Random Tables

200 Non-Combat
Creature Encounters
 Civilized Non-Combat Encounters
City & Town Non-Combat Encounters
1d20
A swarm of ravens (or several sprites) which follows the party and
1
shouts warnings and insults at them. Flee if attacked to return later.
Patrol of guards are mounted on riding horses. More interested in
2
impressing the locals than watching for any trouble.
3 A giant goat with a packsaddle and bulging bags. Munching on a garden
A berserker is chasing their mount, a giant hyena who has stolen their
4
lunch. The locals treat this as a normal occurrence.
A yuan-ti pureblood is subtly selling beasts and gathering information. In
5
a handcart they have cages with snakes, stirges and spiders
6 A weretiger in hybrid form is preaching of a god known only to them.
Several commoner urchins are holding a quest notice and talking of
7
becoming heroes. They ask a character to read it to them
8 An awakened tree is a local celebrity and is telling stories to children.
A stone golem carries a large basket. It can take up to 6 medium
9
creatures anywhere in the city for 25 gold pieces.
10 Several acolytes from a nearby temple are recruiting for a sports team
Several mastiffs beg for food from the party. They perform several
11
impressive tricks including acrobatics and forming a dog pyramid
A succubus/incubus rides in a chair carried by a few thugs. They observe
12
the world from behind a thin curtain while they plot their next evil
A storm giant (or medusa) is telling ancient tales and singing barely
13
known ballads at a junction. They repeat this once every year.
Countryside Non-Combat Encounters
An ogre and an awakened giant boar are dressed in bright costumes, 1d20
14
promoting their fighting show starting tomorrow A group of acolytes and guards are going into the wilds to perform a
1
Several cultists and a cult fanatic are being led in chains to a public wedding ceremony and celebration. Invite the party along.
15
execution by several guards. A character recognizes one of the cultists A lonely half-orc (stats of an orc) is riding an old draft horse. Tries
2
A mob of commoners and bandits are looking at a picture poster talking about the weather, farming, livestock and crop rotations.
16
defaming a local merchant. One asks the party what they think. 3 A few worried bandits are looking for a pet dog that has gone missing
17 A few tribal warriors are drunk and trying to put a cart on top of a statue 4 A few bullywugs are taking giant frogs to market. One speaks Common
An elderly manticore has landed on a nearby rooftop. It barely has any 5 A scout is training a young owlbear. Currently it is afraid of everything.
18
strength and asks party about somewhere suitable to die nearby 6 A veteran recognizes one of the characters. They are a retired soldier.
A doppelganger is offering a half-price sale on several riding horses. In A spectator (or deva) guards a nearby shrine of sun but hasn't had
19 7
about an hour an inn discovers several horses missing from its stables trouble for a century. It is always trying to raise funds for the shrine.
20 A giant lizard with a collar placidly watches party. Tame but owner dead A family of starving commoners are moving out of the area pulling a
8
rickety cart. Desperate and offer to sell a healing potion for 5 gp
A beholder is looking after land of an abandoned farm. It is missing its
9
central eye and locals report it seems to think it is one of them
A few spies from a nearby city are spying on a local. They are badly
10
disguised as locals and have horrible accents.
11 A herd of wild ponies are fascinated by one character or companion
A brightly-dressed gladiator retired to a farm and lost everything. Now
12
they look for any work that doesn't involve fighting
13 A thug is visiting family and bored. Desperate for game of cards or dice
14 A herd of goats is tended by a commoner. Follows group asking for tales
A good cloud giant is trying to buy good quality animals with gold. But
15
locals are all too scared of them to trade
16 A gargoyle is obsessed with carving maps of the local area into stone
A distinctive and spirited riding horse (or mammoth) has escaped from
17
a nearby estate. A reward has been promised for its safe return.
A local ranger (stats of a bandit captain) mounted on a giant boar is
18
patrolling for any signs of trouble. Stops to chat with the group.
A dao is serving penance for a sin by spending 101 years on the mortal
19
world helping farmers grow crops and tend to beasts
20 A noble is desperate for news and invites the group to their estate

