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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 1377792" data-attributes="member: 3424">For me, there are two types of "random" encounters:1. Planned encounters which the PCs are going to run into when traveling from point A to point B.2. A list of suitable encounters which may or may not be used depending on the circumstances.These encounters may serve any of the following purposes:1. Time-fillers - if the PCs have made good progress and are going to finish your planned encounters and challenges well before the end of the session.2. Change of Pace - more important when you have to cater to a mix of playing styles.  Some players just like to have their characters bash things up, so it's good to have a combat encounter after a role-playing or problem-solving challenge, especially if it's taken longer than you expected.3. Foreshadowing - if you are planning to send an army of gnolls against the PCs next adventure, maybe they meet a few of the front scouts.  If a portal to the Abyss is opening, maybe they encounter a few minor demons.  If a powerful necromancer has moved into the area, maybe the meet some of his zombie servants.4. Experience generators - if one or more of your players is going to make a level soon, run an encounter to give him enough experience to do so.  Levelling up at the end of a session is always nice.</blockquote>