Cliffs, Chasms and Lakes. D&D 5e 2024 Noncombat Underdark Encounters

An otyugh has had a transformation. Looks after a neatly organised cave full of catalogued junk, it is happy to trade or sell.

Noncombat Encounters for Underdark adventures for Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Tables for Noncombat Encounters for Cliffs & Chasms and Underground Lakes.

[art by Bruno Balixa]

Cliffs, Chasms and Underground Lakes

Underground chasms, ravines and cliffs often home several types of creatures. There might be a bridge of rope or stone.

Subterranean Lakes - expanses of water, home to aboleth, kuo-toa and stranger beings. Places of coral caves, blocks of ice and heat vents.

From Underdark Noncombat Encounters on DM's Guild.

Cliffs and Chasms - Underdark Noncombat

1d20	Noncombat Encounters - Cliffs and Chasms
1	A roper speaks Dwarven, welcoming people in and helping them over obstacles with its tendrils. Is grateful and happily accepts any food.
2	A distressed darkmantle is cursed to create light instead of darkness.
3	Awakened giant spiders build a new culture, farming small creatures. Interested in humanoid farming techniques; or roll on Magical Caves
4	A writhing nightmare is shackled by runed chains to the rock (or cliff).
5	A pair of gargoyles engaged in a decades long staring contest have moss growing over them. A sign in Undercommon asks they not to disturbed.
6	On a cliff face, permanent darkness and light spells make stunning art.
7	A large fungal growth (treant, speaks Undercommon) loves company, happily spending hours gossiping about inhabitants nearby.
8	A tearful kobold warrior wants to restore a petrified giant lizard friend.
9	An assassin hunts the area for poisonous creatures to adopt and sources of other poisons. Offers to split profits or discoveries with group.
10	An illusory bridge spans a large gap, part of series of impressive images.
11	A druid is proud of the lichen they have cultivated, with a distinctive flavor. Offers it to visitors, and has possible hallucinogenic side effects.
12	An energetic drider uses webbing to make innovative art in large forms.
13	An otyugh has had a transformation. Looks after a neatly organised cave full of catalogued junk, it is happy to trade or sell
14	A beholder zombie offers free rides, waiting expectantly with a saddle.
15	A content ghoul is full, because they eat rocks instead of flesh. Good relations with nearby creatures and a sage about gems and minerals.
16	A couatl is waiting for its longterm naga ally, for once in a decade meet.
17	Several bright fungal balls grow from old corpses, looking ready to burst. Some fresh humanoid bodies have been left nearby.
18	A bugbear warrior with arms of living stone hopes to make all body same
19	Masses of red fungi resemble nearby creatures, including a beholder, nothic, xorn, hook horror and behir; or roll on Fungal Caves
20	A cave baboon takes a dislike to a character, throwing lichen at them.

Underground Lakes - Underdark Noncombat

1d20	Noncombat Encounters - Underground Lakes
1	A fungal canoe is being rowed by a pair of lizardfolk scouts. Exploring and mapping area on a stretched hide and happy to compare notes.
2	From the depths of the lake, floats the body of a decayed giant octopus.
3	A nomadic tiefling knight travels on a raft, tired of life in surface cities. Starting a new lifestyle underground; or roll on Wanderers (on a raft)
4	A group of dwarf scouts are in a boat, looking for an axe lost long ago.
5	A storm giant needs a few people to help with a runthrough of a terrible play script they have written. Gets upset when realises it needs work.
6	A cave orca carries an island coated in brown fungi and a dozen goblins
7	Several myconid adults and spore servant allies are building a boat of fungi, furniture and debris. Need it for an expedition for their sovereign.
8	A few merfolk seek an underdark temple. They have a relic to donate.
9	A renegade kuo-toa whip works as a mercenary and speaks six languages. Very curious about the surface, especially games and the sea.
10	A floating barrel contains a meditating githzerai zerth undergoing a trial.
11	A well-spoken triton noble is an emissary from Plane of Water. No idea how to get home and currently looking for underground societies.
12	A merrow collects curiosities, eager to trade for items of the surface.
13	A mutant fish (giant seahorse, blindsight 60 ft) has tentacles and bright swirling patterns. It can detect magic, and is curious about the group.
14	A darting piranha splits into ten copies, for a bit, then reforms to one.
15	An unambitious aboleth has lost their magic but feels fulfilled by entertaining others. Currently looking after a boatful of kobolds.
16	A bullywug talks of a dream to attend largest Three Dragon Ante game.
17	A resourcful drow mage merchant with a chuul guard travels in a barge. They have a necklace of swan boat feathers they are willing to trade.
18	Two giant crayfish (giant crab) pull a sea chariot, ridden by a goblin boss .
19	A chirpy young black dragon has given up all wealth and gives any new treasure to others for good causes. Mostly enjoys long swims.
20	Several mud mephits cavort in a dance, to choose a leader for the day.

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