Underwater Encounters

Credits
Writing and Layout. Duncan Thomson
Related PDFs and Titles
Cover Art. Photo by Scott Webb
Interior Art. includes Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games
Publisher's Choice Quality Stock Art @Rick Hershey / Fat

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Table of Contents
Using Underwater Encounters .................................................... 3
Underwater Encounter Tables ..................................................... 4
Location Tables ............................................................................... 5
Beasts and Humanoids ................................................................. 7
Non-Combat Encounters .............................................................. 8
Objects and Treasures ................................................................... 9
Activities and Complications ..................................................... 10
Other Encounter Tables .............................................................. 11

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 Using Underwater Encounters
Underwater terrain is the seas and oceans, an alien world to Ways to Use Random Encounters
most surface-dwellers. I've tried to support themes of sea Random encounters are a versatile tool that can surprise a
plants, shells, tentacles and shadow. group with the direction it takes the game. Use them for...
Find a Underwater Encounters Generator at ChaosGen Changing the Pace
Dice to Use Encounters can be used when things need to slow down or
speed up. A stranger approaches a distracted party (or
The default dice for the tables are 1d8+1d12. With two dice players). An ambush when they are spoiling for a fight, a

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some results have a higher chance to occur. The most friendly encounter if they are in safer lands.
common results at 9-13, with values below and above this
occurring less often. The least likely to occur are 2 and 20. Something Unexpected
Or using 1d20 gives more chance of dangerous and unusual Your players have done the unexpected, you need time to
encounters. Options for rolling a 1 include re-rolling, treat as recover and process what's happened. Call a 5-minute break

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n 11, combine two more rolls or simply choose a result. and roll (or choose) from the tables. Use what you like to
2d10 (2-20) has the same range as d8+d12. It only uses a provide enough for an encounter or get you to session's end.
single die type and changes the most common result to an 11. A Taste of the Surroundings
Using 3d6 (3-18) or 2d6+4 (6-16) reduces the more In new terrain or an unusual area showcase things specific to
dangerous and unusual encounters and results. the area. Hydras in swamps, crabs on the coast, avalanches
Smaller (d4+d6) Tables in mountains. Hostile encounters where foes are expected,
non-combat encounters where they are not.
The smaller tables use 1d4+1d6 with a range of 2-10. The
most common results are 5-7. Alternate dice include 1d10 Nothing Prepared
(with option of treating a 1 as a 6) or 2d4+1 (2-9)
About Encounter Tables e
There are a few options beyond just rolling up an encounter.
You 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:
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Pick the result that is most interesting or makes sense.
Plan for adventures by looking at monster groupings. The extra tables can be used to customize encounters.
Combine the results of two tables. Use Location tables to add variety. Details supplement
Roll several encounters in advance and use as needed. your own descriptions. Use Combat Terrain for aggressive
Use them as a base to make your own encounter tables. foes and to give bold PCs something to work with.
Types of Encounter The Complications table suggests ways of tying an
encounter to the terrain and integrating other tables.
Encounters can go beyond combat. Use them to introduce... NPCs can be prisoners, allies, guides, or simply nearby.
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local creatures, NPCs or factions An Enc. Activity gives purpose to a creature encounter
a source of information or someone to call on for help Items can be littered around the battlefield, given to
an encounter tied to a character, villain or subquest intelligent foes or used as treasure.
news about world events or local politics Use humanoids as mercenaries, guards or travelers
foreshadowing of future story or major events. Higher and Lower Level Parties.
Encounter Frequency The tables are created for a range of levels, but some results
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Some groups use encounters simply when traveling. Others are very deadly for lower level parties. Or not a challenge for
use a system varying on terrain, danger level and time of day. 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
A quick method is 1d20 with an encounter on 16+. Roll once is levels 5-10) try the minimum number of creatures. Or the
a day, when terrain changes or more often in areas of danger. maximum for parties on the higher end of a tier.
Simple Travel Encounters Table Similar advice applies for parties with more or less
A simple option for travel is roll 1d20, +1 per day of travel. If characters that the average, or who are more powerful due to
the d20 shows an 11, there is an ambush or night encounter. magical items or character optimization.
Make encounters easier by adding allies or using
1d20 + days of travel Encounters advantageous terrain. Monsters could be hindered with lower
1-10 No encounters
morale, injuries or distractions.
11-20 1 encounter
21-30 2 encounters
31+ 3 encounters

