5e D&D Combat Encounters - Road

Combat Encounters include creature groups, hazards and lone npcs. Maybe a lost lizardfolk, a forest fire or a talkative druid
A highway connecting two prominent cities, an ancient trail through sylvan woods or a road built by dwarves and now used by local tribes. Meet desperate brigands, friendly pilgrims, hungry mercenaries and locals herding goats

tools for - dnd5e encounters road

level: party size: terrain: sources: type:

combatunseelie

1 Green Hag

At a barn with arrows sticking out of one side (close to a field of tended grass)
They are waiting in ambush for someone
In a fight they attempt to attack from hiding
Difficulty... 700 Deadly

combatwarrior

7 Guards

At a half-built burial ground (the area borders the ethereal plane)
They are trapped in something
In a fight they swarm any obvious spellcaster
Possibly... they have a Spell Scroll of guardian of faith
Difficulty... 437.5 Deadly

combatunseelie

1 Green Hag

At a crumbling shrine to a power of beasts by a beast pen holding horses (there is smoke from a fire)
They are waiting in ambush for someone
In a fight they run away if things start going badly
Possibly... during the fight enemy reinforcements arrive
Difficulty... 700 Deadly

combatdomesticated

5 Boars which are domesticated

At a sheltered stone bench surrounded by long grass (nearby is a body hanging from a pole)
They are are ending a journey or migration
In a fight they attack anyone who looks like a source of food
Possibly... during the fight someone sees an omen or portent
Difficulty... 500 Deadly

combatdruid

1 Druid

At a newly-buit group of statues at a crossroads (which is protected by an awakened raven)
They are working on the road
In a fight they surrender if things go badly
Possibly... during the fight someone runs away unexpectedly
Difficulty... 450 Deadly

combatdruid

1 Druid named Varazina (dwarf)

At an area of mud (it is in the area of a hallow spell)
They are talking with someone - an eccentric explorer named Togrolda Eastthrow
In a fight they focus all their attention on foes with ranged weapons
Possibly... during the fight a messenger on a mount tries to around or through the combat
Difficulty... 450 Deadly

combatranger

2 Scouts

At a dusty inn (which is in the area of a hallow spell)
They are helping someone injured by a vehicle
In a fight they quickly retreat and try attacking again from range
Possibly... during the fight a deity or powerful spirit takes an interest in the fight
Difficulty... 300.0 Hard

combatbird

2 Swarms of Ravens

At a sacred waterfall into a discoloured lake (which is blessed by a power of vengeance)
They are curious about the road and travelers
In a fight they act as if something else is guiding them - they surrender if things go badly
Possibly... they have a Quiver of Ehlonna
Difficulty... 150.0 Easy

combatbear

1 Polar Bear

At a field of dirty vegetables. There is a set of steps to a defensible position with an ancient shrine to a power of wealth (there are obvious tracks of nearby)
They are partway through a journey
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... they have a large tent that fits 8 Medium-size creatures
Difficulty... 450 Deadly

combatgnoll

A group of gnolls

1 Gnoll
1 Giant Hyena

At a worn track that splits off (there is flag cautioning of guard drakes)
They are making a map
In a fight they focus all their attention on anyone with religious icons
Possibly... they have a Potion of Flying
Difficulty... 450.0 Deadly