PCs decide to help Farid and arrest to settlement and buys and sells all kinds right. The malformed balloon can only are no facilities to hold slaves in the of goods. Henna is the name of his floating Garkaa, he thanks them and gifts them So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs mean it lacks air. It is coming towards you, house, nor are there any handcuffs or home/ship. The hot air comes from a mag- with 10 gp each. He then retires to his fly- Ran Across Our Path… and it is falling fast! similar restraining devices. ic rod that produces fire on command. ing home as he has a lot of repairs to do. • A passive Perception score of 12 or If the PCs decide to help Garkaa and So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, Farid seldom has any problems when The floating home approaches with a high- higher or a successful DC 12 Wisdom arrest Farid, the merchant loses his mind Walked into Our Campsite… traveling but he recently caught the atten- pitched whistling sound. All characters (Perception) check allows any charac- and becomes aggressive. He is just a peas- tion of a group of four aarakocra bandits are aware of it. All creatures in the camp So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… ter to notice a map of the local area with ant and cannot resist the adventurers, who followed Farid for a few hours and must make a successful DC 15 Dexterity the ship’s itinerary for the next month. though. If the PCs leave with Farid, the So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… then decided to attack, trying their best saving throw, taking 12 (4d6) bludgeoning aarakocra loots the place that night with to capture Henna in hopes of gaining the damage on a failed save, or half as much • If a character examines the floating So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra his allies. If the PCs appear interested in command words for the magic rod. Farid damage on a successful one. If a character home’s deck, a successful DC 16 Landed on Our Campsite… the flying home, Garkaa takes whatever he managed to grab the fire rod and turn it rolls a natural 1, they take double damage Wisdom (Survival) check reveals faint footprints of at least three different can and leaves on foot. So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… against the aarakocra, successfully driving and are trapped under the floating home. aarakocra creatures, several burn three of them from his home. About the Author So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Garkaa, one of the aarakocra, suffered Duel of Lies marks on the deck’s handholds, and Elven Tower is a powerhouse of RPG con- Road… serious wounds in his left wing and could After crash-landing, Garkaa sees a chance what could have been burnt feathers. tent creation. The small indie studio has not fly away. Farid did not have the heart to profit from the situation. He jumps down So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the created hundreds of fantasy maps, short to throw him off the flying ship and let him and explains to the PCs that the “evil mer- Road… adventures, and DM content for three stay, for now. Unfortunately, the bandits chant” used fire magic to burn his wings a years straight. So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… damaged the balloon’s upper fabric and few days ago to keep him as a slave. Farid it is leaking. Farid needs a few hours to jumps down, angry and red, and claims So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With that the aarakocra and his “lackeys” as- a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… fix the balloon but he first has to land his flying home as softly as possible, as it is saulted his home/shop in mid-air. So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of losing altitude fast. Garkaa can be very convincing and will Peasants Block the Road… play the part of the poor victim in order to convince characters of his enslavement So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… by a cruel master (have characters roll a So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step contested Charisma (Persuasion) check Onto the Road to see if they are convinced or not). Farid, on the other hand, is angry, frustrated, So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of and impulsive with his words and actions. Sheep Walk Onto the Road A successful DC 20 Wisdom (Insight) Encounter Modifier Tables check can be used to determine which is lying. Each wants the PCs to help them ar- rest the other and bring them to justice in the nearest city. Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 7 cargo that wasn’t secured fell from the sky. asset of the archmage, who had planned crash site and return to the road, read or So, an Umber Hulk The Hunter’s iron flask (DMG p178) was to use it as part of his twisted magical paraphrase the following: one such item, and when it hit the ground experiments. When Accertep realized his and a Slaad Fly the stopper came loose, releasing master’s slaad was stolen, the archmage commis- A human girl, with tattered clothes and latest prize, a gray slaad (MM p277). The sioned a Giff spelljammer to pursue and disheveled blonde hair, stumbles upon Over the Road… Hunter leapt from the burning vessel as it recapture the beast. Having successfully the road, cruel shackles upon her ankles. hurtled toward the ground, intent on re- destroyed the Hunter’s vessel, the Giff now “Please, please, you must help me! Don’t by Tony Petrecca trieving the flask and its priceless contents. search the crash site, hoping to find the let it take me! Don’t let the slaver take me. Please! Help me!” Suggested Party Level: 6-10 As it inspects the ground, the Hunter iron flask. Should they become aware of will ignore, wave off, or shush any at- approaching PCs, their commander, Left- This little girl is actually Skrelnik, the Fire in the Sky tempts to communicate with it. Eventu- enant Biggatall, shall give a stern “Har- gray slaad who’s wanted by the giff and ally it will turn its attention to the PCs in rumph. I say, who goes there?!” During an evening’s travel upon a forested the Hunter. The iron flask hit the ground order to examine each of them, looming The leftenant, a pompous, humorless road, read or paraphrase the following: roughly one mile east of the PCs, and about each while leering with its fellow, is wary and inquisitive, but not monocle Skrelnik burst out and immediately fled. Something burns from east to west across (a monocle that functions iden- immediately hostile. Should the PCs pres- of seeing Knowing the plane shifting ability of the the sky. Something large, something wood- tically to a (DMG p172)). ent themselves as witnesses to the crash, gem of seeing slaad, the Hunter took an extra precaution en, something on fire and falling fast. A Once it is satisfied that none of the people he will demand a full retelling of what they and attached a pair of dimensional shack- ship’s hull? Maybe. Consumed by flame, it present are its slaad quarry in disguise, witnessed. Any mention of an Umber Hulk So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs les to the slaad before imprisoning it in the thunders overhead, losing altitude fast, as the Hunter will turn its attention back to will clearly peak his interest as he presses Ran Across Our Path… flask. The shackles are intact and function- the smell of smoke fills the air. Towards the the ground, listening and sniffing, and for more information. horizon it burns, lower, at the treetops of al, preventing the slaad from plane shifting, So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, eventually move off to the east away from “Where did you last see the Hunter? What and cutting its movement speed in half. Walked into Our Campsite… the forest, lower… and then it hits ground the crash site, having seemingly picked Skrelnik has polymorphed into the form of with a flash beyond the trees. A moment up some imperceptible trail. The Hunter was it doing? You let it go?!? Which direc- So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… this little girl to elicit sympathy from any folk later, a shock, like a rumbling thunder has determined the most likely direction of tion? Harrumph!” it might encounter. Through feigned sobs strike, can be heard. where the iron flask may have landed and So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… Once he’s extracted information pertaining it introduces itself as Alana and explains is heading that way to search. to the whereabouts of the Hunter he ends that it was kidnapped by an umber hulk, So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra Suddenly, out of the darkness, something Should it be attacked at any point, it will the conversation with an abrupt “We’re shackled and imprisoned, to be sold into Landed on Our Campsite… massive hurls from the sky—slowing at the visibly sigh in annoyance, roll its eyes, and done here,” a code phrase for Accertep, slavery. While the tale of captivity is entirely last minute, tumbling to a thunderous one burrow into the ground to escape the has- So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… who’s been scrying upon Biggatall the true, a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) knee landing. The strangest sight—a huge, sle and interruption of a fight. If the PCs entire time, to teleport them back aboard check reveals that something about the So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the beetle-like humanoid, with monstrous attempt to follow it, will attempt to shoo their vessel. Once uttered, the five giff girl’s behavior seems a bit off. Of course, as Road… mandibles and four eyes, hunches close to them off and, should its efforts fail, it will shimmer out of existence. Should the PCs the horror of the situation is explained, and the ground. Holding one hand out, palm up burrow to get away. So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the become hostile at any point, the giff, who before the slaad’s true nature is exposed, to silence onlookers, it places a telescopic Road… he rash ite enjoy a good fight, will defend themselves the Hunter appears, burrowing out of the monocle on one of its eyes and examines T C S with vigor, but Accertep will teleport them ground, to confront its quarry. When that So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… the ground with what might be a sniff. The craft crash landed roughly two miles west of the PCs. Finding