D&D Random Encounters for 5E - Desert

Encounters might be a meeting with a patrol of guards at an old shrine or a familiar looking for aid. It might be an ambush in the wilderness, a stand-off in the city or a monster in the Underdark.
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

8 Tribal Warriors

At a slope of stunted plants (there is a strong wind from the south)
They are digging a pit
In a fight they try to attack from ambush
Possibly... during the fight a fire starts
Difficulty... 500.0 Deadly

combat

2 Giant Vultures

At a group of ironwood trees and a collapsed hut (a dust devil is approaching)
They are resting
In a fight they fight to the bitter end
Possibly... they have a Lantern of Revealing
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combatgnoll

A group of gnolls

1 Gnoll named Skullcrusher
1 Hyena

At a covered ditch by a hedge of thorns (nearby is a meadow of grass)
They are being stalked by something
In a fight they surrender if things go badly
Possibly... they have a Deck of Illusions
Difficulty... 110 Easy

combat

A group of kobolds

2 Winged Kobolds (Monster Manual p.195)
2 Giant Centipedes
1 Giant Wasp

At a covered well surrounded by cracked earth (close to a dusty canyon)
They are burying someone
In a fight they retreat when half their number have fallen
Possibly... during the fight someone spots a dangerous flying creature. It will circle once then fly on
Difficulty... 600 Deadly

combat

1 Giant Hyena

At a large salt flat (which is cursed ground)
They are searching for water
In a fight they fight to the bitter end
Possibly... they have a pair of Eyes of the Eagle
Difficulty... 200 Medium