3
 Underwater Encounter Tables
VGtM = Volo's Guide to Monsters. Underwater Encounters (Levels 5-10)
MToF = Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes d8+d12
A Note on Water Breathing 2 1 marid or 1 morkoth (VGtM)
To expand options some stats and creatures are adapted 3 1d3+1 giant sharks
from other environments. These may need a way of water 4 2d6+2 sahuagin led by a sahuagin baron or roll on Sahuagin lvl 5-10
breathing to survive underwater. 5 1d4+1 giant constrictor snakes or 1 hydroloth (MToF)
The water breathing spell lasts for 24 hours or several

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magic items grant water breathing, including cap of water 6 A coven of 3 sea hags or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 5-10

breathing, cloak of the manta ray, necklace of adaptation and 7

3d6 sahuagin and 1d3 sahuagin priestesses or 1 mage with water
ring of water elemental command breathing served by 1 water elemental myrmidon (MToF)

Lastly, any creature can be made aquatic by giving it a 8 1d4 water elementals or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 5-10
swim speed equal to its walking speed and the amphibious 9 4d6 merfolk with 3d6 giant seahorses

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ability. 10 2d6 sahuagin and 1d4+1 hunter sharks or roll on Sahuagin lvl 5-10
Amphibious. This creature can breathe air and water 11 Roll on Underwater Levels 1-4 table or 3d6 sea spawn (VGtM)
12 1d4+2 killer whales
13 1d2 hydras or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 5-10
14 1d4+1 chuuls or 2d6 hunter sharks
1 sea troll (swim 30 ft.) with 1d6 merrow or roll on Underwater
15
Monsters lvl 5-10
2d6 plesiosauruses or 1 kraken priest (VGtM) with 1d4 cult fanatics
16
(with water breathing)

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18

19
1 aboleth or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 5-10
1 sea hag and 2d4 merrow
1 young black dragon or 1 kraken priest (VGtM) with 1d4+1 deep
scions (VGtM)
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20 1 storm giant

Underwater Encounters (Levels 11+)

Underwater Encounters (Levels 1-4)
d8+d12
d8+d12
2 1 adult black dragon or 1 leviathan (MToF)
2 1 giant shark or 1 kraken priest (VGtM)
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3 1 kraken
3 1d3 plesiosauruses or 1 sea hag with 1d2 sea spawn (VGtM)
4 2 young black dragons or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 11+
4 1d4 sahuagin with 1 sahuagin priestess or roll on Sahuagin lvl 1-4
5 4d6 merrow or 1 storm giant quintessent (VGtM)
5 2d6 giant crabs or roll on Underwater Beasts
6 1 aboleth with 2d4 chuuls or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 11+
6 1d2 chuul or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 1-4
7 3d6 killer whales or 1 wastrilith (MToF)
7 1d4+1 reef sharks or roll on Underwater Beasts
8 1d3 marids or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 11+
8 1d3 sahuagin and 1d3 reef sharks or roll on Sahuagin lvl 1-4
9 2d4 giant sharks or 1d2 aboleth
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9 1d3 giant octopi or roll on Underwater Beasts

10 1 dragon turtle or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 11+
10 1d2 merrow or roll on Underwater Monsters lvl 1-4
11 Roll on Underwater Levels 5-10 table or 1 morkoth (VGtM)
11 2d6 giant seahorses or roll on Underwater Beasts
4d6 sahuagin and 1d4+2 sahuagin priestesses led by a sahuagin
12 2d6 merfolk or roll on Underwater Humanoids 12
baron
13 1d3 killer whales or 3d6 dolphins (VGtM) 13 1 storm giant with 1d3 killer whales
14 2d4 steam mephits or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 1-4
14 2d4+2 sahuagin priestesses each with a Hunter Shark
15 1d3 hunter sharks or 1d4 sea spawn (VGtM)
15 2d4 water elementals or 1 archduid (VGtM)
2d4 merfolk with 2d4 giant sea horses or roll on Underwater 16 1d3 storm giants
16
Humanoids
1 marid and 1d4 water elementals or 1 archduid (VGtM) with... (roll
17 1d3 swarms of quippers or 1 deep scion (VGtM) 17
on Beast Encounters)
1 sea hag and 1d2 swarms of quippers or roll on Underwater Spirits
18 18 1 sahuagin baron and 1d4+2 giant sharks
lvl 1-4
19 1 archmage and 1d6 gladiators with water breathing
19 1 giant constrictor snake or 1 druid
20 1 empyrean or 1 lich
20 1 water elemental or 1 sea elf spirit (banshee stats)

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 Location Tables Underwater Semi-Civilized Locations
In italics are optional extra details.
Use Wilderness, Semi-Civilized or Unusual table for an
encounter location. d8+d12

