Mountain Encounters - Random Tables

Credits
Writing and Layout. Duncan Thomson
Related PDFs and Titles
Cover Art. Photo by Neil Rosenstech on Unsplash
Interior Art. includes William McAusland, Bob Greyvenstein
and Donnie Maynard Christianson

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Table of Contents

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Using Mountain Encounters ........................................................ 3
Mountain Encounter Tables ......................................................... 4
Location Tables ............................................................................... 5
Beasts and Humanoids ................................................................. 7
Non-Combat Encounters .............................................................. 8
Objects and Treasures ................................................................... 9
Activities and Complications ..................................................... 10
Other Encounter Tables .............................................................. 11

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 Using Mountain Encounters
Mountain are the heights of the world, staring down on the Ways to Use Random Encounters
lands below. I've tried to support themes of stone and lakes, Random encounters are a versatile tool that can surprise a
endurance and cold. group with the direction it takes the game. Use them for...
Find a Mountain Encounters Generator at ChaosGen Changing the Pace
Dice to Use Encounters can be used when things need to slow down or
speed up. A stranger approaches a distracted party (or
The default dice for the tables are 1d8+1d12. With two dice players). An ambush when they are spoiling for a fight, a

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some results have a higher chance to occur. The most friendly encounter if they are in safer lands.
common results at 9-13, with values below and above this
occurring less often. The least likely to occur are 2 and 20. Something Unexpected
Or using 1d20 gives more chance of dangerous and unusual Your players have done the unexpected, you need time to
encounters. Options for rolling a 1 include re-rolling, treat as recover and process what's happened. Call a 5-minute break

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n 11, combine two more rolls or simply choose a result. and roll (or choose) from the tables. Use what you like to
2d10 (2-20) has the same range as d8+d12. It only uses a provide enough for an encounter or get you to session's end.
single die type and changes the most common result to an 11. A Taste of the Surroundings
Using 3d6 (3-18) or 2d6+4 (6-16) reduces the more In new terrain or an unusual area showcase things specific to
dangerous and unusual encounters and results. the area. Hydras in swamps, crabs on the coast, avalanches
Smaller (d4+d6) Tables in mountains. Hostile encounters where foes are expected,
non-combat encounters where they are not.
The smaller tables use 1d4+1d6 with a range of 2-10. The
most common results are 5-7. Alternate dice include 1d10 Nothing Prepared
(with option of treating a 1 as a 6) or 2d4+1 (2-9)
About Encounter Tables e
There are a few options beyond just rolling up an encounter.
You need something to fill a game session or. For some
groups a simple combat (or non-combat) encounter can keep
a group occupied if you have nothing else to go on.
Modifying Encounters:
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Pick the result that is most interesting or makes sense.
Plan for adventures by looking at monster groupings. The extra tables can be used to customize encounters.
Combine the results of two tables. Use Location tables to add variety. Details supplement
Roll several encounters in advance and use as needed. your own descriptions. Use Combat Terrain for aggressive
Use them as a base to make your own encounter tables. foes and to give bold PCs something to work with.
Types of Encounter The Complications table suggests ways of tying an
encounter to the terrain and integrating other tables.
Encounters can go beyond combat. Use them to introduce... NPCs can be prisoners, allies, guides, or simply nearby.
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local creatures, NPCs or factions An Enc. Activity gives purpose to a creature encounter
a source of information or someone to call on for help Items can be littered around the battlefield, given to
an encounter tied to a character, villain or subquest intelligent foes or used as treasure.
news about world events or local politics Use humanoids as mercenaries, guards or travelers
foreshadowing of future story or major events. At night encounters change. Use NPCs or Humanoids for
intelligent foes and people in need. Adapt non-combat
Encounter Frequency encounters and use nocturnal foes like orcs or goblinoids.
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Some groups use encounters simply when traveling. Others Higher and Lower Level Parties.
use a system varying on terrain, danger level and time of day.
The tables are created for a range of levels, but some results
A quick method is 1d20 with an encounter on 16+. Roll once are very deadly for lower level parties. Or not a challenge for
a day, when terrain changes or more often in areas of danger. some higher level parties, which isn't always a problem.
Simple Travel Encounters Table For parties low in a tier (such as levels 4-6 of tier 2, which
A simple option for travel is roll 1d20, +1 per day of travel. If is levels 5-10) try the minimum number of creatures. Or the
the d20 shows an 11, there is an ambush or night encounter. maximum for parties on the higher end of a tier.
Similar advice applies for parties with more or less
1d20 + days of travel Encounters
characters that the average, or who are more powerful due to
magical items or character optimization.
1-10 No encounters
Make encounters easier by adding allies or using
11-20 1 encounter
advantageous terrain. Monsters could be hindered with lower
21-30 2 encounters morale, injuries or distractions.
31+ 3 encounters

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 Mountain Encounter Tables
VGtM = Volo's Guide to Monsters.
MToF = Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Mountain Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d8+d12
2 1d2 red dragon wyrmlings or 1d3 chokers (MToF)
3 1d saber-toothed tigers or 1d4+1 firenewts (VGtM)

