Underdark Encounters - Random Tables

Credits
Writing and Layout. Duncan Thomson
Related PDFs and Titles
Cover Art. Photo by Bryce Evans on Unsplash
Interior Art. includes Patrick E. Pullen

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Table of Contents

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Using Underdark Encounters ...................................................... 3
Underdark 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 Underdark Encounters
The Underdark is a world unto itself, of winding caverns, Ways to Use Random Encounters
fungal gardens and magical cities. I've tried to support Random encounters are a versatile tool that can surprise a
themes of fungi, shadow, stone and otherness. group with the direction it takes the game. Use them for...
Find a Underdark 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,
The smaller tables use 1d4+1d6 with a range of 2-10. The non-combat encounters where they are not.
most common results are 5-7. Alternate dice include 1d10 Nothing Prepared

About Encounter Tables e

(with option of treating a 1 as a 6) or 2d4+1 (2-9)

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.
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Modifying Encounters:
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.
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Encounters can go beyond combat. Use them to introduce... NPCs can be prisoners, allies, guides, or simply nearby.
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.
Higher and Lower Level Parties.
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Encounter Frequency The tables are created for a range of levels, but some results
Some groups use encounters simply when traveling. Others are very deadly for lower level parties. Or not a challenge for
use a system varying on terrain, danger level and time of day. some higher level parties, which isn't always a problem.
For parties low in a tier (such as levels 4-6 of tier 2, which
A quick method is 1d20 with an encounter on 16+. Roll once is levels 5-10) try the minimum number of creatures. Or the
a day, when terrain changes or more often in areas of danger. maximum for parties on the higher end of a tier.
Simple Travel Encounters Table Similar advice applies for parties with more or less
A simple option for travel is roll 1d20, +1 per day of travel. If characters that the average, or who are more powerful due to
the d20 shows an 11, there is an ambush or night encounter. magical items or character optimization.
Make encounters easier by adding allies or using
1d20 + days of travel Encounters advantageous terrain. Monsters could be hindered with lower
1-10 No encounters
morale, injuries or distractions.
11-20 1 encounter
21-30 2 encounters
31+ 3 encounters

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 Underdark Encounter Tables
VGtM = Volo's Guide to Monsters. Underdark Encounters (Levels 11+)
MToF = Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
d8+d12
Underdark Encounters (Levels 1-4) 2 1 death tyrant or 1 mind flayer lich (VGtM)
d8+d12 3 1d4+1 cloakers or 1 sibriex (MToF)
2 1 intellect devourer as host in a drow or 1d2 nothics 4 2d4 umber hulks or 1 fire giant dreadnought with 1d2 fire giants
3 2d4 grimlocks or roll on Humanoid Encounters 5 1d2 drow mages with 1d4 xorns or roll on Drow Encounters lvl 11+

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4 1d3 gargoyles or roll on Planar Creatures lvl 1-4 6 2d4 salamanders or 1 fire giant dreadnought
5 1d2 grells or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 1-4 7 1d3 aboleth with 1d4 chuul or 1 soul monger (MToF)
6 2d4 drow with 1d4 goblin slaves or 2d4 deep gnomes 8 1 beholder or 1d4+1 howlers (MToF)
7 1d3 carrion crawlers or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 1-4 9 1d3+1 fomorians or 1 devourer (VGtM)

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8 2d6 kuo-toa led by a kuo-toa whip or roll on Humanoid Encounters 1 drow priestess of Lolth with 1d2 yochlols or roll on Drow
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9 1d6+1 darkmantles or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 1-4 Encounters lvl 11+

10 2d6 troglodytes or roll on Humanoid Encounters 11 Roll on Underdark Levels 5-10 or 1 neothelid (VGtM)

11 1d4 giant bats and 1 swarm of bats or roll on Underdark Beasts 12 1 purple worm or 1 spirit troll (MToF)

12 1d6 gas spores or roll on Fungi and Ooze Encounters 13 2d4 stone giants or 1 blackguard (VGtM) with 1d3 driders

13 2d6 giant fire beetles or roll on Underdark Beasts 1d3 mind flayers and 1 mind flayer arcanist or 1 duergar despot
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(MToF) with 2d6 duergar stone guards (MToF)
14 1d3 quaggoths or 2d6 flumphs
15 1 dao with 1d3 earth elementals or 1 yuan-ti anathema (VGtM)
15 2d4+2 giant centipedes or roll on Underdark Beasts
16 1 behir or 1 gloom weaver (MToF) and 1d2 shadow dancers (MToF)
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18

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1d3 minotaur skeletons or roll on Undead Encounters lvl 1-4
1d4 giant spiders or roll on Underdark Beasts
1d3 duergar and 1d3 orc slaves or roll on Duergar & Deep Gnomes
2d4 myconid sprouts and 1d4 myconid adults or roll on Fungi and
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18
19
2d4 xorns or 1d4 of the hungry (MToF)
1d4+1 fire giants or 1 skull lord (MToF)
1 beholder and 2d4 duergar or 1 dire troll (MToF)
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20 1 young red shadow dragon or 1 nightwalker (MToF)
Ooze Encounters
20 1 beholder zombie or 1 roper

Underdark Encounters (Levels 5-10)

d8+d12
2 1 spirit naga or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 5-10
3 1d2 yuan-ti abominations or roll on Yuan-ti lvl 5-10
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4 2d4 hook horrors or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 5-10

5 1d4 salamanders or roll on Planar Encounters lvl 5-10
6 1d4+1 chuuls or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 5-10
1d3 driders and 2d6 giant spiders or 2d4 duergar kavalrachni (MToF)
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on steeders (MToF)
8 1d4 umber hulks or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 5-10
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9 1d4+2 quaggoths led by a quaggoth thonot or 1 elder oblex (MToF)

