D&D Random Encounters for 5E - Desert

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

tools for - dnd5e encounters desert

level: party size: terrain: sources: type:

combat

2 Thri-kreen (Monster Manual p.288)

At a steep mesa (which is associated with a powerful medusa)
They are playing in sand
In a fight they surrender if things go badly
Possibly... they have a Deck of Illusions
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combat

2 Giant Vultures

At a patch of moss near a collapsed sinkhole (near a ruined watchtower with a signal fire)
They are digging a pit
In a fight they attack whoever is causing them the most pain
Possibly... they have 1d3 flasks of alchemist's fire
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combatsnake

A nest (group) of snakes

4 Flying Snakes
1 Constrictor Snake

At a narrow trail (there is a hidden cache with a large piece of camel leather with plans and details for a pyramid tomb. Covered with sigils of a death god (500 gp))
They are looking at a wanted poster
In a fight they attempt to use the terrain to attack with stealth
Possibly... they have a Periapt of Health
Difficulty... 300 Hard

combat

2 Half-Ogres (Monster Manual p.238)

At a bright oasis and a rocky tidal pool with many crabs (nearby is a crumbling obelisk)
They are intoxicated
In a fight they focus on the foes with least armor
Possibly... they have an Eversmoking Bottle
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly

combat

2 Thri-kreen (Monster Manual p.288) led by one named Tedosa the Betrayer

At a patch of dead desert flowers near a pile of dirt (a tornado is approaching)
They are stealing a wagon
In a fight they attempt hit and run tactics
Difficulty... 600.0 Deadly