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4 2d4 winged kobolds or roll on Kobold Encounters
5 1d4 giant eagles or 1d3 aurochs (VGtM)
1 druid with 3d4 goats or 1 adult kruthik (MToF) with 1d8+2 young
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kruthiks (MToF)
7 1d6+1 orcs led by an orog or roll on Orc Encounters lvl 1-4

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8 3d4+4 kobolds or roll on Kobold Encounters
9 3d6 guards led by a veteran or roll on Dwarf & Duergar Encounters
10 1d3 griffons or 2d4 aarakocra
11 2d4 giant goats or roll on Mountain Beasts
12 3d6 tribal warriors or 2d4 hippogriffs
13 1d3 ogres or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 1-4
14 1d6 scouts or Roll on Humanoid Encounters
15 1d4+1 swarms of bats or 1d3 bronze scouts (MToF)
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17
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1d2 lions or 1d4 stone cursed (MToF)

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2d6 tribal warriors led by 1d4 berserkers; or 2d4+2 derro (MToF)
1 ettin or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 1-4
1d2 perytons or 2d4+2 star spawn grues (MToF)
Mountain Encounters (Levels 11+)
d8+d12
2 2 young silver dragons or 1 star spawn larva mage (MToF)
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20 1d4+1 pteranodons or 1 barghest (VGtM) 3 1 adult silver dragon or 1 storm giant quintessent (VGtM)
3d4 berserkers mounted on giant eagles or 2d6 duergar hammerers
Mountain Encounters (Levels 5-10) 4
(MToF) led by 1 duergar despot (MToF)
d8+d12 5 1 roc or 1d2 eidolons (MToF)
2 1 young red dragon or 1 balhannoth (MToF) 2d6+12 orcs with 1d3+1 orc eyes of Gruumsh led by 1 orc war chief
6
3 2d6 giant eagles or 1 annis hag (VGtM) with 2d4 ogres mounted on a wyvern; or 1 balhannoth (MToF)

4 1 bulette or 2d4 vampiric mists (MToF) 2d4 air elementals or 2d6 duergar stone guards (MToF) with 1d6+1
7
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duergar screamers (MToF) led by 1 duergar warlord (MToF)

5 1 chimera or 2d4 firenewts (VGtM) on giant striders (VGtM)
8 3d6 galeb duhr or a coven of 3 annis hags (VGtM) with 1d4 trolls
1d3 trolls served by 1d3+1 ogres; or 1 annis hag (VGtM) with 1d3
6 1d3+1 stone giants herding 3d6 giant goats or 1d4 stone giants led
trolls 9
by 1 stone giant dreamwalker (VGtM)
1d3 air elementals or 1 warlock of the great old one (VGtM) with 1d2
7 1d6+1 fire giants with 2d6 hell hounds or 1 archdruid (VGtM) with...
cult fanatics and 3d6 cultists 10
(roll on Beast Encounters)
8 1 cyclops or 1 annis hag (VGtM)
Roll on Mountain Levels 5-10 table or roll on Giant High-level
3d6 orcs and 1d3 ogres led by 1 orc war chief or roll on Orc Mid- 11
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9 Encounters
level Encounters
12 2d6 veterans with 2d6 scouts or 1 dire troll (MToF)
10 2d4 berserkers or 1 stone giant dreamwalker (VGtM)
1d3 frost giants leading 6d6 orcs or 4d6 ogrillons (half-ogres) led by
11 Roll on Mountain Levels 1-4 table or 3d6 aurochs (VGtM) 13
1 orc blade of ilneval (VGtM) with 1d3 tanarukks (VGtM)
12 1d3 stone giants or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 5-10
14 1d2 cloud giants escorted by 1d6+2 frost giants or 1 ki-rin (VGtM)
13 1d2 wyverns or 1 cloud giant smiling one (VGtM)
15 1d3+2 wyverns or 1 phoenix (MToF)
14 2d6 ogres or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 5-10
16 2d6 frost giants or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 5-10
15 1d4 fire giants or 1 githzerai enlightened (MToF)
1 adult red dragon or 1 githyanki kith'rak (MToF) with 2d4+1 githyanki
2d6 hell hounds or 2d6 duergar and 1 duergar xarrorn (MToF) led by 17
16 warriors
1 duergar warlord (MToF)
1d4+1 cloud giants or 1 star spawn seer (MToF) with 1d2 star spawn
2d4 galeb duhr or 1d4 oaken bolters (MToF) guarded by 1 stone 18
17 hulks (MToF) and 4d6 cultists
defender (MToF)
2 young red dragons or 1 githyanki supreme commander (MToF)
18 1d2 cloud giants or 1 githyanki gish (MToF) 19
mounted on a young red dragon
19 2d4 perytons with 1 wyvern or 1d2 of the lonely (MToF) 20 1 djinni and 1d3 air elementals or 1 red abishai (MToF)
20 1 roc or 1d2 of the lost (MToF)

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 Location Tables Mountain Semi-Civilized Locations
In italics are optional extra details.
Use Wilderness, Semi-Civilized or Unusual table for an
encounter location. d8+d12