10 1d2 ropers with 2d4 piercers or roll on Underdark Monsters lvl 5-10
11 Roll on Underdark Levels 1-4 or 1 deathkiss (VGtM)
12 1 fomorian or roll on Underdark Giants lvl 5-10
13 1 drow mage with 2d6 drow or roll on Drow Encounters lvl 5-10
14 1d2 mind flayers and 2d6 quaggoths or roll on Mind Flayers lvl 5-10
1 aboleth with 2d4 kuo-toa or 2d4+2 chitines (VGtM) led by 1
15
choldrith (VGtM)
16 1d4 drow elite warriors or roll on Drow Encounters lvl 5-10
17 1 beholder zombie and 2d4 ogre zombies or roll on Undead lvl 5-10
18 1d3 stone giants or roll on Underdark Giants lvl 5-10
19 3d6 orcs led by 1d2 minotaurs or roll on Orc Encounters lvl 5-10
3d6 kuo-toa and 1d4 kuo-toa whips led by 1 kuo-toa archpriest or
20
2d4 duergar led by a duergar warlord (MToF)

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

The Underdark Location Detail and Underdark Combat 2

A crystal walkway to an inscribed stalactite. There is a garden of pink

Terrain can be used to customize the location. edible fungal (nearby is the fresh corpse of a giant)
A vaulted temple to a power of earth surrounded by quartz (there
3
are troll tracks less than an hour old)

Underdark Wilderness Locations 4

A stone bridge covered in phosphorescent edible mushrooms
In italics are optional extra details. (colourful lights appear at random)

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A portal by a deep hole. It is linked to the lower planes. (nearby is a
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d8+d12 recent collapse)
A pool with a garden of glowing mushrooms with stone-like caps A flint quarry in a cave with large stalactites (close by is a ferry over
2 6
(the area is blessed by a power of good fortune) a fish-filled river)
3 A wide gorge. There is a noisy waterfall (by a large statue) A mine shaft and a recently disturbed cairn. (there is a strong odour

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4 A carved stairway leading to a tomb. (nearby is a sparkling stream) covering the area)
A set of ornate steps cut into a cliff-face carved with grotesque
A pool with a patch of decaying mold and a garden of moldy gourd- 8
5 faces. (there is the corpse of a cloaker)
like fungal fruit. (someone has left an interesting rock)
An area of rock-strewn ground with a small beast pen (a collapse
A cave covered with inscriptions (close to an area of 9
6 could easily happen)
bioluminescent green moss)
7 A pale red-fruited "tree" (nearby is the fresh corpse of a giant bat) A strange carved hall with a garden of red edible fungal stalks
10
(nearby is a patch of black edible puffball mushrooms)
A crystal walkway leading up a cliff and a wide hole (there is a cloud
8 A marble well in a patch of massive mushrooms with grain-like
of blueish spores) 11
spores (fireflies are in the area, glowing yellowish-green)
A clear pond and a patch of pulsating moss. (close by is a large fish-
9

10

11
filled pool fed by a spring)

of obsidian) e
A tunnel-ridden cave with large stalagmite (close by is a bulky slab

A vertical shaft surrounded by moss (there are dark elf tracks less
12

13

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A sheltered stalagmite house with a covered hole (there are bones
of a goblin)
A shrine to a power of loss. (lying here is a backpack)
A burial chamber and three tall mushrooms (nearby is a strange
portal)
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than a day old)
12 An area of fungal flowers. (there is a sweet odour in the air) An inscribed stone slab and an insect-covered shrine to a forgotten
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power (there is writing here in Terran)
A set of stone steps leading up a cliff. There is a patch of spiky
An area of green stones. There is a pillar covered in runes. (there is a
13 mushrooms covered in a tar-like substance (glowing beetles cover 16
programmed illusion here)
the area)
A cursed area of creepy catacombs (there is a body on a spear
14 A deep ravine (there is an inscription here in Dwarven) 17
marking a boundary)
A pile of rocks by a patch of fiery-looking moss (near a stream
15 A farm of dark edible puffball mushrooms (there is a cloud of
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flowing into a river) 18

greenish dust)
A field of stones of varying sizes (there are several purple-cap
16 A strange crystal lattice and a newly-built shrine to a power of
mushrooms studded with large holes) 19
madness (the area is touched by the feywild)
A shale walkway leading up a steep slope with a muddy stream fed
17 A floating marble slab and a decorated tomb (close by are several
by a spring (a partial collapse could easily happen) 20
sandstone columns)
A spring by a pool with a few twisted magic-feeding trees (it is
18
touched by dark elf magic)
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A glowing waterfall with a A forest of purple edible mushrooms

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(there is a strong air current here)
A wide chasm. There is a glowing crystal structure (which is
20
associated with necromantic magic)

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 Underdark Unusual Locations Underdark Location Detail
d8+d12
Minor details to add to other locations
A maze through a thick forest of fungi, mushrooms, oozes and
2 d8+d12
insects. It is tended by an immortal minotaur who avoids fights.
Stalagmites and stalactites dominate a cave of many exits. Several 2 Bone shrine to deity of darkness
3
are hollow and many bear carvings. Flumphs are attracted here. 3 Several large toppled mushrooms
The Mirror Above. An obsidian slab hangs from chains in an ancient 4 A carved map
4 carved hall. Periodically the slab shows images from the surface.
5 A tentacled statue
Broken weapons and pieces of armor mark recent battles.
6 A red and green mosaic of a battle
A noisy waterfall descends into a lake of clear water. On an island
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covered in glowing green mushrooms is a portal to the surface. Plentiful ear-like edible fungi or there is an air current flowing
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through the area
An air current flows into this high cave. Strands and ribbons of a
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white lichen float about. There is a shrine of travel hidden high up. 8 Angry graffiti in Undercommon

A canyon with walls glowing in patterns of green, blue and red. Light 9 A pit of sand or there is a foul stench covering the area
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is from fungi, fireflies and decorations placed by a dark elf artisan.