the site isn’t dif- away after one round of combat, much to occurs, read or paraphrase the following: So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With Biggatall’s chagrin. This exceptional umber hulk (MM p292), ficult. As the PCs near the crash site, read The ground surges nearby, and the umber a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… Should the PCs investigate the crash site who’s just done the super hero landing, or paraphrase the following: hulk bursts up from below, fifteen feet away. is Braak’L-Tikliktic, better known as the further they will discover that virtually So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of Hunter, a neogi servant who travels from A 100-foot-long, smoldering scar mars the everything of value was destroyed in the Peasants Block the Road… “Step away from that agent of chaos,” the world to world gathering valuable, often landscape—clearly caused by the impact of crash, though the contents of a chest con- umber hulk states, speaking common quite So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… unique slaves for its neogi master. Typically, the falling object. Trees are felled, underbrush taining 1500 gp worth of coin and gems is clearly. “It is not what it appears to be.” neogi keep their servants close at hand, but charred, and debris scattered about along the scattered about. For every 10 minutes of So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step because of its remarkable strength, skills crash site. Mulling about, seemingly search- time spent searching the debris field allow Onto the Road and self-motivation, the Hunter has been ing for something in the debris, are four large, a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to The little girl hisses—a frightening sound from such a frail waif—as the umber hulk So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of granted significant autonomy, and impres- stocky, hippopotamus-headed humanoids. produce coins or gems worth 2d10 x 10 pulls a flask from its belt, removes the Sheep Walk Onto the Road sive equipment, to carry out its duties. gp until, potentially, all is found. It is left These four giff (MToF p204) were teleport- The Hunter’s spelljamming vessel was to the DM’s discretion if any local fauna stopper, and exclaims “You’re mine!”. Encounter Modifier Tables ed down from their triumphant spelljam- attacked while transporting an incredibly might interrupt said search. mer by their client, the Archmage Ac- “You’re mine,” is the command phrase for valuable recent catch. During the attack, certep. Unbeknownst to both the Hunter The Slaad and the Standoff the cargo bay was shaken open, and any Continued next page… and his neogi master, the slaad was an Soon after the PCs finish investigating the Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 8 Bounty Hunters Arrive So, a Blind Woman So, an Umber Hulk…continued from previous page… Not long after the party passes by the two the iron flask, but the fall dented the flask, women, a group of 4 veterans (MM p350) he unter and a Medusa Walk damaging it noticeably and reducing the T H will also come from the same direction as Large monstrosity (umber hulk), neutral evil the couple. They are the bounty hunters Wisdom DC to resist being trapped from a Along the Road… 17 to a DC 10. Having been previously im- Armor Class 20 (natural armor) wanting to kill Niraya. They believe she is Hit Points 133 (14d10 + 56) prisoned by this iron flask, the slaad has by Beatriz T . Dias a dangerous monster that needs to be put Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft. advantage on its save vs the flask’s trap, down and were promised a reward of 3,000 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Suggested Party Level: 5-6 gp for the medusa’s head. One of them, and (for story purposes) automatically suc- 22 (+6) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) ceeds on this first saving throw. And this Meeting the Couple Thym, is willing to give his share of the re- Skills Animal Handling +6, Perception +6, Survival +6 ward (600 gp) to the party if they help with is, of course, when the giff show up. Tele- Walking along the road the party finds Senses darkvision 120 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive the final battle. Thym is willing to forgo porting in behind the PCs, the Leftenant Perception 12 two figures walking the opposite direction, his reward because the medusa killed his exclaims “We’ll be taking this beast, Hunt- Languages common, umber hulk they are both wearing hoods and trying to father and he only wants is justice. er. Leave now or suffer the consequences.” Challenge 7 (2900 XP) look inconspicuous. One of them is Lara, Niraya will have no recollection of the What happens next is largely dependent a blind woman (acolyte MM p342) and the Confusing Gaze. When a creature starts its turn within 30 feet bounty hunter’s father since she has killed upon the PCs’ reactions. If they attempt of the umber hulk and is able to see the umber hulk’s eyes, the other is Niraya, a medusa (MM p214). Lara many people in her lifetime, but in her to parlay, all sides will engage in the dis- umber hulk can magically force it to make a DC 15 Charisma once got lost and ended up in Niraya’s lair, So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs opinion, she only killed in self defense. cussion. Both the giff and the Hunter will saving throw, unless the umber hulk is incapacitated. a medusa known in the region for petrify- reveal Skrelnik’s true nature as a beast of Ran Across Our Path… The party can help the two women fight On a failed saving throw, the creature can’t take reactions ing anyone who dared to come close to her. pure chaos. Meanwhile, Skrelnik points out off the bounty hunters, help the bounty until the start of its next turn and rolls a d8 to determine So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, But due to the fact that Lara is blind, that hunters kill Niraya, or try and take the full accurately that both parties are kidnappers what it does during that turn. On a 1 to 4, the creature does Walked into Our Campsite… didn’t happen. Instead the two of them got bounty by themselves. In case of the later and slavers and demands that the Hunt- nothing. On a 5 or 6, the creature takes no action but uses all close and ended up falling in love. How- er release it from its shackles. If the PCs its movement to move in a random direction. On a 7 or 8, the So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… they will need to learn who gave the boun- ever, a group of bounty hunters decided creature makes one melee attack against a random creature, ty from one of the bounty hunters. A suc- choose a side and combat ensues, Skrelnik So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… it was time to kill the medusa. When the will take to the air with a fly spell, snarking or it does nothing if no creature is within reach. cessful DC 17 Charisma (Intimidation) women found out they ran away, trying to “I can’t believe this obvious little girl dis- So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra or (Persuasion) check will be enough to Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the find somewhere else to live. guise worked,” and toss a couple fireballs saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it Landed on Our Campsite… get the information. This can be a guard Lara will be friendly if approached and can’t see the umber hulk until the start of its next turn, when captain, or a noble, from any nearby town into the fray, before attempting to flee. has no problems revealing that she can’t it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the umber So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… or city. The DM can choose what location see. Niraya will be standoffish and pro- Aftermath hulk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save. So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the suits the campaign best. tective of Lara. Besides the hood, Niraya If Skrelnik escapes it is quite possible that Tunneler. The umber hulk can burrow through solid rock at Road… has a large scarf that she will use to try Rewards and Consequences a shackled Slaad remains on the loose, half its burrowing speed and leaves a 5 foot-wide, 8-foot-high and avoid looking someone in the eye, by spreading as much chaos as it can on this tunnel in its wake. So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the If the party helps the bounty hunters, they plane until it is able to break the shackles Road… covering her face and looking through the get 600 gp and 1,500 XP, equally divided Actions fibers of the scarf. amongst the party members. and plane shift back to Limbo. Should The So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… Multiattack. The umber hulk makes three attacks: two with its A DC 11 Wisdom (Perception) check If the party helps the two women, they Hunter survive, it will continue to pursue will reveal that under the ragged cloak, its quarry. Accertep, meanwhile, cuts his claws and one with its mandibles. So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With get 3,000 XP, equally divided amongst the Niraya is wearing a very expensive green losses and moves on to other test subjects a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… party members, and the gratitude of Lara Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. dress. And a DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) and Niraya. for his experimentations. Hit: 10 (1d8+6) slashing damage. So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of check is enough to notice that Niraya is a Mandibles. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Peasants Block the Road… medusa. bout the uthor About the Author A A target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) slashing damage. If the party discovers that Niraya is a Tony has been DMing since the last mil- So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… Mostly an adventure writer, the DMsGuild medusa, she will warn them to back off has several of Beatriz’s works. lennium. He is the author of several Equipment. Iron Flask, Iron Bands of Bilarro, Monocle of So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step and forget about them, or she will have no critically acclaimed DMsGuild adven- Seeing, Ring of Feather Falling Onto the Road problem defending herself and her lover. tures. Check out his best sellers Hunted, Lara will be more diplomatic, claiming Journey Through the Center of the So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of that Niraya wouldn’t hurt anyone that Underdark, and Killer Kobolds. Sheep Walk Onto the Road didn’t deserve it, which is true. If the party Encounter Modifier Tables seems friendly, Lara will also inform them that hunters are chasing the couple, want- ing to kill Niraya. Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 9 bugbear enforcers, and even the hobgob- DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check— or escape with them. The goblins will then So, a Barghest and lin advisor to the chief. It had devoured who have a passive Perception of 18 or start begging the characters to pick one fourteen goblinoids before feasting on the higher— will hear rustling in the trees. If of them to escape. If the characters re- Its Goblin Prey Are goblin chief Raznak, doing so in full view anyone hears this sound, Brax and Krax fuse the barghest’s offer, the creature will of what remained of the clan, all of whom will notice a change in the demeanor of the transform into a large fiendish canine and Found on the Road… promptly fled. character(s), and will start yelling that the attack the party. If the creature is reduced The barghest has captured three of the Beast is coming. to 20 hit points, it will cast dimension door by David McDonough goblins who fled from the goblin lair; one Read or paraphrase the following: to escape. Suggested Party Level: 4-5 of the goblins had loosened its bonds Characters who leave the encounter with- enough to escape. That goblin is Kazlak, A goblin’s high-pitched voice emerges from out fighting the barghest, either alone or A quiet road meanders in the midst of a son of the goblin chief, who the barghest the woods, saying in Common: “Fifteen with one of the goblins in tow, and who forest, a large rocky hillside on one side and has since recaptured. The creature is now have been taken. Two are still owed to the succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) thickets of trees on the other. As you turn returning with Kazlak’s unconscious body General. Kazlak here has been spoken for. check will hear the screams of goblins being around a corner, you see two small shapes when the characters run into this particu- Time for you to decide which one of you is eaten. These are the final goblin souls the tied to a large tree. They writhe against their lar encounter. worthy to join him.” barghest needs to consume to fulfill its mis- bindings. As the clouds part overhead, the sion. It then disappears back to Gehenna. On the Road sun reveals the green skin, large bulbous A goblin emerges from the thick woods Aftermath noses and sharp teeth of goblins. Pieces Brax and Kraz are speaking quietly in near the road. It’s a small goblin, a runt So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs of rope from what might have been a third Goblin. Characters who are proficient in even compared to its small kin, with ill-fit- If the barghest successfully escapes after a Ran Across Our Path… captive lie on the ground. that language and succeed on a DC 14 ting clothes that doesn’t look like they even fight, it will take time to rest and temporar- So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, Wisdom (Perception) check will hear them belong to him. Yet it is dragging an uncon- ily forgo its hunt for goblins in order to take Walked into Our Campsite… The goblins are muttering to themselves, commenting with some urgency about the scious goblin by the hand with little strain, revenge on the party. An encounter with the their eyes wide with fear, their skin drip- “Beast,” and how they need to escape lest and throws the body on the road with the barghest can occur a day or two later when So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… ping with sweat from the exertion of trying they lose their chance to serve Maglubiyet flick of its wrist. the characters are least expecting it. in Acheron. The goblins notice the charac- If one goblin escaped with the charac- So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… to escape their predicament. ters, unless all the characters succeed on a “Looks like we have visitors,” the goblin ters, or if they protected all the goblins So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra DC 16 Dexterity (Stealth) check. from the barghest, the goblin(s) will pro- Background says, its eyes glinting dangerous. “This Landed on Our Campsite… Both goblins are working furiously to try matter does not concern you. The General fusely thank the characters and will leave The two goblins (MM p166) are named to escape, but can’t unless the characters is owed two more goblin souls. Leave, and to try to find their remaining kin from the So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… Brax and Kraz; they are the remnants of offer them aid. Characters who succeed on you won’t be harmed.” Broken Teeth clan. But, at the character’s the Broken Teeth clan that had made their So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the a DC 15 Dexterity check can untie or cut next long rest, several goblins— including home in the nearby hill. The tribe was dec- Road… the bindings with a dagger or any slashing The barghest will not harm any characters any of those who survived this encounter imated with the arrival of a barghest (VGtM weapon. The bindings can also be ripped who leave, as it is fixated on devouring the with the barghest— will try to waylay the So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the p123)— a fiend born from goblin parents apart by those who succeed on a DC 20 souls of two more goblins and returning characters during their rest. If the charac- Road… that appears as a goblin but is soon able Strength check. to Gehenna. If the characters leave, the ters try to ask any goblins that they recog- to shapechange into its true form, which So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… If Brax and Kraz notice the characters, barghest will eventually transform into its nize from this encounter why they’d attack resembles a large fiendish canine. they will beg for help in Common. Both true canine shape, and let the two trapped them after being rescued, the goblin will So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With Barghests have their origins as a curse goblins are in a state of panic, as they goblins try to prove that they are not wor- merely shrug and say: “It’s in our nature.” a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… from the General of Gehenna, who was be- expect the barghest to return at any mo- thy of being devoured, before killing both Characters can also try to find the loca- trayed by the master of the goblinoid gods, ment. They are pathetic figures, blubber- and picking one to consume its soul. tion of the goblin lair, which will still have So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of Maglubiyet. The barghest is born to devour Peasants Block the Road… ing and crying for the characters to help The barghest will laugh at characters some of the goblin chief’s treasures, goblin the bodies and souls of goblins— seven- them escape the Beast. They also prom- who insist on helping the goblins, remind- prisoners who have been left in their cells, So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… teen to be exact, in memory of the seven- ise to change their ways and to never kill ing them that goblins are vicious creatures and other possible avenues for further ad- teen oaths that Maglubiyet had broken to or hurt any humanoids after this point. that would not think twice of torturing and venturing opportunities. So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step the General, before the barghest returns to Characters who succeed on a eating them if given the chance. The fiend Onto the Road DC 15 Wis- join the yugoloth hordes under the Gener- dom (Insight) check will know that the will also point to a pouch being carried by About the Author al’s command in Gehenna. So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of goblins are lying. Brax. If the characters open that pouch, David is a new contributor on the DMs Sheep Walk Onto the Road This barghest had secretly begun its kill- they will see several human and elf ears Guild and author of the adventures The The Beast Arrives ings of individual Broken Teeth goblins, all and noses inside it. Priest, the Witch, and the Lost Temple Encounter Modifier Tables the while hiding its true fiendish nature. It Before the goblins are freed, the barghest If the characters still look hesitant, the and Undermountain: Caverns of the Ma- had chosen its victims selectively, aiming will return, dragging the unconscious form barghest will offer them a choice: they can ny-Legged. to devour the more prominent members of of Kazlak. Characters who succeed on a pick one goblin, either Brax or Kraz, to the clan, including the top goblin warriors, Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 10 They will do their best to join the party, area of great respect in a past age. fabled warriors of the tribe. In the barrow So, a Child and His including following from some distance are the bones of Goludirk the Bloody Fury, Note: A severely poor roll during this track- away, in order to take part in the trap, leader of the Stone Chewer tribe seven ing section could result in a random en- Sister Walk Onto unless physically or magically prevented generations past. Vanegri is attempting to counter. Wolves, bears, giant spiders, bears, from doing so. They will remain in their resurrect him, using the party as the sac- ogres and even ankhegs are known to the Road… polymorphed shapes until they are either rifice in the ritual. She stands over a stone reside in the local area. reunited with Vanegri (see “Encounter”) or altar covered in bloody runes. by Matt Vaughan (Dungeon Rollers) the necromancer is defeated. Encounter During the encounter, the orog will at- tempt to grapple the character closest to Suggested Party Level: 2-4 Following the Orcs Your tracking leads you to a barrow in the him, and drag them towards Vanegri to “Mummy! MUUUUMMMY!”