5e D&D Combat Encounters - Desert

Combat Encounters include creature groups, hazards and lone npcs. Maybe a lost lizardfolk, a forest fire or a talkative druid
The desert conjures images of sun-blasted wastes, stark canyons and sandy ridges. Encounters may take place at a well-guarded oasis, a lonely mesa, among half buried ruins or in the bed of a dried up river.

tools for - dnd5e encounters desert

level: party size: terrain: sources: type:

combat

1 Druid named Eiravel (male elf)

At a verdant oasis (it is associated with a mysterious genie)
They are digging up something
In a fight they used ranged attacks and maintain their distance if possible
Possibly... during the fight someone recognises an opponent as someone who has spared or saved their life in the past
Difficulty... 450 Deadly

combat

2 Giant Vultures

At a weathered rock surrounded by dust (there is a rock sculpture)
They are digging a pit
In a fight they retreat when half their number have fallen
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combat

5 Giant Lizards

At an area of desert flowers (the area has a programmed illusion involving a house)
They are searching for water
In a fight they run away as fast as they can if things go badly
Possibly... during the fight a swarm of insects attacks someone
Difficulty... 500 Deadly

combat

1 Death Dog

At an unusual temple to a power of darkness (the area is protected by a wind spirit)
They are sheltering from a dust storm
In a fight they run and hide if things go badly
Possibly... they have a Scroll of Protection - beasts
Difficulty... 200 Medium

combat

3 Tribal Warriors

At a glistening pond with a few coins and a whitewashed statue (there are a few cacti)
They are looking for gold
In a fight they avoid foes with expensive looking gear
Possibly... they have a scarab of turquoise and gold with intricate patterns (975 gp)
Difficulty... 150 Easy

combatearth

1 Dust Mephit
1 Mud Mephit (Monster Manual p.216)

At a slope of decaying sedge (the area is protected by an elemental of fire)
They are making sand sculptures
In a fight they keep away from anyone with religious icons
Possibly... they have
Difficulty... 225.0 Medium

combat

2 Thri-kreen (Monster Manual p.288) led by one named Devileye

At a white salt pan and a small monument (close by is a brownish waterfall into a wide lake)
They are sheltering from a dust storm
In a fight they focus on larger foes
Possibly... they have a Deck of Illusions with 1d3 cards
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combatgoblinoid

A group of goblinoids

1 Hobgoblin
1 Bugbear

At a banked campfire (there is a wanted poster)
They are sheltering from a dust storm
In a fight they avoid smaller foes
Possibly... during the fight an angry face appears on a shiny surface
Difficulty... 450.0 Deadly

combat

1 Lion

At an area of dry cacti and a patch of shrubs (nearby is a beast pen holding mules)
They are playing in sand
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... they have a Dust of Dryness
Difficulty... 200 Medium

combatdruid

Druid(s) and allies

1 Druid
7 Rats

At an isolated shrine to a power of the desert (slighty hidden is a large parasol)
They are marked by a sun diety
In a fight they work together to focus on any obvious spellcaster
Difficulty... 520 Deadly