The Mountain Location Detail and Mountain Combat Terrain 2

A foreboding temple of a power of vengeance (by a giant bird

can be used to customize the location. statue)

3 A a part-buried statue in an unstable chasm (there is a rope bridge)
4 A dying vegetable garden (close to a newly-built watchtower)
A rock carved with the likeness of a giant (there is a poster looking
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for volunteers)

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6 A dwarven mansion (near an area of red berries)
A disused quarry with large mud pools (close by is a grim
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monument)
8 A tunnel entrance surrounded by debris (a freezing mist is forming)
A mine entrance obscured by a patch of foliage (there is the body of

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a llama)
A ford across a raging river by a crooked tree (lying here is an empty
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barrel)
11 A bleak tower by a narrow stream (nearby is a small beast pen)
Mountain Edge of Wilderness Locations
In italics are optional extra details. 12 A wooden bench with a spectacular view (snow is falling)
A shrine to a power of community by a pretty waterfall (close by is
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d8+d12 an old wooden bridge)

A frozen waterfall into a deep lake with an island (there is a rowing A covered hole surrounded by bracken (there are the bones of a
2 14
boat on the shore) hawk)

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intelligent spider)
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A grove of ash trees. There is a shallow pool (it is associated with an

An overhanging cliff with sevral fir trees (there is a brisk wind from
the north-east)
A few mossy saplings near a large rock (someone has left a piece of
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A citadel by a chasm with a rope bridge (close by is a shrine to a
power of caves)
A cursed watchtower (a storm is approaching)
A dilapidated barn (there is writing here in Draconic)
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A sheltered wooden bridge surrounded by sedge (someone has left
5 18
rope) a walking stick)
6 A waterfall into a sparkling lake (it is associated with a powerful fey) 19 A monastery atop an overhanging cliff (nearby is a dwarven tomb)
7 An area of heath dotted with rocks (there are several shrubs) A glacial valley dotted with ruins (the area is associated with fey
20
A steep cliff with a spring that feeds into a stream (there is a magic)
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pleasant smell lingering in the air)
An area of bright flowers by a fish-filled pool (it is blessed by a
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power of the moon)
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A steep slope strewn with fallen trees (there are fresh tracks of
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more creatures nearby)
11 A turbulent stream (it is drizzly)
A patch of purple berries surrounded by heath (large snowflakes are
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falling)
An area of rock-strewn ground (currently there is thunder and
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lightning)
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A meadow of red and blue flowers (there is a strong breeze from

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the east)
15 An area of cedar trees (the birds and animals have gone quiet)
16 A snow-capped cliff with a deep pool (it is touched by frost magic)
17 A rocky outcrop (by a small lake fed by a spring)
An ring of edible mushrooms by a smooth rock (someone has left a
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fur cloak)
A slippery slope with a patch of red moss (a thick fog covers the
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area)
20 A glacier of slippery ice (there is the corpse of a red dragon)

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 Mountain Unusual Locations Mountain Location Detail
d8+d12
Minor details to add to other locations
A goat trail leads through a valley dotted with flowers. Water from
2
several springs form a stream that disappears into a sinister cave. d8+d12
An old mine entrance is overgrown with Razorvine (DMG pg 110). 2 A weathered winged statue
3
There are giant footprints in the surrounding rocky ground. 3 A narrow trail leading to an abandoned cabin
The Nesting Towers. Amongst the ruins of a monastery are many 4 A gravestone with markings in Giant or an unlit beacon
4
animal bones. At the top of a few standing towers are griffon nests.
5 Mouth of an old bear cave
This wide valley has stone markers with arcane runes. Most
5 6 Several patches of snow or a few dying bushes
surround around a ravine which is sacred to a power of endurance.
7 A pile of animal furs

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A waterfall descends from the clouds into a glittering lake. On its
6 8 A wooden bench with a spectacular view
edge stand animal totems left by a local druid.
Fish and other sea creatures can be seen swimming inside a glacier 9 A moss-covered pile of stones
7
of blue ice. As creatures approach, an ocean scent grows stronger. 10 Skeletons of 2d4 giant goats or a waterfall into a rocky pool
Moon Observatory. Steep stones steps lead to a domed dwarven 11 A crude hut

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8
building. A lever starts mechanisms that raise a platform far higher.
12 A shallow pool with several copper coins
On one bank of a sparkling stream are objects and debris from eras
9 13 A low stone wall
past and present. A water spirit adds any new finds to the collection.
14 A pair of strurdy tents or a snowman
A sheltered campsite sits by a small pond. Folded wolfskin blankets
10 15 Several decorated pine trees
lie under a large rock. A marker identifies a trail to a mountain pass.
16 A thorny bush with several bird nests or faces carved into the rocks
A stream winds among a grove of large conifers. There is a ford
11
across but the water changes color a little downstream. 17 A stone shrine to a dwarven god.
Skies Shore. A pile of rocks makes a shrine on the shore of a wide 18 A mine entrance
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lake. Islands move around it, sometimes floating slowly away. 19 A weathered rock with several names carved into it
13 A blue stone statue of a giant stares over the meeting of two rivers.