. A small human The scene of Amelia’s capture is obvious middle of a small opening in the dense woods. begin the ritual. If a character is brought boy, no more than 6 years old, walks into as you approach. Ripped beige cloth from A worn path, recently used, leads up to a into contact with the altar they must the road. Dragged behind him is an even her dress lays pressed into the wet mud. stone that has been forced aside. An entrance succeed a DC 18 Strength saving throw younger girl, obviously his sister. Both are Clumps of the ground are ripped up, in- to the burial chamber lies underneath. or be stunned, and placed prone on the covered in mud with tears streaming down termingled with still-wet blood from where altar. At this point Vanegri will attempt their face. “I want my MUUUMMY!” the scared woman clawed at the floor as The smell of rotting flesh and excrement the ritual, this will take 3 rounds and if the creatures dragged her away. Large hits you as you enter through the small successful Goludirk will be resurrected Upon seeing you the boy stops screaming tracks clearly lead away from the area. opening. Mold grows on the walls, and the and the character reduced to 0 hit points. So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs and looks up. “P-p-p-please…h-h-help us. Tracking the orcs is simple; the party will dim light of candles flickers before you. A character can attempt to free the sacri- Ran Across Our Path… M-mummy was taken by some…fings.” He find no challenge in following them to their fice by succeeding on aDC 18 Strength lair: a large forgotten barrow. The barrow So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, sniffs up the previous contents of his nose. “Ah, my sacrifices arrive,” the throaty (Athletics) check to pull them free; this is Walked into Our Campsite… “We was out in the woods picking some is surrounded by thick woods, filled with speech from the orc priestess before you made at disadvantage if the orog is adja- berries. Me and my little sister Ana were bird noises, the scuttling of creatures seems to fill the air. “Not what you expect- cent to the altar. So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… playing when we heard mummy scream through the undergrowth and the howl of ed? So noble, so brave— so nearly dead.” Vanegri will stay by the altar, commanding the wind through the air. So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… and she was dragged away by something her troops and using her ranged spells freely big! Please help her. PLEEEAAASE!” While tracking the orcs, the party will If accompanied by Nathaniel and Ana: to attack the party. The orcs will charge for- So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra attempt the five challenges below during ward, engaging in combat as fast as possible. As you look on, Nathaniel and Ana start to Landed on Our Campsite… The boys says his name is Nathaniel; in the hour it takes to track the creatures. In change, their bodies growing in stature and truth, he is an orc who has been polymor- so doing, they will learn some clues into Benefits/Drawbacks So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… their skin turning a dark green hue. Beside phed into a human child and is attempting what is really going on. At the same time, • 1 Success: Too much noise! The Orcs the priestess stands a huge orog marked So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the to trick the party. He claims his mother they will gain benefits or drawbacks in the and Vanegri all start in ¾ cover and with bloody warpaint. You realize there is no Road… “Amelia” has been dragged off by some “big final encounter based on the number of will launch spears at the party as they Amelia, no one was taken, and this is a trap. scary creatures, with fangs and red eyes.” successes— this represents the knowledge enter the room. This occurs at Initia- So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the He is accompanied by a smaller poly- they have acquired during their pursuit. tive 30 and does not count as their Road… Otherwise read: morphed orc, who appears to be a young • Check 1: Prints in the Mud. DC 12 turn in this combat. So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… human girl around 3 years of age named Wisdom (Survival). Pass shows that the A huge orog stands beside the orcish • 2 Successes: Prepared. All enemies Ana. She will not speak. Characters with creatures are humanoids, but larger. priestess in front of you, flanked by blood- have advantage on all attacks in the So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With truesight can see the true form of both • Check 2: Cloth in the Trees. DC 14 daubed orcs. You realize there is no Amelia, first round of combat. a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… Nathaniel and Ana. Characters who suc- no one was taken, and this is a trap. Wisdom (Perception). Pass shows that • 3 Successes: No effect So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of ceed on a DC 20 Wisdom (Insight) check the captors are wearing tribal clothing, The trap has been set, and the following • 4 Successes: Well Trained. Each party Peasants Block the Road… will suspect that Nathaniel is not telling common among the warring races. the truth, though he may come across as creatures are in the barrow depths: member’s AC is increased by 2 for the • Check 3: Scent on the Air. DC 16 In- So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… simply confused. Vanegri (stats) Orc Priestess of Myrkul duration of the combat. telligence (Nature). Rotting flesh, but 1x orog (MM p247) So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step This whole ploy is in fact a trap. The • 5 Successes: Unnaturally Skilled! no signs of animal carcasses. 2x orcs (MM p246) (optional for higher Onto the Road orcs are led by a priestess, named Vanegri Each party member has advantage in Deathspeaker, who channels the powers of • Check 4: Symbols on the Trees. DC level parties) the first round of combat, and their So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of Mrykul through her necromancy. She is in 14 Intelligence (Arcana). These are Nathaniel and Ana, if accompanying you, AC is increased by 2 for the duration Sheep Walk Onto the Road need of a blood sacrifice in order to resur- symbols of necromancy. have their enchantments undone by Vane- of the combat. rect the previous tribal leader: Goludirk gri, revealing 2 additional orcs. Encounter Modifier Tables • Check 5: Bones on the Ground. DC 14 the Bloody Fury. Wisdom (Survival). Many of the bones Vanegri Deathspeaker is an orc priestess Resolution “Nathaniel” and “Ana” can take the party are from humans, dug up by the beasts who has learned that the path of Myrkul, The characters are free to search the bar- back to where Amelia was allegedly taken. god of death, can help bring back the most in the woods. This may have been an Continued page 14… Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 11 light into the clearing, and imposing dis- dearies. It won’t be long now.” Once accepted, party members can join So, Two Clans of advantage on the goblins trying to see any- Soon, several nicely-dressed musicians the dancing (in fact each member is en- thing out in the darkness. (bards) arrive, and fearlessly stand near couraged to), receiving cheers and boos in Goblins Gathered From the top of the hill the party can try to Granny. The goblins from both sides toss roughly equal measure. observe the gathering below, making Wisdom coins and treasures into the space between The dancing lasts most of the night, by the Road With a (Perception) checks, and noticing more or the clans, and at the feet of the musicians. eventually shedding any pretense of turn less depending on how high they roll. When the musicians begin to play the shout- taking, and ending with the winning clan Hag—Then a Bunch • DC 10: Though some time has passed, ing dies down and the dance off begins. erupting in victory, mostly forgetting to neither group has gotten noticeably The rules of the contest are unclear. pick up their winnings. Granny Pesti- of Bards Showed Up… closer to the other. Generally, goblins enter the middle area lence even busts a move when the mood • DC 14: You can make out individual and dance. Granny Pestilence watches, strikes her. No spectators after all. Anyone by George Sager shouts in Goblin from the din. “Prepare declaring after each dance a seeming- accepted by the clan can join in the wild ly arbitrary amount of points for one of post-dance barbecue with the musicians. Suggested Party Level: Any for agony, ass-pigs!” “Your prayers of mercy will be mocked vigorously by us!” the clans. Even after watching for a few At dawn the revelry ends, and the field is The evening chill has set in, balancing out rounds it takes a successful DC 14 Wis- cleared unceremoniously. • DC 16: Each group of goblins has their the heat of your cookfire. A perfect night dom (Insight) check to figure out the sub- own distinct markings and dress. Sev- Adjustments for telling tall tales. You begin a joke, but a tle cues that guide the proceedings. eral are gesturing toward the full moon. Neither clan needs to be goblins. The staccato drum rhythm splits the air, swal- Silence falls if anyone intervenes. If a So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs general idea is that each is a group of sen- lowing the punchline. You silently abandon • DC 18: The bound animal is large and party member asks to join in, a successful Ran Across Our Path… tient, but wild creatures, not speaking in clearly alive, but not humanoid, just DC 14 Wisdom (Persuasion) check (made camp and creep back toward the King’s Common, and gathered in numbers that So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, some beast. with advantage if they were successful in Road, crouching low to crest the hill with- would be deadly to any party of adventur- Walked into Our Campsite… figuring out the contest cues) makes Gran- out being seen by whoever is making the • DC 20: You see a decrepit, sinister-look- ers. Each clan member uses their regular increasing racket. ing old lady smiling from the edge of the ny bid them to try it, at their own risk. So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… statblock, with the addition of between +1 Otherwise she may halt the festivities and wood, firelight shining in her eyes. and +5 in Performance. Some other poten- So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… You blink in disbelief. The clearing below goad them into participating. “There are If the party manages to sneak part way tial clan creatures could be: bullywugs, cy- is overrun with goblins. Two hordes are no spectators on