The Underwater Location Detail and Underwater Combat 2

A sunken temple to a power of strength. There is a garden of

Terrain can be used to customize the location. colorful seaweed (there is a stationary pocket of air)
A carved monument with lawns of ornamental sea grass (there is a
3
programmed illusion here)
4 A line of statues surrounded by rock (nearby is an ornate tomb)
Underwater Edge of Wilderness Locations A coral-carved hall with a patch of sea anemones (the area is
In italics are optional extra details. 5
associated with a magical tentacled monster)

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A pillar of stone surrounded by sand (which is associated with
d8+d12 6
whales)
An ugly crevasse in an area of black kelp (near a permanent
2 A garden of pretty sea plants and an underwater cave entrance (a
maelstrom) 7
bright light is in the area)

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A shallow trench on a sunken island and a wide sea cave entrance (it
3 A stone mosaic and a patch of cultivated seaweed (there is a sunken
is touched by druidic magic) 8
fishing boat)
4 A sparkling canyon (there are several sea flowers) An algae-covered shell mosaic near a seaweed garden (a forceful
9
5 An area of dead coral (nearby is a mound of shells) current pulls creatures upward)
A rock reef by a patch of sea mushrooms (there is the corpse of a 10 A decorated shipwreck (nearby is a wide crevasse)
6
sea hag)
11 A coral-carved hall with a statue (it is protected by a sea spirit)
7 A shallow trench and a dying kelp garden (close by is a shipwreck) An edible kelp garden near a shell mosaic (by a sandy surface on
12
8 An area of sea anemones (close by is a pile of rocks) coral)
A patch of bright sea grass surrounded by shells (there is a harmless An unusual line of statues and a pile of seaweed (many coloured
9 13
group of seahorses approaching) lights are in the area)

10

11
through the area)
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A narrow chasm and a algae-covered rock (a strong current flows

A pile of red seaweed by a deep hole (there is a harmless group of

fish approaching)
14

15
A sparkling statue by a hidden carved underwater cave (there is an
inquisitive group of crabs approaching)
A steep slope with a seaweed garden (there is a seaweed-covered
barrel)
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A bed of kelp with a mound of dead seaweed (there are a few 16 A statue of a sea deity (the marine wildlife has disappeared)
12
unusual rocks) 17 A cairn in a large pocket of air (nearby is an undersea mountain)
13 A glowing sea cave entrance (many coloured lights are approaching)
A sunken ruins with a kelp-covered shrine to a forgotten power
18
An algae-covered rock and a patch of edible seaweed (nearby are a (nearby is an oyster reef)
14
few underwater cave entrances)
An area of living coral by a group of tentacled statues (there are a
19
A meadow of pink sea plants (there is a mass of rotting bodies few clams)
15
chained together) A shrine to several deities made from a shipwreck (the area is
20
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16 A pair of sea cave entrances (they are watched by a ghost) blessed by a power of chaos)
An area of white sand littered with shells (the area is disguised by a
17
hallucinatory terrain)
18 An undersea mountain (a forceful current pulls creatures downward)
19 A broken cliff by a patch of shells (someone has left a net)
20 A skeleton of an ancient sea titan (it is associated with octopi)
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 Underwater Location Detail
Underwater Unusual Locations
d8+d12 Minor details to add to other locations
A sparkling coral tomb of a storm giant built into an undersea d8+d12
2
mountain. Sometimes it shakes with rumbling noises.
2 A thorny patch of bright seaweed
A cave entrance lined with draconic runes. A dormant mechanism is
3 3 A recently dug hole
located here along with many large bones.
4 An underwater beacon
Spear of the Ancients. A gigantic trident protrudes from the seabed.
4 5 An illusion of several surface beasts
It is adorned with seaweed and used as a shrine to a hunting deity.
A beautiful structure built from bone and shells surrounded by a 6 A stone statue of a sea deity
5
circle of pillars. A warrior from the surface died here. 7 Several sea urchins or a lawn of sea grass

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A grand seaweed maze cursed by a powerful ghost. It is bound to 8 A patch of sea anemones
6
wander its many paths and ask many questions of visitors.
9 Several large red sea mushrooms
Hulk of a sunken ship with an arcane metal device. There is a portal
7 10 Many long strands of bright seaweed
to the Shadowfell (or Limbo) which attracts strange creatures.
11 A garden of shells