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10 A set of stone shelves
The Forbidden Stairs. A long crystal stairway marked with statues of 11 A metal lever
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different underdark races. It is in the area of a forbiddance spell.
12 Bones and carapace of an umber hulk
Bats infest this cave, their droppings covering an ancient obsidian
13 A stone seat or ash covers the area
9 arch. Water runs down it from an overflowing pool on a ledge
above. 14 Numerous fireflies

Several fetid pools contain various slimes and bubbling liquids. A 15 Pile of colored stones
10
highly intelligent roper hides among several large stalagmites. 16 Bloated lizard corpse covered in fungi
The numerous beetles here live in symbiosis with several tall purple 17 A small tended mushroom garden
11
mushrooms. They are unaffected by the drifting poisonous spores.
18 Pictures depicting a saga
12

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Market Canyon. Staircases and many chambers are cut into this wide
canyon. Merchants often trade here the protection of a beholder.
A fungal bridge crosses a trench of acidic sludge. Other bright fungi
grow rampantly through connected caves, lit by a strange aura.
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20
Stalactites carved with faces
A permanent teleportation circle

Underdark Combat Terrain

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At the bottom of a wide pit rocks creak and shift. Occasionally
14
geysers scatter stones and metal chunks through the area. This terrain provides obstacles and things to use in combat.
Rows of tended fungi grow in circles around a tentacled statue. It
15 d8+d12
glimmers from magic it drains from the surrounding area.
2 A set of levers connected to six stone doors
Dread Falls. A waterfall plunges into treacherous rapids. Several altars
16
of metal and crystal float in the waters. Fiends watch this place. 3 A beast pen holding giant lizards (or deep rothe - VGtM)

Magic courses through these crystal caves. Spells cast resonate 4 A partial collapse waiting to happen
17
loudly and attract psionic entities. The Astral plane overlaps here.
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5 A water geyser repeating frequently

Wiry metallic vines span a dry gorge. Spider-like creatures spin them 6 Minecart tracks and a minecart
18
into mesmerizing patterns. Demonic symbols are marked in blood.
Covered simple pit (DMG pg 122) or roll on Underdark Hazards &
A bronze chain marks a ford through a sparkling river. Anything 7
19 Obstacles
entering the river sparkles with dim light for 1d4 hours afterwards.
8 A platform moved by levers
Outcast Citadel. A fort is built into several towering stalagmites. A
20 9 Large sharp stalagmites
crystal walkway runs around the edge of the surrounding cavern.
10 An uncovered pit of water (or acid).
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11 A wide set of spiral stone steps

12 A secret door or a stalactite ready to fall
13 A cracked crystal structure ready to shatter
14 A chute with a flimsy covering or there is a cloud of reddish spores
15 A rope ladder
16 A spiderweb covered hole to a watery cavern
17 An electrified metal door
18 Tough spiky wiry fungi (treat as spike stones)
19 A crude raft on a lake shore
20 A line of iron bells on chains

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 Beasts & Humanoids Underdark Mounts
These tables can be used as alternative Underdark encounter For medium-size npcs & leaders, with options for other sizes.
tables d4+d6

Beast Encounters (Levels 1-4) 2 nightmare

3 giant toad or grick
d8+d12
4 carrion crawler or rust monster
2 1 mimic
5 giant bat or deep rothe (cow stats; VGtM)
3 1d2+1 giant poisonous snakes
6 giant lizard or female steeder (MToF)
4 1 giant constrictor snake or 1 swarm of rot grubs (VGtM)
7 giant spider

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5 3d6 giant rats or 1 Gazer (VGtM)
8 cave bear or male steeder (MToF)
6 2d6 stirges or 1 female steeder (MToF) & 1d4 male steeders (MToF)
9 skeletal warhorse
7 2d4+2 giant centipedes
10 rothe (giant goat stats) or phase spider
8 2d4 giant bats

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9 1d2 bat swarms
Humanoid Encounters (Levels 1-4)
10 2d4 rothe (giant goat stats)
d8+d12
11 2d6 giant fire beetles or 1 cave fisher (VGtM)
2 1 intellect devourer in a host... (roll again on table) or 1d4 half-ogres
12 2d4 giant lizards or 2d4 deep rothe (VGtM, Cow)
3 1d4+1 bugbears or 2d6 goblins led by a nilbog (VGtM)
13 1d4 giant spiders or 1 choker (MToF)
1d2 scouts with... (roll on Underdark Beasts) or 1d2+1 duergar with
14 1d4+1 darkmantles 4
1 duergar stone guard (MToF)
15 1d4 giant toads or 1d2 guard drakes (VGtM) 5 1d4+1 orcs led by an orog or roll on Orc Encounters lvl 1-4
16 1d2 insect swarms 1d3 quaggoths or 2d6 xvarts (VGtM) led by a xvart warlock of
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20
1d3 rust monsters
1d2 giant bats and 1d2 bat swarms e
1d2 carrion crawler or 2d6+6 young kruthiks (MToF)

1d2 cave bears or 1 swarm of cranium rats (VGtM)