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Jagged red cliffs surround a gloomy quarry. A plaque tells of it being
abandoned after mysterious voices led miners to their deaths.
Imposing gray cliffs are covered in a pulsating yellow moss. At the
foot of the cliffs are corpses and skeletons of giants.
20 Several stone cairns

Mountain Combat Terrain

This terrain provides obstacles and things to use in combat.
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Wildlands Bridge. An stone bridge of elven design crosses a chasm.
16 d8+d12
Locals speak of a week each year when it leads to another realm.
2 Minecart tracks and a minecart
Shelves of spiky green fungi grow around a cave entrance. Jagged
17 3 A cliff face with a dangling rope
gouges mark the ground and sense of foreboding hovers in the area.
At the top of a deep gorge is a wrecked black coach. A shadowy 4 A rowing boat on a lake's edge
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mist clings to the remains and spreads down one side of the gorge. 5 A mound of snow or a rope ladder up to a wide ledge
Amongst a meadow of tall grass is a solitary windmill with stained 6 Steps cut into a broken cliff
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glass windows. As its blades turn they produce a wailing noise. 7 Stepping stones over a stream or thick snow (difficult terrain)
The Fiend's Garden. A strange mound of red and orange stones 8 A large fire ready to light
20
stands among old ruins. Fires spring up at random around the area.
9 Stone steps leading to a ruined statue or slippery ice (DMG pg 110)
10 A steep slope of bracken (difficult terrain)
11 A deep fish-filled pond or a rope bridge
12 A beast pen holding goats
A fence at the top of a cliff or a pool with a layer of thin ice (DMG
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pg 110)
14 A line of pine trees
15 A muddy slope (difficult terrain) or a burning campfire
Loose rocks, snow and ice that could trigger an avalanche if
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disturbed
17 A drop down to jagged rocks
18 A hidden pit trap (DMG pg 122) covered in animal hides
19 Several precarious ladders leading up a slippery cliff
A hidden cache (Perception check to spot if near) with a potion of
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frost giant strength (or roll on Minor Mountain Treasures)

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 Beasts & Humanoids Mountain Steeds and Mounts
These tables can be used as alternative low-level mountain For medium-size npcs & leaders, with options for other sizes.
encounter tables d4+d6
2 warhorse or pegasus
Beast Encounters (Levels 1-4)
3 griffon or mountain ape
d8+d12
4 hippogriff or mastiff
2 1d4 hippogriffs or 1 basilisk
5 giant goat or guard drake (VGtM)
3 1d4 giant eagles
6 mule
4 1d4+1 mountain apes or 1 giant elk
7 riding horse or pony
5 1d2 brown bears or 1d3 red guard drakes (VGtM)

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8 lion or aurochs (VGtM)
6 1d6 lions
9 saber-toothed tiger or pteranodon
7 3d6 deer or 2d4 elk
10 brown bear or giant eagle
8 1d4 swarm of bats or 1d3 aurochs (VGtM)
9 2d4 giant goats
Humanoid Encounters (Levels 1-4)

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10 1 eagle
d8+d12
11 4d6 goats
1d3 duergar or 1 warlock of the archfey (VGtM) with 1d4+1 tribal
12 1d6 blood hawks 2
warriors
13 3d6 ponies 3 4d6 guards lead by 1d3+1 veterans, with 1d2 scouts scouting
14 2d4 wolves or 1d3 black bears 4 1 druid with... (roll on Mountain Beast Encounters)
15 2d6 llamas (goat stats) 5 1d6 berserkers; or 1 derro savant (MToF) with 2d4 derro (MToF)
16 1d4 saber-toothed tiger 6 1d6 orcs led by an ogre or roll on Orc Encounters lvl 1-4
17 1d4+1 pteranodons 7 1 scout with... (roll on Mountain Beast Encounters)
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20
2d6 stirges
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1 pseudodragon or 1 quetzalcoatlus (VGtM)

1d3 griffons or 1 quetzalcoatlus (VGtM) with 1d4 pteranodons

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9
10
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1d3 ogres or roll on Giant Encounters lvl 1-4
3d4+4 kobolds or roll on Kobold Encounters
3d6 guards led by 1 veteran
3d6 tribal warriors
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12 1d6+1 orcs led by an orog or roll on Orc Encounters lvl 1-4
13 1d6 scouts or 1 meazel (MToF)
14 2d4 guards or 2d4 winged kobolds or 1d2 yetis
2d4 aarakocra or d3 firenewts (VGtM) mounted on giant striders
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(VGtM)
16 1d2 druids or 1 warlock of the archfey (VGtM)
17 2d6 tribal warriors led by 1d4 berserkers
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1d3 druids and 1d3 scouts or 1 stone defender (MToF) guarding..

