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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Short Encounters for Credits

Design & Layout: Alan Tucker
Characters of Any Level
It Clicks!
Art: Alan Tucker, and licensed and modified stock art from
DepositPhotos.com and DMsGuild Community Resources
Editing: Linda May and Alan Tucker ct is
of the produ
This version can
ll y h y p erli nked so you
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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, the dragon ampersand, and
all other wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of wizards of the
move aroun
h ease!
you need wit
Coast in the USA and other countries.
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
ELF Vesala and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.
Foreword Adventure Customs About the Authors
The travel montage… as DMs, we’ve all
done it. The players only want to get from
and S horthand Alan Tucker and Undermountain: Caverns of the Ma-
ny-Legged.
point A to point B and skip over “the bor- Alan is a contributor and author of a
Within the adventure, you will see text
ing parts.” that is set apart in a box, like this:
number of bestselling products on the Matt Vaughan (Dungeon Rollers)
But, when things happen in between DMs Guild, including Hey, Mister, Can
Author of the Treasures of… series, fea-
adventures, on the road, it can make your This text is meant to be read aloud or para- You Help Me? and the highly acclaimed
turing new magic items for use in all your
world seem much more alive and interest- phrased to the players. Myriad, City of Tiers. Alan also has
campaigns. Dungeon Rollers has many
ing! So, make travel and camping out be- several fantasy and science fiction novels
new items coming in the coming months.
Other items will be highlighted in bold, to his name. You can find more at www.
side the road fun and intriguing and even
a wee bit dangerous…
referring to an ability check, saving throw, AlanTucker.net. George Sager
monster, or item from one of the published
Following in the footsteps of the amaz-
D&D materials, such as the Monster Man- Chad M. Lensch George is a contributer to Storm King’s
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 Lairs. He is working on other projects to
So, a Wizard’s Apprentice and a Demon 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
er reference. The core published books for Harm Delva him on Twitter @GeorgeSCanada.
Ran Across Our Path… the road, trekking through the wilderness.
Inside, you’ll find imaginative stories from
5th edition are abbreviated as follows: Harm wanted to give something back to the Duncan Rhodes
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, PHB = Player’s Handbook community after years of impressing his
some of the DMsGuild’s best and brightest Duncan is the author of several best-sell-
Walked into Our Campsite… DMG = Dungeon Master’s Guide players with stuff he mooched off the DMs
contributors. You’re sure to find something 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,
So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road…

I sincerely want to thank the tremen-
VGtM = Volo’s Guide to Monsters Ciaran O’Halloran which brings 120 new blades, battleax-
dous community of DMsGuild authors, es, and bows to your game (along with a
XGtE = Xanathar’s Guide to Everything Ciaran is a new contributor to the DMs
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra artists, and other contributors for their treasure trove of more fun stuff). He also
Guild. He is a DM, Dad, and Drama
Landed on Our Campsite… amazing support. This creative collective is MToF = Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes blogs at www.hipstersanddragons.com.
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
So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With many projects on the DMs Guild, includ-
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
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… Karl’s first adventure, All in a Day’s
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
Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 2

