Shadowfell EncountersShadowfell Encounters

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CreditsCreditsWriting and Layout. Duncan Thomson

Cover Art. [ Photo by Sergio Ibannez on Unsplash

Interior Art. includes Patrick E. Pullen, Bob Greyvenstein

and Donnie Maynard Christianson

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsUsing Shadowfell Encounters .....................................................

Shadowfell Encounter Tables ......................................................

Location Tables ...............................................................................

Shadowfell Traits & Crossings ....................................................

Beasts and Humanoids .................................................................

Non-Combat Encounters ..............................................................

Objects and Treasures .................................................................

Activities and Complications .....................................................

Other Encounter Tables ..............................................................

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Sample

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Using Shadowfell EncountersUsing Shadowfell EncountersThe Shadowfell is a land of continuous night, home to spiritsand places of dread. I've tried to support themes of horrorand death, sorrow and ruins.

Find a Shadowfell Encounters Generator at ChaosGen

Dice to UseDice to Use

The default dice for the tables are 1d8+1d12. With two dicesome results have a higher chance to occur. The mostcommon results at 9-13, with values below and above thisoccurring less often. The least likely to occur are 2 and 20.

Or using 1d20 gives more chance of dangerous and unusualencounters. Options for rolling a 1 include re-rolling, treat asn 11, combine two more rolls or simply choose a result.

2d10 (2-20) has the same range as d8+d12. It only uses asingle die type and changes the most common result to an 11.

Using 3d6 (3-18) or 2d6+4 (6-16) reduces the moredangerous and unusual encounters and results.

Smaller (d4+d6) TablesThe smaller tables use 1d4+1d6 with a range of 2-10. The

most common results are 5-7. Alternate dice include 1d10

(with option of treating a 1 as a 6) or 2d4+1 (2-9)

About Encounter TablesAbout Encounter TablesThere are a few options beyond just rolling up an encounter.

Pick the result that is most interesting or makes sense.

Plan for adventures by looking at monster groupings.

Combine the results of two tables.

Roll several encounters in advance and use as needed.

Use them as a base to make your own encounter tables.

Types of EncounterEncounters can go beyond combat. Use them to introduce...

local creatures, NPCs or factions

a source of information or someone to call on for help

an encounter tied to a character, villain or subquest

news about world events or local politics

foreshadowing of future story or major events.

Encounter Frequency

Some groups use encounters simply when traveling. Othersuse a system varying on terrain, danger level and time of day.

A quick method is 1d20 with an encounter on 16+. Roll oncea day, when terrain changes or more often in areas of danger.

Simple Travel Encounters TableA simple option for travel is roll 1d20, +1 per day of travel. If

the d20 shows an 11, there is an ambush or night encounter.

1d20 + days of travel Encounters

1-10 No encounters

11-20 1 encounter

21-30 2 encounters

31+ 3 encounters

Ways to Use Random EncountersWays to Use Random EncountersRandom encounters are a versatile tool that can surprise a

group with the direction it takes the game. Use them for...

Changing the PaceEncounters can be used when things need to slow down or

speed up. A stranger approaches a distracted party (or

players). An ambush when they are spoiling for a fight, a

friendly encounter if they are in safer lands.

Something UnexpectedYour players have done the unexpected, you need time to

recover and process what's happened. Call a 5-minute break

and roll (or choose) from the tables. Use what you like to

provide enough for an encounter or get you to session's end.

A Taste of the SurroundingsIn new terrain or an unusual area showcase things specific to

the area. Hydras in swamps, crabs on the coast, avalanches

in mountains. Hostile encounters where foes are expected,

non-combat encounters where they are not.

Nothing PreparedYou need something to fill a game session or. For some

groups a simple combat (or non-combat) encounter can keep

a group occupied if you have nothing else to go on.

Modifying Encounters:Modifying Encounters:The extra tables can be used to customize encounters.

Use Location tables to add variety. Details supplement

your own descriptions. Use Combat Terrain for aggressive

foes and to give bold PCs something to work with.

The Complications table suggests ways of tying an

encounter to the terrain and integrating other tables.

NPCs can be prisoners, allies, guides, or simply nearby.

An Enc. Activity gives purpose to a creature encounter

Items can be littered around the battlefield, given to

intelligent foes or used as treasure.

Use humanoids as mercenaries, guards or travelers

Higher and Lower Level Parties.Higher and Lower Level Parties.The tables are created for a range of levels, but some results

are very deadly for lower level parties. Or not a challenge for

some higher level parties, which isn't always a problem.

For parties low in a tier (such as levels 4-6 of tier 2, which

is levels 5-10) try the minimum number of creatures. Or the

maximum for parties on the higher end of a tier.

Similar advice applies for parties with more or less

characters that the average, or who are more powerful due to

magical items or character optimization.

Make encounters easier by adding allies or using

advantageous terrain. Monsters could be hindered with lower

morale, injuries or distractions.

