Non-Combat Encounters for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

1

A swarm of ravens (or several sprites) which follows the party and shouts warnings and insults at them. Flee if attacked to return later.

2

Patrol of guards are mounted on riding horses. More interested in impressing the locals than watching for any trouble.

3

A giant goat with a packsaddle and bulging bags. Munching on a garden

4

A berserker is chasing their mount, a giant hyena who has stolen their lunch. The locals treat this as a normal occurrence.

5

A yuan-ti pureblood is subtly selling beasts and gathering information. In a handcart they have cages with snakes, stirges and spiders

6

A weretiger in hybrid form is preaching of a god known only to them.

7

Several commoner urchins are holding a quest notice and talking of becoming heroes. They ask a character to read it to them

8

An awakened tree is a local celebrity and is telling stories to children.

9

A stone golem carries a large basket. It can take up to 6 medium creatures anywhere in the city for 25 gold pieces.

10

Several acolytes from a nearby temple are recruiting for a sports team

11

Several mastiffs beg for food from the party. They perform several impressive tricks including acrobatics and forming a dog pyramid

12

A succubus/incubus rides in a chair carried by a few thugs. They observe the world from behind a thin curtain while they plot their next evil

13

A storm giant (or medusa) is telling ancient tales and singing barely known ballads at a junction. They repeat this once every year.

14

An ogre and an awakened giant boar are dressed in bright costumes, promoting their fighting show starting tomorrow

15

Several cultists and a cult fanatic are being led in chains to a public execution by several guards. A character recognizes one of the cultists

16

A mob of commoners and bandits are looking at a picture poster defaming a local merchant. One asks the party what they think.

17

A few tribal warriors are drunk and trying to put a cart on top of a statue

18

An elderly manticore has landed on a nearby rooftop. It barely has any strength and asks party about somewhere suitable to die nearby

19

A doppelganger is offering a half-price sale on several riding horses. In about an hour an inn discovers several horses missing from its stables

20

A giant lizard with a collar placidly watches party. Tame but owner dead

1

A group of acolytes and guards are going into the wilds to perform a wedding ceremony and celebration. Invite the party along.

2

A lonely half-orc (stats of an orc) is riding an old draft horse. Tries talking about the weather, farming, livestock and crop rotations.

3

A few worried bandits are looking for a pet dog that has gone missing

4

A few bullywugs are taking giant frogs to market. One speaks Common

5

A scout is training a young owlbear. Currently it is afraid of everything.

6

A veteran recognizes one of the characters. They are a retired soldier.

7

A spectator (or deva) guards a nearby shrine of sun but hasn't had trouble for a century. It is always trying to raise funds for the shrine.

8

A family of starving commoners are moving out of the area pulling a rickety cart. Desperate and offer to sell a healing potion for 5 gp

9

A beholder is looking after land of an abandoned farm. It is missing its central eye and locals report it seems to think it is one of them

10

A few spies from a nearby city are spying on a local. They are badly disguised as locals and have horrible accents.

11

A herd of wild ponies are fascinated by one character or companion

12

A brightly-dressed gladiator retired to a farm and lost everything. Now they look for any work that doesn't involve fighting

13

A thug is visiting family and bored. Desperate for game of cards or dice

14

A herd of goats is tended by a commoner. Follows group asking for tales

15

A good cloud giant is trying to buy good quality animals with gold. But locals are all too scared of them to trade

16

A gargoyle is obsessed with carving maps of the local area into stone

17

A distinctive and spirited riding horse (or mammoth) has escaped from a nearby estate. A reward has been promised for its safe return.

18

A local ranger (stats of a bandit captain) mounted on a giant boar is patrolling for any signs of trouble. Stops to chat with the group.

19

A dao is serving penance for a sin by spending 101 years on the mortal world helping farmers grow crops and tend to beasts

20

A noble is desperate for news and invites the group to their estate

1

A few hobgoblin mercenaries are having a celebratory feast. Invite party to join them before they look for next work.