this night, only partici- So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra downhill decrease the difficulties by 2, but clops, dryads, gnolls, hobgoblins, kobolds, gathered, facing each other, screeching and pants, and fools for the feast!” Landed on Our Campsite… the goblins no longer have disadvantage lizardfolk, ogres, or even slaadi. banging weapons together. Nearby, a huge A successful DC 12 Charisma (Perfor- on rolls to notice the party. At the bottom or So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… pile of wood is just starting to burn beneath mance), DC 14 Dexterity (Acrobatics) About the Author of the hill decrease the DCs by 4, and the check results in wild laughing and cheer- an even larger spit with some unlucky George is a contributer to Storm King’s So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the goblins now have advantage on their Per- ing from both sides, and some acceptance struggling creature tied ready to cook. You Barrows, has a credit in Kobold Press’ Road… ception checks. granted to the party. Failure is met with could probably just keep on moving unseen, Creature Codex, and DMs a 5e campaign If a party member gets noticed, the gob- utter silence. They may try again with the So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the but what will happen if all of these deadly for friends when he isn’t working on one lins do not immediately attack. Those that difficulty increased by 3. Another failure Road… creatures are left so close to civilization? of several other projects on the go. Follow noticed nudge a few comrades who turn means that party member’s banishment him on Twitter @GeorgeSCanada. So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… The two clans actually intend no harm this quiet and stare menacingly as the majority on pain of death. evening, except to their rivals’ honor. The of their clansfolk rage on. So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With party has stumbled upon a sacred seasonal Ask your players what their characters are a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… ritual that they take very seriously: a dance doing and how long they plan to observe. So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of off. They are engaging in traditional trash After several minutes the hag, Gran- Peasants Block the Road… talk, hurling insults, boasts, and threats ny Pestilence, steps from the edge of the at each other in Goblin. Include enough woods into the firelight. The goblins on So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… goblins to pose a threat to the party, partic- both sides are whipped into a greater fren- zy. A successful So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step ularly if both groups were to turn on them. DC 15 Intelligence (Na- Onto the Road The action is all happening in a large ture or Arcana) check reveals that Gran- clearing at the bottom of the hill, between ny is likely a night hag. So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of the road and the woods beyond. Anyone If the players try to engage Granny Pes- Sheep Walk Onto the Road who approaches risks being spotted. If the tilence in Common, she grins at them. A successful DC 13 Charisma (Persua- Encounter Modifier Tables clans are attacked or harassed they tem- porarily put aside their animosity to wipe sion), or DC 16 Strength (Intimidation) out the interlopers. check gets her to call out an answer, if not The bonfire blaze grows, throwing more a helpful one. “Just you stay right there Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 12 alignment is neutral. The dream of which with its wielder. pure heart should claim it and avenge her So, a Magic Axe, he speaks prophesied a young champion, Personality . Gwenluin’s ghost is de- death. With that she sunk her axe into the but it did not in fact specify that it would termined to avenge herself of her ignoble trunk right here. That was 25 years ago to a Skeleton, and a be him who drew the axe from the tree. death, and will pressure the weapon’s this day! Ever since, the people of Oakhelm owner to hunt down the witch that killed gather here on this date to try to claim the Freeing the Axe rowd of easants her. If the witch is killed, Gwenluin’s C P weapon as their own.” Freeing the axe requires a successful DC 25 ghost is laid to rest and the axe becomes a Strength (Athletics) check. Certain con- Block the Road… If the characters ask what happened to non-sentient axe of cleaving. If the weapon ditions increase or decrease your chance of the husband, Willem will say that, having owner refuses the quest, Gwenluin’s per- by success. If you are of good alignment you Duncan Rhodes killed Gwenluin, the witch abducted him sonality obstructs their ability to wield the gain a +2 bonus to your roll (+3 if you are and took him to her lair, deep in the forest. axe, giving them disadvantage on attack Suggested Party Level: 2-4 lawful good), if you are female you gain a After the huntsman stands down, next in rolls made with the weapon. +2 bonus, and if you are a true follower of Overview line to try their hand at removing the axe Ilmater (Arter isn’t) you gain a further +2 Possible Scenarios On the road to Oakhelm, a magic axe stands is a butch young woman with broad shoul- bonus. If you are attempting to remove the Arter is keen to free the axe and use this at the center of a local power struggle, and ders, wearing a chain shirt with a long- axe on any day other than the anniversary event as a sign he is destined to rule could be the catalyst for a new quest. sword sheathed at her side. Her name is of Gwenluin’s death you suffer a -5 modifier. Oakhelm and the surrounding lands, Reilyn Rosefire (lawful good, humanguard “Forget it, it won’t budge,” spits the brawny Second attempts: If you fail on your first which are currently run by alderman Joe- (MM p347) with 16 Strength and Athletics So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs huntsman. Grudgingly, he releases the attempt you can make two more attempts, nas Brackenbelt. Brackenbelt is a childless +5).Those that succeed on a DC 15 In- Ran Across Our Path… handle and wipes his brow. The veins both at disadvantage, provided you rest 1 and frail old man, who is just in his ruling, telligence (Religion) check notice that a around his temples bulge from his failed minute between attempts. After three fail- but considered weak by those such as Arter So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, symbol of two hands bound with red cord attempt and the huge greataxe remains ures, you must complete a long rest before who oppose him. Not only will Arter insist Walked into Our Campsite… on the woman’s doublet is the sign of the steadfastly embedded in the tree trunk, trying again. on trying his hand first at freeing the axe god Ilmater. Young Reilyn is training to So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… its gleaming blade reflecting the sunlight (he will then make a second and third at- become a paladin in his service, following Gwenluin’s Axe as sharply as a polished mirror. Clasping tempt, before giving up), he will oppose and So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… the steps of her hero Gwenluin. the very end of the axe shaft is a fleshless Gwenluin’s axe is an Axe of Cleaving (as de- obstruct others from trying if he thinks he , So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra hand, connected to a brown, weathered Before the young woman has time to step up tailed in Esquiel’s Guide to Magic Weapons) can get away with it. Especially any outsid- which has gained sentience since Gwenlu- Landed on Our Campsite… skeleton with its head bowed and its legs to the axe, there’s a clamor of hooves on the ers “who have no business in these lands”. in’s spirit inhabited it, upon her death. half-buried in moss and weeds. A gaggle of dirt road and five horses thunder to a halt If someone succeeds in freeing the axe, So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… citizens from the nearby village of Oakhelm just a few yards from the crowd. A handsome Axe of Cleaving Continued page 14… So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the are gathered around the trunk, muttering young man dismounts agilely from his stal- greataxe, very rare (requires attunement) Road… between themselves. lion and—pushing several villagers out of his This huge double-headed axe has a haft way—he marches straight towards the axe. over five feet long, and a wickedly sharp So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the If the adventurers inquire as to what’s going His retinue of thuggish-looking companions blade. When swung with full force it Road… on, any of the villagers will gladly tell them. A follow closely behind. cleaves through opponents’ armor with confident youth of seventeen summers, Wil- So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… ease, slicing chain, plate and shields like lem (halfling,commoner (MM p345), proves “People of Oakhelm I call you to bear wit- melons, its deadly momentum often carry- So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With particularly chatty, relishing the chance to ness to my feat. The high priest of Oakhelm ing it towards a second target. a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… share this local piece of lore and legend. declared that whoever frees this axe should When you attack with this magic weapon, So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of “This here is the axe of the mighty warrior become the rightful protector of our town you score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. Peasants Block the Road… Gwenluin! She was the finest fighter of our and its lands. According to their visions, I, Additionally, when you hit a creature village, a paladin of Ilmater, and protector Arter Wolfenheim, will do so before my 21st with this axe, you may choose another So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… of these lands you walk in. She was tricked year. Those that swear loyalty to me will creature within 5 feet of your original tar- So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step into coming to this crossroads by a devi- prosper under my rule!” get and within your reach. If the original Onto the Road ous witch, who had fallen in love with her attack roll would hit the second creature husband. The witch surprised Gwenluin in Arter Wolfenheim and his retinue are