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Sample

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Shadowfell Encounter TablesShadowfell Encounter TablesVGtM = Volo's Guide to Monsters. MToF = Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

Shadowfell Encounters (Levels 1-4)d8+d12

2 1 vampire spawn or 1 banderhobb (VGtM)

3 1 scout possessed by a ghost or 1d2 carrion crawlers

4 1d2 phase spiders or roll on Planar Visitors lvl 1-4

5 1d2 nothics or rolll on Shadowfell Monsters lvl 1-4

6 1d6 giant bats or roll on Shadowfell Beasts

7 A wagon with 1d4+1 warhorse skeletons or 1d4 meazels (MToF)

8 1d4 swarms of ravens or roll on Shadowfell Beasts

9 1d6 death dogs or rolll on Shadowfell Monsters lvl 1-4

10 1d4+1 darkmantles or roll on Shadowfell Beasts

11 1d6 shadows or roll Shadowfell Spirits lvl 1-4

12 2d4 grimlocks or roll on Shadowfell Humanoids

13 1d4 ghouls or roll on Undead lvl 1-4

14 1 ettercap and 1d2 giant spiders or 1d4+1 skulks (MToF)

15 1 shadow demon or roll on Shadowfell Spirits lvl 1-4

16 1 cult fanatic with 1d6 cultists or roll on Shadowfell Humanoids

17 2d6 skeletons or roll on Undead lvl 1-4

18 1d4 dire wolves or 1 darkling elder (VGtM) and 1d3 darklings (VGtM)

19 1d3 gargoyles or 1d2 nightmares

20 1 wraith or 1 night hag

Shadowfell Encounters (Levels 5-10)d8+d12

2 1 young shadow dragon (any type) or 1 balhannoth (MToF)

31 drow mage and 1d2 drow elite warriors or 1 warlock of the GreatOld One (VGtM) with 1d6 nothics

4 1 young red shadow dragon or 1 maurezhi (MToF) with 2d4 ghouls

5 1 fomorian or 1 necromancer (VGtM) with 2d4 shadows

61 spirit naga and 2d4 ghouls or 2d6 shadow mastiffs (VGtM) led by 1shadow mastiff alpha (VGtM)

7 1d3+1 wights with 3d6 zombies or roll on Undead lvl 5-10

8 1d4 flesh golems or roll on Shadowfell Monsters lvl 5-10

9 1d3 driders or 1d2 shadow dancers (MToF)

10 1d2 cloakers or roll on Shadowfell Monsters lvl 5-10

11 1d4 vampire spawn or roll on Undead Encounters lvl 5-10

12 1 assassin and 2d4 cultists or 1 gloomweaver (MToF)

131d4 shadow demons and 1d4+1 shadows or roll on ShadowfellSpirits lvl 5-10

14 1 night hag on a nightmare or roll on Planar Visitors lvl 5-10

15 1 gray slaad or 1d2 choldriths (VGtM) and 2d6 chitines (VGtM)

16 1d4 wraiths or roll on Shadowfell Spirits lvl 5-10

17 2d4 ogre zombies and 1 drider or 1 drow shadowblade (MToF)

181 mage with 1 flesh golem and 2d4 specters or 1 neogi master(VGtM) with 1d4+1 neogi (VGtM)

19 1d4 wraiths or 1 blackguard (VGtM) with 1d4 wights

20 A coven of 3 night hags or 1 soul monger (MToF)

Shadowfell Encounters (Levels 11+)d8+d12

2 1 mummy lord or roll on Undead Encounters lvl 11+

3 1 adult shadow dragon (any metallic or chromatic)

41 fell purple worm (fly 40 ft, can cast gaseous form at will) or 1d4+1drow elite warriors led by 1 drow house captain (MToF)

5 1 death knight or 1 drow arachnomancer (MToF)

6 1 vampire spellcaster or roll on Undead Encounters lvl 11+

7 1 beholder or 1 soul monger (MToF) & 1d3 shadow dancers (MToF)

81 shadow behir (necrotic damage instead of electricity, immune tonecrotic damage) or 1d2 of the angry (MToF)

9 1d4+2 cloakers or 1 balhannoth (MToF)

10 1 archmage with 1d4 wraiths or 1 nagpa (MToF)

11 1 vampire or roll on Undead Encounters lvl 11+

12 1d4+1 gray slaads or roll on Planar Visitors lvl 11+

131 death tyrant or 1 gloom weaver (MToF) with 1d4 shadow dancers(MToF)

141 githyanki knight mounted on a young red shadow dragon or roll onPlanar Visitors lvl 11+

15 2 young red shadow dragons or 1 mind flayer lich (VGtM)

16Coven of 3 night hags mounted on nightmares or roll on PlanarVisitors lvl 11+

171d2 drow priestesses with 1 drow mage and 1d4 drow elite warriorsor 1d3 of the hungry (MToF)

18 1 death slaad riding a flying chariot pulled by 2d4 nightmares

19 1 arcanaloth and 1d2 nycoloths

20 1 lich

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Sample

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Location TablesLocation TablesUse Wilderness, Semi-Civilized or Unusual table for anencounter location.

The Shadowfell Location Detail and Shadowfell Combat

Terrain can be used to customize the location.

Shadowfell Edge of Wilderness LocationsIn italics are optional extra details.

d8+d12

2A deep hollow is surrounded by a many black and yellowmushrooms (glowing flies cover the area)

3A pile of crumbling rocks sit by a shallow waterhole. A few rockshave been split in half (there are several snake skeletons)

4A cliff of slate is covered with gray sludgy moss that smells ofdeath. Crude handholds lead to an opening (it is drizzling)

5A tangle of thistles surrounds three mounds of stones (there is agravestone with an epitaph written in Dwarvish)

6A high hill covered in ghostly insects. A tree at the summit as ahollow full of poisonous beetles (the sky is filled with dark clouds)

7Two trees stand either side of a dried-up river. Each is carved with agrimacing face (nearby is a stone bridge)

8A waterfall of ichor runs down a white cliff into a wide pool. Stuntedtrees grow on a rocky island (there is a marble bench on the island)

9Glowing orange moss covers a forest of bones. The bones sway andmake a humming noise (several skeletal birds are building a nest)

10A slope of obsidian with several trenches and petrified trees(hailstones are falling, with bones mixed in)

11A meadow of sickly grass glistens with specks of slime (there is amist swirling with ghostly faces)

