D&D Random Encounters for 5E - Desert

Encounters might be a meeting with a patrol of guards at an old shrine or a familiar looking for aid. It might be an ambush in the wilderness, a stand-off in the city or a monster in the Underdark.
The desert conjures images of sun-blasted wastes, stark canyons and sandy ridges. Encounters may take place at a well-guarded oasis, a lonely mesa, among half buried ruins or in the bed of a dried up river.

tools for - dnd5e encounters desert

level: party size: terrain: sources: type:

combatbandit

A band of bandits

5 Bandits
1 Kenku (Monster Manual p.194)

At a group of spiky cacti and a shallow pond with many frogs (close by is a patch of dying tumbleweed)
They are stealing domesticated beasts
In a fight they use ranged attacks and try to keep in cover
Possibly... they have 1d3 flasks of alchemist's fire
Difficulty... 350 Hard

combat

1 Scout

At a hidden sinkhole near a shallow stream (there is an overturned wagon)
They are resting
In a fight they attempt hit and run tactics
Possibly... they have a Potion of Fire Resistance
Difficulty... 100 Easy

combatsnake

A nest (group) of snakes

3 Constrictor Snakes
1 Giant Poisonous Snake

At a crumbling citadel and a patch of thorny golden flowers (there is a sand sculpture)
They are searching for water
In a fight they avoid the foe that stands out most
Difficulty... 400 Deadly

combat

1 Lion

At an area of cacti (there is a pile of debris)
They are digging tunnels
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... during the fight enemy reinforcements arrive
Difficulty... 200 Medium

combat

1 Giant Scorpion

At a stone hut and an ancient obelisk (a few pieces of wood are scattered around)
They are dehydrated
In a fight they run and hide if things go badly
Possibly... during the fight a third group of combatants join in
Difficulty... 700 Deadly