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8
9
Raxivort (VGtM)
1d6 kobolds with a pet carrion crawler or roll on Kobold Encounters
2d6 escaped commoner slaves or roll on Underdark Slaves
1d4 duergar or roll on Duergar and Deep Gnomes
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10 1d4 kuo-toa led by 1 kuo-toa monitor or 1d3 ogres
11 2d4 drow with... (roll on Underdark Slaves) or 2d4 chitines (VGtM)
2d6 grimlocks or 1d4 darklings (VGtM) led by 1 darkling elder
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(VGtM)
13 2d6 troglodytes or 1d3 firenewts (VGtM) on giant striders (VGtM)
14 2d4 deep gnomes or roll on Duergar and Deep Gnomes
2d6 goblins led by a goblin boss or 1d4+1 firenewts (VGtM) led by a
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firenewt warlock of Imix
16 1d2 yuan-ti malisons or roll on Yuan-ti Encounters lvl 1-5
17 1d3+1 hobgoblins led by a hobgoblin captain or 2d6 derro (MToF)
18 2d4 tribal warriors led by a veteran or 2d4 skulks (MToF)
19 1 druid with 1d2 giant lizards or 1 meazel (MToF)
20 1 doppelganger among... (roll again on table) or 2d4 boggles (VGtM)
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Underdark Character Races

Use this table for tribal warriors, scouts and other NPCs
d4+d6
2 Rock gnome
3 Tiefling
4 Dragonborn (any) or shadar-Kai (MToF)
5 Mountain dwarf
6 Dark elf (drow)
7 Half-orc or orc (VGtM)
8 Half-elf (drow) or yuan-ti (VGtM)
9 Human or kobold (VGtM)
10 Stout halfling

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 Non-Combat Encounters
Underdark Non-Combat Creatures Quick Underdark NPCs
Most encounters below retreat, hide or surrender in combat. d4+d6
Azaki is an outcast drow elite warrior who is practicing coin tricks.
d8+d12 2
They are proud of coin collection and will work for new specimens.
A drider spellcaster merchant has maps (or potent fungi) for sale.
2 Cressel is an old tiefling veteran with a style blending several cultures.
Makes good offers for loot of characters and can trade in favors 3
They guard surface visitors and recognize one of the characters.
An unhappy wereboar is lost and wounded from fights with local
3 Sheris is a hermit mage (or diviner - VGtM) with a gemstone circlet.

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creatures. Talks about wild parties in the moonlight. 4
They experiment with fungi in arcane rituals and speak of many lands.
An eyeless beholder is chained to a cliff and used as an oracle by
4 Duergath is a curious dwarf scout with a bat familiar. They make maps
local tribes. Speaks several languages and talks of far off realms. 5
to add to their collection or trade away. Dream of owning an island.
A doppelganger in goblin form wants to pick delicious mushrooms.
5 Aym is a gaunt tribal warrior with unruly orange hair. They have
They are surrounded by deadly fungi that emit poisonous spores. 6

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escaped captivity twice and give advice on surviving the Underdark.
6 A pair of otyughs look for a new home. Dark, toxic and waste-filled.
Riggles is a thickset deep gnome miner with a handcart. They have an
7
A stone giant has lost their affinity with stone. Trying to develop a acute sense of smell and use it to find gems, ore and lost items.
7
new affinity with objects, experimenting with bones, metal and fur.
Xenia is a lucky half-ogre (or bard - VGtM) who speaks Giant,
A sentient ochre jelly (Int 12, telepathy 60 ft.) communicates mostly 8 Common, Undercommon and five more languages. They are valued as
8
in images. It proposes an alliance of mutual protection. a translator and have a knack for surviving dangerous situations.
9 A few ragged duergar are starving and downcast. Will work for food. Oloric is a missionary priest of light from the surface. They hope to
9
An intellect devourer is inhabiting the body of a deep gnome and convert creatures and carry many different sources of light.
10
claims to be the ambassador of a nearby settlement. Eri is a loud ogre (spellcasting of a druid) berating a pet yellow slime.
10
They taste any unknown substances and love to talk about oozes.
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A few myconid adults are cut off from their cave of enchanted fungi.
Offer great rewards in return for helping them return there.
A friendly minotaur (speaks Undercommon) has spent years building
a puzzle maze and wants someone to try it out and give feedback.
An awakened bat (speaks Undercommon) offers to guide group and
Underdark Hazards and Obstacles
Encounters to hinder, threaten or inconvenience the
characters. Option to combine with a creature encounter.
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scout for them. Wants to be a familiar and hear tales of the surface.
d8+d12
A distraught ettin has had one head drained by intellect devourer
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(Int 0) and asks for help. Collapses in tears if refused or attacked. 2 An old shrine (or cairn) that can cause a geas (or bestow curse)

Several cautious lizardfolk escaped captivity from slavers and are 3 Area of dead magic (as antimagic field) caused by weird fungi
15
trying to make sense of the Underdark. Considering living here. 4 There is smoke from a fire or a few beasts are infected with disease
A grick alpha with an ornate collar is heavily wounded and retreats 5 A hedge (or maze) of spiky fungi (treat as razorvine; DMG pg 110)
16
from any light. Pet of nearby creature, who is grateful for its return.
6 There is an area of sharp stones (treat as spike stones)
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17 Several deep gnome miners try to rescue an ore cart from a collapse.
7 An area of fungal spores that cause scary visions (or madness)
A fire giant has a mobile forge and offers to make repairs or items.
18 An area of thick webs (DMG pg 105) or there are tremors causing
Will trade for metal and has a friendly sidekick who talks to party 8
falling rocks or stalactites)
A docile purple worm has a magical carrying box fused with it (space
19 9 Poisonous (or disease-carrying) spores cover (or float in) the area
for six Medium sized creatures). It waits expectantly for group.
10 There is risk of a rockfall (or collapsing roof) (DMG pg 110)
A strange shadow reforms when destroyed and slowly drains light
20
instead of life. Is very confused and glows like a driftglobe. A patch of Brown (or Yellow) Mold (DMG pg 105) or there is
11
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glowing swarm of harmless insects in the area