2
Road & Travel Non-Combat Encounters
Travel Non-Combat Encounters
These could be encountered nearly anywhere outdoors
1d20
1 An aarakocra is drawing a map of the area. Lands to add to the map
A pacifistic oni (dimenson door replaces cone of cold) appearing as a
2
half-orc sells potions, trinkets and toolkits to remote locations
3 An invisible stalker has a letter for one of the group. Can wait for reply
A constantly singing wererat has been outcast from their pack. They can
4
only return when they know more songs and can actually sing well.
5 A traveling djinni seeks unusual sights and tales. Asks advice of group
A few cultists (or druids) enjoy an impressive view. They belong to a
6
strange cult that believes in self-improvement by experiencing nature
7 A knight is on a pilgrimage to a remote shrine. They ride a dire wolf
A manticore is heading to a local creature's lair to look after it for a
8
month. Asks group about the surrounding area and possible dangers
A pair of doppelgangers appear as locals and try to sell nearby ruins or a
9
landmark to the group. Possess forged deeds in Common or Dwarven.
10 A harpy and a hobgoblin captain are in love and going for a romantic trip
An awakened elk (or axebeak) migrating with others of its kind. Stops
11
for a chance of company and conversation in Common (or Elven)

Road & Trail Non-Combat Creatures 12

A mage (magic circle replaces cone of cold) and guards working out
location. Arrived at a magic circle in nearby ruins. It's the wrong place.
1d20
13 A kenku is seeking a likely place to test artificial wings to let if fly
A few hobgoblin mercenaries are having a celebratory feast. Invite party
1 14 A half-red dragon veteran (or other dragon type) is visiting nearby family
to join them before they look for next work.
Two married frost giants are pulling a sled loaded with wood. Having a
A patrol of a few scouts (or veterans) are led by a mage (or young brass 15
2 loud argument about which direction to go in. Ask others to mediate.
dragon). They are relaxed and dismiss any worries of trouble
A bard (use spy stats with Perform +5) is drawing the scenery. They are
Several bandits led by a bandit captain are asking about an armored 16
3 very interested in the group and offer to compose a song about them.
wagon they are planning to rob. They are worried they've missed it.
An optimistic bandit (or veteran) has hunted down group to offer their
4 A thri-kreen with a camel is lost and holding a crude map upside down 17
services as a torchbearer, guard, cook or other hireling
Several vultures feast on a messenger's body. They died falling off their
5 The ghost of a priest walks the same long journeys as when it was alive.
mount. A note in elven with a map is among the messages. 18
Happy to talk of a religion long dead and past events and tales
6 A centaur is stopping travelers to make crude wood carvings of them. 19 A kindly priest and a few acolytes roam the land helping those in need
Several acolytes, tribal warriors and guards are making a pilgrimage into 20 Several tribal warriors are running, training for a long endurance event
7
the wilds. they don't seem prepared for a dangerous journey
A strange armored wagon is pulled by 1 triceratops (or hydra) and driven
8
by two lizardfolk (or yuan-ti) . It is carrying weapons for their clan.
9 A unarmed wight is a historian researching local tales. Runs if in danger.
10 A dryad seeks allies to fight a great evil. Offers magical beans as reward
A raven is intently studying monster tracks on the trail. They are the
11
familiar of a nearby green hag (or guardian naga)
1 exhausted tribal warrior is carrying a message requesting aid. Their
12
mount collapses as it passes the party.
13 A pair of satyrs have a bet on which is funnier. Ask travelers to judge
The wagon of a commoner merchant is guarded by an acolyte, a guard
14
and a spy. Ask group if they are real adventurers and beg for stories
15 Several kenku are begging for food, scraps or work from the roadside.
A knight is traveling with several commoner squires and servants. They
16
ask the group of any local threats that a brave warrior might vanquish
17 Six heavily laden elephants are protected by a talkative stone giant trader
18 A scout and a berserker are just married and ask for local sites to visit
Several skeletons are repairing the road commanded by a priest. They do
19
not fight and the priest will flee if attacked
An nycaloth asks if they need protecting. They have be set to keep this
20
section of road safe by a greater power.

