Random tables: Encounters in a mountain valley

 

A few days ago, I was hiking up an unofficial trail in a small mountain valley in the Low Tatras. The few hours I spent in this environment inspired me to make this random encounters table in a narrow, wild mountain valley with a foamy white creek… 

You can use it as you want - as a whole, partially, as an inspiration or not at all.

 

2. High in the skies above you, a shadow passes over the sun. As you lift your eyes, you see an immense, scaly, winged body spiralling down to the rock, perched above your narrow valley.

3. Something is sparkling at the bottom of the wild mountain stream, about 1,5m (5 ft.). The current is powerful and can drag away even a stronger build person beneath the surface or onto the dangerous rocks a little down the stream. On the bottom of the stream is the talisman of the Spruce needle – small, flexible as a plant, durable as metal. They who bear it are immune towards the majority of diseases. It can also be used to magically cure diseases and illnesses – it has 2d6 uses. 1

4. A horrifying shriek carries down through the valley. You can hear the stampeding hooves of deer. You might already know what it is, but soon your fears are confirmed. Up on the hill above, you can see a big-bodied man in a green coat, eyebrows made of moss, a long white beard and a wild look on his face. A Leshy. 2

5. The party is traversing a narrow pass in the valley. Tall white rocks tower on both sides; under the feet, the stream froths and reaches up to your knees. What at first sounds like some harmless gravel escalates, and within seconds, it’s clear that rocks and boulders are rolling right into the pass. 3

6. Right above you, a tall, moss-covered rock crag blocks most of your way. The water is freezing cold and still covered with ice in some places. Elsewhere, massive, sharp, pointed rocks stick out from under the strong current.  

7. On the rock in the middle of the creek ahead, you can see a young female-bodied person with long brown hair in a dress of flowers, wadding their feet in the water. It is the Víla Bilyana, and this part of the mountains falls under her protection. She might aid and help those who show her grace – especially gifts of flowers and food are welcomed – but those known for destroying nature better beware. 4

8. The sounds of pristine nature, the rustling of leaves, and the hum of the mountain creek are interrupted by a deep, growling sound. Ahead of you can see a big, brown bear walking along the creek. 

9. Something must have moved on the right-hand side bank of the creek, just ahead… a few steps along, another shadow moved somewhere on your left. Unknowingly, 2d4 bandits are waiting just up ahead. 

10. Something is swirling in the leaves on the ground, something else hanging from the trees… you walked into a nest of 1d6 vipers. 5

11. You see a humanoid figure in a moss-covered, emerald green cuirass lumbering towards you. Dried blood still stains the long halberd this lumbering husk carries in hand. On closer inspection, the body is more of a cluster of branches, sticks, roots and leaves than a human one. The last fallen knight of an expedition into the mountains became one with nature. 6

12. Despite all the potential danger lurking nearby and the fact that this valley indeed doesn’t belong to people, you can see a hunched figure gathering herbs on the hillside. Long white braided hair falls to her shoulders in a simple folk dress. She will introduce herself as Bozhana. The bag over her shoulder certainly doesn’t hint that this old herbalist is a sorceress known as Zaryija, renowned for her alchemical skills. She might give advice to the party, direct them to a magical treasure or send them on an adventure to serve her own mysterious, wizardly needs and goals.

A few notes to this encounter table. First, the general ones.

I build encounter tables using the 2d6 method described inthis paperpencils article. Therefore, the first position – number 2- is always a dragon, number seven is always a (recurring) NPC, and the last position – number twelve – is always a wizard/ witch/ sorceress.

 

 

Now, the specific ones

1. I use fatigue as a mechanism in similar situations. A deep dunk in frigid mountain stream water is a sure way to gain a level of fatigue. 

2. Leshy is a forest spirit in Slavic folklore. I do not have a stat block yet, but feel free to get inspired and adapt it to your setting.

3. Same as 1.

4. Vílas are female bodies forest spirits from Slavic folklore. Depending on who you ask, their role differs. Generaly it's know that, they watch over forests and despise those who would hurt or destroy nature. As with the Leshy feel free to get inspired and adapt them.

5. As I use Into the Wyrd and Wild (I strongly recommend this resource), I would use the Ailiper in this case. If you don’t have access to this book, you can use your favorite poisonous snake instead.

6. Again, in this case, I would also reach for Into the Wyrd and Wild and use the Feral Knight as the monster. If you don’t have access to this book, use AC as plate armor, 8 HD, and damage as from a halberd. It might be a lumbering husk of wood and leaves, but perhaps some memories of their human lives still slumber within.