12An expanse of salt flats has several sunken craters where spikyplants grow (there is a line of weathered statues)

13Groves of hardy cacti cluster around growths of jagged crystal(there are obvious tracks of something large nearby)

14A pile of moaning skulls lie by pools of black glass (scatteredaround are broken children's toys)

15A river of inky darkness roils down the side of an eroded mesa(there is a circle of skulls atop the mesa)

16Writhing vines cover much of the area, sprouting from a large caveentrance (nearby is stream of putrid brown water)

17A mountain of corroded iron has growths of gray plants. The air isthick with ash (close by is deep ditch filled with webbing)

18A forest of twisted trees has skeletal beasts that act as if alive andignore living creatures (chains bind several trees together)

19Stunted bushes creep among mud and bones. Several stop to watchany movement (there is a large pool of bubbling green slime)

20Several saplings grow from a frozen lake. A hill of ash stands at thelake's middle. (the saplings glow red in bright light)

Shadowfell Semi-Civilized LocationsIn italics are optional extra details.

d8+d12

2A marble temple stands in a field of rubble. No doorways are visibleand mirrors cover one side (it has a portal to the Astral Plane)

3An obelisk of crystal and twisted metal faces on a steep slope (thereis an illusion of a demon)

4A wide well with wiry ivy growing from it. Steps lead to a weatheredstone shrine to an unknown power (there are engravings in Goblin)

5Three rope bridges cross a canal of bubbling tar. The bridges haveall been repaired many times (there is a pile of animal bones)

6A garden of red and black flowers grows from ash. Paths of crusheddebris crisscross the area (there is a monument to a war deity)

7A wall made of tombstones and stone heads. Many silver holysymbols hand from large spikes (someone has left a horned helmet)

8A spring of brackish water and a brightly painted tomb that standsout from everything else. (there is curse written in Dwarvish)

9A pavilion tent made from many hides and skins. Several skulls onpoles turn to watch intruders (an old spirit is trapped here)

10A beast pen with bone fences holds several zombie goats (there is acircle of scythes driven into the ground nearby)

11 A pool of moving slime by a trapdoor (there is a grimlock corpse)

12Several crumbling walls enclose a throne made of rusted blades(there are groans of a crowd of bound spirits)

13A hut of polished wood, surrounded by a spiked iron fence (there isa handcart filled with dead flowers)

14A murky pond is infested with ghostly crabs. It is surrounded by apathway of crushed bones (small dust devils drift around the area)

15A squat bronze statue with several pathways leading to it. Severalstone arms reach up from the ground (lying here is a burning torch)

16A ruined watchtower of bone and iron covered in tattered flags(many ravens are nesting here)

17A garden of large vegetables growing in strange shapes. Four crudescarecrows watch over it (it is protected by an golem)

18An abandoned inn with wooden tables outside. Skeletons wait withtrays of flagons and glasses (nearby is a grove of stunted willows)

19A wooden bridge crosses a noxious river. The bridge creaks loudlyand it is magically dark beneath it (nearby is a stone statue of a troll)

20A tall unstable windmill which is supported by a cyclops skeleton(nearby is a pond filled with zombie fish)

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Shadowfell Unusual Locationsd8+d12

2Pink flowers stand out in a broad valley. A raven is carved into aslope, with disturbing programmed illusions as its eyes.

3Bodies and spirits are bound to trees in a gloomy grove. Tabletsdescribe betrayals and crimes. Creatures of earth guard the area.

4Scarred Meet. A crossroads is littered with bright stones. Markerswith painted cards mark Shadowfell crossings to other lands.

5A stream of sludge falls onto a slowly turning wheel. It is linked to aseries of groaning pipes and mechanisms set into the cliff.

6There are fields of stunted crops and pools of bubbling muck. In thearea are scraps of armor, rusted weapons and broken arrows.

7A putrid river is cloaked with fog and infested with skeletalpredators. It winds around a bleak hill with a tomb at the top. Theriver is Desecrated Ground (DMG pg 110).

8Fell of Mirrors. An old arry has many sides of polished reflectivestone. Several petrified creatures are caught half-in the stone.

9Beside a tree of moving metal blades is a concealed tunnelentrance. the surrounding sand dunes cover old stone structures.

10Waste is strewn in putrid piles, disturbed by scavengers. Weird cactigrow here and something speaks in alluring whispers

11A worn path is lined with runed skulls. It leads through a hamlet ofcollapsed huts and an orchard of trees bearing rotten fruit.

12Gloomcreek. Tremors cause waves on a lake of foul water. Darkmoss grows on several wrecks, emanating a strong sense of dread.

13Ivy-covered standing stones surround a memorial of marble andiron. Each stone bears a carved face weeping tears of blood.

14A putrid stream carries corpses and scraps of wood. A ferry is borneby a trudging golem. Illusions of shocked creatures line one shore.

15An hill of sedge is home to cutting winds that groan with warnings(or voices those listening know). Two toppled statues lie at te top.

16Bonewind Keep. Ghostly spiked vines grow amid castle ruins. Thickwebs layer a large area and there is a circle of painted wagons.

17A bridge spans a chasm and bears wards against magic. It has atower with panoramic views. Several worn paths lead up to the area.

18Muddy paths lead through a network of crumbling walls, brokenstatues and gray buildings. There is a constant drizzle and faint mist.

19A greenish cloud hovers here, moving gradually across the land. Astream of beetles follows in its wake, devouring vegetation.

20The Awakened Temple. A structure of bone and bronze sits atop acrag. A moat of broken ice protects it, spanned by large slipperychains. From the heights, mocking spirits voice their dark thoughts.