So, a Displacer Beast versaries to challenge their party.
If the party decides to help the cub, a
cause trouble in the Material Plane in the
near future.
This encounter originally appeared under
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
Suggested Party Level: Any Displacer Beast Cub to his name. You can find more at www.
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)
Ran Across Our Path… to make camp, you hear a plaintive, animal
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. Multiattack. The displacer beast makes two attacks with its
So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the
Road… tentacles.
The tiny creature is a displacer beast (MM
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the page 81) cub (which experienced players Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Road… will likely recognize) and the menacing target. Hit: 1 (1d4 - 2) bludgeoning damage plus 2 (1d4)
piercing damage.
canine is a blink dog (MM page 318). The
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… players have stumbled onto an ancient
So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With
conflict and must make a split-second Alternatives:
a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up…
decision: help one creature or the other, or 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 Material Plane for a bit of sport. If the
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road…
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. 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
So, a Sverfneblin, She promptly sits up, looks at you with
terror-filled eyes, and shrieks, “Please help
with a conical iron housing that resembles
a rounded fin. You watch as the leader
mals as they burrow. The harness may be
targeted by the players, and has an AC 15
and 20 hp. If it is destroyed, the duergar
Chased by a Duergar me! They are going to kill me!” As if on cue,
you feel a slight tremor in the ground.
unclips from his harness, and pulls himself
from underneath the protective shield.
may no longer burrow underground with
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
strategy for evasion was to head to the
fading as he speaks, “You can try all you
want, but you cannot escape, you repulsive
The posse attempts to keep Gutta from es-
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
Suggested Party Level: 8-10 party, the desperate gnome pleads with The posse was hired to retrieve the black
due to the bulettes’ tremorsense.
them for help. She lies to the party at first, sapphire, and if possible, bring the thief’s
Can be Adapted to : 5-20 head back for extra money (an addition-
The posse burrows into the ground and
telling them the reason her pursuers are attempts to surround or flank its enemy.
Overview chasing her is because they hate gnomes, al 50% of the gem’s worth). They are not
If it is advantageous for the duergar, they
Two duergar (MM p122), each riding a and they already killed two of her friends. against talking with the party to get the
may dismount to engage the party while
bulette (MM p34), are chasing down Gutta If the party succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom gem without a fight. (“We have no quarrel
the bulettes flank them.
Perchapulp, a deep gnome (MM p164). She (Insight), Charisma (Intimidation), or with you; hand the gnome over to us and
If the gem and the body (or head) of
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs possesses a valuable black sapphire she Intelligence (Investigation) check, they we can all go on our way.”) However, the
Gutta is obtained, the posse attempts to
Ran Across Our Path… stole from a powerful duergar warlord, and is see through Gutta’s story. If caught, Gutta duergar are not easily swayed from execut-
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- peals to the party’s conscience. Without willing to fight. The players must succeed Scaling Suggestions
Walked into Our Campsite… a DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion, Intimi-
mands the gem back, and insists the gnome the help of the party, she will be murdered 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:
may happen while traveling on the road, ex- Gutta offers the gem as incentive for the exceptional description of the argument/ Party # of # of Gem Worth
So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… behavior/lie in order to change the gray
ploring underground, or at a campsite. party to help her. Level Duergar Bulletes (in gp)
If Gutta successfully lies to the party, dwarves’ minds. 5 1 1 1,000
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra
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 and allow the riders to stay on the ani-
Road… quiet, low-pitched reverberations shaking After the party has had a few minutes to 17-18 6 6 12,000
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-
So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With actually the bulettes traveling underground ors are under your feet, they stop. A second About the Author
a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… chasing Gutta, and can be heard over the later, the earth around you explodes!
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
Peasants Block the Road… The Hook working on other projects
guffawing is heard over a deep, resonant
to be released soon!
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… When the DM is ready to initiate the en- 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
Onto the Road Suddenly, a gray-skinned gnome bursts
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-
Sheep Walk Onto the Road a rider on their back, seated in a complex
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

So, a Poacher Walks (Deception) check by Badger. He isn’t a
very good liar and has no bonuses to his
The Prey
egg to their lair, since it’s in Badger’s petri-
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:
them useful survival advice, helps them basilisks (MM p24) are lying in ambush to • An ornate but functional ivory dagger
Suggested Party Level: 4-6
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 • A handful of luminescent, dried mush-
downpour. In the distance, just off the side this night, however, and will share rumors
from beyond the lodge walls, “Berta? What rooms
of the road, you can just barely see what or trade stories if the players are interest-
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
Ran Across Our Path… met with a double dose of the basilisks’ About the Author
rently houses a single mule. The hearth in can help. Or you can use some of these: Petrifying Gaze and his mule, Berta,
the center of the room is almost burnt out. • He came across a couple of mutilated Harm wanted to give something back to
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, suffered the same fate. Unable to move the
Walked into Our Campsite… The lodge itself is currently empty, the only 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.
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… You’re just acquainting yourselves with the • He found a coin purse in a hollow tree
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.
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
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
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

So, a Goblin in a they hung him up in the gibbet as punish-
ment, intending to leave him to starve and
around hiding place. Exarsht know all
traps. Then gang punish Exarsht. Send
their action to try to goad the party closer
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 R oad … 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
So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… “Exarsht. Exarsht trap-layer!” he has created a pit trap and laid a trip proficient in thieves tools who makes a
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
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra wooden post. Attached is a 10 foot bar that
“Bo-bar. Bo-bar gang.” walk around the danger. If not, they need of 128 gp and 380 sp, as well as a silver
Landed on Our Campsite… emerges through the branches to make a
(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
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… leader, but refers to the bugbear.) adjust the difficulty to reflect the strength tion of gaseous form (DMG p187). Lying
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
Road… Why did they put you here? is a prayer song to let the gang know that Include a number of bugbears and bug-
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
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.
mouth in desperation. they intend to ambush) authenticity of the song. If the players join
So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step Where are they? in, the bugbears will have time to position About the Author
Onto the Road The creature is Exarsht, a goblin who took “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 (The Bugbears will indeed be happy to bows, while two stalk the party through
Encounter Modifier Tables
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