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Garden of Above and Below. A strange garden of shells and objects
8 12 Area of sahuagin bones
from the surface. Merfolk come to admire it and add more things.
13 A patch of chromatic seaweed
Several underwater cave entrances are home to powerful elemental
9
magic. There are pockets of air with drawings and wall carvings. 14 A wounded and unconscious cute animal
An underwater crater with mounds of seashells and littered with 15 A sunken rowing boat
10
debris. A maelstrom sometimes forms, tied to lunar phases. 16 A seaweed garden
Atop a ridge is an eroded line of giant statues, depicting members 17 Several bright colored lights
11
of a pantheon. Ancient magic lingers here, waiting to be tapped.
18 A diving bell
Hunger's Hill. A pile of disparate wrecks is lit by flickering colored
12 19 A decaying humanoid body
lights that roam the area. Stories tell of undead sharks seen here.

13

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A citadel of coral and stone decorated with shells and shiny objects.
Aquatic elves often add more decorations and admire their artistry.
A system of tunnels and chambers is carved into dead coral. It acts
as a palace for a marid and is linked to the Elemental Plane of Water.
20 A line of large clams

Underwater Combat Terrain

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A sunken island with strange rampant seaweed. It is surrounded by
15
kelp and a strong current forces swimmers down to it. This terrain provides obstacles and things to use in combat.
Inn of the Sea Dragon. In a trench with magical wards, this structure
16 d8+d12
is carved from coral. Travelers are found from many realms.
An unmoving giant golem stands by a wide abyss. A mosaic of sea 2 A maelstrom
17
plants and stone surrounds both, depicting a gilled humanoid. 3 Bottom of a cliff
A kelp forest of thick seaweed contains many oysters. Beside it sits 4 An area of magical darkness
18
a murky algae-covered gully. The area borders the Lower Planes
A cave entrance blocked sticky seaweed (treat as webbing - DMG
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5
A stone arch stands over the remains of a kraken. Strange shapes pg 105)
19
and patterns appear and evolve in the brightly colored sand.
6 A whale skeleton
Eon Watcher. On a cliff-face is a timer of glass as tough as steel. It
20 7 A floating pocket of air
slowly fills with shells before resetting. Blessed by a sea deity.
8 A column of stone
9 A glyph of warding (explosive runes - thunder)
10 A cage on a chain or half of a wreched ship
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11 Grasping seaweed in the area acts as an entangle spell

A swarm of inquisitive brightly-colored fish, attracted to any light
12
source
13 A strong current runs through the area
14 An underwater cave entrance
15 A cloud of inky black darkness
16 A forceful current pulls creatures downwards
17 An anchor with a chain leading upwards
18 A deep trench
19 A forceful current pulls creatures upwards
A hidden cache (Perception check to spot if near) with oil of
20
slipperiness (or roll on Minor Underwater Treasures)

6
 Beasts & Humanoids Humanoid Encounters
These tables can be used as alternative low-level underwater d4+d6

encounter tables 2 1 malenti (sahuagin stats, sea elf form) or 1 kraken priest (VGtM)
Adventurers with water breathing - 1 thug, 1 scout, 1 noble, 1 priest
3
and 1 guard
4 1 priest missionary (replace dispel magic with water breathing)
5 1d6 merfolk with 1d6 giant sea horses
1 sea elf berserker (swim 30 ft., Stealth +3, Survival +2) with 1 giant
6
seahorse
7 1d3 merfolk with 1d3 sea elf tribal warriors (swim 30 ft.) and 1 druid

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8 1d6 lizardfolk diving from the surface
9 1d2 merrow
10 1d6 sea elf scouts (swim 30 ft.)
11 2d6 merfolk or 1 deep scion (VGtM)

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12 2d4 sahuagin or roll on Sahuagin lvl 1-4
13 1 sea hag with... (roll on Beast Encounters)
14 2d4 fish folk (kuo-toa stats) or 1d4 sea spawn (VGtM)
15 1d4+1 sahuagin and 1d4 reef sharks or roll on Sahuagin lvl 1-4
16 1 lizardfolk shaman (can change into a giant octopus)
Beast Encounters 17 1 druid
d8+d12 18 1 kuo-toa whip with 1d4 kuo-toa from the Underdark
2 1 giant shark 19 1d4 sahuagin with 1 sahuagin priestess or roll on Sahuagin lvl 1-4
3 1 giant constrictor snake and 1d4+1 constrictor snakes 20 1 mage with a cap of water breathing
4
5
6
7
1d3 plesiosauruses