Shadowfell Location Detail

Minor details to add to other locations

d8+d12

2 A fountain of bubbling slime

3 Two tall twisted trees entwined or a large bronze mirror

4 A nest of spiders

5 Several chalk markings or patches of crystal flowers

6 A pile of crushed bones (or rubble)

7 A patch of brambles with gray berries or a pile of ashes

8 A spreading ghostly fire that doesn't burn

9 A cloud of yellows spores or a number of worrying bloodstains

10 A poster warning of the end of things

11 A stone statue staring up in horror or a whispering tree

12 A bush of gray roses

13 A pool of black glass or a runed doorway

14 A line of skulls

15 A pathway lined by iron spikes or a grave marker

16 A mossy tomb

17 A slate cliff or several moldy tree stumps

18 Several small piles of misshapen rocks

19A stone slab carved with names of living rulers or several large clawmarks

20 A circle marked out by piles of bones

Shadowfell Combat TerrainThis terrain provides obstacles and things to use in combat.

d8+d12

2 A tree with a grinning skeleton hanging from it

3 A cloud of distracting flies or a skeletal stone statue

4 Stone steps down into a hole

5 An area of pus and ichor (as Slippery Ice - DMG pg 105)

6 A hut carved from a big skull

7 An overturned black coach or an area of thick webs (DMG pg 105)

8 A deep pool of bubbling mud

9 An area of jagged broken glass (difficult terrain)

10 An abandoned stone hut with no roof or a bridge made of chains

11 A mist of moaning ghostly faces

12 Spiked metal railings or an area of squelchy mud (difficult terrain)

13 A pile of broken tombstones (or rusty weapons)

14A slope covered in sticky gray goo or a large hole blocked bywebbing (DMG pg 105)

15 An area of grasping chains (as entangle spell)

16 A hedge of bloodstained thorns or an area of Desecrated Ground

17 Two freshly dug holes with coffins beside them.

18 A driverless stationary wagon, with skeletal horses

19 An area of quicksand (DMG pg 105) lined with skeletal arms

20A hidden cache (Perception check to spot if near) with a bead offorce (or roll on Minor Shadowfell Treasures)

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Shadowfell Traits and CrossingsShadowfell Traits and CrossingsThe Shadowfell is a unique place of gloom and apathy, fearand shades of gray.

Creatures spending time there often find themselves taking

on aspects related to it.

A few traits may affect the CR of the creature. The DMG

(pg 273-282) has guidelines on modifying monsters

Shadowfell (Fell-touched) TraitsAppearance. the creature might have a skeletal appearance,

shadow eyes, a cloak of darkness, bat-like wings, a hood,

cadaverous form, or a gaunt body.

Spellcasting. The following spells could be appropriate forShadowfell powers. If a DC is needed use 13 for CR 1-4, 16for CR 5-10, 18 for CR 11+

Cantrips - chill touch, minor illusion

Spells - animate dead, armor of Agathys, arms of Hadar,

bestow curse, creation, darkness, etherealness, eyebite, fear,

gaseous form, mislead, vampiric touch

d8+d12

2 Merge with shadows. The creature has advantage on Stealth checks

3 Can cast darkness (or fear) 1/day

4 Emotionally cold. Immune to charmed and frightened conditions.

5Gains Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the creature hasdisadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception)checks that rely on sight.

6 Has immunity to necrotic damage

7 Darkvision 60 ft or increased by 60 ft. Can see in magical darkness

8 Resistance to necrotic damage. Roll again for second trait

9 Darkvision 60 ft or increased by 60 ft.

10 Is uncomfortable near light and has vulnerability to radiant damage

11 Blind sense 60 ft (or immunity to the frightened condition)

12 Gains a fly (or burrow) speed equal to land speed

13Gains Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or Darkness, the creaturecan take the Hide action as a Bonus Action. Its Stealth bonusincreases by 2 (or is Dexterity bonus +2).

14 Gains the possession action of a ghost

15Gains Incorporeal Movement. The creature can move through othercreatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. They take 5(1d10) force damage if they end their turn inside an object.

16The creature gains Amorphous. The creature can move through aspace as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

17The creature's attacks deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage. (or cansummon 1d4 shadows)

18Gains a fly speed equal to land speed and Incorporeal Movement(see roll of 15)

19Has Spider Climb The creature can climb difficult surfaces, includingupside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

20 Can cast gaseous form 1/day

Shadowfell CrossingsShadowfell crossings are often temporary, or have a shifting

destination.

d8+d12

2 A bloodstained stone altar to a forgotten power

3 An opening behind a waterfall of sludge

4 An area of magical darkness

5 A tar pit

6 A trench filled with bones

7 A pool of boiling mud

8 A cave containing the crypt of a hated noble

9 A grove of whispering trees

10 A hole between two gravestones

11 A collapsed house home to ravens

12 A hollow surrounded by ghostly flags

13 An obsidian tomb with writing in elven

14 A stream of toxic sludge

15 A slab of stone with chains attached

16 A sinkhole watched over by ghostly animals

17 A smashed obelisk covered in Draconic runes

18 A shadow dragon's wing, tethered with chains

19 An iron cage hanging from a tree covered in gray moss

20 A pathway of bones disappearing into a granite cliff

Shadowfell Crossing Destinationd4+d6

2 Limbo or another chaos Plane (or a plane of Law such as Mechanus)

3 The Lower Planes (or Upper Planes)

4 The Underdark (or burial ground on the Material Plane)

5 Another place on the Shadowfell

6 A cursed place on the Material Plane

7 The Feywild

8 The Astral Plane

9 The Ethereal Plane

10 The Elemental Chaos

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Beasts & HumanoidsBeasts & HumanoidsThese tables can be used as alternative low-level Shadowfell

encounter tables

Shadowfell Beasts (Levels 1-4)"Beasts" includes a variety of creatures in the Shadowfell.