12 Covered simple pit (DMG pg 122) or locking pit trap (DMG pg 122)
13 There are several shriekers among similar looking fungi
There is a strange mist (or it is very dusty) in the area. Treat as light
14
or heavy obscurement.
Tracks lead to an area of quicksand (DMG pg 110) or Swarm of Rot
15
Grubs (VGtM) infesting a corpse
16 A disturbance of many bats (or stampede of rothe)
There is a pocket of flammable gas or there are tar pits (as
17
quicksand but flammable)
A rolling sphere trap (DMG pg 123) or sphere of annihilation (DMG
18
pg 122)
19 An earthquake causing fissures, rockfalls and tunnel collapses.
20 There is a flash flood or a portal to one of the elemental planes

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 Underdark Objects and Treasures
Underdark Mundane Items Underdark Magic Items (d20)
Discarded objects, impromptu loot or extra NPC equipment Use 1d8 for Uncommon items, 1d8+8 for Rare, 1d4+16 for
Very Rare & Legendary
d8+d12
d20
2 a glowing rock or a coil of silk rope
1 Helm of Telepathy or Immovable Rod
3 a potted mushroom
2 Gem of Brightness or Medallion of Thoughts

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4 a pair of manacles or a drum
3 Wand of Web or Ring of Mind Shielding
5 a keg of mushroom ale
4 Slippers of Sider Climbing or Goggles of Night
6 a quiver of drow bolts or a a metal bucket
Bag of Tricks - Caves (1d8: 1. rat; 2. giant centipede; 3. giant fire beetle;
7 a snapped-off lever 5
4. stirge; 5. giant bat; 6. giant lizard; 7. giant spider; 8. cave bear)

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8 a smashed lantern or bundle of rags
6 Lantern of Revealing or Rope of Climbing
9 a sack of edible mushrooms
7 Wand of Secrets or Necklace of Adaptation
10 an empty water flask or a piton
8 Adamantine Armor or Driftglobe
11 a rusty pickaxe
9 Boots of Levitation or Tentacle Rod
12 a half-burnt torch or an oil flask
10 Stone of Controlling Earth Elementals or Sun Blade
13 a length of knotted rope
11 Ring of X-Ray Vision or Dagger of Venom
14 a weirdly colored rock or a bone dagger
12 Robe of Eyes or Mantle of Spell Resistance
15 a half-finished map of the area
13 Cloak of the Bat or Rope of Entanglement
16
17
18
19
a spade or a lamp
a glass vial
e
a grappling hook or a broken mirror
a flint axe
14 Ring of Feather Falling or Periapt of Proof against Poison
15 Horn of Blasting or Dimensional Shackles
16 Gem of Seeing or Portable Hole
17 Helm of Brilliance or Demon Armor (cursed)
pl
20 a climber's kit or roll on Minor Treasures
18 Sword of Sharpness or Cloak of Arachnida

Underdark Minor Treasures 19 Dwarven Plate or Ring of Elemental Command (Earth) - legendary
20 Rod of Alertness or Talisman of Ultimate Evil - legendary
d8+d12
2 1 dose of purple worm poison or 1d3 doses of burnt other fumes
3 Potion of Mind Reading or Oil of Etherealness
A pair of silver coated pickaxes with handles covered in cloaker
m

4
hide. Worth 300 gp each
5 Dust of Disappearance or Dust of Sneezing and Choking
6 1d3 doses of drow poison (or carrion crawler mucus)
7 Potion of Water Breathing or Potion of Gaseous Form
8 Poisoner's kit or alchemist's supplies
9 Scroll of Protection - Aberrations or Undead
Sa

10 1d2 vials of acid or thieves' tools

11 1d4 Potions of Climbing or Potion of Poison
12 Mason's tools or a climber's kit
Spell Scroll of meld into stone; or an amulet with a continual flame
13
spell
14 A silver spider and a bronze serpent wrapped around it worth 75 gp
15 Staff of the Python or Potion of Clairvoyance
16 1d4 small rubies in a green bottle. Worth 100 gp each.
17 Spell Scroll of passwall (or wall of stone)
18 A map showing a route to the surface or to a planar portal
19 Elemental Gem (earth)
An exquisite set of playing cards depicting various Underdark
20
denizens. Worth 1000 gp

9
 Activities & Complications
Underdark Encounter Activity or State
They are... (or one is...)
d8+d12
2 close to death or close to giving birth
3 fleeing a nearby danger (or threat); or waiting for someone
4 exploring (or watching) a secret entrance or washing themselves
5 investigating a dead body (roll on Quick Underdark NPCs)

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6 trapped in a rockfall (or hole); or helping trapped companions
hiding from (or curious about) a nearby light source or telepathic
7
(telepathy 60 ft.)
8 cursed (or infected with a disease)

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9 hiding from (or watching) a nearby threat
10 being noisy or larger than normal (extra hit points) Encounter Complication or Enhancement
11 resting or eating One or more of them is mounted on an something with a
12 exploring the area or they guard the local area mount
13 drinking (or collecting) from a water source or with their young d8+d12
14 searching the area for sustenance or a companion There is a second group of creatures nearby (roll again on the
2
15 stalking (or being stalked by) something or a shapechanger appropriate encounter table)

investigating (or playing with) an item (roll on Underdark Mundane There is a crossing to the Shadowfell here or there is a planar portal
16

17
18
19
Items or Underdark Minor Treasures)

mutilated (or mutated) in some way

e
injured (not at full hit points or reduced speed)

investigating (or consuming) an unusual type of fungi

3

5
/ magic circle here
There is a hidden item or cache here. Roll on Minor Underdark
Treasures
Something lurks nearby - 1d3 gray oozes (or roll on Fungi and
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Oozes)
20 haunted (or harassed) by another creature
There is a chute with a flimsy covering or roll on Underdark Combat
6
Terrain
Underdark Encounter Sentient Activity Nearby is a powerful creature those encountered try not to disturb.
7
Extra options for sentient creatures. They are... (or one is...) Roll or pick a result from Underdark Encounters Level 11+
There is a cracked crystal structure ready to shatter or roll on
d8+d12 8
Underdark Combat Terrain
2 performing a ritual or telling a story
m