1d3 hunter sharks

4d6 playful sea horses
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1 giant lobster (chuul stats with Int 2) Underwater Character Races
Use this table for sea druids, adventurers and other NPCs.
Creating merfolk or kuo-toa NPCs is described in the
Dungeon Master's Guide (page 282). Tritons, sea elves and
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8 1d4+1 reef sharks
9 1d4 giant octopi
water genasi can function underwater.
10 2d6 giant seahorses d4+d6 Underwater Character Races
11 1d3 swarm of quippers or 3d6 dolphins (VGtM) 2 Kuo-toa
12 2d4 constrictor snakes 3 Half-elf (sea elf) or Lizardfolk (VGtM)
13 1d2 killer whales 4 Dragonborn (black)
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14 3d6 inquisitive octopi or 1d4 saltwater crocodiles 5 Human or Triton (VGtM)

15 1d2 giant constrictor snakes 6 Merfolk or Water Genasi (EEPC*)
16 2d6 giant crabs or 3d6 quippers 7 Dragonborn (bronze or gold) or Sea Elf (MToF)
17 1 patch of awakened seaweed (use stats of awakened bush) 8 Merfolk or Triton (VGtM)
18 1 hunter shark and 1d4 reef sharks 9 High elf or Sea Elf (MToF)
19 1 swarm of crabs (swarm of insects stats of with swim 30 ft) 10 Merfolk
20 1 aquatic shambling mound
*EEPC is the Elemental Evil Player's Compaions, a free
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Underwater Mounts pdf from Wizards of the Coast

For medium-size npcs & leaders, with options for other sizes.
d4+d6
2 giant constrictor snake
3 swarm of quippers or reef shark
4 killer whale
5 plesiosaurus or giant crab
6 giant seahorse
7 hunter shark or dolphin (VGtM)
8 giant octopus
9 saltwater crocodile
10 giant lizard or young black dragon

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 Non-Combat Encounters Quick Underwater NPCs
d4+d6
Underwater Non-Combat Creature Gorev is a heartbroken archmage with a collection of ornate rings.
Encounters 2 They are unable to hide emotions and having a hiatus away from
Most encounters below retreat, hide or surrender in combat. civilisation. Their attention has been taken up by a local magical site.
Keranios is a grim lizardfolk pearl diver with an affectionate pet
3
d8+d12 seahorse. They talk about a group of druidic whales who rule the seas.
2 An empyrean in on a sightseeing tour of various underwater ruins Xappan gaunt merrow with an pipe that blows bubbles. They talk
4
A spirit naga (swim 40 ft.) asks many probing questions. Has things about the importance of giving and have a gift for one of the group.
3
from the surface to trade Sariel is an old scout with a pair of glowing goggles. They are
5
concerned only with the present and have a sea anemone collection

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4 Several kuo-toa lost from the Underdark are bewildered by the sea
5 A storm giant is gathering donations to help a good cause Arannis unhappy sea elf priest with flowing blue hair. They seek
6
information about an artifact and have a rivalry with a merfolk mage
6 A few acolytes and a priest doing a ritual in old underwater temple
Alhandra is a crafty druid with several whale tattoos. They are
7 An awakened giant octopus (int 10) wants a long conversation 7
accompanied by sea urchins are like talking to creatures of the sea

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8 A deva is trying out different beast forms in the water
Katernin is a joking berserker with an assortment of ivory charms and
9 A druid (can turn into a killer whale) looks for others of their kind 8
strange armor. They have fallen in love with an inhabitant of the sea.
A few cultists (with water breathing) have been sent to find a wreck Vezera is a philosophical sea hag wearing mismatched clothes from
10 9
(or kraken) the surface. They love talking for hours and make beautiful poetry.
11 A group of young merfolk want to learn of places beyond the sea Raam is a smug veteran with a runed spear and a pegleg. They are
10
12 A sea sprite (swim 40 ft.) is after allies to help protect the area scared of the undersea world but hope to salvage an undersea wreck.
A rescue giant seahorse is looking for help for trapped ally. It carries
13
bags with useful items such as rope, potions and tools.
14 A dryad of a large underwater plant asks for some music or a tale Underwater Hazards and Obstacles
Encounters to hinder, threaten or inconvenience the
15