d8+d12

2 1d3 gray oozes

3 1d3 carrion crawlers

4 1d6 vine blights or 2d4 giant centipedes

5 1d4 skeletal warhorses or 2d6 giant fire beetles

6 1d4+1 swarms of beetles

7 1d4 death dogs or 1 slithering tracker (VGtM)

8 1 swarms of spiders and 1d2 giant spiders

9 1d4 giant ravens (giant vulture stats)

10 1d6 darkmantles

11 1d4 swarms of ravens

12 1d2 phase spiders or 2d4 swarms of bats

13 1d6 twig blights and 1d4 needle blights

14 1 raven familiar of an undead or spellcaster

15 1d6 giant bats or 1 psychic gray ooze

16 1 swarm of rats and 2d4 giant rats

17 1d4 dire wolves or 1d4 giant vultures

18 1d3 twisted animated trees or 1d4 giant spiders

19 2d4 swarms of bats or 1d2 shadow mastiffs

20 1 black pudding or 1 swarm of cranium rats (VGtM)

Shadowfell MountsFor medium-size npcs & leaders, with options for other sizes.

d4+d6

2 nightmare

3 carrion crawler

4 ogre zombie

5 giant bat

6 warhorse skeleton or giant vulture

7 giant spider

8 dire wolf

9 mule or carrion crawler

10 phase spider or flesh golem

Shadowfell Humanoids (Levels 1-4)d8+d12

2 1 night hag or 1 cambion

3 Group of adventurers - 1 priest, 1d2 scouts, 1 knight and 1d2 spies

4 1d4 duergar or 1d2 wights

5 1 ghast and 1d4 goblins or 1 bard (VGtM)

6 1d3 drow mounted on giant bats

7 1d2 githyanki warriors or 1d2 orc red fangs of Shargaas (VGtM)

8 1 veteran possessed by a ghost or 1d3 wererats

9 1 cult fanatic with 1d4 swarms of ravens

10 1 priest and 1d4 skeletons or 1d6 skulks (MToF)

11 1 ghoul and 2d4 cultists or 1 illusionist (VGtM)

12 2d4 grimlocks or 1d4 meazels (MToF)

13 1d3 nothics or 1d4 ghouls

14 2d4 troglodytes or 2d4 kenku

15 1d4 drow with 1d4 grimlocks

16 1 green hag or 1 darkling elder (VGtM) and 1d3 darklings (VGtM)

17 1 lost knight or 1d3 ghasts

18 1d3 githzerai monks or 1d4 derro (MToF) and 1 derro savant (MToF)

19 1d4 shadar-kai scouts (darkvision 60 ft)

20 1 vampire spawn or 1 drow elite warrior

Shadowfell Character RacesUse this table for cultists, scouts and other NPCs

d4+d6

2 Dragonborn

3 Hill dwarf or orc (VGtM)

4 Tiefling or githzerai (MToF)

5 Half-orc or fallen aasimar (VGtM)

6 Human or shadar-kai (MToF)

7 Dark elf or kenku (VGtM)

8 Half-elf or githyanki (MToF)

9 Rock gnome or duergar (MToF)

10 Stout halfling or high elf

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Non-Combat EncountersNon-Combat EncountersShadowfell Non-Combat CreatureEncountersMost encounters below retreat, hide or surrender in combat.

d8+d12

2 A cursed vampire is unable to harm others and must help instead

3A mage (replace suggestion, fireball, cone of cold with phantasmalforce, major image, seeming) wants opinions on gruesome illusions

4A duergar is proud of the squat gray hut they have built. Have plansfor many other functional buildings with few features.

5A ghost possesses a flying broomstick talks of sweeping sins of theworld. Easily released by sweeping up something with the broom

6A cursed mezzoloth is offering its services in return for the chanceto shed blood. They have an enemy nearby.

7 A spirit naga is a merchant of a variety of undead. Flees if confronted

8 A commoner in nightclothes thinks they arrived via a nightmare

9 A pair of kenku are herding a flock of skeletal geese

10 A dirty scout with a small, vicious dog is trying to catch rats

11A gaunt tribal warrior with a scythe is harvesting dead and rottingplants. Is planning on making a special brew from them.

12 A smily ghast is desperate to try a homemade board (or card) game

13A lizardfolk shaman claims to be an oracle of death and makespredictions about the group

14An awakened dire wolf (Int 10, speaks Common) is playing with theillusion of a large spider

15 A pair of satyrs are ask to be cheered up from the depressing gloom.

16 A thri-kreen is experimenting with colorful food that has no taste

17A bone ooze (ochre jelly stat with no attack) wants to be a pet andcommunicates by illusions

18A lunatic noble carries a sickle and is convinced they are a ruler ofthe Shadowfell.

19A flesh golem with many mismatched limbs silently offers variousparts of its body.

20 A horned devil trades in souls and has exactly what the group needs.

Quick Shadowfell NPCsd4+d6

2Usha is a talkative skeleton (Int 16, History + 5) scholar with a scarredcat familiar. They love old stories and hope to restore an arcane ruin

3Naal is a squinting commoner undertaker with long false nails. Theyare fascinated by stone carvings and love jokes involving death.

4Maral is a shaved dark elf mage with an uneven walk. They sell bonecharms in many styles and dream of travels beyond the Shadowfell.