So, an Exotic Merchant Setup Available Evidence If any of the PCs makes a claim that these
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
Aarakocra Landed on As you unwind during your well-deserved
icine) check reveals that Garkaa’s
wounds are not days old but rather
might still be difficult to tell whether he is
for real or not.
Our Campsite… resting time, a strange shape appears in
the sky over a low hill. At first, it appears to
recent; a few hours at most. 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 successful DC ed. The characters could go either way and
Suggested Party Level: Any below is like a miniature home. “Henna 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check help any of them, even making a terrible
Shop” is printed in large blue letters on the reveals that the balloon’s fabric was mistake. If you would rather use a skill
Background 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 changes with the wind. Something is not vestigation) check reveals that there
to settlement and buys and sells all kinds If the PCs decide to help Farid and arrest
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
to capture Henna in hopes of gaining the • If a character examines the floating aarakocra loots the place that night with
damage on a failed save, or half as much
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra command words for the magic rod. Farid home’s deck, a successful DC 16 his allies. If the PCs appear interested in
damage on a successful one. If a character
Landed on Our Campsite…
managed to grab the fire rod and turn it Wisdom (Survival) check reveals faint the flying home, Garkaa takes whatever he
rolls a natural 1, they take double damage
against the aarakocra, successfully driving footprints of at least three different can and leaves on foot.
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… and are trapped under the floating home.
three of them from his home. aarakocra creatures, several burn
So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the Duel of Lies marks on the deck’s handholds, and
About the Author
Garkaa, one of the aarakocra, suffered
Road… After crash-landing, Garkaa sees a chance what could have been burnt feathers. Elven Tower is a powerhouse of RPG con-
serious wounds in his left wing and could
to profit from the situation. He jumps down tent creation. The small indie studio has
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the not fly away. Farid did not have the heart
and explains to the PCs that the “evil mer- created hundreds of fantasy maps, short
Road… to throw him off the flying ship and let him
chant” used fire magic to burn his wings a adventures, and DM content for three
stay, for now. Unfortunately, the bandits
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… few days ago to keep him as a slave. Farid years straight.
damaged the balloon’s upper fabric and
it is leaking. Farid needs a few hours to jumps down, angry and red, and claims
fix the balloon but he first has to land his that the aarakocra and his “lackeys” as-
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
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.