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(roll again on Humanoid Encounters)
1d4 half-ogres or 1d2 firenewts led by 1 firenewt warlock of Imix
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(VGtM) mounted on a giant strider (VGtM)
20 1 ettin or 1 troll
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Mountain Character Races

Use this table for guards, druids and other NPCs
d4+d6
2 Tiefling or Githzerai (MToF)
3 High-Elf or Kenku (VGtM)
4 Dragonborn (silver or red)
5 Rock Gnome
6 Human or Goliath (VGtM)
7 Mountain Dwarf or Duergar (MToF)
8 Half-Orc or Orc (VGtM)
9 Hill Dwarf or Kobold
10 Stout Halfling or Githyanki (MToF)
 Non-Combat Encounters Quick Mountain NPCs
d4+d6
Agis is a fierce half-ogre with several large weapons. They have an
2
affinity for bears and want to find owlbear cubs to raise.
Lian is a stern mage with expressive eyes. They are building a tower
3
atop a nearby cliff and have fallen in love with a local.
Nalral is a heartbroken dwarf veteran who hasn't washed for a long
4 time. They speak several languages and want to share terrible poetry
in Giant and Terran.
Luikrata is a vain aarakocra artisan wearing many ribbons. They have
5
many friends in the area and love to talk of far-off places.

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Zija is a friendly tribal warrior with a bright mask. They are proud of
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their drinking prowess and attempt to teach strangers local dances.
Kethra is a blunt druid with a twin pair of tattooed goats. They have
7 family throughout the local area and are always asking intrusive

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questions.
Alhandra Ogresbane is an old berserker with no teeth. They always
8 sleep outdoors and are planning their next daring climbing
Mountain Non-Combat Creatures expedition.
Most encounters below retreat, hide or surrender in combat. 9
Grigis is an animated kenku who is always smoking a pipe. They want
to journey to the highest places nearby but are scared of heights.
d8+d12 Mamnen is a laughing noble with many layers of expensive clothes.
A hairy troll (Speaks Goblin, Dwarvish) tends a herd of goats and has 10 Trouble always follows them and they are attracted to one of the
2
named them all. Challenges people to a game of jumping off cliffs. characters.
A galeb duhr is in a longstanding and slow-moving argument with a
3

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mountain, about a cave. They try to explain this to the group.
An old gladiator is enjoying the view. Has retired here after a
successful fighting career. Talks of local legend and past glories.
An outcast sahuagin priestess (Speaks Common) is the guardian of a
waterfall. Friendly with local druids and seek news of wider world.
Mountain Hazards and Obstacles
Encounters to hinder, threaten or inconvenience the
characters. Option to combine with a creature encounter.
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A wounded manticore has been chained to a rock as a sacrifice for d8+d12
6
giants. Beg for help and promises non-existent treasure as reward.
A portal to an elemental plane (air or earth) or cave that is a crossing
A group of acolytes seek a famed lake said to have healing waters. 2
7 to the Feywild
Some of them bear a magical curse or disease.
3 An area of sharp stones (treat as spike stones)
A gargoyle is trying to hire themselves out as an artist's model. Has
8 4 A stampede of mountain ponies (or giant goats)
written references and keen to show off own stone carving work.
5 Fissure opens up in the ground
9 An awakened hawk (Int 10) offers its services as a scout and guide.
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6 A ravine disguised by a hallucinatory terrain

Several commoners are searching for signs of their livestock.
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Another hour of searching reveals recent tracks of giants. 7 Strong winds (Strong Wind - DMG pg 110)
A group of guards (Athletics +3) are training for upcoming games. A 8 An avalanche near or by the PCs
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variety of physical challenges which strangers are welcome to join. 9 Heavy rain (or snow) (Heavy Precipitation - DMG pg 110)
An orog (Armor Class 11, Religion +3) has replaced its plate with 10 A narrow path along the top of a cliff
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brown robes and is preaching about one of the dwarven gods.
11 A thunderstorm
13 A goblin boss on a wolf is a trader in cute animals, furs and puppets.
12 A bridge is in bad repair and ready to collapse
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A dryad can't leave her grove of trees and asks travelers to deliver a
14 13 A heavy (or ghostly) mist descends around party
lost set of bagpipes to a nearby settlement. Left by an admirer.
Earth tremors (from an earthquake, earth elemental, cavern collapse
A wight is searching for its tomb in the surrounding valleys. Wants 14
15 etc)
to return its sword and helm there before someone else destroys it.
Area of slippery ice (DMG pg 110) or an area of razorvine blocks
Two cloud giants know of a local renowned silversmith and want a 15
16 the way (DMG pg 110)
go-between as they don't want to scare the locals.
Signs of something dangerous. Recent tracks or other marks of...
A winged kobold (or kobold inventor - VGtM) has several modified 16
17 (roll or choose from Mountain Encounters Levels 11+)
hunting traps they want help in trying out.
Snow blizzard and 50% chance of a creature encounter (roll on
A group of flying killer whales (fly 60 ft.) follow the clouds. One of 17
18 appropriate encounter table)
them is curious about the group and follows them for a day or so.
An earthquake causing fissures to open, avalanches and damage to
A thug from nearest city is bruised and battered, left to starve by 18
19 structures
locals. Depserate to change course of the life and get out of debt.
19 An area protected by forbiddance (or hallow)
A friendly bulette adorned with bangles thinks it is a dog. Plays with
20 20 Flash floods or an ancient stone statue that can cause a geas
local children and digs tunnels around the nearby village.