5Lia is a sinister berserker (AC 16) smeared with ash and in bonearmor. They search for a lost brother and play sad tunes on a flute

6Natali is a fawning wight who is stylishly dressed. They believe theyare still alive and offer to help with everything

7Ulfgar is a fierce priest wearing clothes made of raven feathers. Theyspeak bluntly and have a letter for one of the characters.

8Tana is a stooped knight covered in weeping sores. They have losttheir faith and talk of a curse that has led them to make bad choices

9Vladislak is a long-haired druid carrying a large sword of ancientdesign. In a raspy voice they speak of dreams involving dead dragons

10Circu is a toothless elven spy covered in warts and always hooded.They are writing a book about a subject of interest to the characters.

Shadowfell Hazards and ObstaclesEncounters to hinder, threaten or inconvenience the

characters. Option to combine with a creature encounter.

d8+d12

2 A phantasmal fog (treat as weird spell)

3Something dangerous concealed by a hallucinatory terrain (ormirage arcana)

4A mass of shadows (or crumbling tomb) which is a portal to theFeywild (or lower planes)

5 Lightning and strong winds (DMG pg 110)

6 A portal to the Astral Plane or an area of thick webs (DMG pg 105)

7 Thunder and thick fog

8 A bone statue which can cause a curse (or geas)

9 Heavy rain (or snow) (Heavy Precipitation - DMG pg 110)

10A large area of magical darkness or a ghostly cloud of harmlessinsects that cause light or heavy obscurement

11 An area of quicksand marked by skeletons

12 A ghostly (or whispering) mist descends around party

13An area of razorvine (DMG pg 110) or a body infected with rotgrubs (VGtM)

14An abandoned wagon piled with coffins or an area protected byforbiddance

15 An area of noxious (or flammable) mist (treat as stinking cloud)

16Wall of gloom, magical darkness that causes fear to those goingthrough it

17Necrotic fungi that produce spores that animate the dead (or causehallucinations)

18An area of chilling darkness (as Hadar's doom but larger) or an areaof dead magic (functions as antimagic field)

19 Poisonous death cloud (treat as cloudkill)

20 Localized earthquake - as spell

9

Sample

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Shadowfell Objects and TreasuresShadowfell Objects and TreasuresShadowfell Mundane Items

Discarded objects, quick loot or extra NPC equipment

d8+d12

2 a death mask or a bat's wing

3 a skeletal hand with many copper rings

4 an old scythe or a rusted helmet

5 a plaque from a tomb

6 a creepy doll or a flail

7 a book full of unintelligible scribbles

8 an urn of ash or an amulet of raven feathers

9 a wooden stake

10 a broken mirror or a bullseye lantern

11 an etched skull missing its jaw

12 an empty oil flask or a flint and steel

13 a chunk of obsidian

14 a torch or a bag of iron spikes

15 a broken child's toy

16 a dead spider or mirror shard

17 a smashed lantern

18 a pouch of candles or a rucksack of moldy rations

19 a tent made from humanoid skin

20 Elixir of Health or roll on Minor Treasures

Shadowfell Minor Treasuresd8+d12

2 A mask with a ghostly visage, studded with opals. Worth 1000 gp

3 Bead of Force or Potion of Clairvoyance

41d3 gray agates (worth 500 gp each). Cause any carrying themnightmares of hags and fiends.

5 Dust of Disappearance or Dust of Sneezing and Choking (cursed)

6 1d2 vials of assassin's blood (DMG pg 257)

7 A holy symbol on a silver chain with continual flame

8 A clockwork black coach with by tiny ghostly horses. Worth 150 gp

9 Scroll of Protection - Undead (or Aberrations)

10 1d3 flasks of holy water or a poisoner's kit

11 1d4 Potions of Necrotic Resistance or Potion of Poison

12 A book in elven that tells of the Raven Queen and her servants.

13 Spell Scroll of calm emotions (or magic circle)

14 1d4 flasks of alchemist's fire

15 Elixir of Health or Potion of Mind Reading

16 A necklace made of bronze ravens. Worth 250 gp

17 Spell Scroll of dream (or sunbeam)

18A cat figurine carved from obsidian that pulls gently towards thenearest Shadowfell Crossing

19 Oil of Etherealnes or Potion of Invisibility

201 vial of midnight tears (DMG pg 257) or 1d3 vials of burnt otherfumes

Shadowfell Magic Items (d20)

Use 1d6 for Uncommon items, 1d6+6 for Rare, 1d8+12 forVery Rare & Legendary

1d20

1 Driftglobe or Deck of Illusions

2 Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location or Hat of Disguise

3 Bag of Holding or Broom of Flying

4 Goggles of Night or Sword of Vengeance (cursed)

5 Ring of Mind Shielding or Cloak of Elvenkind

6 Eversmoking Bottle or Lantern of Revealing

7 Sword of Life Stealing or Cloak of Displacement

8 Armor (or Ring) of Necrotic Resistance or Wand of Fear

9 Gem of Seeing or Ioun Stone of Sustenance

10 Dimensional Shackles or Sun Blade

11 Mace of Disruption or Robe of Eyes

12 Staff of Withering or Cloak of the Bat

13 Rod of Absorption or Dragon Scalemail (shadow - necrotic resistance)

14Staff of Shadows (as staff of frost but spells are darkness - 2 charges,hunger of Hadar - 3 charges, fear - 3 charges, blight - 4 charges)

15 Crystal Ball or Cloak of Arachnida

16 Amulet of the Planes or Scarab of Protection - legendary

17 Bag of Devouring or Ioun Stone of Greater Absorption - legendary

18 Helm of Brilliance or Plate Armor of Etherealness - legendary

19 Nine Live Stealer or Cloak of Invisibility - legendary

20 Mirror of Life Trapping or Sphere of Annihilation- legendary

10

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Activities & ComplicationsActivities & ComplicationsShadowfell Encounter Activity or State