3
 Wilds & Ruins Non-Combat Encounters
Wilderness Non-Combat Creatures
1d20
A saddled hippogriff has a broken wing. Eaten corpse of its rider but still
1
hungry. Protecting a pack but bonds with anyone that offers food
Several commoners, acolytes and tribal warriors are heading to a
2
secluded spot to dance, smoke herbs and have fun. Invite group along.
3 A clay golem is collecting lots of one type of plant to take to it's owner
4 A few elven scouts are building a treehouse. Grateful for any help
5 A giant goat has a nose ring and brand of a giant. Curious about group
Several lizardfolk ask group to act as witnesses for a wedding. Between
6
a lizardfolk shaman and a satyr. Welcome them to join in the feasting
A few orcs (perform +2, no greataxes) are practicing musical
7
instruments away from others. Will try to play songs for the characters
An injured raven is caught in a snare. It is carrying a written message in
8
Elven to a nearby sage
Several kenku and kobolds are engaged in a climbing contest, with the
9
prize of some trinket. Others are welcome to join or watch
10 Two wights try communing with nature. It was last command they had.
A very serious pixie lectures travelers on the proper ways to respect the
11
wilds. Highlights fire risks, potential pollution and imbalances in nature
Ruins Non-Combat Creatures
A scholarly noble with a riding horse is collecting insects and plants a
12 1d20
book they are writing.
1 A few acolytes led by a pious knight are performing a religious rite
13 Several vultures follow group, stealing scraps and scavenging from them
Several deep gnomes are singing songs around a campfire. They come
A few goblins are planting trees, collecting discarded objects and 2
14 to the surface once a decade to see the stars.
tending a garden. Their clan has been taken over by a powerful druid
An ettin guards part of the ruins but heads argue over where and the
An out of place yeti speaks excellent Common and offers to guide them 3
ettin always moves around. Asks characters where it should guard
15 around the area. Claims to live in area under protection of a local
dragon A few mirthful kobolds watch over an array of traps. Designed to make
4
mess (paint, oil, insects, etc) rather than harm. Part of a rite of passage.
16 A few blink dog pups worry at an adult's corpse. Unusual arrows slew it
An androsphinx guards a planar portal. It offers the party a boon if they
Ruloth's Enterprise are two guards and Ruloth, a cultist. They've been 5
17 can find people worthy of taking its tests and quests
lost for two days looking for a tavern where prospective adventurers go.
A pair of industrious ogres are restoring some of the ruins and have a
A pack of baboons (or twig blights) follow the group, offering them 6
18 good supply of wood, stone, tools and other building supplies
flowers, pretty rocks and other trinkets.
A talking crab claims to be a powerful sorcerer cursed by a local hag. It
19 An ogre wants to become a druid and searches for one to learn from 7
has a fly speed of 30 feet.
A young silver dragon is looking for an entrance to the Feywild nearby.
20 A ghast is obsessed with lore of the ruins and is investigating with a
Old songs and tales say it is in the area. 8
magnifying glass. Usually kills snakes for food.
9 An orphaned silver dragon wyrmling is looking for a place to call home
A renegade mind flayer arcanist is curious about wizardry on the surface
10
world and is keen to find a place they can study and experiment.
A mummy is desperate to retrieve stolen item it was protecting. Speaks
11
Common, offering ancient lore in exchange for scouting nearby villages
An adult blue dragon (or copper dragon) is curious about an entrance it
12
is too large for. Wants the party to scout beyond the entrance for it.
A doppelganger pretends to be a powerful druid and gives dire
13
warnings. Actually keeps watch on ruins for another local group.
14 A sad-looking brown bear is dying of a disease caught from in the ruins
15 Spirits celebrate an annual festival. A ghost offers a tour of the ruins
16 A duergar is making map of ruins. Avoids fights and tries finishing map
17 A patrol of tribal warriors led by a half-ogre are having a meal break here
The Foolish Five are guarding campsite of more powerful adventurers.
18
They are a guard, 2 thugs, a lizardfolk shaman and githzerai monk.
Two yuan-ti malisons are here for few days of prayer and mediation and
19
are not looking for trouble. They try to escape as snakes if threatened
A axe beak (or rhinoceros) with a saddle and barding has lost its rider. It
20
is used to company and seeks someone to look after it