2

A patrol of a few scouts (or veterans) are led by a mage (or young brass dragon). They are relaxed and dismiss any worries of trouble

3

Several bandits led by a bandit captain are asking about an armored wagon they are planning to rob. They are worried they've missed it.

4

A thri-kreen with a camel is lost and holding a crude map upside down

5

Several vultures feast on a messenger's body. They died falling off their mount. A note in elven with a map is among the messages.

6

A centaur is stopping travelers to make crude wood carvings of them.

7

Several acolytes, tribal warriors and guards are making a pilgrimage into the wilds. they don't seem prepared for a dangerous journey

8

A strange armored wagon is pulled by 1 triceratops (or hydra) and driven by two lizardfolk (or yuan-ti) . It is carrying weapons for their clan.

9

A unarmed wight is a historian researching local tales. Runs if in danger.

10

A dryad seeks allies to fight a great evil. Offers magical beans as reward

11

A raven is intently studying monster tracks on the trail. They are the familiar of a nearby green hag (or guardian naga)

12

1 exhausted tribal warrior is carrying a message requesting aid. Their mount collapses as it passes the party.

13

A pair of satyrs have a bet on which is funnier. Ask travelers to judge

14

The wagon of a commoner merchant is guarded by an acolyte, a guard and a spy. Ask group if they are real adventurers and beg for stories

15

Several kenku are begging for food, scraps or work from the roadside.

16

A knight is traveling with several commoner squires and servants. They ask the group of any local threats that a brave warrior might vanquish

17

Six heavily laden elephants are protected by a talkative stone giant trader

18

A scout and a berserker are just married and ask for local sites to visit

19

Several skeletons are repairing the road commanded by a priest. They do not fight and the priest will flee if attacked

20

An nycaloth asks if they need protecting. They have be set to keep this section of road safe by a greater power.

1

An aarakocra is drawing a map of the area. Lands to add to the map

2

A pacifistic oni (dimenson door replaces cone of cold) appearing as a half-orc sells potions, trinkets and toolkits to remote locations

3

An invisible stalker has a letter for one of the group. Can wait for reply

4

A constantly singing wererat has been outcast from their pack. They can only return when they know more songs and can actually sing well.

5

A traveling djinni seeks unusual sights and tales. Asks advice of group

6

A few cultists (or druids) enjoy an impressive view. They belong to a strange cult that believes in self-improvement by experiencing nature

7

A knight is on a pilgrimage to a remote shrine. They ride a dire wolf

8

A manticore is heading to a local creature's lair to look after it for a month. Asks group about the surrounding area and possible dangers

9

A pair of doppelgangers appear as locals and try to sell nearby ruins or a landmark to the group. Possess forged deeds in Common or Dwarven.

10

A harpy and a hobgoblin captain are in love and going for a romantic trip

11

An awakened elk (or axebeak) migrating with others of its kind. Stops for a chance of company and conversation in Common (or Elven)

12

A mage (magic circle replaces cone of cold) and guards working out location. Arrived at a magic circle in nearby ruins. It's the wrong place.

13

A kenku is seeking a likely place to test artificial wings to let if fly

14

A half-red dragon veteran (or other dragon type) is visiting nearby family

15

Two married frost giants are pulling a sled loaded with wood. Having a loud argument about which direction to go in. Ask others to mediate.

16

A bard (use spy stats with Perform +5) is drawing the scenery. They are very interested in the group and offer to compose a song about them.

17

An optimistic bandit (or veteran) has hunted down group to offer their services as a torchbearer, guard, cook or other hireling

18

The ghost of a priest walks the same long journeys as when it was alive. Happy to talk of a religion long dead and past events and tales

19

A kindly priest and a few acolytes roam the land helping those in need

20

Several tribal warriors are running, training for a long endurance event

1

A saddled hippogriff has a broken wing. Eaten corpse of its rider but still hungry. Protecting a pack but bonds with anyone that offers food

2

Several commoners, acolytes and tribal warriors are heading to a secluded spot to dance, smoke herbs and have fun. Invite group along.