16

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A pair of talking giant crabs (int 10) ask for advice on styles of shell
and different homes. Have a variety of large colorful shells nearby.
A malenti (sahuagin that looks like an aquatic elf) is looking to start
a new life. They ask about opportunities on the surface.
Among a shipwreck skeleton crew work as if they were alive
characters. Option to combine with a creature encounter.
d8+d12
2 Area of dead magic (treat as antimagic field)
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3 Maelstrom (25% chance portal to Plane of Water)
18 A clay golem is dragging a large net something along the seabed
4 Area of frigid water (DMG page 110) with chunks of ice on seabed
A whale (or shark) turns out to be an adult gold dragon scholar who
19
asks many questions about their lives and adventures. 5 Cloud of murky toxic water (poison damage or poisoned condition)
A gnome mage and their veteran assistant are operating an 6 A siren's call for help from a sea cave mouth
20
apparatus of Kwalish. They are searching for an undersea alchemist. 7 Underwater current that pulls down into underwater ravine
8 Cloud of inky blackness (25% chance portal to the Shadowfell)
9 A bubble (or pocket) of air, floating or stationary
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10 Strong underwater current that might carry creatures away

A phantom ship that sails underwater or bloated corpses infected
11
with disease
An area of sharp, jagged seaweed (treat as razorvine, DMG page
12
110)
13 A swarm of inquisitive sea-horses
14 A mass of animated seaweed (like entangle spell)
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15 A periodic booming noise from a sea cave or trench

16 A bright beacon, possibly a distress call or celebration
Underwater steam vent or a weird mass of seaweed that acts as
17
Brown Mold (DMG pg 105)
18 A sonic beacon, possibly a distress call or warning
19 A mass of rotting bodies, floating or chained together
20 A dark vortex that pulls creatures in, portal to another plane

8
 Underwater Objects and Treasures
Underwater Mundane Items
Discarded objects, quick loot or extra NPC equipment
d8+d12
2 a ship's figurehead or a stone pillar
3 a metal cage large enough for two humanoids
4 a holy symbol of a sea deity or a rusted shortsword

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5 a rowing boat with a large hole
6 a conch shell or a stone humanoid head
7 a trident
8 an anchor or a bronze bell

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9 a conch horn
10 a fishing net or a humanoid skull
11 a colored rock
12 a shell necklace or a tin of hard biscuits
13 a belt pouch full of tarnished copper coins
14 a sealed clay pot or a silver wedding ring
15 a shield made from a large shell
16 a bottle full of sand or an astrolabe
17
18
19
20
a corpse laden down with stones
a rum flask or a whalebone corset
a rusted iron chest
or roll on Minor Treasures
e Underwater Magic Items (d20)
Use 1d10 for Uncommon items, 1d6+10 for Rare, 1d4+16
for Very Rare & Legendary
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1d20
Underwater Minor Treasures
1 Mariner's Armor or Necklace of Adaptation
d8+d12
2 Immovable Rod
2 A large green peridot worth 1000 gp
3 Eversmoking Bottle or Decanter of Endless Water
3 Potion of Storm Giant Strength or Potion of Vitality
4 Trident of Fish Command or Driftglobe
Intricate set of dragonchess with ivory pieces using creatures of the
4 5 Cap of Water Breathing or Gloves of Swimming and Climbing
sea
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5 Elemental Gem (water) 6 Helm of Telepathy or Goggles of Night

6 Several sheets of bronze engraved with sea elf ballads in Elven 7 Cloak of the Manta Ray or Bag of Holding

7 Elixir of Health or Potion of Greater Healing 8 Pearl of Power or Alchemy Jug

A long reed pipe covered in runes in Aquan and intricate carvings of Bag of Tricks - Underwater (1d8 - 1. crab; 2. octopus 3. constrictor
8 9 snake 4. giant seahorse; 5. swarm of quippers; 6. giant octopus; 7.
seahorses. Worth 150 gp
plesiosaurus ; 8. hunter shark)
9 Potion of Animal Friendship or Scroll of Protection - Beast
10 Ring of Swimming
10 An exotic saddle or 100 ft. of silk rope
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11 Ring of Free Action or Robe of Eyes

11 1d4 Potions of Water Breathing or 1d4 Potions of Healing
12 Bowl of Controlling Water Elementals or Ring of Animal Influence
12 Artisan's tools (mason's tools or alchemist's supplies)
Cube of Force or Figurine of Wondrous Power - Ebony Whale (as Ivory
13 Oil of Slipperiness 13
Elephant except it summons a killer whale)
14 2d6 holy symbols of various sea deities
14 Ring of the Ram or Staff of Healing
15 Spell Scroll of control water (or freedom of movement)
15 Amulet of Health or Bracers of Defense
2d4 waterproof ceramic and glass lanterns capable of working
16 16 Daern's Instant Fortress or Rope of Entanglement
underwater. Worth 50 gp each
Staff of the Ocean (as staff of frost except spells are speak with
17 Bead of Force or Dust of Dryness
17 animals - 1 charge, water breathing - 3 charges, control water - 4
18 1d6 pearls worth 100 gp each charges, freedom of movement - 4 charges)
19 Spell Scroll of mirage arcana (or telepathy) 18 Helm of Brilliance or Iron Flask (marid inside) - legendary
A hooded cloak with eight tentacles. It is finely woven of rare 19 Rod of Security or Ring of Elemental Command (water)
20
seaweed and sea-elf hair. Worth 1200 gp
20 Animated Shield or Apparatus of Kwalish - legendary