4
Non-Combat Creature Encounters
Non-Combat Creatures (Level 5-10)
1d20
1 2 cyclops are herding a huge herd of goats following a vision westwards
1 bulette has been enchanted with the mind of a cat. It adopts one of
2
the party, asking for food, treats and someone to play with.
1 scared green slaad in dwarf form seeks news of events, especially
3
magical ones. It almost has knowledge to become a gray slaad
1d2 xorns have located a cache of gems in a nearby pool. They are
4
scared of the water and try to get the party to retrieve gems for them
1 sobbing mage is with an owlbear companion which is trying to
5
console them over a recent break-up
1 young bronze dragon is curious about local area and has taken a vow
6
of pacifism for a year. Asks party lots of questions about surroundings.
A marid has seen one of the party in a dream and gives them an invite
7
to a party somewhere exotic
A clever cloaker trades in magical scrolls and cloaks and keeps a stone
8
golem as protection.
1 questing fire giant claims to be a champion of good and is searching
9
Non-Combat Encounters using monsters of the appropriate for a hidden shrine to a minor god
Challenge Rating 10
1d3+1 werebears who serve a powerful druid are searching for a rare
herb. They know its name but can't remember anything else about it.
Non-Combat Creatures (Level 1-4) 11 1 night hag gives a bag of holding full of copper coins to a character.
1d20 2d6 priests are looking for a suitable place to start a community
12
1 2 half-ogres carry a heavy coffin to a nearby site. Unaware of contents promoting love, peace and prosperity.
2 1 curious nothic has been attracted here by magical energies nearby 2 shield golems who are linked to each other are trying to make sense
13
of the world and their place in it.
1 noble with 1d2 commoner servants is on a quest. They have a veteran
3 1 horned devil has spent centuries in the world without trouble. It has
family retainer who deals with any dangers or difficulties. 14
collected 99 masks and needs 2 more. It needs help getting them
2 rogue tridrones have recently fled Mechanus and are trying to make
4 1 air elemental that is trying to return home via a planar portal high up.
sense of the strange plane they now find themselves on 15
It can only be opened by a humanoid and tries to get party to help.
1d4+1 giant centipedes feeding on the corpse of a githzerai traveller.
5 The Flying Fish are adventurers on an elephant. 1d3 knights, 1 druid and
They flee if disturbed and lurk to finish their meal 16
1 scout. They are looking for a new quest after screwing up the last one
1 orc warchief who has renounced a life of violence and only wants to
6 1 unusual aboleth desires only to live peacefully among a humanoid
talk about the peaceful god they now worship 17
society. It still searches for a way to do this
7 1 mercenary priest needs funds to build a temple is seeking work
1 drow mage is the last remaining adventurer of a group from the
1 kuo-toa monitor (whip variant), a renegade trying to find a monastery 18
8 Underdark. Now seeks to make a new life on the surface.
or other society they can find others searching for enlightenment
2 progressive trolls are trying to find work as mercenaries or guards.
9 1 scarred druid who protects a family of nearby owlbears with young 19
Can speak a some Common (Intelligence 8) and wield axes.
1d4+1 blink dogs are here to join a festival at a nearby portal to the
10 1 humorless assassin asks the party to kill them to fulfill a contract.
Feywild. They will try to invite one of the party along. 20
They also ask them to carry out their will and contact their family
1d4+2 cultists whose leader was killed by nearby monsters while
11
performing a ritual. Now trying to find allies to help finish ritual.
1 mischievous will-o'-wisp haunts the nearby area. It plays tricks on
12
travelers and flees if attacked before returning later.
The Company of the Burning Wagon is down to two members. A
13
berserker and a spy. They have a map and are lost, hungry and arguing.
14 1 tired scout is writing poetry but can't quite find the right words
An intellect devourer inhabits the body of a famous singer or bard. They
15
are trying to use it to infiltrate high society and try to join the party
16 1 awakened giant rat helps party but may steal shiny items for its hoard
1 injured giant vulture has an arrow stuck in it that it can't reach. It tries
17
to ask for aid in removing the arrow.
1 githzerai monk who is looking for a companion who was last seen
18
nearby. Has a book with a few phrases in Common
1 outcast salamander is trying to set up as a weapons merchant and has
19
a few swords. Interested in weapons, scrap metal and tools.
2d4 skeletons are picking herbs and flowers and putting in a handcart. If
20
disturbed they continue with their task as well as they can.