hu- they take damage equal to half the amount So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of the dead of night, stabbing her with a knife man thugs (MM p350) equipped with chain dealt to the original target. Sheep Walk Onto the Road laced with deadly poison. Before Gwenlu- shirts (AC 13), longswords, and short Sentience . The axe is a lawful good weap- bows. Arter himself is stronger and more Encounter Modifier Tables in breathed her final breath, she uttered on with an Intelligence of 10, a Wisdom of a prayer to Ilmater and besought him to charismatic than the rest of his band, 12 and a Charisma of 14. It has hearing keep her weapon safe until a warrior with a with 16 Strength and 12 Charisma. He and normal vision out to a range of 30 feet. has Athletics +6 and Intimidation +4. His The weapon communicates telepathically Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 13 it now sells its services as a campfire. So, a Campfire Baalogbrand will speak through a dis- So, a Child…continued from page 11… So, a Magic Axe…continued from page 13… embodied voice and likes to make peo- row after the encounter, discovering: Arter will claim that he loosened the axe Appeared Along the ple think that the campfire is the will of • A spellbook on Vanegri, this contains from the tree. He will try to intimidate them invisible fae. a scroll of resurrection and a scroll of into giving it over to him, and is willing to Road… speak with dead. resort to force. The crowd of commoners Payment in Stories • A selection of coins totaling 48 sp are scared of Arter and easily swayed by his by Morten Greis Baalogbrand likes company and also takes words, although the huntsman (thug (MM its payment in stories. Anyone sleeping in • 1d8 bronze or silver offerings, worth p350), armed with a handaxe and shorts- Suggested Party Level: 2-4 the camp can entertain Baalogbrand with 20 gp each word) is willing to stick up for what he feels You have been traveling for most of a day a story. Have each player tell a brief story If still alive, Vanegri will plead to be able is right. Both the crowd and the huntsman along quiet dirt roads. You have seen few about their character’s exploits. If a char- to return to her tribe and promises not to are more likely to stand up for Reilyn than acter refuses to do so, then Baalogbrand other travelers, and most were local peas- continue necromancy (a successful DC 16 for adventurers passing through. will cease to be a campfire for the company ants traveling from one village to another. Wisdom (Insight) check proves this to be Reilyn is keen to free the axe as Gwenlu- In the distant horizon the sun is setting ob- and will leave. a lie). If Ana and Nathaniel are not part of in is a personal hero to her, and she wants scured by heavy gray clouds. Rain has fallen Baalogbrand will remain alert through- the encounter in the barrows, Vanegri’s to continue her work as a paladin and time and time again during the day, and out the night and warn, if hostile creatures defeat will result in them returning to their protector of Oakhelm. If the characters trees and grasses around you are still wet. approach. If befriended, Baalogbrand may normal selves. They will flee the area. help Reilyn free the axe (and keep it from So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs even assist the travelers, if they are at- Arter), she will invite them to her home to Ran Across Our Path… tacked during the night. It may come as a As darkness begins to set there is no Vanegri Deathspeaker eat and rest. Upon understanding the will surprise for both the PCs and their assail- So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, village or roadside inn in sight, however, Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic evil of Gwenluin, she will invite them to help ants, when the fire suddenly rises up as Walked into Our Campsite… there are the dancing lights of a campfire Armor Class 14 (studded leather) her on her quest to kill the witch. ahead you. Somehow, somebody succeed- an elemental. Hit Points 51 (6d8 + 24) So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… Avenging Gwenluin ed in lighting a fire even though every- Speed 30 ft. Payment in Gold If the heroes free the axe for themselves, So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… thing around you is soaked. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Baalogbrand prefers to keep its true form 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 9 (-1) 8 (+1) or for Reilyn, they are likely to take up the hidden during the night, and then reveal side quest of avenging Gwenluin and laying So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra As the PCs approach: Skills Intimidation +3, Religion +1 itself in the morning. When the sun ris- Landed on Our Campsite… Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 her ghost to rest. The witch in question is You see an empty camp with a lively camp- es, Baalogbrand awakens the travelers Languages Common, Orc a green hag (MM p177) called Lady Gar- So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… fire. Bedding is laid out around the fire, by calling out and asking them to leave a Challenge 2 (450 XP) gle. After murdering the paladin, she kid- and it seems almost as if the camp has just payment of 4 gold each (a successful DC napped her half-orc husband and lives with So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Aggressive. As a bonus action, Vanegri can move up to its been set, but no one is in sight. 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check may Road… speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. him in a warren of caves where the forest reduce it to 2 gold each). If Baalogbrand is is darkest and foulest. By appearing as a So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the Then you hear a voice call out. “Greetings not paid, then it will angrily leave, cursing Gruumsh’s Fury. Vanegri deals an extra 4 (1d8) damage when beautiful, but depraved, young woman, the Road… weary travelers! Come, sit and sleep at my the PCs: until they leave their payment in she hits with a weapon attack (included in the attack). hag has seduced the half-orc into loving front of a fire, they will be unable to light So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… campfire. My warmth and light is yours for Spellcasting. Vanegri is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting her, and he is willing to defend her with tonight.” any non-magical fire. ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with spell his life. Lady Gargle is cunning and knowl- So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With attacks). She has the following wizard spells prepared: edgeable in poisons, and you can further About the Author a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… ackground adjust the difficulty of the quest by popu- B Cantrips (at-will): chill touch, prestidigitation, ray of frost Morten is a new contributor to DMs lating her lair with deadly pets who attack So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of The campfire is afire elemental (MM 1st level (4 slots): burning hands, fog cloud Guild, blogs at Stemmen fra ådalen and Peasants Block the Road… p125) that has learned to camouflage itself 2nd level (2 slots): ray of enfeeblement, suggestion on her command. Or you could create any converts Danish adventures to English on other side quest of your own invention, with as a simple fire. It can take the shape of a Actions So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… DriveThruRPG. Gwenluin’s ghost as the catalyst. small bonfire or campfire, but what might Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step reveal it is that it does not consume the ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d6 + 3 plus 1d8) About the Author Onto the Road wood in the fire. It has, however, learned piercing damage, or 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage if used with to use charcoal and burned wood as the two hands to make a melee attack. Duncan is the author of several best-sell- So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of basis of its fake campfire to enhance its ing titles on the DMs Guild, most nota- Sheep Walk Onto the Road camouflage. About the Author bly Esquiel’s Guide to Magic Weapons, which brings 120 new blades, battleax- Encounter Modifier Tables The campfire calls itself Baalogbrand, Author of the Treasures of… series, fea- es, and bows to your game (along with a and it is friendly to humanoids. It has turing new magic items for use in all your treasure trove of more fun stuff). He also learned that they appreciate fire, heat and campaigns. Dungeon Rollers has many blogs at www .hipstersanddragons .com. light—especially on a cold, wet night—and new items coming in the coming months. Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 14 Good, they may make skill checks to learn angry brute brought them nothing but should stay away until they found a priest So, Some more about the adventurers. grief and a mountain of fines and property who could perform a banishment. Kalmar • With a successful DC 13 Wisdom damage. The barbarian regularly attacked swears at Sheylen and shouts insults at Adventurers With (Perception) check, the PCs are able members of the clergy, bristled at authority, Alath and Vezir and kicks up a storm of to determine that something within and started brawls in their favorite bars. stones and dirt, but the goliath somehow a Locked Chest Step the iron-bound chest is knocking in a He even stole from the adventurers during believes the lie because, deep down, Kalmar regular pattern. their quests. So, when Kalmar’s demeanor is terrified of demons. The doppelganger Onto the Road... • With a successful DC 14 Wisdom abruptly changed two days ago, Alath and vanishes into the surrounding hills, never (Insight) check, the PCs notice that Vezir did some digging. They learned that to be seen again. by Richard Malena-Webber Kalmar is acting in a strange way. He they’d passed a colony of doppelgangers on If the PCs wish to attack the Common their travels, and wondered if their unwel- Good, the adventurers fight back, though Suggested Party Level: 4-7 is polite and soft-spoken, and when he speaks with the other members of the come comrade may have been replaced. they attempt to flee if brought below half he ommon ood T C G Common Good, he does so in a ten- Meanwhile, the new