Caverns Big and Small. D&D 5e 2024 Noncombat Underdark Encounters

Several bedraggled goblin minions are terrified of triangles and number three. They warn of a triangular monster in a nearby triangular cave.

Noncombat Encounters for Underdark adventures for Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Tables for Noncombat Encounters for Subterranean Caves and Large Caverns.

[art by Bruno Balixa]

Subterranean Caves and Large Caverns

Caves are the natural lairs of the Underdark. Part of a network or a single place between the tunnels.

Some caverns are large enough that a lantern won't reveal all. Some are home to hamlets, large creatures or old ruins

From Underdark Noncombat Encounters on DM's Guild.

Subterranean Tunnels - Underdark Noncombat

1d20	Noncombat Encounters - Subterranean Caves
1	A giant constrictor snake curls protectively around sleeping giant rats.
2	A dwarf druid loves mapping caves, slowly working their way through ones nearby. They are searching for a legendary cave, home of a sphinx.
3	An injured grell tends a beautiful fungal garden; or roll on Fungal Caves
4	Chalk markings on the wall are actually a series of conversations in Undercommon, between two local cave dwellers, who never meet.
5	A pair of playful quaggoths try to get a few frogs to dance to music.
6	Several bedraggled goblin minions are terrified of triangles and number three. They warn of a triangular monster in a nearby triangular cave.
7	A goblin scout hunts lizards (or bats), seeking live ones for a collector.
8	A pair of old duergar spies are playing a complex board game called "Stalactites and Stalagmites". Ask for silence as they concentrate.
9	A vampire spawn counts cracks in cave, unable to stop until finished.
10	A band of unusual undead practice music, with some success. An ogre zombie drummer, wight on horn, ghost singer and percussion skeletons.
11	A blue giant spider is entranced by its reflection in an enchanted stream.
12	Three flumphs encourage people to interact with a sentient web. It is anchored above a pool, forming itself into art, responding to thoughts.
13	A pair ogres feed a pet hunter shark in a pool, debating local events.
14	Beside a waterfall into a pool, a troglodyte druid asks for help in encouraging an ecosystem. There are patches of fungi and cave insects.
15	A hermit drider is enjoying a bubble-filled bath in a steaming pool.
16	A rock on the edge of a stream addresses them, asking for some stones to be moved. It is a barbed devil, trapped in several rocks in the cave.
17	A few disgruntled hobgoblin warriors are washing dresses in a stream.
18	Strange energy from a stream causes magic items to glow random color for 1d6 hours. A bottle glows blue in the water; or roll on Magical Caves
19	Four lizardfolk toughs have caught many fish. Invite party to share them.
20	An imperious black dragon wyrmling inhabits a pool of water, claiming to be "Monarch of the Undersea". Has treasure hoard of worthless "gifts".

Large Caverns - Underdark Noncombat

1d20	Noncombat Encounters - Large Caverns
1	Two dwarf warrior veterans exchange messages across cave via lanterns.
2	A trio of enterprising lizardfolk spies have set up a simple bar. Group are first customers and asked to tell others of it; or roll on Populated Areas
3	A calm aarokcora lives on the ceiling and offers to guide group nearby.
4	An angry cyclops confronts a stone statue, accusing it of unlikely crimes. Ask group to watch the statue while they visit a friend.
5	An odd windmill has been built here, and there's currently a chill breeze.
6	A lazy adult copper dragon offers a minor reward to explore a nearby area, map it and report back. Gives a prioritized list of what to look for.
7	A stone giant is cajoling a pair of galeb duhrs into making a ritual dance.
8	A group of duergar toughs are racing domesticated carrion crawlers. There's lots of betting and want help altering the race course.
9	A saddled and muzzled bulette has a harness, waiting calmly for its rider.
10	A drow scout helper of an umber hulk shouts a warning before a tunnel is carved out. Available for hire, currently carving a particular pattern.
11	A druid collects statue fragments, forming into a marriage proposal.
12	A nothic is organizing its third picnic at a large rock and invites group. Has invited nearby creatures, and hopes it goes better than the last one.
13	A few kobold warriors train giant bats as mounts. Keen to show off tricks.
14	A few singing animated flying swords (Int 8, Cha 10, Perform +2) love to perform, asking others to join them. Resonant crystals here hum loudly.
15	A workgang of skeletons focuses on constructing a building from bones.
16	A few competitive hobgoblin warriors on giant lizards are hunting cave beasts (or bubbles). Invite group to join them on their sport.
17	A group of giant fire beetles dance in harmony, to a drow (spy) piper.
18	A caring ogre farms cave rothe (giant goats), obsessing about their health. Is Interested in surface herding songs; or roll on Fungal Caves
19	A wight moves a mound of rocks, one at a time, to a new location.
20	A group of quaggoths are friendly to outsiders. They have some valuable gold items they want to trade, but value furs, hugs and bright colors.

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