D&D Random Encounters - 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.

dnd5e encounters desert

level: terrain: sources: type:

combat

7 Mastiffs

At an ancient large statue (the area is touched by fire magic)
They are digging tunnels
In a fight they retreat when half their number have fallen
Possibly... they have a Brooch of Shielding
Difficulty... 437.5 Deadly

combatundead

2 Skeletons

At a decaying cacti surrounded by white sand (near an unstable mine entrance)
They are searching for water
In a fight they use ranged attacks on the nearest foe
Possibly... they have a large piece of camel leather with plans and details for a pyramid tomb. Covered with sigils of a death god (500 gp)
Difficulty... 150.0 Easy

combat

1 Giant Scorpion

At a formation of shifting dunes (which is associated with a powerful thri-kreen)
They are angry about something
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... they have 1d3 flasks of alchemist's fire
Difficulty... 700 Deadly

combat

1 Swarm of Insects

At a field of complex dunes (which is disguised by a hallucinatory terrain)
They are marked by a death diety
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... they have a gold nugget (200 gp)
Difficulty... 100 Easy

combattemple

A group of the same faith

1 Acolyte
1 Priest

At a hardy palm tree near a shallow pool (it is sunny)
They are searching for water
In a fight they work together to focus on foes with ranged weapons
Possibly... during the fight a fire starts
Difficulty... 750.0 Deadly