The creatures are carrying a magic item or it is hidden nearby. Roll

9
3 studying inscriptions (or pictures) or creating some art on Magic Items - Underdark
4 searching for secret doors (or traps) or studying a portal There are minecart tracks and a minecart or roll on Underdark
10
Combat Terrain
5 having an argument or intoxicated on a fungal (or mushroom) brew
There is a subterranean river (or lake) here and a raft (or other
6 creating some art or carving on tunnels 11
watercraft)
7 waiting in ambush for someone or playing with a pet
There is a secret door (or chute) here. It leads to a place safe to rest
8 following a guide or having a celebration 12
with food and water.
Sa

9 foraging for sustenance (or fungi) There is an area of Brown Mold or roll on Underdark Hazards and
13
10 digging (or blocking up) a tunnel or tending fungi Obstacles

11 lost or on patrol There are prisoners (or slaves) in the encounter (or hiding nearby).
14
Roll on Underdark Slaves
12 making (or following) a map
There is an area of sharp stones (treat as spike stones) or roll on
13 partway through (or starting) a journey 15
Underdark Hazards and Obstacles
14 preparing or consuming food or playing a game
16 There is a hallucinatory terrain (or progammed illusion) spell here
15 building (or rearming) a trap or searching for ore
There is a pocket of flammable gas or roll on Underdark Hazards
17
16 mining or hunting a beast and Obstacles
17 talking with someone (roll on Quick Underdark NPCs) 18 The area is affected by a mirage arcana (or hallow) spell
18 searching for a person or place There are beasts as pets / guards (or nearby). Roll on Underdark
19
19 searching for the party or other adventurers Beasts

20 making a raft (or other watercraft) Area is cursed by a deity or spirit. It is Desecrated Ground (DMG pg
20
110). An undead may be lurking (roll on an Undead Encounter table)

10
 Other Encouter Tables
Drow Encounters (Levels 5-10)
d4+d6
2 1 drider spellcaster or 1 drow shadowblade (MToF)
3 2d4 drow with 2d6 giant spiders
4 1 drow mage with 1d4 drow
5 2d4 drow led by 1 drow elite warrior

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6 1d3 driders or 1 drow house captain (MToF) with 2d4 drow
7 1d4 drow elite warriors or 1 draegloth (VGtM) with 1d6 drow
Fungi and Ooze Encounters (Levels 1-4)
8 1 drow priestess of Lolth with 1d4 drow
d4+d6
9 1d6 drow and 1d2 drow elite warriors with... (roll on Underdark Slaves)

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2 1 black pudding or 1 adult oblex (MToF)
10 1 drow mage and 1d2 drow elite warriors
3 1 ochre jelly
4 1d3 gray oozes

Drow Encounters (Levels 11+) 5 1d3 shrieker or 1 slithering tracker (VGtM)

6 2d6 gas spores
d4+d6
7 2d6 violet fungi or 2d4 oblex spawn (MToF)
1 drow mage and 1 drow priestess of Lolth with 1d4 fire giant slaves or
2
1d2 drow shadowblades (MToF) with 1d6 shadow demons 8 2d4 myconid sprouts and 1d4 myconid adults
3 1 yochlol with 1d3 drow elite warriors mounted on driders 9 1 gelatinous cube
1d2 drow priestesses of Lolth with 1d6+1 shadow demons or 1 drow 10 1d4 myconid adults and 1d2 quaggoth spore servants
4

6
(MToF)
e
house captain (MToF) with 1d6 drow elite warriors
1d4+2 drow elite warriors on phase spiders or 1d3 drow shadowblades

1 drow priestess of Lolth with 2d4 drow elite warriors

Kobold Encounters (Levels 1-4)
Replace kobold beast allies by rolling on Underdark Beasts
pl
1d2 drow mages with 1d4 earth elementals or 1 drow inquisitor d4+d6
7
(MToF) with 1d4 drow elite warriors 2d4 winged kobolds and 1d2 giant bats or 2d4 winged kobolds led by
2
1d4 elite drow warriors with 1 fomorian slave or 1 drow 1 kobold scale sorcerer (VGtM)
8
arachnomander (MToF) with 2d6 giant spiders 2d6 kobolds and 1d4+1 winged kobolds or 1d4+1 kobold inventors
3
9 1d4+1 driders and 1d2 chasme demons led by 1 drider spellcaster (VGtM) with 1d4 rust monsters

1 drow priestess of Lolth with 1d3 yochlols or 1 drow favored consort 2d4+2 kobolds with 1d6 mantraps or 2d6 kobolds led by 1 kobold
10 4
(MToF) with 1d4 drow elite warriors scale sorcerer (VGtM)
m

5 2d4 winged kobolds or 2d6 kobolds with 1 guard drake (VGtM)

6 3d6 kobolds or 2d6 kobolds led by 1 kobold dragonshield (VGtM)
Duergar and Deep Gnomes (Levels 1-4) 7 2d6 kobolds with 1 giant toad or 4 kobolds on ogre howdah (MToF)
d4+d6
8 1d4+1 kobolds with 1d3 giant toads
1 duergar with 1 minotaur slave or 1 duergar hammerer (MToF) with
2 2d6+2 kobolds with 1d4+1 giant centipedes in a cage or 2d4 kobolds
1d2 duergar 9
and 1d4 kobold inventors (VGtM)
1d2 duergar with 1 ogre carrying empty cages or 1 duergar screamer
Sa

3 10 1d6+1 kobolds led by 1 ogre or 1d4+1 kobold dragonshields (VGtM)