So, Umber Hulk
an
cargo that wasn’t secured fell from the sky.
The Hunter’s iron flask (DMG p178) was
asset of the archmage, who had planned
to use it as part of his twisted magical
crash site and return to the road, read or
paraphrase the following:
one such item, and when it hit the ground experiments. When Accertep realized his
and a S laad F ly the stopper came loose, releasing master’s slaad was stolen, the archmage commis- A human girl, with tattered clothes and
disheveled blonde hair, stumbles upon
latest prize, a gray slaad (MM p277). The sioned a Giff spelljammer to pursue and
Over the Road… Hunter leapt from the burning vessel as it recapture the beast. Having successfully the road, cruel shackles upon her ankles.
“Please, please, you must help me! Don’t
hurtled toward the ground, intent on re- destroyed the Hunter’s vessel, the Giff now
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
During an evening’s travel upon a forested ally it will turn its attention to the PCs in rumph. I say, who goes there?!”
the Hunter. The iron flask hit the ground
road, read or paraphrase the following: order to examine each of them, looming The leftenant, a pompous, humorless
roughly one mile east of the PCs, and
about each while leering with its monocle fellow, is wary and inquisitive, but not
Something burns from east to west across Skrelnik burst out and immediately fled.
of seeing (a monocle that functions iden- immediately hostile. Should the PCs pres-
the sky. Something large, something wood- Knowing the plane shifting ability of the
tically to a gem of seeing (DMG p172)). ent themselves as witnesses to the crash,
en, something on fire and falling fast. A slaad, the Hunter took an extra precaution
Once it is satisfied that none of the people he will demand a full retelling of what they
ship’s hull? Maybe. Consumed by flame, it and attached a pair of dimensional shack-
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 thunders overhead, losing altitude fast, as les to the slaad before imprisoning it in the
the Hunter will turn its attention back to will clearly peak his interest as he presses
Ran Across Our Path… the smell of smoke fills the air. Towards the flask. The shackles are intact and function-
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
the forest, lower… and then it hits ground “Where did you last see the Hunter? What and cutting its movement speed in half.
Walked into Our Campsite… the crash site, having seemingly picked
with a flash beyond the trees. A moment was it doing? You let it go?!? Which direc- Skrelnik has polymorphed into the form of
up some imperceptible trail. The Hunter
So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… later, a shock, like a rumbling thunder tion? Harrumph!” this little girl to elicit sympathy from any folk
has determined the most likely direction of
strike, can be heard. it might encounter. Through feigned sobs
So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… where the iron flask may have landed and
Once he’s extracted information pertaining it introduces itself as Alana and explains
is heading that way to search.
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra to the whereabouts of the Hunter he ends that it was kidnapped by an umber hulk,
Suddenly, out of the darkness, something Should it be attacked at any point, it will
Landed on Our Campsite… the conversation with an abrupt “We’re shackled and imprisoned, to be sold into
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…
monocle on one of its eyes and examines
The Crash Site enjoy a good fight, will defend themselves the Hunter appears, burrowing out of the
The craft crash landed roughly two miles 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.
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 This exceptional umber hulk (MM p292), ficult. As the PCs near the crash site, read Biggatall’s chagrin.
The ground surges nearby, and the umber
a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… who’s just done the super hero landing, or paraphrase the following: Should the PCs investigate the crash site
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 A 100-foot-long, smoldering scar mars the everything of value was destroyed in the
Peasants Block the Road… Hunter, a neogi servant who travels from
landscape—clearly caused by the impact of crash, though the contents of a chest con- “Step away from that agent of chaos,” the
world to world gathering valuable, often
the falling object. Trees are felled, underbrush taining 1500 gp worth of coin and gems is umber hulk states, speaking common quite
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… unique slaves for its neogi master. Typically,
charred, and debris scattered about along the scattered about. For every 10 minutes of clearly. “It is not what it appears to be.”
neogi keep their servants close at hand, but
So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step crash site. Mulling about, seemingly search- time spent searching the debris field allow
because of its remarkable strength, skills
Onto the Road ing for something in the debris, are four large, a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to The little girl hisses—a frightening sound
and self-motivation, the Hunter has been
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 from such a frail waif—as the umber hulk
Sheep Walk Onto the Road sive equipment, to carry out its duties. gp until, potentially, all is found. It is left pulls a flask from its belt, removes the
These four giff (MToF p204) were teleport- to the DM’s discretion if any local fauna stopper, and exclaims “You’re mine!”.