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 Mountain Objects and Treasures
Mountain Mundane Items Mountain Minor Treasures
Discarded objects, quick loot or extra NPC equipment d8+d12
2 1d3 topazes, each carved with a dwarven rune. Worth 500 gp each.
d8+d12
3 Potion of Vitality
2 a sack of pitons or a pair of skis
A set of crystal figurines depicting frost and fire giants. Worth 750
4
3 a lantern gp
4 a packed up tent or a kilt 5 Elemental Gem (air or earth)

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5 a set of cold weather clothing 6 The deeds to a silver mine that is overrun by duergar
6 a handaxe or a bright scarf 7 Elixir of Health or Quaal's Feather Token - Bird
7 a fur-lined cloak 8 A griffon pelt cloak worth 50 gp.
8 a length of silk rope or basket of coal 9 Potion of Giant Strength (frost or fire) or Potion of Gaseous Form

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9 a pair of gloves 10 Artisan's tools (mason's, leatherworker's or jeweler's)
10 a flint and steel or an animal pelt 11 1d4 Potions of Climbing or Potion of Heroism
11 a walking stick with engraved initials 12 Blue quartz worth 1d4 x 10 gp
12 a woolly hat or an empty oil flask 13 Spell Scroll of lightning bolt (or sleet storm)
13 a shovel 14 200 ft of silk rope or 1d4 climber's kits
14 a miner's pick or half a bearskin 15 Potion of Flying or Scroll of Protection (elementals or beasts)
15 a bundle of firewood 16 A finely made set of bagpipes inlaid with silver. Worth 150 gp.
16 a goat skull or a set of bagpipes 17 Spell Scroll of wind walk (or wall of stone)
17
18
19
20
a fishing pole

a keg of ale e
a crude climbing harness or a dagger

a climber's kit or roll on Minor Treasures

18
19
20
The saga of a famous local warrior written on 2d6 stone tablets.
Potion of Longevity or Potion of Giant Strength (cloud)
A vial of wyvern poison

Mountain Magic Items (d20)

pl
Use 1d8 for Uncommon items, 1d8+8 for Rare, 1d4+16 for
Very Rare & Legendary
1d20
1 Ring of Warmth or Sentinel Shield
2 Eyes of the Eagle or Boots of the Winterlands
m

3 Javelin of Lightningor Gloves of Swimming and Climbing

4 Gauntlets of Ogre Power or Sending Stones
5 Adamantine Armor or Stone of Good Luck
Bag of Tricks - Mountain (1d8 - 1. bat; 2. eagle 3. llama (goat stats) 4.
6
blood hawk; 5. black bear ; 6. giant goat; 7. lion ; 8. giant elk)
7 Ring of Jumping or Mithril Armor
8 Rope of Climbing or Amulet of Health
Sa

9 Ring of Feather Fall or Iron Bands of Bilarro

10 Wings of Flying or Ring of Protection
11 Belt of Dwarvenkind or Censer of Controlling Air Elementals
12 Horn of Blasting or Mace of Smiting
13 Giant Slayer or Ring of the Ram
Figurine of Wondrous Power (ivory goats or golden lions) or Dragon
14
Slayer
15 Wand of Lightning Bolts or Daern's Instant Fortress
Stone of Controlling Earth Elementals or Ring of Resistance (cold or
16
thunder)
17 Ring of Shooting Stars or Frostbrand
18 Belt of Giant Strength (frost or fire) or Staff of Frost
19 Dwarven Plate or Ring of Elemental Command (air or earth) - legendary
20 Staff of Thunder and Lightning or Hammer of Thunderbolts - legendary

9
 Activities & Complications
Mountain Encounter Activity or State
d8+d12
2 They are haunted (or harassed) by another creature
3 One or more are close to death or close to giving birth
4 They are being noisy or they are waiting for someone / something
5 They are investigating a dead body (roll on Quick Mountain NPCs)

e
One or more of them is exhausted or one of them is mutilated (or
6
mutated) in some way
They are investigating (or playing with) an item (roll on Mountain
7
Mundane Items or Mountain Minor Treasures)
One or more are injured (not at full hit points or reduced speed) or

fil
8
they have young with them
9 They are hiding from (or watching) a nearby threat
10 They are resting or eating
11 They are near to their home or lair or are making a new home or lair
12 They are searching the area for sustenance or a companion
Complication or Enhancement
They are sheltering from bad weather or one of them is larger than d8+d12
13
normal (extra hit points) 2 There is a mirage arcana (or programmed illusion) spell here
They are part of (or associated with) a temple of earth (or air or There are humanoids as allies, servants, mercenaries or prisoners (or
14 3
endurance) are nearby). Roll on Mountain Humanoids
15
16

17
e
They are swimming (or wading) in a lake (or pond)
They are stalking (or being stalked by) something
They are drinking (or collecting) from a water source or cleaning /
washing themselves
4

