Cave terrain
The first layer of the Underdark — narrow tunnels and low-ceilinged chambers just beneath the surface world, lit only by whatever light the party carries. The party is traversing, exploring this terrain.
The location’s inhabitants
Small scavengers and burrowing creatures nest here, drawn to the dark and the quiet. Entering their territory uninvited may provoke them to attack, otherwise they’ll flee or investigate players that seem non-threatening.
- Common: Small Spiders, Bats, Giant Rats, Kobolds
- Uncommon: Basilisks, Myoconids (isolated stragglers)
- Dangerous: Gray Ooze, Carrion Crawler, Darkmantle, Cave Fisher
The Location’s possible encounters
The caves are often traversable, though tight passages and unstable rock 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 |
|---|---|
| Narrow squeeze | DC 12 Dexterity Check |
| Loose rubble | DC 10 Strength Check |
| Total darkness | DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) Check |
E2. Common Encounter
Small scavengers and burrowers inhabit this stretch of tunnel.
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
| Common Creature | Number of creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Small Spiders | 2d6 (2–12) |
| 2. Bats | 2d6 (2–12) |
| 3. Giant Rats | 2d6+2 (4–14) |
| 4. Kobolds | 2d6+2 (4–14) |
E3. Uncommon Encounter
Stranger, stonier things linger deeper in the caves. They pose a bigger challenge.
Roll a 1d2 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. Basilisk | 1d2 (1–2) |
| 2. Myoconid (isolated straggler) | 1d4 (1–4) |
E4. Dangerous Encounter
Predators that ambush from the walls, ceiling, or shadows of the tunnels — quick, lethal, and easy to miss until it’s too late.
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. Gray Ooze | 1 |
| 2. Carrion Crawler | 1 |
| 3. Darkmantle | 1 |
| 4. Cave Fisher | 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.