They are... (or one is...)

d8+d12

2 a shapechanger

3fleeing a nearby danger, disaster or other threat or waiting forsomeone / something

4 exploring (or watching) a secret entrance

5playing with a pile of bones or injured (not at full hit points orreduced speed)

6 marked by (or bearing symbols of) a death deity (or a local faction)

7 investigating a dead body (roll on Quick Shadowfell NPCs)

8 telepathic (telepathy 60 ft.) or resting

9 hiding from (or watching) a nearby threat or eating

10 cursed (or infected with a disease)

11 hiding from (or curious about) a nearby light source

12 stalking (or being stalked by) something or close to death

13 ending (or starting) a journey (or migration)

14 searching the area for sustenance or a companion

15 being noisy or drinking (or collecting) from a water source

16 haunted (or harassed) by another creature or tired

17 guarding the local area or hiding (or resting) in suitable terrain

18 investigating (or playing with) an item (roll on Mundane Items)

19 mutilated (or mutated) in some way

20 larger than normal (extra hit points)

Shadowfell Encounter Sentient Activity

Extra options for sentient creatures. They are... (or one is...)

d8+d12

2 studying a portal (or crossing); or telling a story

3 carrying (or investigating) a body; or making a fire

4burying something or displaying the symbol of a local deity (orfaction)

5 having an argument or singing a dirge

6 scavenging for valuables or creating some art

7 waiting in ambush for someone or consuming food

8 following a raven (or guide)

9 performing a ritual or playing a game

10 spying on someone else or suffering great despair

11 lost or they are on patrol

12 making (or following) a map

13 partway through (or starting) a journey

14 warding off (or talking to) a spirit

15 investigating (or hiding) a light source

16 searching for a place or person

17 talking (or trading) with someone (roll on Quick Shadowfell NPCs)

18searching for a Shadowfell crossing or building (or destroying)something

19 investigating (or watching) an illusion

20 studying inscriptions (or pictures)

Encounter Complication or Enhancementd8+d12

2 The area is slowly collapsing into a large pit (or a bag of devouring)

3There is a crossing here to another realm. An area of darkness (orroll on Shadowfell Crossings)

4There are giant bats here (or nearby) as pets (or guards). Foralternatives roll on Shadowfell Beasts

5There are stone steps down into a hole or roll on ShadowfellCombat Terrain

6There is a hidden item (or cache) here. A scroll of protection -undead or roll on Minor Shadowfell Treasures

7There is a hut carved from a big skull or roll on Shadowfell CombatTerrain

8There is a prisoner in the encounter or a lone traveler nearby. Rollon Quick Shadowfell NPCs

9There is a pile of broken tombstones or roll on Shadowfell CombatTerrain

10 There is a hallucinatory terrain disguising a pool of thick black mud

11The area is Desecrated Ground (DMG pg 110) and there are undeadhere (or close by) - Roll on an Undead Encounter table.

12There is a harmless spectral spirit here. It tries to warn people (orgive advice to them)

13There is thunder and thick fog or roll on Shadowfell Hazards andObstacles

14The creatures are carrying a magic item (or it is hidden nearby). Rollon Magic Items - Shadowfell

15There is an abandoned wagon piled high with coffins or roll onShadowfell Hazards & Obstacles

16There is a programmed illusion (or Mordenkainen's magicalmansion) here

17There is an area of noxious mist (treat as stinking cloud) or roll onShadowfell Hazards and Obstacles

18Nearby is a death tyrant (or pick from Shadowfell Encounters Level11+) those encountered try not to disturb.

19There is a hole (or cave entrance) blocked by thick webs here. Itleads to a place safe to rest.

20There are several ravens (or swarm of ravens) here watching foranother power

11

Sample

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Other Encounter TablesOther Encounter TablesPlanar Visitors (Levels 1-4)A traveler from the astral plane, deep ethereal or using planar

magic.

d4+d6

2 1 night hag

31d4 nomadic scouts with a wagon traveling via secret paths or 1wight mounted on a nightmare

4Adventurers who passed through a Shadowfell crossing - 1 noble, 1berserker, 1 priest and 1d3 scouts

5 1d2 githyanki warriors

6 1d2 phase spiders or 1 berbalang (MToF)

7 1d3 githzerai monks or 1 shadow demon

8 1 cult fanatic mounted on a nightmare or 1d2 giff (MToF)

9 1 knight banished by a hostile plane shift spell

10 1 cambion

Planar Visitors (Levels 5-10)d4+d6

2 1 gray slaad or 1 morkoth (VGtM)

3 1 stone giant banished by plane shift spell or 1 ulitharid (VGtM)

4 1 githyanki knight or 1 githzerai enlightened (MToF)

51 mind flayer with 1d4 troglodytes or adventurers - 1 cambion, 1blackguard (VGtM), 1d2 master thieves (VGtM) and 1 mage

61 night hag mounted on a nightmare or 1 warlock of the Great Old One(VGtM) with 1d6 cult fanatics

7 1d3 githzerai zerths or 1 mind flayer arcanist

8 1 death slaad or 1 diviner (VGtM, has plane shift instead of teleport)

9 1 assassin, arrived via a Shadowfell crossing or 1 githyanki gish (MToF)

101 genie (dao, marid, efreet or djinni) or 1 stone giant dreamwalker(VGtM)

Planar Visitors (Levels 11+)d4+d6

21 empyrean (evil-aligned) or 1d3 githyanki gish (MToF) with 2d4githyanki warriors

31 arcanaloth (has plane shift prepared instead of finger of death) or 1genie noble (any type)