The Hunter’s spelljamming vessel was
Encounter Modifier Tables ed down from their triumphant spelljam- might interrupt said search.
attacked while transporting an incredibly
mer by their client, the Archmage Ac- “You’re mine,” is the command phrase for
valuable recent catch. During the attack, The Slaad and the Standoff
certep. Unbeknownst to both the Hunter
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
So, Blind Woman
a Bounty Hunters Arrive So, an Umber Hulk…continued from previous page…
Not long after the party passes by the two
and a M edusa W alk women, a group of 4 veterans (MM p350) the iron flask, but the fall dented the flask,
damaging it noticeably and reducing the
The Hunter
will also come from the same direction as Large monstrosity (umber hulk), neutral evil
Along the Road… the couple. They are the bounty hunters
wanting to kill Niraya. They believe she is
Wisdom DC to resist being trapped from a
17 to a DC 10. Having been previously im- Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
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.
down and were promised a reward of 3,000 advantage on its save vs the flask’s trap,
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)
Thym, is willing to give his share of the re- ceeds on this first saving throw. And this
Meeting the Couple is, of course, when the giff show up. Tele-
Skills Animal Handling +6, Perception +6, Survival +6
ward (600 gp) to the party if they help with Senses darkvision 120 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive
Walking along the road the party finds porting in behind the PCs, the Leftenant
the final battle. Thym is willing to forgo Perception 12
two figures walking the opposite direction, exclaims “We’ll be taking this beast, Hunt- Languages common, umber hulk
his reward because the medusa killed his
they are both wearing hoods and trying to er. Leave now or suffer the consequences.” Challenge 7 (2900 XP)
father and he only wants is justice.
look inconspicuous. One of them is Lara, What happens next is largely dependent
Niraya will have no recollection of the Confusing Gaze. When a creature starts its turn within 30 feet
a blind woman (acolyte MM p342) and the upon the PCs’ reactions. If they attempt
bounty hunter’s father since she has killed of the umber hulk and is able to see the umber hulk’s eyes, the
other is Niraya, a medusa (MM p214). Lara to parlay, all sides will engage in the dis-
many people in her lifetime, but in her umber hulk can magically force it to make a DC 15 Charisma
once got lost and ended up in Niraya’s lair, cussion. Both the giff and the Hunter will saving throw, unless the umber hulk is incapacitated.
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs opinion, she only killed in self defense.
Ran Across Our Path… a medusa known in the region for petrify- reveal Skrelnik’s true nature as a beast of
The party can help the two women fight
ing anyone who dared to come close to her. pure chaos. Meanwhile, Skrelnik points out
On a failed saving throw, the creature can’t take reactions
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 accurately that both parties are kidnappers
hunters kill Niraya, or try and take the full 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 and slavers and demands that the Hunt- nothing. On a 5 or 6, the creature takes no action but uses all
bounty by themselves. In case of the later
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 choose a side and combat ensues, Skrelnik creature makes one melee attack against a random creature,
ty from one of the bounty hunters. A suc-
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 into the fray, before attempting to flee. can’t see the umber hulk until the start of its next turn, when
captain, or a noble, from any nearby town
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… has no problems revealing that she can’t it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the umber
or city. The DM can choose what location Aftermath
see. Niraya will be standoffish and pro- 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
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the and avoid looking someone in the eye, by If the party helps the bounty hunters, they spreading as much chaos as it can on this tunnel in its wake.
Road… covering her face and looking through the get 600 gp and 1,500 XP, equally divided plane until it is able to break the shackles
fibers of the scarf. and plane shift back to Limbo. Should The Actions
amongst the party members.
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… A DC 11 Wisdom (Perception) check If the party helps the two women, they Hunter survive, it will continue to pursue Multiattack. The umber hulk makes three attacks: two with its
will reveal that under the ragged cloak, get 3,000 XP, equally divided amongst the its quarry. Accertep, meanwhile, cuts his claws and one with its mandibles.
Niraya is wearing a very expensive green party members, and the gratitude of Lara losses and moves on to other test subjects 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
Peasants Block the Road… medusa. About the Author About the Author Mandibles. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) slashing damage.
If the party discovers that Niraya is a Mostly an adventure writer, the DMsGuild Tony has been DMing since the last mil-
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 Underdark, and Killer Kobolds.
that Niraya wouldn’t hurt anyone that
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.