3

A clay golem is collecting lots of one type of plant to take to it's owner

4

A few elven scouts are building a treehouse. Grateful for any help

5

A giant goat has a nose ring and brand of a giant. Curious about group

6

Several lizardfolk ask group to act as witnesses for a wedding. Between a lizardfolk shaman and a satyr. Welcome them to join in the feasting

7

A few orcs (perform +2, no greataxes) are practicing musical instruments away from others. Will try to play songs for the characters

8

An injured raven is caught in a snare. It is carrying a written message in Elven to a nearby sage

9

Several kenku and kobolds are engaged in a climbing contest, with the prize of some trinket. Others are welcome to join or watch

10

Two wights try communing with nature. It was last command they had.

11

A very serious pixie lectures travelers on the proper ways to respect the wilds. Highlights fire risks, potential pollution and imbalances in nature

12

A scholarly noble with a riding horse is collecting insects and plants a book they are writing.

13

Several vultures follow group, stealing scraps and scavenging from them

14

A few goblins are planting trees, collecting discarded objects and tending a garden. Their clan has been taken over by a powerful druid

15

An out of place yeti speaks excellent Common and offers to guide them around the area. Claims to live in area under protection of a local dragon

16

A few blink dog pups worry at an adult's corpse. Unusual arrows slew it

17

Ruloth's Enterprise are two guards and Ruloth, a cultist. They've been lost for two days looking for a tavern where prospective adventurers go.

18

A pack of baboons (or twig blights) follow the group, offering them flowers, pretty rocks and other trinkets.

19

An ogre wants to become a druid and searches for one to learn from

20

A young silver dragon is looking for an entrance to the Feywild nearby. Old songs and tales say it is in the area.

1

A few acolytes led by a pious knight are performing a religious rite

2

Several deep gnomes are singing songs around a campfire. They come to the surface once a decade to see the stars.

3

An ettin guards part of the ruins but heads argue over where and the ettin always moves around. Asks characters where it should guard

4

A few mirthful kobolds watch over an array of traps. Designed to make mess (paint, oil, insects, etc) rather than harm. Part of a rite of passage.

5

An androsphinx guards a planar portal. It offers the party a boon if they can find people worthy of taking its tests and quests

6

A pair of industrious ogres are restoring some of the ruins and have a good supply of wood, stone, tools and other building supplies

7

A talking crab claims to be a powerful sorcerer cursed by a local hag. It has a fly speed of 30 feet.

8

A ghast is obsessed with lore of the ruins and is investigating with a magnifying glass. Usually kills snakes for food.

9

An orphaned silver dragon wyrmling is looking for a place to call home

10

A renegade mind flayer arcanist is curious about wizardry on the surface world and is keen to find a place they can study and experiment.

11

A mummy is desperate to retrieve stolen item it was protecting. Speaks Common, offering ancient lore in exchange for scouting nearby villages

12

An adult blue dragon (or copper dragon) is curious about an entrance it is too large for. Wants the party to scout beyond the entrance for it.

13

A doppelganger pretends to be a powerful druid and gives dire warnings. Actually keeps watch on ruins for another local group.

14

A sad-looking brown bear is dying of a disease caught from in the ruins

15

Spirits celebrate an annual festival. A ghost offers a tour of the ruins

16

A duergar is making map of ruins. Avoids fights and tries finishing map

17

A patrol of tribal warriors led by a half-ogre are having a meal break here

18

The Foolish Five are guarding campsite of more powerful adventurers. They are a guard, 2 thugs, a lizardfolk shaman and githzerai monk.

