D&D Random Encounters for 5E - Road

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.
A highway connecting two prominent cities, an ancient trail through sylvan woods or a road built by dwarves and now used by local tribes. Meet desperate brigands, friendly pilgrims, hungry mercenaries and locals herding goats

tools for - dnd5e encounters road

level: party size: terrain: sources: type:

combatbandit

A band of bandits

3 Bandits
2 Kenku (Monster Manual p.194)
1 Spy

At a river (the area has a programmed illusion involving hippogriffs)
They are curious about the road and travelers
In a fight they avoid anyone with religious icons
Possibly... during the fight friendly reinforcements arrive
Difficulty... 750 Deadly

combattemple

1 Priest named Orexijandilin Nadarr (male dragonborn)

At a few precarious ladders leading up a slippery cliff (someone has left a belt pouch full of silver coins)
They are investigating a body killed by a vehicle
In a fight they used ranged attacks and maintain their distance if possible
Possibly... they have an invitation to an upcoming masked ball with up to six guests
Difficulty... 450 Deadly

combatgoblin

A group of goblins

4 Goblins
5 Rats

At a shrine to a forgotten power near a patch of spiky moss (there is a bush of orange berries)
They are partway through a journey
In a fight they run away if things start going badly
Possibly... they have a Weapon of Warning - lance
Difficulty... 500 Deadly

combattemple

A group of the same faith

1 Priest named Chathi Anskuld (human)
1 Acolyte

At a smouldering fire near an abandoned portal (close by is a slope of sedge)
They are on patrol
In a fight they use ranged attacks and try to keep in cover
Possibly... during the fight the weather changes for the better
Difficulty... 750.0 Deadly

combatbear

1 Black Bear

At a line of ancient stepping stones over a polluted river and a half-built shrine to a power of wealth (it is drizzly)
They are a shapechanger
In a fight they attack anyone who looks like a source of food
Possibly... during the fight a messenger on a mount tries to around or through the combat
Difficulty... 100 Easy