Kalmar helped the their hit points. The doppelganger returns company with chores, listened to their prob- from the woods, drops an armload of fire- As the sunlit path ahead stretches out be- tative manner, as if Kalmar isn’t used lems, and made their journeys more friend- wood, and immediately begins to protect fore you, a small dust cloud appears just at to making jokes with the rest of the ly and comfortable. Since the pounding his newfound companions. the edge of the horizon. After a few minutes, adventurers. sound started from the iron-bound chest, Use the following NPCs from the Monster you see a small group traveling towards you. • With a successful DC 14 Strength the Common Good made a pact to ignore it Manual for a 4th level encounter: So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs Three of the adventurers are on horseback, or Intelligence check, the PCs can and continue on their way. The party clearly Sheylen: cult fanatic (MM p345) Ran Across Our Path… while a huge, smiling goliath drives a large roughly gauge the power of the Com- supports the doppelganger, and have made Alath: spy (MM p349) wagon filled with supplies. Among the goods mon Good, and sees that they are So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, plans to set the angry goliath free with Vezir: scout (MM p349) strapped in the wagon bed is a large, iron- almost a match for the PCs. Walked into Our Campsite… enough supplies to make it back to town. Doppelganger: berserker (MM p343) bound chest. From within, you can hear a The Common Good freezes up immediately So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… steady pounding noise. The adventurers give Conclusion About the Author if anyone inquires about the iron-bound a friendly wave as you approach, and a tall Once they have the full story, the PCs can So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… chest or the pounding within. Sheylen says Richard is a contributor and author of elf calls out “Well met, travelers! Any news decide how to proceed. that “we trapped a demon and are taking it many projects on the DMs Guild, includ- So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra about the path ahead?” If the PCs wish to allow the Common Good to where it can be safely banished,” which ing the Ravnica adventure The Tomb of Landed on Our Campsite… to continue on their way, Sheylen calls out The adventuring party is known as the is revealed as a lie to anyone who succeeds Svogthos and Rise of the Champions. to Kalmar the Doppelganger, who returns to So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… Common Good. Their leader, an elven at a DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check. If drive his wagon. With only a hasty goodbye, woman named Sheylen, laughs as she confronted, the members of the Common So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the the adventurers ride away with the captive explains the title. “With a name like that, Good refuse to change their story. Road… goliath. people always know we’re willing to help If the PCs move toward the iron-bound Encounter inspired by: If the PCs wish ease their troubles, no matter where we chest, read or paraphrase the following. So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the to free Kalmar the Road… travel. And, if at times we decide to keep The barbarian’s eyes grow wide as he Barbarian, Sheylen a little extra gold for ourselves, well it all stands up and shakily wields the battleaxe. sighs in frustration, So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… goes to serve the Common Good!” Before anyone can move, Sheylen shouts but agrees. She The Common Good is a rowdy troupe, So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With “Kalmar! We need to stay calm. Why don’t only asks the PCs a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… and Sheylen’s friends seem ready to joke you take that axe and cut us some fire- to allow her to ex- along with the PCs as if they were sharing wood for tonight’s camp. Now.” The goliath plain the situation So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of a pint in the local tavern. A quick ap- frowns, but takes his axe and starts head- to the captive goli- Peasants Block the Road… praisal reveals that Sheylen is some kind ing away from the path. ath. Sheylen claims of priestess, while her two human com- So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… that all three of panions, Alath and Vezir, a ranger and a Once Kalmar has stepped away. Sheylen them were fooled by So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step rogue, are carrying thin blades and bows. approaches the PCs for a whispered con- the doppelganger, Onto the Road The goliath, Kalmar, wears a loose collec- versation. “Okay, I know how this is going who told them that tion of animal hides and a massive battle- So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of to sound, but we’ve all agreed that it’s for an angry demon axe rests on the wagon bench next to him. Sheep Walk Onto the Road the best. The goliath? That isn’t Kalmar.” had been trapped Sheylen is more than willing to share She points over at the iron-bound chest. in the chest during Encounter Modifier Tables news about the road ahead and can give “That is.” the night. She apol- useful knowledge about wherever the PCs Sheylen explains that they hired Kalmar ogizes, but says she are bound. as extra muscle a few months ago, but the truly believed they As the PCs interact with the Common Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 15 tends to be quiet except when Angry Pixies So, a Tearful acting to support the other The pixies (Colivren, Eerith, and Aer- two pixies. If Colivren is al- Shepherd, Three wolph) (MM p253), on the other hand, will ready convinced to support very clearly explain the situation from the characters, or if the char- Pixies, and Flock of their point of view. The pixies expect the acters press Eerith to make characters to side with them out of fair- a decision, the Persuasion Sheep Walk Onto ness, because the sheep were the boy’s check is made with advantage. charges. During the conversation the DM the Road… should portray the individual personalities Developments so that the players are able to formulate While the conversation is by Karl Sciberras arguments. going on sheep will begin to drift away. Albie’s emotional Hungry Sheep Suggested Party Level: Any state and the levitation spell …Or more accurately the pixies fly over The sheep just want to eat. prevent him from gathering the road, the young shepherd pulls him- Dealing With The Pixies his flock. self along about two meters off the ground A level-appropriate preda- At least two of the pixies will need to be by grabbing onto anything he can reach tor, such as a mountain lion persuaded separately to drop the vendetta So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs and the sheep, being too dull to really (either lion, MM p331 or pan- and each pixie is influenced by a different Ran Across Our Path… understand the concept of moving in three ther, MM p333) or a peryton factor, detailed below in the Personalities dimensions, bob haphazardly throughout (MM p251), could appear, So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, section. the area, occasionally bumping into the capitalizing on the limited Walked into Our Campsite… A successful DC 16 Charisma (Persua- characters, trees, and each other. mobility of the herd. sion) check will convince a pixie to accept So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… Should the pixie clique Naughty Sheep a different consequence for the destruc- become impatient with the So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… tion of their faerie ring. The nature of the Earlier in the day the sheep angered the party, they summon other pix- change is up to the DM. Keep in mind fey So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra pixies by eating and trampling a toadstool ies who begin playing pranks logic is alien to mortals. The check is made Landed on Our Campsite… ring, their favorite entrance to the Feywild. on characters not involved in at disadvantage if the characters attempt The pixies took revenge on the sheep and the discussions and otherwise So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… to argue that no punishment is required. the hapless shepherd by casting a levitate being nuisances that need to be dealt with. tals and fey in the area. The villagers spell on the lot of them. But the little fey A successful DC 14 Charisma (Intim- So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the will find out that it was the characters are not done yet: they demanded the shep- idation) check on each of the pixies is Conclusions Road… who led the fey to the village. herd take them back to his home so they enough to cow them. The pixies will be This encounter is not intended as a com- • Losing too many sheep during the en- So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the can trample on it and “make things fair.” unhappy and hostile but will not engage in bat encounter. Let the players have fun counter could also result in hardship Road… combat unless provoked. with the situation and reward creativi- Nervous Shepherd for Albie’s family. ty. Pixies are tricky, excitable, and easily So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… Pixie Personalities Upon seeing the characters, the shepherd bored. These pixies know they are phys- Colivren bout the uthor So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With (Albie Gill, commoner, MM p345), will call ically outmatched but are incensed and A A Colivren is a stickler for the rules. By fey a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… out franticly, expecting them to help re- will hold their ground on principle until Karl’s first adventure,All in a Day’s convention an action of equal import is solve the predicament. The young boy is attacked with magic, mundane weapons, Work, was released to the Guild in late So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of required to balance the scales. A well-rea- desperate for help and continuously blub- or sufficiently persuaded or intimidated. 