5
There is a minecart and minecart tracks or roll on Mountain Combat
Terrain
There is a second group of creatures nearby (roll again on the
appropriate encounter table)
There are stepping stones over a stream or roll on Mountain
pl
18 They are part of (or associated with) a local group 6
Combat Terrain
19 They are being careful not to trigger an avalanche
There is a hidden item or cache here. Roll on Minor Mountain
20 They are partway through (or starting) a journey or migration 7
Treasures
There is a spectacular view of the surroundings. Roll on Unusual
Mountain Encounter Sentient Activity 8
Locations for a place that stands out nearby.
Other option for humanoids or other sentient creatures. There is a fence at the top of a cliff or roll on Mountain Combat
9
Terrain
d8+d12
m

There are herd of 4d6 goats watching or as livestock or Roll on

2 They are holding a funeral or they are scavenging for valuables 10
Mountain Beasts for beasts as pets, guards or nearby.
3 They display the symbol of a local deity or faction
There is a cave entrance here, inhabited by a lone creature (Roll on
11
4 They are tending livestock or they are skiing Quick Mountain NPCs) or leading to a cave system (or dungeon)
5 They are starting (or ending) a journey or having a celebration Shouts are echoing through the mountains. Roll on Mountain
12
6 They are fishing or they are gathering firewood Humanoids (or Giant Encounters) for the source.
7 They are following a guide (or trail) or they are playing with a pet A thunderstorm is approaching or roll on Mountain Hazards &
13
Sa

Obstacles
8 They are searching for a person (or place)
There is a prisoner in the encounter (or a lone traveler nearby). Roll
9 They are building a shelter or they are relaxing 14
on Quick Mountain NPCs
10 They are foraging for sustenance (or herbs) or flying kites
A bridge is in bad repair and ready to collapse or roll on Mountain
11 They are hunting a beast or they are intoxicated 15
Hazards & Obstacles
12 They are making (or following) a map or they are telling a story The creatures are carrying a magic item (or it is hidden nearby). Roll
16
13 They are climbing or they are performing a ritual on Magic Items - Mountain
14 They are on patrol or one or more are telling a story There is a ravine disguised by a hallucinatory terrain; or roll on
17
15 They are having a physical competition or having an argument Mountain Hazards & Obstacles

16 They are waiting in ambush for someone or playing with a pet There is a group of giants sleeping (or resting) nearby. Roll on
18
appropriate Giant Encounters table.
17 They are preparing (or consuming) food or they are making music
There is an elemental (or planar) portal here or there is a crossing to
18 They are talking with someone (roll on Quick Mountain NPCs) 19
the Shadowfell or Feywild here
19 They are playing a game or they are yodelling
Nearby is a powerful creature those encountered try not to disturb.
20 They are searching for the party or other adventurers 20
Roll or pick a result from Mountain Encounters Level 11+

10
 Other Encounter Tables
Giant Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d4+d6
2 1 hill giant
1d2 half-ogres protecting 1d2 druids (or roll on Humanoid
3
Encounters)
4 1 ettin with 3d6 goats or 1d2 ogre chain brutes (MToF)
5 1d4 half-ogres

e
6 1d3 ogres or 1 ogre battering ram (MToF)
7 1 ettin or 1d2 ogres led by 1 ogre bolt launcher (MToF)
8 1 ogre with... 1d2 lions (or roll on Beast Encounters)
1 troll or 1 ogre howdah (MToF) carrying 1d4 gnome guards or 1d4

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9
derro (MToF)
10 1 ogre with 1d2 half-ogres

Giant Encounters (Levels 5-10)

d4+d6
2 1d3 frost giants served by 1d3 ogres
3 1d6+1 ogres led by 1 hill giant or 1d6 ogres and 1d4 ettins
1 cyclops with 2d4 giant goats or 2d6 ogres led by 1d2 ogre chain

e 4

6
brutes (MToF)
1d3 stone giants or 1 stone giant dreamwalker (VGtM)
1d4+1 trolls or 1d4+1 ogres with 1d4 ogre bolt launchers (MToF) led
by 1 ogre battering ram (MToF)
pl
7 2d4 ogres led by 1d2 frost giants
8 1d4 frost giants or 1 annis hag (VGtM) with 1d2 trolls
9 1 cloud giant or 1 cloud giant smiling one (VGtM)
10 1d3 fire giants or 1 annis hag (VGtM) with 1d4 ogres
Dwarf & Duergar Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d4+d6
2 1d2 dwarf berserkers or 1 duergar hammerer (MToF) with 1d2 duergar Giant Encounters (Levels 11+)
m

1d2 duergar with 1 ogre carrying empty cages or 1 duergar screamer d4+d6
3
(MToF) 2 1 cloud giant mounted on a roc or 1 storm giant quintessent (VGtM)
2d6 dwarf tribal warriors with 1 dwarf druid or 1d2 duergar hammerers 1d6+1 frost giants escorting 1d2 cloud giants or 2d4 frost giants with
4 3
(MToF) 1 annis hag (VGtM)
5 1d4 duergar or 1 duergar xarrorn (MToF) with 1d2 duergar 2d4 stone giants or 1 stone giant dreamwalker guiding... (roll on Giant
4
2d4+2 dwarf guards or 1 duergar stone guard (MToF) with 1d2 Mid-Level Encounters)
6
duergar 1d6+1 fire giants with 2d6 hell hounds or 1 fire giant dreadnought
Sa

