Coastal terrain
Wet sand, tidal pools, and the salt-heavy air of the shoreline surround the party here. Whether following a beach, a river delta, or a rocky coastline, the sound of waves is a constant companion as the party traverses this terrain.
The location’s inhabitants
Creatures drawn to the water’s edge can be found here, some lurking just beneath the surface, others patrolling the shallows or nesting among the rocks. Entering their territory uninvited may provoke them to attack, otherwise they’ll flee or investigate players that seem non-threatening.
- Common: Kobolds, Spiders, Sea Spawn, Sea Hag, Harpy, Giant Toad
- Uncommon: Merrow, Manticore, Tortle Druid, Sahuagin
- Dangerous: Giant Crocodile, Water Elemental, Cyclops Sentry, Hydra
The Location’s possible encounters
Coastal terrain is often traversable, though tides and waterlogged ground can slow the party down.
Roll a 1d4 to determine which encounter that follows:
- 1 - E1
- 2 - E2
- 3 - E3
- 4 - E4
E1. Difficult Terrain
Difficult terrain hinders the party, one may traverse it by overcoming a skill check. Simply going around is also an option by spending more time.
| Obstacle | Skill check |
|---|---|
| Waterlogged sand | DC 10 Strength Check |
| Slippery rocks | DC 12 Dexterity Check |
| Rising tide | DC 10 Dexterity Check |
E2. Common Encounter
Creatures that thrive along the shoreline inhabit this stretch of coast.
Roll a 1d6 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Common Creature | Number of creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Kobolds | 2d6+2 (4–14) |
| 2. Spiders | 1d4+1 (2–5) |
| 3. Sea Spawn | 2d4 (2–8) |
| 4. Sea Hag | 1 (solo) or 3 (coven) |
| 5. Harpy | 1d4+1 (2-5) |
| 6. Giant Toad | 1d6+1 (2-7) |
E3. Uncommon Encounter
Creatures better suited to deeper water or fiercer temperament are found further out or lying in ambush near the shore. They pose a bigger challenge.
Roll a 1d4 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Uncommon creature | Number of creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Merrow | 1d4+1 (2–5) |
| 2. Manticore | 1 |
| 3. Tortle Druid | 1 |
| 4. Sahuagin | 2d4 (2–8) |
E4. Dangerous Encounter
These creatures rule the waters and shoreline, avoided by all but the boldest or most desperate.
Roll a 1d4 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Dangerous creature | Number of Creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Giant Crocodile | 1 |
| 2. Water Elemental | 1 |
| 3. Cyclops Sentry | 1 |
| 4. Hydra | 1 |
Aftermath
The party may loot the creature’s belongings if they have any. Parts of the creatures may be claimed as a trophy or collected as material for artisans.
After overcoming the encounter the party may continue on deciding their next move.