(MToF)

4
1d2 duergar mounted on giant lizards or 1d2 duergar hammerers
Mind Flayer Encounters (Levels 5-10)
(MToF)
d4+d6
5 1d4 duergar or 1 duergar xarrorn (MToF) with 1d2 duergar
2 1d4+4 intellect devourers inhabiting...(roll on Underdark Slaves)
1d4+1 deep gnomes or 1 duergar stone guard (MToF) with 1d2
6 3 1d2 mind flayers with 1d4 troglodytes
duergar
1d4+1 duergar with... (roll on Underdark Slaves) or 1d4 duergar led by 4 1d3 mind flayers with... (roll on Underdark Slaves)
7
1 duergar soulblade (MToF) 1 mind flayer and 2d6 quaggoths or 1 mindwitness (VGtM) with 1d2
5
1d3 deep gnomes with 1d3 gargoyles or 1d2 duergar mind masters mind flayers
8
(MToF) 6 1 mind flayer with 2d4 grimlocks
9 1d3+1 duergar with 1d4 orc slaves 7 1 mind flayer arcanist or 1 ulitharid (VGtM) with 2d4 bugbear slaves
1 deep gnome with 1 xorn or 1d2 duergar kavalrachni (MToF) 8 1 mind flayer and 1d3 intellect devourers or 1 alhoon (VGtM)
10
mounted on female steeders (MToF)
9 1 mind flayer with 1d6 ogres
10 1 mind flayer arcanist with... (roll on Underdark Slaves)

11
 Orc Encounters (Levels 1-4) Planar Creatures (Levels 5-10)
d4+d6 d4+d6
1d2+1 orcs led by 1 orc war chief or 1d4 orc nurtured ones of Yurtrus 2 1 dao or 1d3 armanites (MToF)
2
(VGtM) led by 1 Orc hand of Yurtrus (VGtM) 3 2d4 gargoyles and 1 xorn or 1d2 howlers (MToF)
1d3 orcs with 1 orog and 1 orc eye of Gruumsh; or 1d2 orcs led by 1
3 4 2d4 hell hounds or 1d2 canoloths (MToF)
orc blade of Ilneval (VGtM)
5 1d4 earth elementals or 1d4 fire elementals or 2d4 flail snails (VGtM)
1d3 orcs with 1 ogre or 1 orc red fang of Shargaas (VGtM) mounted on
4 6 1d4 xorns or 1 warlock of the fiend (VGtM) with 1d3 babaus (VGTM)
a giant bat
1d4 orcs led by 1 orc eye of Gruumsh or 1 orog mounted on a phase 7 1d4 salamanders or 1d3 dhergoloths (MToF)
5
spider 8 1d4+1 shadow demons or 1 orthon (MToF)

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6 1d6+1 orcs or 1d6 orcs with 1 orc nurtured one of Yurtrus (VGtM) 9 1 salamander with 1d4+2 fire snakes and 1d4 hell hounds
1d4+1 orcs led by 1 orog or 1d4+1 orcs with 1 orc claw of Luthic 10 1 yochlol or 1 alkilith (MToF)
7
(VGtM)
1d4+1 orcs with 1d4 commoner slaves or 1d2 orc red fangs of
8 Undead (Levels 1-4)

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Shargaas (VGtM)
d4+d6
1 orc eye of Gruumsh served by 1 orc or 1 orc claw of Luthic (VGtM)
9
with 1 cave bear 2 1 wraith
10 1 orc war chief mounted on a giant bat or 1 tanarukk (VGtM) 3 1 flameskull or 1d2 vampiric mists (MToF)
4 1 wight and 1d6 zombies

Orc Encounters (Levels 5-10) 5 1d4 specters or 1d3 ghasts

d4+d6 6 1d4+1 shadows or 1d2 wights

2 1 orc war chief and 1d4+1 orogs all mounted on giant lizards 7 1d4+1 ghouls or 2d6 of the wretched (MToF)

2d4+2 ogrillons (half-ogres) with 1 orc eye of Gruumsh and 1 troll or 8 1d3 minotaur skeletons
3

5
2d4 orc red fangs of Shargaas (VGtM)

e
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
of Yurtrus (VGtM) led by 1d3 orc hands of Yurtrus (VGtM)
10
9 1 ghost or 1 spawn of Kyuss (VGtM)
1 beholder zombie or 1 vampire spawn

Undead (Levels 5-10)

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6 4d6 orcs or 3d6 orcs led by 1 tanarukk (VGtM)
d4+d6
2d6+2 orcs led by 2 orogs or 2d6 orcs with 1d2 orogs led by 1 orc
7 2 1 wraith with 2d6 shadows or 1 of the hungry (MToF)
blade of Ilneval (VGtM)
3d6 orcs led by 1 ettin or 2d6 orcs with 1d2 orc claws of Luthic 3 1d4 vampire spawn
8
(VGtM) and 1d3+1 cave bears 4 1 wraith with 2d4 specters or 1d3 bodaks (VGtM)
1d3 orc eyes of Gruumsh with 2d4 orcs and 1d3 ogres or 2d6 orcs 5 2d6 ghouls led by 1d4 ghasts or 1d3 of the lost
9
led by 1 orc blade of Ilneval (VGtM) with 1d2 orc eyes of Gruumsh
6 1 beholder zombie and 1d6 ogre zombies
m

2d6 orcs with 1 orc war chief and 1 orc eye of Gruumsh or 1d6+6 orcs
10 7 1d2 flameskulls with 1d6 minotaur skeletons
led by 1 orc war chief with 1 tanarukk (VGtM)
8 1d4+1 wights with 2d6 zombies or 1d4 spawn of Kyuss (VGtM)
9 1d4+1 ghosts or 1d2 of the lonely (MToF)
Planar Creatures (Levels 1-4)
10 1d3 wights mounted on beholder zombies
d4+d6
2 1 xorn
Underdark Giants (Levels 5-10)
Sa