5
1d3 duergar mercenaries with 1 giant spider or 1d4 duergar led by 1 (VGtM)
7
duergar soulblade (MToF) 1d4+2 trolls led by 1 frost giant or 1 stone giant dreamwalker (VGtM)
6
1d4 dwarf scouts guarding 1 merchant commoner or 1d2 duergar guiding... (roll on Mountain Humanoids)
8
mind masters (MToF) 2d6 frost giants or 1d4 frost giants led by 1 Frost Giant Everlasting
7
1d3+1 duergar with 1d4 orc slaves or 1 dwarf warlock of the archfey One (VGtM)
9
(VGtM) 1d4+1 cloud giants or 1 cloud giant smiling one (VGtM) with 1d3
8
1 dwarf knight with 1d4 dwarf guards or 1d2 duergar kavalrachni cloud giants
10
(MToF) mounted on female steeders (MToF) 1d3+1 frost giants leading 3d4 ogres or 1d3 fire giants led by 1 fire
9
giant dreadnought (VGtM)
10 1d2+1 cloud giants served by 1d3 stone giants or 1 dire troll (MToF)

11
 Kobold Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d4+d6
2d4 winged kobolds and 1d4+1 blood hawks or 2d4 winged kobolds
2
led by 1 kobold scale sorcerer (VGtM)
2d6 kobolds and 1d4+1 winged kobolds or 1d4+1 kobold inventors
3
(VGtM) with... (roll on Beast Encounters)
2d4+2 kobolds with 1d6 mantraps or 4 kobolds carried by 1 ogre
4
howdah (MToF)
2d4 winged kobolds or 2d6 kobolds led by 1 kobold scale sorcerer
5
(VGtM)

e
6 3d6 kobolds or 2d6 kobolds led by 1 kobold dragonshield (VGtM)
2d6 kobolds with 1 swarm of bats or 2d6 kobolds with 1 guard drake
7
(VGtM, red)
1d4+1 kobolds with...1d2 mountain apes (or roll on Beast
8
Encounters)

fil
2d6+2 kobolds with 1d4+1 stirges in a cage or 2d4 kobolds and 1d4
9
kobold inventors (VGtM)
10 1d6+1 kobolds led by 1 ogre or 1d4+1 kobold dragonshields (VGtM)

Orc Encounters (Levels 1-4)

d4+d6
1d2+1 orcs led by 1 orc war chief or 1d4 Orc Nurtured Ones of
2
Yurtrus (VGtM) led by 1 Orc Hand of Yurtrus (VGtM)
3 1d3 orcs with 1 orog; or 1d2 orcs led by 1 orc blade of Ilneval (VGtM)

e
4

5
1d3 orcs with 1 ogre or 1 orc red fang of Shargaas (VGtM) mounted on
a giant bat
1d3 orcs led by 1 orc eye of Gruumsh or 1 orog mounted on an
aurochs (VGtM)
pl
6 1d6 orcs or 1d4 orcs with 1 orc nurtured one of Yurtrus (VGtM)
1d4 orcs led by 1 orog or 1d4+1 orcs with 1 orc claw of Luthic
7
(VGtM)
1d4+1 orcs with 1d4 commoner slaves or 1d2 orc red fangs of
8
Shargaas (VGtM)
1 orc eye of Gruumsh served by 1 orc or 1 orc claw of Luthic (VGtM)
9
with 1 cave bear
m

10 1 orc war chief mounted on giant goat or 1 tanarukk (VGtM)

Orc Encounters (Levels 5-10)

d4+d6
1 orc war chief and 1d4+1 orogs all mounted on giant goats or 2d4
2
orogs on aurochs (VGtM)
2d4+2 ogrillons (half-ogres) with 1 orc eye of Gruumsh and 1 troll or
Sa

3
2d4 orc red fangs of Shargaas (VGtM)
4 2d4 orcs with 1d2 trolls or 3d4 orcs with 2d4 aurochs (VGtM)
2d6+2 orcs with 1d4 ogres or 1d6+2 orcs with 2d6 orc nurtured ones
5
of Yurtrus (VGtM) led by 1d3 orc hands of Yurtrus (VGtM)
6 4d6 orcs or 3d6 orcs led by 1 tanarukk (VGtM)
2d6+2 orcs led by 2 orogs or 2d6 orcs with 1d2 orogs led by 1 orc
7
blade of Ilneval (VGtM)
3d6 orcs led by 1 ettin or 2d6 orcs with 1d2 orc claws of Luthic
8
(VGtM) and 1d3+1 cave bears
1d3 orc eyes of Gruumsh with 2d4 orcs and 1d3 ogres or 2d6 orcs
9
led by 1 orc blade of Ilneval (VGtM) with 1d2 orc eyes of Gruumsh
2d6 orcs with 1 orc war chief and 1 orc eye of Gruumsh or 1d6+6 orcs
10
led by 1 orc war chief with 1 tanarukk (VGtM)

12