Random Encounters

While in general I actually dislike random encounters after the one time I decided to do a random encounter that ended up being higher level than the party and almost annihilated the entire group.  Was 3.x.  The encounter was against some sort of painful, incorporeal undead monster.  It was seriously one of the hardest encounters in the campaign.  Since then, I've only ever done preplanned encounters so I know that it'll be somewhat of a challenge or other encounters that are not supposed to be killed.

I believe I found some sort of random encounter chart and then added to it and modified it.  I honestly don't remember well and if someone tells me that I completely stole their chart and pretended to use it as my own, I'll give them credit for it.

But anyway, attached is a chart that I like because it offers a variety of options.  In general, it's not a bad way to get ideas or just to use if you happen to like random encounters.  But this adds an extra level of complexity to the random encounter.  Some of these, however, definitely benefit from a little preplanning.  Although if I feel up to it, maybe I'll add other options to expand some of these options.

Encounter Conditions

2d10    Result

2          Hostile.  Encounter attacks.  No Diplomacy check.

3          Catatonic.  Encounter doesn’t react to anything.  Perhaps magic can help it?

4          Chasing something.  Roll again to find out what it’s chasing.

5          Conniving.  Encounter wants to take advantage, perhaps theft.

6          Desperate.  Encounter needs help.

7          Enterprising.  Encounter willing to help for something in return

8          Friendly

9          Having encounter of its own.  Roll again.

10        Hostile.  Encounter may attack, but doesn’t immediately.

11        Ambush!

12        Wandering aimlessly.  Encounter is neutral.

13        Indifferent.  Encounter attempts to pass by without trouble.

14        Injured and returning home.  Encounter may accept help.

15        Insane.  Who knows what Encounter will do?

16        Lost.  Encounter may need help.

17        Malicious.  Encounter acts friendly, but attacks when guard down.

18        Panicked.  Encounter flees.

19        Trapped.  Encounter needs help.

20        Dead.  Encounter is already dead.  No treasure.