5
 Level 11+ and Underground Encounters
Non-Combat Creatures (Level 11+)
1d20
1 1 erinyes lost a bet and has to get a soul without violence. Flees combat
2 1 efreet is looking to settle as a smith somewhere with a peaceful life.
1 adult brass dragon is having a decade alone away from others.
3
Currently it is enjoying a swim.
2d4+2 stone giants are split into two teams playing some kind of game
4
with a glowing rock. Ask the party to judge who wins
5 1 iron golem with a large spade. Last order given was to dig trenches
6 2 death slaads are looking for more players in a weird game of chance
7 1 planetar pledged to guard a shrine until relieved. It's been 200+ years.
8 1 archmage performing an experiment. Needs somewhere to rest.
1 death knight who is performing 10 good deeds seeking redemption.
9
They are at task number nine and seek aid to complete it.
The Brass Circle are adventurers about to retire and build the legendary
10
tavern they've planned for years. 1 gladiator, 1 assassin and 1d2 mages
11 1d2 storm giants like to greet and make welcome local travelers
12 A coven of hags are giving visions of likely futures to notable creatures
13 1 adult blue dragon is following a geas to be kind and help others
1 despairing behir is hiding in a cave and needs help. A dragon stole its
14
lair and something it swallowed means it can't breathe lightning.
2d4+2 ghosts of ancient soldiers patrol a daily path, joking in Elven or
15
Dwarven. They can provide aid or protection or guide to nearby ruins .
16 1 arcanaloth is trading information about local area for mercenary work.
17 1 vampire is cursed to count coins. Struggling with pile of copper ones.
18 1d3+1 cloud giants want to ask character's advice on hiring adventurers

19
1 death tyrant believes the characters are part of a dream. Ignores
attacks and gives cryptic prophecies and sayings in Undercoommon
20 1d3+1 feuding treants trade lengthy insults from the side of a grove.
Underground Non-Combat Creatures
1d20
1 A few dwarf veterans are looking at mining opportunities in the area
An unusual psychic gray ooze (int 8, telepathy 60 ft) tries to engage
2
someone in a riddle or joke contest. It only has really bad ones.
A fomorian is obsessed with making beautiful things and is carving
3
stone into mesmerizing patterns. They accept any offered help.
A giant fire beetle is a familiar for a creature caught in a cave-in nearby. It
4
tries to get help for them.
5 A salamander requests help to find a Shadowfell crossing. It has a map
Several myconid adults and a myconid sovereign are experimenting with
6
fungal ale. Looking for some humanoids to help test their effects.
7 Several deep gnomes are picking fungi in preparation for a celebration
8 An inquisitive giant weasel wears a gnomish collar. Does tricks for food
A renegade drow elite warrior is playing a game with a giant toad, their
9
only friend. They are keen to ask about life on the surface.
10 A quaggoth thonot is performing a drum ritual to placate the rock spirits
11 Several giant lizards with bulging packs graze fungi. No sign of owners
12 A drider has several useful items to trade and a few options for escaping
13 A few flumphs sense strong psychic energy nearby. Looking for source
14 A stone giant keeps to area lit by bright fungi. They are afraid of the dark
15 A hungover bandit captain woke nearby, unsure how they got here
16 Several tribal warriors are escaped slaves, foraging for edible fungi
17 A few half-ogres are playing with giant bats they train and breed
18 A druid is keen to show off the insect cave ecosystem they've created
A xorn is working for the creator of a nearby maze or labyrinth, trying to
19
lure creatures in to test it out. It can easily be bribed with gems.
An old one-eyed umber hulk speaks Undercommon. Prefers building
20
work to killing people, currently digging tunnels for a local settlement

6

More Encounters
Inspired by random tables in the 2E and 5E
DMGs and tables from many classic D&D
Modules.
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