So, a Barghest and bugbear enforcers, and even the hobgob-
lin advisor to the chief. It had devoured
DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check— or
who have a passive Perception of 18 or
escape with them. The goblins will then
start begging the characters to pick one
fourteen goblinoids before feasting on the of them to escape. If the characters re-
Its Goblin Prey Are
higher— will hear rustling in the trees. If
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.
sun reveals the green skin, large bulbous
On the Road A goblin emerges from the thick woods
noses and sharp teeth of goblins. Pieces Brax and Kraz are speaking quietly in near the road. It’s a small goblin, a runt Aftermath
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs Goblin. Characters who are proficient in even compared to its small kin, with ill-fit- If the barghest successfully escapes after a
of rope from what might have been a third
Ran Across Our Path… 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-
captive lie on the ground.
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
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.
to escape their predicament. in Acheron. The goblins notice the charac- If one goblin escaped with the charac-
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 Background DC 16 Dexterity (Stealth) check. says, its eyes glinting dangerous. “This from the barghest, the goblin(s) will pro-
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 to try to find their remaining kin from the
is owed two more goblin souls. Leave, and
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 Broken Teeth clan. But, at the character’s
you won’t be harmed.”
the Broken Teeth clan that had made their a DC 15 Dexterity check can untie or cut next long rest, several goblins— including
So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the
home in the nearby hill. The tribe was dec- the bindings with a dagger or any slashing The barghest will not harm any characters any of those who survived this encounter
Road…
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 If Brax and Kraz notice the characters, barghest will eventually transform into its nize from this encounter why they’d attack
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road…
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 DC 15 Wis- eating them if given the chance. The fiend
Onto the Road 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
So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of al’s command in Gehenna. 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
ings of individual Broken Teeth goblins, all The Beast Arrives 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,
So, a Child and His They will do their best to join the party,
including following from some distance
area of great respect in a past age.
Note: A severely poor roll during this track-

fabled warriors of the tribe. In the barrow
are the bones of Goludirk the Bloody Fury,
away, in order to take part in the trap, leader of the Stone Chewer tribe seven
Sister Walk Onto unless physically or magically prevented
ing section could result in a random en-
counter. Wolves, bears, giant spiders, bears,
generations past. Vanegri is attempting to
from doing so. They will remain in their resurrect him, using the party as the sac-
the R oad … polymorphed shapes until they are either
ogres and even ankhegs are known to
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-
Suggested Party Level: 2-4 tempt to grapple the character closest to
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 Tracking the orcs is simple; the party will dim light of candles flickers before you.
and looks up. “P-p-p-please…h-h-help us. A character can attempt to free the sacri-
Ran Across Our Path… find no challenge in following them to their
M-mummy was taken by some…fings.” He fice by succeeding on a DC 18 Strength
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, sniffs up the previous contents of his nose. lair: a large forgotten barrow. The barrow “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.
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
and she was dragged away by something the wind through the air. 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.
Landed on Our Campsite… the hour it takes to track the creatures. In As you look on, Nathaniel and Ana start to
The boys says his name is Nathaniel; in
truth, he is an orc who has been polymor- so doing, they will learn some clues into change, their bodies growing in stature and Benefits/Drawbacks
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… their skin turning a dark green hue. Beside • 1 Success: Too much noise! The Orcs
phed into a human child and is attempting what is really going on. At the same time,
they will gain benefits or drawbacks in the the priestess stands a huge orog marked and Vanegri all start in ¾ cover and
So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the to trick the party. He claims his mother
final encounter based on the number of with bloody warpaint. You realize there is no will launch spears at the party as they
Road… “Amelia” has been dragged off by some “big
successes— this represents the knowledge Amelia, no one was taken, and this is a trap. enter the room. This occurs at Initia-
scary creatures, with fangs and red eyes.”
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the they have acquired during their pursuit. tive 30 and does not count as their
He is accompanied by a smaller poly- Otherwise read:
Road… turn in this combat.
morphed orc, who appears to be a young • Check 1: Prints in the Mud. DC 12
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 daubed orcs. You realize there is no Amelia,
• Check 2: Cloth in the Trees. DC 14 first round of combat.
Nathaniel and Ana. Characters who suc- Wisdom (Perception). Pass shows that no one was taken, and this is a trap.
• 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,
will suspect that Nathaniel is not telling The trap has been set, and the following • 4 Successes: Well Trained. Each party
Peasants Block the Road… 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
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… • Check 3: Scent on the Air. DC 16 In- Vanegri (stats) Orc Priestess of Myrkul duration of the combat.
simply confused.
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.
Encounter Modifier Tables rect the previous tribal leader: Goludirk • Check 5: Bones on the Ground. DC 14 gri, revealing 2 additional orcs.
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. in the woods. This may have been an god of death, can help bring back the most Continued page 14…
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
for agony, ass-pigs!” “Your prayers of ly arbitrary amount of points for one of post-dance barbecue with the musicians.
Suggested Party Level: Any the clans. Even after watching for a few At dawn the revelry ends, and the field is
mercy will be mocked vigorously by us!”
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 dom (Insight) check to figure out the sub-
the heat of your cookfire. A perfect night Adjustments
own distinct markings and dress. Sev- tle cues that guide the proceedings.
for telling tall tales. You begin a joke, but a Neither clan needs to be goblins. The
eral are gesturing toward the full moon. Silence falls if anyone intervenes. If a
staccato drum rhythm splits the air, swal- general idea is that each is a group of sen-
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs
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
camp and creep back toward the King’s clearly alive, but not humanoid, just DC 14 Wisdom (Persuasion) check (made
Common, and gathered in numbers that
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, Road, crouching low to crest the hill with- some beast. with advantage if they were successful in
would be deadly to any party of adventur-
Walked into Our Campsite… out being seen by whoever is making the • DC 20: You see a decrepit, sinister-look- figuring out the contest cues) makes Gran-
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
wood, firelight shining in her eyes. Otherwise she may halt the festivities and
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 mance), or DC 14 Dexterity (Acrobatics) About the Author
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… pile of wood is just starting to burn beneath
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 Ask your players what their characters are
party has stumbled upon a sacred seasonal
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… both sides are whipped into a greater fren-
goblins to pose a threat to the party, partic-
So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step ularly if both groups were to turn on them. zy. A successful 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.
the road and the woods beyond. Anyone If the players try to engage Granny Pes-
Sheep Walk Onto the Road tilence in Common, she grins at them.
who approaches risks being spotted. If the
Encounter Modifier Tables clans are attacked or harassed they tem- A successful DC 13 Charisma (Persua-
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