3 1 water weird or 1 shadow demon

d4+d6
4 1d2 dust mephits and 1d4 mud mephits or 1d4 vargouilles (VGtM)
2 1d4 ogres led by 1 fire giant or 1 spirit troll (MToF)
5 1d2 hell hounds or 1d2 flail snails (VGtM)
3 1d3 ettins and 1d2 trolls
6 1d3 gargoyles
4 1 cyclops with 2d4 giant toads
7 1d6 magma mephits or 1d4 maw demons (VGtM)
5 1d6 ogres led by 1 ettin
8 1d4 fire snakes or 1 babau (VGtM)
6 1 fomorian or 1 venom troll (MToF) and 1d2 trolls
9 1 gargoyle and 1d3 magma mephits or 1 barghest (MToF)
7 1d3 stone giants
10 1 salamander or 1 earth elemental
8 1d4 trolls
9 1d2 fire giants or 1 rot troll (MToF)
10 1 cyclops and 1d2 ettins
 Underdark Monsters (Levels 1-4) Yuan-ti Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d4+d6 d4+d6
2 1d2 grells or 1 mindwitness (VGtM) 2 1 yuan-ti malison with 1d4 constrictor snakes
3 1 minotaur 1d2 yuan-ti purebloods with 1d4+1 giant poisonous snakes or 1 yuan-ti
3
4 1d2 hook horrors or 1d3 rust monsters nightmare speaker (VGtM) and 1d4 giant poisonous snakes
1 yuan-ti malison with 1d2 yuan-ti purebloods or 1d3 yuan-ti
5 1d3 gricks or 2d6 stirges 4
purebloods with 1 yuan-ti broodguard (VGtM)
6 1d4+2 darkmantles or 1d2 spectators
5 1d4+1 yuan-ti purebloods or 1 yuan-ti mind whisperer (VGtM)
7 1d3 carrion crawlers
6 1d2 yuan-ti malisons or 1d3 yuan-ti broodguards (VGtM)
8 1d6+1 piercers or 1d2 trappers (VGtM)
7 1 yuan-ti pureblood with 1 giant constrictor snake

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9 1d2 nothics
1d3 yuan-ti purebloods with 1d4 cultists or 1 yuan-ti broodguard
10 1 otyugh 8
(VGtM) and 1d4 giant lizards
9 1d3 yuan-ti purebloods with 1d2 swarms of poisonous snakes
Underdark Monsters (Levels 5-10) 1d4 yuan-ti purebloods with 1d3 commoner prisoners or 1 yuan-ti pit

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10
d4+d6 master (VGtM)

2 1d4 earth elementals or roll on Planar Creatures lvl 5-10

2d4 phase spiders or 2d4 adult kruthiks (MToF) and 2d6 young Yuan-ti Encounters (Levels 5-10)
3
kruthiks (MToF) d4+d6
4 1d4+2 gricks led by a grick alpha or 1 froghemoth (VGtM) 2 1d4+1 yuan-ti malisons led by 1 yuan-ti abomination
5 1d4 umber hulks or 1 warlock of the fiend (VGtM) with 1d4 spectators 2d6 yuan-ti purebloods with 1d4+1 yuan-ti malisons or 1d2 yuan-ti
3
6 1d2 ropers with 2d4 piercers or 1d2 gauths (VGtM) mind whisperers (VGtM) and 1 yuan-ti abomination

1d6 chuuls or 1d4 neogi adults (VGtM) and 2d6 neogi hatchlings 2d4 yuan-ti purebloods led by 1 yuan-ti abomination or 1 yuan-ti pit
7 4

9
(VGtM)

e
2d4 hook horrors or 1d4 adult oblexes (MToF)
2d4 grells or 1 neogi master (VGtM) with 1 charmed minotaur and
1d4 neogi adults (VGtM)
5

6
master (VGtM) with 2d6 yuan-ti broodguards (VGtM)
2d4 yuan-ti malisons or 1d4 yuan-ti mind whisperers (VGtM) with 2d4
yuan-ti purebloods
1 yuan-ti abomination or 2d4 yuan-ti broodguards (VGtM) led by
1d4+1 yuan-ti malisons
pl
10 1 spirit naga or 1 balhannoth (MToF)
3d6 yuan-ti purebloods or 1 yuan-ti abomination with 1d6 yuan-ti
7
broodguards (VGtM)
Underdark Slaves (Levels 1-4) 2d6 yuan-ti purebloods with 1 giant constrictor snake and 1d6+1
Can be added to any encounters of Underdark denizens that 8
swarms of poisonous snakes
use slaves. 1d3 yuan-ti malisons with 1 hydra or 1 yuan-ti pit master (VGtM) with
9
1d4 giant constrictor snakes and 1d4 yuan-ti malisons
d8+d12
10 1 yuan-ti abomination with 3d6 giant poisonous snakes
m

2 1d4 kuo-toa
3 1d4 troglodytes
4 2d4 human (or gnome) guards
5 1d4 half elf (or half orc) commoners
6 1d3 ogres
7 2d4 orcs
Sa

8 2d4 tiefling (or dragonborn) commoners

9 2d4 kobolds or 2d4 derro (MToF)
10 2d6 human commoners
11 2d4 goblins
12 2d4 halfling (or dwarf) commoners
13 2d4 grimlocks
14 2d4 elf (or gnome) commoners
15 2d4 deep gnomes or 2d4 xvarts (VGtM)
16 1d3 duergar
17 2d4 human tribal warriors
18 1d3 quaggoths
19 1d4 bugbears
20 1 minotaur

13