4 Coven of 3 night hags all mounted on nightmares or 1 alhoon (VGtM)

51 archmage with 1d3 wights using astral projection or 1 drowarachnomancer (MToF, has plane shift instead of etherealness))

61 githyanki knight mounted on a young red shadow dragon or 1githzerai anarch (MToF)

7 1d4+1 gray slaads or 1 nagpa (MToF)

8Adventurers with a cubic gate - 1 mage , 1 assassin, 1d2 githzeraizerths and 1 drow priestess of Lolth

91 rakshasa or 1 archdruid (VGtM, has plane shift prepared instead offire storm)

10 1 lich or 1 skull lord (MToF)

Shadowfell Monsters (Levels 1-4)Roll on Undead levels 1-4 for alternate monster options.

d4+d6

2 1 flesh golem or 1 banderhobb (VGtM)

31d3 ettercaps or 1 adult kruthik (MToF) and 2d4 young kruthiks(MToF)

4 1d2 nightmares or 1d4 stone cursed (MToF)

5 1d2 phase spiders or 2d6 of the wretched (MToF)

6 1d6 darkmantles or 1d3 meenlocks (VGtM)

7 1 shadow demon or roll on Shadowfell Spirits lvl 1-4

8 1d6 death dogs or 1 basilisk

9 1d2 nothics or 1d2 grells

10 1 roper or 1 catoblepas (VGtM)

Shadowfell Monsters (Levels 5-10)Roll on Undead levels 1-4 for alternate monster options.

d4+d6

2 1 gray slaad or 1 of the hungry (MToF)

31d4 flesh golems or 2d4 adult kruthiks (MToF) and 2d6 young kruthiks(MToF)

4 1 spirit naga or 1d2 of the lonely (MToF)

5 2d4 grells or 1d2 rot trolls (MToF)

6 1d2 cloakers or 1d3 of the lost (MToF)

7 1d4 wraiths or roll on Shadowfell Spirits lvl 5-10

8 1d2 driders and 1d2 phase spiders or 1 froghemoth (VGtM)

91d4 fell umber hulks (resistance to necrotic damage and fly 30 ft) or1 elder oblex (MToF)

10 1 aboleth or 1 balhannoth (MToF)

12

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Shadowfell Spirits (Levels 1-4)d4+d6

2 1 wraith or 1 night hag

3 1 ghost or 1d2 vampiric mists (MToF)

4 1d2 poltergeists or 1 banshee

5 1d4 specters or 1d3 shadow mastiffs (VGtM)

6 1d6 shadows or 1d2 sword wraith warriors (MToF)

7 1d3 will-o'-wisps or 1d4+1 skulks (MToF)

8 1 shadow demon or 1d4 animated armors

9 2d4 flying swords or 1 flameskull

101 shadow elemental (air elemental stats but deals necrotic damageand has Stealth +8) or 1 allip (MToF)

Shadowfell Spirits (Levels 5-10)d4+d6

2 1d4 revenants or a coven of 3 night hags

3 1d4 wraiths or 1 annis hag (VGtM) with 1d2 ogre zombies

4 1d6 shadow demons or 2d4 sword wraith warriors (MToF)

52d6 specters or 2d6 shadow mastiffs (VGtM) led by 1 shadow mastiffalpha (VGtM)

6 1 wraith with 1d6 specters

72d6 shadows or 1 sword wraith commander (MToF) with 1d3 swordwraith warriors (MToF)

81d4 shadow elemental (air elemental stats but deals necrotic damageand has Stealth +8)

9 1d2 banshees with 2d4 specters or 1d4 allips (MToF)

10 1d3 murderous spirits (invisible stalker stats) or 1 spirit troll (MToF)

Undead (Levels 1-4)d4+d6

2 1 vampire spawn or 1d2 deathlock wights (MToF)

3 1d2 mummies

4 1 flameskull or 1d3 ogre zombies

5 3d4 zombies or 1d3+1 ghouls led by 1 Ghast

6 1d4+1 ghouls or 1d6 shadows

7 1d2 wights or 1d3 minotaur skeletons

8 2d6 skeletons or 1 deathlock (MToF)

9 1 bone naga or 1d4+1 warhorse skeletons

10 1 revenant or 1 beholder zombie

Undead (Levels 5-10)

d4+d6

2 1 beholder zombie with 2d4 minotaur skeletons

3 2d4 wights or 1 corpse flower (MToF) with 1d8+1 zombies

4 1d4 vampire spawn or 1d4 spawn of Kyuss (VGtM)

51d2 flameskulls with 1d3 wights and 1d6+6 zombies or 1necromancer (VGtM) with 1d4 wights

6 2d6 ghouls led by 1d4 ghasts or 1d3 bodaks (VGtM)

7 1d3+1 wights with 3d6 zombies or 1 deathlock mastermind (MToF)

8 1d4+2 mummies or 1 maurezhi (MToF) with 1d10 ghouls

9 4d6 skeletons with 1d4+1 shadows

10 1d2 bone nagas with 2d4 ogre zombies

Undead (Levels 11+)d8+d12

2 1 lich or 1 mind flayer lich (VGtM, variant)

31 adult blue dragolich or 1d2 sword wraith commanders (MToF) with2d4 sword wraith warriors (MToF)

4 1 death tyrant or 1 boneclaw (MToF)

5 2d4 vampire spawn or 1 devourer (VGtM)

6 2d4 wraiths or 1 nightwalker (MToF)

7 1 vampire or 1 skull lord (MToF) with 1d6 wights

8 1 mummy lord

9 1 vampire spellcaster or 1 vampire warrior

10 1 death Knight or 1 dracolich (any adult dragon)

Sample

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