So, a Magic Axe, pure heart should claim it and avenge her
death. With that she sunk her axe into the
alignment is neutral. The dream of which
he speaks prophesied a young champion,
with its wielder.
Personality. Gwenluin’s ghost is de-
but it did not in fact specify that it would termined to avenge herself of her ignoble
a S keleton , and a trunk right here. That was 25 years ago to
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
Crowd of Peasants gather here on this date to try to claim the
weapon as their own.”
Freeing the Axe
Freeing the axe requires a successful DC 25
her. If the witch is killed, Gwenluin’s
ghost is laid to rest and the axe becomes a
Block the Road… If the characters ask what happened to
Strength (Athletics) check. Certain con-
ditions increase or decrease your chance of
non-sentient axe of cleaving. If the weapon
the husband, Willem will say that, having owner refuses the quest, Gwenluin’s per-
by Duncan Rhodes killed Gwenluin, the witch abducted him
success. If you are of good alignment you sonality obstructs their ability to wield the
gain a +2 bonus to your roll (+3 if you are axe, giving them disadvantage on attack
Suggested Party Level: 2-4 and took him to her lair, deep in the forest.
lawful good), if you are female you gain a
After the huntsman stands down, next in rolls made with the weapon.
Overview line to try their hand at removing the axe
+2 bonus, and if you are a true follower of
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-
at the center of a local power struggle, and bonus. If you are attempting to remove the Arter is keen to free the axe and use this
ders, wearing a chain shirt with a long-
could be the catalyst for a new quest. axe on any day other than the anniversary event as a sign he is destined to rule
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, human guard
“Forget it, it won’t budge,” spits the brawny Second attempts: If you fail on your first which are currently run by alderman Joe-
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs (MM p347) with 16 Strength and Athletics
huntsman. Grudgingly, he releases the attempt you can make two more attempts, nas Brackenbelt. Brackenbelt is a childless
Ran Across Our Path… +5).Those that succeed on a DC 15 In-
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
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, around his temples bulge from his failed minute between attempts. After three fail- but considered weak by those such as Arter
symbol of two hands bound with red cord
Walked into Our Campsite… attempt and the huge greataxe remains ures, you must complete a long rest before who oppose him. Not only will Arter insist
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 tempt, before giving up), he will oppose and
as sharply as a polished mirror. Clasping
So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road… the steps of her hero Gwenluin. Gwenluin’s axe is an Axe of Cleaving (as de-
the very end of the axe shaft is a fleshless 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-
Landed on Our Campsite… skeleton with its head bowed and its legs to the axe, there’s a clamor of hooves on the
which has gained sentience since Gwenlu- ers “who have no business in these lands”.
half-buried in moss and weeds. A gaggle of dirt road and five horses thunder to a halt
in’s spirit inhabited it, upon her death. 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
Road… blade. When swung with full force it
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
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
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 shirts (AC 13), longswords, and short
laced with deadly poison. Before Gwenlu- Sentience. The axe is a lawful good weap-
Encounter Modifier Tables in breathed her final breath, she uttered
bows. Arter himself is stronger and more 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
So, a Campfire it now sells its services as 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… Payment in Stories
speak with dead. resort to force. The crowd of commoners
• 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
other travelers, and most were local peas- acter refuses to do so, then Baalogbrand continue necromancy (a successful DC 16 for adventurers passing through.
ants traveling from one village to another. will cease to be a campfire for the company 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
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, village or roadside inn in sight, however, surprise for both the PCs and their assail- Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic evil of Gwenluin, she will invite them to help
Walked into Our Campsite… there are the dancing lights of a campfire ants, when the fire suddenly rises up as her on her quest to kill the witch.
Armor Class 14 (studded leather)
ahead you. Somehow, somebody succeed- an elemental. Hit Points 51 (6d8 + 24)
So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… Speed 30 ft.
Avenging Gwenluin
ed in lighting a fire even though every- 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
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra As the PCs approach: hidden during the night, and then reveal side quest of avenging Gwenluin and laying
Skills Intimidation +3, Religion +1
Landed on Our Campsite… itself in the morning. When the sun ris- her ghost to rest. The witch in question is
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
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-
So, a Blind Woman and a Medusa Walk Along the 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
Aggressive. As a bonus action, Vanegri can move up to its
Road… been set, but no one is in sight. 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check may him in a warren of caves where the forest
speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
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
campfire. My warmth and light is yours for front of a fire, they will be unable to light her, and he is willing to defend her with
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… Spellcasting. Vanegri is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting
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
a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… Background About the Author adjust the difficulty of the quest by popu-
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 a fire elemental (MM 1st level (4 slots): burning hands, fog cloud
Guild, blogs at Stemmen fra ådalen and on her command. Or you could create any
Peasants Block the Road… p125) that has learned to camouflage itself 2nd level (2 slots): ray of enfeeblement, suggestion
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
reveal it is that it does not consume the
So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step 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,
The campfire calls itself Baalogbrand, which brings 120 new blades, battleax-
Encounter Modifier Tables Author of the Treasures of… series, fea-
and it is friendly to humanoids. It has es, and bows to your game (along with a
turing new magic items for use in all your
learned that they appreciate fire, heat and treasure trove of more fun stuff). He also
campaigns. Dungeon Rollers has many
light—especially on a cold, wet night—and blogs at www.hipstersanddragons.com.
new items coming in the coming months.
So, Some Good, they may make skill checks to learn
more about the adventurers.
angry brute brought them nothing but
grief and a mountain of fines and property
should stay away until they found a priest
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 L ocked C hest S tep 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
Suggested Party Level: 4-7 is polite and soft-spoken, and when he their travels, and wondered if their unwel- Good, the adventurers fight back, though
speaks with the other members of the come comrade may have been replaced. they attempt to flee if brought below half
The Common Good Common Good, he does so in a ten- Meanwhile, the new Kalmar helped the their hit points. The doppelganger returns
tative manner, as if Kalmar isn’t used company with chores, listened to their prob- from the woods, drops an armload of fire-
As the sunlit path ahead stretches out be-
to making jokes with the rest of the lems, and made their journeys more friend- wood, and immediately begins to protect
fore you, a small dust cloud appears just at
adventurers. ly and comfortable. Since the pounding his newfound companions.
the edge of the horizon. After a few minutes,
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 Conclusion
So, a Poacher Walks Into a Lodge… steady pounding noise. The adventurers give