9
 Activities & Complications
Underwater Encounter Activity or State Encounter Complication or Enhancement
They are... (or one is...) d8+d12
2 There is a programmed illusion (or mirage arcana) here
d8+d12
There are merrow (or roll on Underwater Humanoids) here (or
3
2 a shapechanger (or have one among them) or serve a local monster nearby) as allies (or servants / mercenaries)
investigating (or playing with) an item (roll on Underwater Mundane 4 There is a hallucinatory terrain concealing a chasm
3
Items)
There is a cloud of inky black darkness or roll on Underwater

e
5
4 mutated (or mutilated) in some way Combat Terrain
5 waiting for someone (or something) There is a hidden item (or cache) here. A Bead of Force or roll on
6
adapted to darkness (blindsight or darkvision) or infected with Minor Underwater Treasures
6
disease 7 There is a whale skeleton or roll on Underwater Combat Terrain

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7 hiding from (or watching) a nearby threat There are giant sea horses here (or nearby) as pets (or guards). For
8
8 telepathic (telepathy 120 ft.) or cursed alternatives roll on Underwater Beasts

9 guarding (or exploring) the local area There is a strong current running through the area or roll on
9
Underwater Combat Terrain
strong swimmers (add 20 ft. to swim speed) or injured (not at full
10 There is a prisoner in the encounter or a lone traveler nearby. Roll
hit points or reduced speed) 10
on Quick Underwater NPCs
11 partway through (or starting) a journey (or migration)
11 There is a wreck here (or ancient sunken settlement)
12 investigating (or consuming) an unusual type of seaweed or resting
The creatures are carrying a magic item (or it is hidden nearby). Roll
13 searching for sustenance (or a companion) 12
on Magic Items - Underwater
14 fleeing from something or eating
There is a floating pocket of air or roll on Underwater Hazards and
15
16
17
18
e
exploring (or watching) a cave mouth (or magical portal)
marked by (or bearing symbols of) a deity of the sea (or darkness)
hiding from (or curious about) a nearby light source
investigating a dead body (roll on Quick Underwater NPCs)
13

14

15
Obstacles
There are several underwater cave entrances here
There is a swarm of inquisitive seahorses or roll on Underwater
Hazards & Obstacles
pl
19 haunted (or harassed) by another creature Nearby is a dragon turtle (or pick from Underwater Encounters Level
16
11+) those encountered try not to disturb.
20 playing a game or close to giving birth
There mass of rotting bodies chained together or roll on
17
Underwater Encounter Sentient Activity Underwater Hazards and Obstacles
There is a portal here to the Elemental Plane of Water (or the river
Extra options for sentient creatures. They are... (or one is...) 18
Styx in the Lower Planes)
There is a second group of creatures nearby (roll again on the
d8+d12 19
m

appropriate encounter table)

2 spying on someone else
20 There is a shrine to a sea deity protected by hallow (or forbiddance)
3 performing a ritual
4 talking (or trading) with someone (roll on Quick Underwater NPCs)
5 investigating (or watching) something from the surface
6 making underwater art (or music)
7 exploring a wreck (or ruins)
Sa

8 playing with a pet or consuming food

9 hunting (or being hunted by) a beast
10 searching for a person (or place)
11 foraging for sustenance (or herbs)
12 preparing to go to the surface
13 gathering seaweed (or pretty stones)
14 waiting in ambush or on patrol
15 gathering shells (or small sea creatures)
16 playing with seaweed (or fish)
17 displaying the symbol of a local deity (or faction)
18 relaxing or lost
19 scavenging for anything valuable
20 telling a story

10
 Other Encounter Tables
Sahuagin (Levels 1-4)
d4+d6
2 1 sahuagin priestess with 1d3 sahuagin
3 1d4 sahuagin with 1d2 swarsm of quippers
4 1d3 sahuagin priestesses
5 1d4+1 sahuagin
6 1 sahuagin priestess with 1d3 reef sharks
7 1d3 sahuagin with 1d3 reef sharks

e
8 1d4 sahuagin with 1 hunter shark
9 1 malenti (a sahuagin with appearance of an aquatic elf)
10 1 sahuagin with 1 giant shark
Underwater Monsters (Levels 1-4)

