08/14/2023

Here is another random encounter from Chat GPT:

Description: As the party navigates the labyrinthine passages of the Underdark, the air thickens with an eerie tension, causing the hairs on their arms to stand on end. The torchlight flickers and dances on the damp walls, casting shifting shadows that seem to take on a life of their own. Whispers of doubt and unease creep into the minds of the adventurers, accompanied by the unmistakable sensation of being watched.

Suddenly, the silence shatters like glass as an ear-splitting roar reverberates through the corridor. The ground trembles beneath the party’s feet as a colossal Umber Hulk bursts forth from a concealed side tunnel, its bulk casting monstrous shadows on the walls. The creature’s angular body is covered in an intricately patterned chitinous hide, its deep earthy tones blending perfectly with the labyrinth’s natural stone textures. Its six multifaceted eyes gleam with an otherworldly luminance, revealing a malevolent intelligence behind its primal fury.

Treasure: Amidst the aftermath of the battle, the party’s keen eyes spot a small crevice tucked away in the corner of the cavern. Upon closer inspection, they discover a hidden cache of treasures. Glinting under the torchlight, an array of precious gems, ranging from sparkling diamonds to deep sapphires, lie nestled within the crevice, their brilliance reflecting the triumph of the party’s hard-fought victory.

Further exploration reveals a scroll, carefully protected from the elements within a leather satchel. Unrolling the parchment, the party uncovers the secrets of a powerful illusion spell. The spell promises to bend reality to their will, allowing them to create intricate illusions that could be used both in and out of combat, offering a strategic advantage in future encounters.

If the party examines the fallen Umber Hulk, they notice the unique resilience of its chitinous hide. A skilled artisan could potentially harvest the hide and fashion it into a remarkable suit of armor. This armor would not only provide exceptional physical protection but also grant resistance against psychic attacks, a rare and invaluable trait in a world filled with arcane dangers.

That is a good random encounter. Let’s see how I would create this on the tabletop:

We start by pulling out the Underdark UDT and walls sections. We make a T-intersection with the walls then add some other pieces of Underdark scatter terrain. We place the Umber Hulk in the side passage and the PCs in the main tunnel. We use colored lighting to set the mood. Here is what it looks like on the table:

The corridor is confining and the Umber Hulk is a large creature that takes up most of the passage width. It will be difficult to maneuver. Since the umber hulk has a burrow speed, it can move around through the walls if needed. Once it is hurt, it could flee into the walls, only to follow the group to attack later.

The scroll would be a Mirage Arcane, 7th-level illusion spell.

Keep on gaming!