if anyone inquires about the iron-bound
About the Author
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-
about the path ahead?” If the PCs wish to allow the Common Good
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra
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 Svogthos and Rise of the Champions.
The adventuring party is known as the is revealed as a lie to anyone who succeeds
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
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the ease their troubles, no matter where we chest, read or paraphrase the following.
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
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… stands up and shakily wields the battleaxe. sighs in frustration,
goes to serve the Common Good!”
Before anyone can move, Sheylen shouts but agrees. She
So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With The Common Good is a rowdy troupe,
“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
So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of wood for tonight’s camp. Now.” The goliath plain the situation
a pint in the local tavern. A quick ap-
Peasants Block the Road… frowns, but takes his axe and starts head- to the captive goli-
praisal reveals that Sheylen is some kind
ing away from the path. ath. Sheylen claims
So, a Campfire Appeared Along the Road… of priestess, while her two human com-
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-
Onto the Road the doppelganger,
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- to sound, but we’ve all agreed that it’s for
So, a Tearful Shepherd, Three Pixies, and Flock of an angry demon
axe rests on the wagon bench next to him. the best. The goliath? That isn’t Kalmar.”
Sheep Walk Onto the Road 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
So, a Tearful Angry Pixies tends to be quiet except when
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
very clearly explain the situation from
ready convinced to support
the characters, or if the char-
Pixies, and Flock of their point of view. The pixies expect the
characters to side with them out of fair-
acters press Eerith to make
a decision, the Persuasion
Sheep Walk Onto ness, because the sheep were the boy’s
charges. During the conversation the DM
check is made with advantage.
the R oad … 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
Suggested Party Level: Any Hungry Sheep
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-
Ran Across Our Path… and each pixie is influenced by a different
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… Earlier in the day the sheep angered the tion of their faerie ring. The nature of the
party, they summon other pix-
pixies by eating and trampling a toadstool change is up to the DM. Keep in mind fey
So, an Exotic Merchant and a Crippled Aarakocra ies who begin playing pranks
ring, their favorite entrance to the Feywild. logic is alien to mortals. The check is made
Landed on Our Campsite… on characters not involved in
The pixies took revenge on the sheep and at disadvantage if the characters attempt
the discussions and otherwise
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road… the hapless shepherd by casting a levitate to argue that no punishment is required.
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-
can trample on it and “make things fair.” unhappy and hostile but will not engage in • Losing too many sheep during the en-
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the bat encounter. Let the players have fun
Road… combat unless provoked. counter could also result in hardship
with the situation and reward creativi-
Nervous Shepherd for Albie’s family.
Pixie Personalities ty. Pixies are tricky, excitable, and easily
So, a Child and His Sister Walk Onto the Road… Upon seeing the characters, the shepherd bored. These pixies know they are phys-
So, Two Clans of Goblins Gathered by the Road With (Albie Gill, commoner, MM p345), will call Colivren
ically outmatched but are incensed and About the Author
out franticly, expecting them to help re- Colivren is a stickler for the rules. By fey
a Hag—Then a Bunch of Bards Showed Up… will hold their ground on principle until Karl’s first adventure, All in a Day’s
solve the predicament. The young boy is convention an action of equal import is
attacked with magic, mundane weapons, Work, was released to the Guild in late
So, a Magic Axe, a Skeleton, and a Crowd of desperate for help and continuously blub- required to balance the scales. A well-rea-
or sufficiently persuaded or intimidated. 2018. More adventures will follow as he
Peasants Block the Road… bering about how “he didn’t do anything,” soned argument grants advantage on the
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.
help in clearing up or clarifying the situa- • Being identified as troublemakers by
Any solution that involves her destroying
tion. From Albie’s point of view everything the mortal ruler of the area who is
Sheep Walk Onto the Road something of Albie’s grants advantage on
was going well when he and the sheep concerned that the characters have
the Persuasion check.
Encounter Modifier Tables began to float and the angry pixie clique upset the fey.
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-
Encounter Modifiers mill monsters directly, you can get more
4 Elite: More heavily armored specimen with stronger 16 Trade: The creature wants something from the
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
choose one of the tables as a starting point Intelligent creatures can choose different and its power. If you want to randomize
some entertainment. Perhaps listening to a tale,
and pick or randomize a modifier from there. approaches for dealing with the intruding the stages of the foreshadowing process,
participating in a riddle contest or playing a game.
That should be enough to make an encoun- adventurers. Roll with disadvantage for make the initial roll using a d4, and with
20 Alliance: The creature faces an undertaking it is not
ter more unpredictable. Use any additional low intelligence creatures and with advan- additional encounters, proceed to use d6,
able to handle without help. It is willing to side with
tables only when it feels appropriate. tage for highly intelligent individuals. d8 and finally d10.
the adventurers to get their help.
2d10 Approach
Organization 2 Inattentive: The creature is oblivious to its environs, Tactics 4... d10 Foreshadowing
d
So, a Displacer Beast Cub and a Pack of Blink Dogs 1 Lore: The adventurers learn about an old legend or
The way creatures have organized them- fully concentrated on its current task. Most intelligent monsters are able to uti-
Ran Across Our Path… prophecy hinting at the existence of the creature.
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
So, a Sverfneblin, Chased by a Duergar Posse, outcome of the encounter. 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. soon follows. own eyes.
So, an Umber Hulk and a Slaad Fly Over the Road…
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 6 Tracks: Footprints or other evidence about the
So, a Barghest and Its Goblin Prey Are Found on the
4 Rivals: A divided group competing with each other, well-protected position and attack safely from there. adventurers over a longer period of time, initially creatures past presence in the area.
Road…
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 surprise attack for example from behind, above or
environment, ready for trouble and capable of directly but prefer to strike from the sidelines or 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 victim, it flees.
them one at a time. creature seems not to be present.
So, Some Adventurers With a Locked Chest Step 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 13 Thievery: The creature wants to steal something.
Onto the Road 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
Encounter Modifier Tables infirm, or otherwise weakened variations of the bribe. 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-

Short Encounters For Characters of Any Level

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Short Encounters for Credits

So, a Goblin in a Cage Hangs Over the Road…

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 2

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 4

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 5

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 6

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 7

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 9

Note: A severely poor roll during this track-

Encounters Along a Road or Campsite | Page 12

the R oad … should portray the individual personalities Developments

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