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Sahuagin (Levels 5-10) If required give creatures the amphibious trait: Amphibious.
d4+d6
This creature can breathe air and water
2 2d4 sahuagin with 2d4 hunter sharks led by 1 sahuagin priestess d4+d6
3 2d4 sahuagin with 2d4 reef sharks and 1d2 giant sharks 2 1 sea troll (swim 30 ft.) or 1 roper (swim 10 ft.)
4 2d4+4 sahuagin with 1d3+1 sahuagin priestesses 3 1d2 grells (swim 30 ft.) or 1 flail snail (VGtM)
5 2d6+6 sahuagin 4 1 sea pudding (black pudding stats with swim 20 ft.)
6 2d6 sahuagin led by 1 sahuagin baron 5 1 chuul or 1 slithering tracker (VGtM)
7 3d6 sahuagin with 1d3+1 hunter sharks 6 1d2 merrow or 1d2 deep scions (VGtM)
8

10
baron e
1 sahuagin baron with 1d4 giant sharks
1d3 sahuagin priestesses with 1d3 hunter sharks led by 1 sahuagin

2d6 with 1d2 sahuagin priestesses led by 1 sahuagin baron

7

8
9
1d4+1 seaweed blights (vine blight stats, swim 30 ft) or 1 helmed
horror (swim 30 ft.)
1 sea hag or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 1-4
1d2 gibbering mouthers
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10 1 water elemental or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 1-4

Underwater Monsters (Levels 5-10)

d4+d6
2 1 young dragon (black, bronze, gold or green) or 1 morkoth (VGtM)
3 1 spirit naga (swim 40 ft.) or 1d2 cyclops (swim 30 ft.)
4 1 sea troll (swim 30 ft.) with 1d6 merrow
m

5 1d6 chuuls or 1d2 sea cloakers (swim 40 ft.)

6 1d2 hydras or 1 froghemoth (VGtM)
7 1 aboleth or 1 hydroloth (MToF)
1 water elemental and 2d6 mud mephits or roll on Underwater Spirits
8
lvl 5-10
9 1 seaweed monster (treant stats, swim 30 ft.)
10 1 marid or roll on Underwater Spirits lvl 5-10
Sa

Underwater Monsters (Levels 11+)

d4+d6
2 1 empyrean or 1 elder brain (VGtM)
3 1 kraken or 1 retriever (swim 40 ft.) (MToF)
4 1 purple worm (swim 50 ft.) or 1 wastrilith (MToF)
5 1d2 storm giants or 1d4 hydroloths (MToF)
6 1 dragon turtle or 1 morkoth (VGtM)
7 1d3 marids or 1 marilith (swim 40 ft.)
8 1 adult dragon (black, bronze, gold or green) or 1 leviathan (MToF)
9 1 aboleth with 1d6 chuul or 1 death tyrant (swim 30 ft.)
10 1 iron golem (swim 30 ft.) or 1 nightwalker (MToF)

11
 Underwater Spirits (Levels 1-4)
If required give creatures the amphibious trait:
Amphibious. This creature can breathe air and water
d4+d6
2 1 water elemental or 1 couatl (swim 90 ft.)
3 1d3 drowned spirits (specter stats with swim 50 ft.)
4 1 water weird or 1 murk demon (shadow demon stats, swim 30 ft.)
5 1d4+1 steam mephits or 1 bone naga (swim 30 ft.)
6 2d4 mud mephits

e
7 1 sea hag
8 1d4+1 ice mephits or 1d2 sword wraith warriors (MToF, swim 20 ft.)
9 1 sea elf spirit (banshee stats, swim 30 ft.)
10 1 sea hag with... (roll on Beast Encounters)

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Underwater Spirits (Levels 5-10)
d4+d6
2 1d2 devils of the deep (chain devil stats, swim 30 ft.)
3 Coven of 3 sea hags
1d2 drowned shades (wraith stats with swim 60 ft) and 2d4 drowned
4
spirits (specter stats, swim 50 ft)
5 1d3 sea stalkers (invisible stalker stats, swim 50 ft.)
6 1d4 water elementals

8
9
1 water elemental and 2d6 mud mephits e
1d2 seaweed blights (vine Blight stats, swim 30 ft) led by 1
shambling seaweed (shambling mound stats)

2d4 drowned knights (wight stats, swim 30 ft.)

pl
10 1 marid
m
Sa

12