19

Two yuan-ti malisons are here for few days of prayer and mediation and are not looking for trouble. They try to escape as snakes if threatened

20

A axe beak (or rhinoceros) with a saddle and barding has lost its rider. It is used to company and seeks someone to look after it

1

2 half-ogres carry a heavy coffin to a nearby site. Unaware of contents

2

1 curious nothic has been attracted here by magical energies nearby

3

1 noble with 1d2 commoner servants is on a quest. They have a veteran family retainer who deals with any dangers or difficulties.

4

2 rogue tridrones have recently fled Mechanus and are trying to make sense of the strange plane they now find themselves on

5

1d4+1 giant centipedes feeding on the corpse of a githzerai traveller. They flee if disturbed and lurk to finish their meal

6

1 orc warchief who has renounced a life of violence and only wants to talk about the peaceful god they now worship

7

1 mercenary priest needs funds to build a temple is seeking work

8

1 kuo-toa monitor (whip variant), a renegade trying to find a monastery or other society they can find others searching for enlightenment

9

1 scarred druid who protects a family of nearby owlbears with young

10

1d4+1 blink dogs are here to join a festival at a nearby portal to the Feywild. They will try to invite one of the party along.

11

1d4+2 cultists whose leader was killed by nearby monsters while performing a ritual. Now trying to find allies to help finish ritual.

12

1 mischievous will-o'-wisp haunts the nearby area. It plays tricks on travelers and flees if attacked before returning later.

13

The Company of the Burning Wagon is down to two members. A berserker and a spy. They have a map and are lost, hungry and arguing.

14

1 tired scout is writing poetry but can't quite find the right words

15

An intellect devourer inhabits the body of a famous singer or bard. They are trying to use it to infiltrate high society and try to join the party

16

1 awakened giant rat helps party but may steal shiny items for its hoard

17

1 injured giant vulture has an arrow stuck in it that it can't reach. It tries to ask for aid in removing the arrow.

18

1 githzerai monk who is looking for a companion who was last seen nearby. Has a book with a few phrases in Common

19

1 outcast salamander is trying to set up as a weapons merchant and has a few swords. Interested in weapons, scrap metal and tools.

20

2d4 skeletons are picking herbs and flowers and putting in a handcart. If disturbed they continue with their task as well as they can.

1

2 cyclops are herding a huge herd of goats following a vision westwards

2

1 bulette has been enchanted with the mind of a cat. It adopts one of the party, asking for food, treats and someone to play with.

3

1 scared green slaad in dwarf form seeks news of events, especially magical ones. It almost has knowledge to become a gray slaad

4

1d2 xorns have located a cache of gems in a nearby pool. They are scared of the water and try to get the party to retrieve gems for them

5

1 sobbing mage is with an owlbear companion which is trying to console them over a recent break-up

6

1 young bronze dragon is curious about local area and has taken a vow of pacifism for a year. Asks party lots of questions about surroundings.

7

A marid has seen one of the party in a dream and gives them an invite to a party somewhere exotic

8

A clever cloaker trades in magical scrolls and cloaks and keeps a stone golem as protection.

9

1 questing fire giant claims to be a champion of good and is searching for a hidden shrine to a minor god

10

1d3+1 werebears who serve a powerful druid are searching for a rare herb. They know its name but can't remember anything else about it.

11

1 night hag gives a bag of holding full of copper coins to a character.

12

2d6 priests are looking for a suitable place to start a community promoting love, peace and prosperity.

13

2 shield golems who are linked to each other are trying to make sense of the world and their place in it.

14

1 horned devil has spent centuries in the world without trouble. It has collected 99 masks and needs 2 more. It needs help getting them

15

1 air elemental that is trying to return home via a planar portal high up. It can only be opened by a humanoid and tries to get party to help.

16

The Flying Fish are adventurers on an elephant. 1d3 knights, 1 druid and 1 scout. They are looking for a new quest after screwing up the last one

17

1 unusual aboleth desires only to live peacefully among a humanoid society. It still searches for a way to do this

18

1 drow mage is the last remaining adventurer of a group from the Underdark. Now seeks to make a new life on the surface.

