DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
I've been working on random encounter tables for 5E, similar to 1E, and I got to thinking maybe someone has already done this. Anyone have anything they care to share???
D&D 5E Random Encounter Tables?
There are a bunch out there, notably the ones in Xanathar's Guide to Everything which have a table for every Tier for every Terrain type.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
LOL I completely forgot about XGtE! I recall seeing them and will have to give them a second look.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
Ok, so now I remember why I don't like XGtE's tables...
First, it is organized by level, not rarity. I like tables where even at 20th level, you can encounter simple orcs, etc. In fact, you should be more likely to encounter orcs, than say demons, at any level (in a typical fantasy world of course). A lot of tables skip over simple/ easy encounters at higher levels but I prefer not too.
Second, the extra stuff (i.e. non-creatures) I don't care for, either.
Third, some of the creatures in 5E that are in those tables I don't like as well. Old school, I prefer only monsters from 1E.
Still, they might serve as a useful launching point. Back to the grind...
First, it is organized by level, not rarity. I like tables where even at 20th level, you can encounter simple orcs, etc. In fact, you should be more likely to encounter orcs, than say demons, at any level (in a typical fantasy world of course). A lot of tables skip over simple/ easy encounters at higher levels but I prefer not too.
Second, the extra stuff (i.e. non-creatures) I don't care for, either.
Third, some of the creatures in 5E that are in those tables I don't like as well. Old school, I prefer only monsters from 1E.
Still, they might serve as a useful launching point. Back to the grind...
I found using the level 17-20 tables in my Wilderlands game for long distance flight worked well when combined with the WoHF box's static encounters which of course weren't levelled; so there was a nice mix of goblin worgriders and ancient green dragons.
I think the 3e era idea of encounter tables for areas having an EL works well too.
What I'd suggest for objectivity is that an area could have a % chance of Tier I, II, III & IV encounters; a safe area for new adventurers might only have Tier I hostiles while a very dangerous area might have an even spread by Tier or even skew towards III & IV.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
Well, I am developing tables like 1E in the MM2, with wilderness and civilized areas, the idea that for the "zone" in between you have a 50/50 chance for either. Then, of course, it is separated by climate, with enough variety (for me anyway).
In the meantime, I have found an easy way to use the tables in XGtE, but re-rolling anything that doesn't fit.
In the meantime, I have found an easy way to use the tables in XGtE, but re-rolling anything that doesn't fit.
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