2018. More adventures will follow as he Peasants Block the Road… soned argument grants advantage on the bering about how “he didn’t do anything,” Killing or harming the pixies could have extracts all the stories that are rattling “he needs help,” and “his family will starve Persuasion check with Colivren. So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… unexpected consequences: around in his head. without his sheep.” Due to his emotional Aerwolph • Raising the ire of a more powerful fey So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step state and the fact that he didn’t actually Aerwolph is impetuous and really just being. Onto the Road see what happened, Albie is of little actual wants to bash something because it is fun. • Being identified as troublemakers by help in clearing up or clarifying the situa- Any solution that involves her destroying So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of the mortal ruler of the area who is tion. From Albie’s point of view everything something of Albie’s grants advantage on Sheep Walk Onto the Road concerned that the characters have was going well when he and the sheep the Persuasion check. upset the fey. Encounter Modifier Tables began to float and the angry pixie clique Eerith threatened to do much worse unless their Eerith wants to prove himself competent • Leading the pixies to the Albie’s home demands were met. to the other two members of his clique. He will cause hardship for the family and could raise friction between the mor- Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 16 4 Elite: More heavily armored specimen with stronger 16 Trade: The creature wants something from the mill monsters directly, you can get more Encounter Modifiers than standard attacks. adventurers and is willing to trade it with some mileage from powerful creatures by using 5 Mystic: The creatures have with them an individual trinket or equipment it has. foreshadowing. Initially, you can give the by ELF Vesala with mystic powers, be they magical, miraculous or 17 Negotiation: The creature needs an item or players just a hint about the creature’s The classic random encounter is a confron- psionic. information it believes the adventurers may be able to existence, and after that show them more tation with creatures that are automatically 6 Leader: The creatures accompany a high-ranking provide. It is willing to negotiate the terms involved. and more evidence of the creature’s power. hostile and attack the adventurers. The mod- individual with a special weapon, such as a magic 18 Information: The creature desperately needs That will make the final encounter much ifiers below can add variation to these kinds item or even an artifact. The leader may also have to know something. If the adventurers are more significant—and with luck, make the of engagements with intelligent monsters. valuable information or be worth a ransom. willing to satisfy its curiosity, there is no need for players fear what lies ahead. It is not recommended to roll on every sin- The following table contains increasing- Approach confrontation. gle table below before the encounter. Rather, 19 Interaction: The creature is bored and just wants ly powerful ways to hint about a creature Intelligent creatures can choose different choose one of the tables as a starting point some entertainment. Perhaps listening to a tale, and its power. If you want to randomize approaches for dealing with the intruding and pick or randomize a modifier from there. participating in a riddle contest or playing a game. the stages of the foreshadowing process, adventurers. Roll with disadvantage for That should be enough to make an encoun- 20 Alliance: The creature faces an undertaking it is not make the initial roll using a d4, and with low intelligence creatures and with advan- ter more unpredictable. Use any additional able to handle without help. It is willing to side with additional encounters, proceed to use d6, tage for highly intelligent individuals. tables only when it feels appropriate. the adventurers to get their help. d8 and finally d10. 2d10 Approach d4... d10 Foreshadowing Organization Tactics 2 Inattentive: The creature is oblivious to its environs, 1 Lore: The adventurers learn about an old legend or So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs The way creatures have organized them- fully concentrated on its current task. Most intelligent monsters are able to uti- prophecy hinting at the existence of the creature. Ran Across Our Path… selves can have a major impact on the 3 Occupied: The creature is already busy dealing with lize more tactical approaches than just 2 Rumor: A recent rumor claims to give insight about outcome of the encounter. So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, something else. charging head-on. the alleged activities of the creature. The rumor does Walked into Our Campsite… d6 Organization 4 Observing: The creature is aware of the adventurers d8 Tactics not necessarily have to be true. 1 Escapees: A disorganized array moving fast, perhaps but wants to find out more about them before 1 Guerrilla Tactics: The creatures observe the 3 Premonition: One of the adventurers has a dream So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… escaping a more powerful creature or a natural making its move. adventurers, making quick and dirty attacks when or a vision about the creature. At least initially this So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… disaster. The group is far from stealthy and can be 5 Intimidation: The creature tries to avoid direct they are at an advantageous position. does not need to be anything concrete - an uneasy easy to avoid or surprise. confrontation by scaring the adventurers away. 2 Sabotage: The creatures initially target the feeling or a symbolic image can be more efficient. So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra 2 Scattered: The creatures are not in immediate 6 Entrapment: The creature tries to lure the adventurers’ equipment and other assets to set 4 Eyewitness: The adventurers meet someone who Landed on Our Campsite… contact with each other. Maybe they have lost their adventurers into an unadvantageous position them to a disadvantage in actual combat, which claims to have seen the creature from afar with their way or are spread out, searching for something? before attacking. So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… soon follows. own eyes. 3 Guardians: A group protecting someone weaker 7 Ruse: The creature attempts to trick the adventurers 3 Ranged Combat: The creatures remain at a distance, 5 Traces: Indirect evidence of the creature’s So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the and more vulnerable than themselves, perhaps their by giving them a wrong idea about its plans and attacking with ranged weapons as applicable. (If they existence—for example destruction it has caused in Road… young or an elderly dignitary. They are willing to tactics. have no ranged attacks, choose another option.) the past, perhaps years ago. take risks to protect their ward. 8 Attack from Cover: The creature aims to stay in a 4 War of Attrition: A tactic to wear down the So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the 6 Tracks: Footprints or other evidence about the 4 Rivals: A divided group competing with each other, well-protected position and attack safely from there. Road… adventurers over a longer period of time, initially creatures past presence in the area. perhaps playfully, or perhaps in a deadly serious 9 Ambush: The creature waits in hiding until the causing only minor damage but giving them no 7 Spoor: A fresh scent, broken foliage, disturbance in So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… contest to win someone’s favor. perfect moment to launch a full-scale attack. opportunity to recover. magical energies or other evidence of the creatures 5 Patrol: An organized team scouting the 10 Sneak Attack: The creature starts combat with a 5 Flanking: The creatures do not face the adventurers recent presence. So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With environment, ready for trouble and capable of surprise attack for example from behind, above or directly but prefer to strike from the sidelines or a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… 8 Sighting: The creature can be seen in the distance, calling in reinforcements. underneath, as appropriate. behind. A strong creature can act as a decoy to draw probably too far away to reach. Apparently it is not So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of 6 Retinue: A group consisting of individuals with 11 Direct Attack: The creature attacks the adventurers the adventurers’ attention to itself. aware of the adventurers. Peasants Block the Road… varying roles, typically in the service of a high- directly. 6 Divide and Conquer: The creatures aim to separate 9 Lair: The adventurers find the den or home base of ranking leader. (See the Roles table for inspiration.) 12 Capture: The creature is interested in just one of the the adventurers from each other and deal with the creature. They may not be able to enter, and the So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… adventurers. As soon as it manages to capture its Roles them one at a time. creature seems not to be present. So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step victim, it flees. 7 Hit and Run: The creatures make a single charge and 10 Close Encounter: The adventurers finally encounter The function the creatures serve can affect Onto the Road 13 Thievery: The creature wants to steal something. then quickly retreat into safety to re-evaluate the the creature eye to eye. their tactics and equipment. When it has managed to grab what it wants, it flees. situation. So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of d6 Role 14 Bribe Collection: The creature is willing to let the 8 Attacks in Waves: The creatures take turns to attack About the Author Sheep Walk Onto the Road 1 Weakling: The group consists mainly of young, adventurers go without a fight if they agree to pay a to be able to recover between attacks. ELF is a random generator aficionado infirm, or otherwise weakened variations of the bribe. Encounter Modifier Tables blogging at https://randomcreation . Foreshadowing Powerful standard specimen. 15 Deception: The creature acts friendly, but is ready net/. His favorite die is d10. 2 Grunt: Standard specimens of their type. to betray the adventurers when an opportunity Creatures 3 Scout: Faster moving and lightly equipped variation. presents itself. While it’s fine to encounter run-of-the- Sample file Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 17