19

2 progressive trolls are trying to find work as mercenaries or guards. Can speak a some Common (Intelligence 8) and wield axes.

20

1 humorless assassin asks the party to kill them to fulfill a contract. They also ask them to carry out their will and contact their family

1

1 erinyes lost a bet and has to get a soul without violence. Flees combat

2

1 efreet is looking to settle as a smith somewhere with a peaceful life.

3

1 adult brass dragon is having a decade alone away from others. Currently it is enjoying a swim.

4

2d4+2 stone giants are split into two teams playing some kind of game with a glowing rock. Ask the party to judge who wins

5

1 iron golem with a large spade. Last order given was to dig trenches

6

2 death slaads are looking for more players in a weird game of chance

7

1 planetar pledged to guard a shrine until relieved. It's been 200+ years.

8

1 archmage performing an experiment. Needs somewhere to rest.

9

1 death knight who is performing 10 good deeds seeking redemption. They are at task number nine and seek aid to complete it.

10

The Brass Circle are adventurers about to retire and build the legendary tavern they've planned for years. 1 gladiator, 1 assassin and 1d2 mages

11

1d2 storm giants like to greet and make welcome local travelers

12

A coven of hags are giving visions of likely futures to notable creatures

13

1 adult blue dragon is following a geas to be kind and help others

14

1 despairing behir is hiding in a cave and needs help. A dragon stole its lair and something it swallowed means it can't breathe lightning.

15

2d4+2 ghosts of ancient soldiers patrol a daily path, joking in Elven or Dwarven. They can provide aid or protection or guide to nearby ruins .

16

1 arcanaloth is trading information about local area for mercenary work.

17

1 vampire is cursed to count coins. Struggling with pile of copper ones.

18

1d3+1 cloud giants want to ask character's advice on hiring adventurers

19

1 death tyrant believes the characters are part of a dream. Ignores attacks and gives cryptic prophecies and sayings in Undercoommon

20

1d3+1 feuding treants trade lengthy insults from the side of a grove.

1

A few dwarf veterans are looking at mining opportunities in the area

2

An unusual psychic gray ooze (int 8, telepathy 60 ft) tries to engage someone in a riddle or joke contest. It only has really bad ones.

3

A fomorian is obsessed with making beautiful things and is carving stone into mesmerizing patterns. They accept any offered help.

4

A giant fire beetle is a familiar for a creature caught in a cave-in nearby. It tries to get help for them.

5

A salamander requests help to find a Shadowfell crossing. It has a map

6

Several myconid adults and a myconid sovereign are experimenting with fungal ale. Looking for some humanoids to help test their effects.

7

Several deep gnomes are picking fungi in preparation for a celebration

8

An inquisitive giant weasel wears a gnomish collar. Does tricks for food

9

A renegade drow elite warrior is playing a game with a giant toad, their only friend. They are keen to ask about life on the surface.

10

A quaggoth thonot is performing a drum ritual to placate the rock spirits

11

Several giant lizards with bulging packs graze fungi. No sign of owners

12

A drider has several useful items to trade and a few options for escaping

13

A few flumphs sense strong psychic energy nearby. Looking for source

14

A stone giant keeps to area lit by bright fungi. They are afraid of the dark

15

A hungover bandit captain woke nearby, unsure how they got here

16

Several tribal warriors are escaped slaves, foraging for edible fungi

17

A few half-ogres are playing with giant bats they train and breed

18

A druid is keen to show off the insect cave ecosystem they've created

19

A xorn is working for the creator of a nearby maze or labyrinth, trying to lure creatures in to test it out. It can easily be bribed with gems.

20

An old one-eyed umber hulk speaks Undercommon. Prefers building work to killing people, currently digging tunnels for a local settlement