Lush terrain/forest

Lush plains or forest, the scent of fresh air with a hint of grass and leaves is abundant here. The party is traversing, exploring this terrain.

The location’s inhabitants

Wild animals and creatures that form tribes can be found here. They are either out grazing, hunting or simply wandering around. Entering their territory uninvited may provoke them to attack, otherwise they’ll flee or investigate players that seem non-threatening.

  • Common: Hobgoblins, Orcs, Dire Wolves, Gnolls, Bugbears, Kobolds, Ogres, Spiders, Forest animals
  • Uncommon: Blink Dog, Hippogriff, Grick, Hags, Owlbear, Ankheg, Displacer Beast, Ettin
  • Dangerous: Revenant, Shambling Mound, Troll, Werebear

The Location’s possible encounters

Lush forest/terrain are often traversable with some challenges depending on the local flora.

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.

ObstacleSkill check
Overgrown floraDC 12 Strength Check
Steep terrainDC 10 Dexterity Check
Muddy groundDC 10 Strength Check

E2. Common Encounter

Animals and creatures forming tribes inhabit the lush abundant land.

Roll a 1d8 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 CreatureNumber of creatures
1. Hobgoblins2d4 (2–8)
2. Orcs2d4 (2–8)
3. Dire wolves1d4+1 (2–5)
4. Gnolls2d4 (2–8)
5. Bugbears1d4+1 (2–5)
6. Kobolds2d6+2 (4–14)
7. Ogres1d3 (1–3)
8. Spiders1d4+1 (2–5)

E3. Uncommon Encounter

Smaller creatures have learned to avoid the territory of these creatures. They pose a bigger challenge.

Roll a 1d8 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 creatureNumber of creatures
1. Blink dog1d4+1 (2–5)
2. Hippogriff1d3 (1–3)
3. Grick1d2 (1–2)
4. Hags1 (solo) or 3 (coven)
5. Owlbear1
6. Ankheg1d2 (1–2)
7. Displacer Beast1d2 (1–2)
8. Ettin1

E4. Dangerous Encounter

These creatures are actively avoided by the rest of the forest. These are creatures on top of the chain or simply rare and dangerous.

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 creatureNumber of Creatures
1. Revenant1
2. Shambling Mound1
3. Troll1
4. Werebear1

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.