d100 = 1
A group of 2d4 gnolls are in the swamp looking for food to bring back to their camp.
D1 Swamp Random Encounters
D&D 5e · 100 scenarios · Roll d100 → roll D1
A complete D&D 5e random encounter table for swamp scenes. Roll a d100 to pick a set, then roll a D1 to pick a scenario within that set — 100 unique D&D encounter scenarios in total. Every scenario is system-neutral and runs on either the 2014 Player's Handbook or the 2024 D&D revision. Pair each scenario with a stat block from our D&D monsters catalogue and you have a session-ready encounter in under a minute.
How to roll this table
- When the party enters a swamp, roll a d100.
- The result (1–100) is your scenario. Read it out and run with it.
The D1 Swamp encounter table
d100 = 2
A sudden burst of uncanny laughter echoes through the fog, and you find yourself face-to-face with Droll, a mischievous gremlin. Droll has an affinity for chaos and loves to create illusions. He challenges you to a game of wits, where the stakes are an enchanted map that reveals hidden paths through the swamp versus navigating the treacherous lands unaided if you lose.
d100 = 3
The ground is riddled with small, burrowed holes.
d100 = 4
The party is ambushed by a group of kobolds, who seem desperate and afraid. Upon interrogating them, the party discovers that their leader has been kidnapped by a powerful swamp hag, and they need the party's help to save their leader and defeat the hag.
d100 = 5
The party hears the sound of drums and chanting coming from deeper in the swamp. As they investigate, they stumble upon a group of goblins performing a summoning ritual to call forth a powerful demon. The party must stop the ritual before it's too late.
d100 = 6
In the middle of the swamp, the players come across a field of strange mushrooms that release a calming, euphoric scent. However, if they stay too long, they may start to hallucinate and lose their sense of direction in the swamp.
d100 = 7
Giant frogs are laying eggs in the swamp. The eggs are taking a long time to hatch, and they are hard to reach. Players can harvest the eggs when they hatch.
d100 = 8
As the party rests for the night, they are ambushed by a pack of wererats who have been terrorizing the nearby village. They must fend off the wererats and find a way to lift their curse.
d100 = 9
You see a group of children playing near a pond. One of them has a toy boat. If you watch them for more than a minute, you notice that there is something wrong with the water of the pond and the color of it is wrong, too. The water is dark and murky, but it should be clear and blue. If you investigate further, you see that the water is infested with brain fungi and the children are playing in it and getting infected.
d100 = 10
The swamp suddenly becomes eerily silent as the players come across a graveyard of abandoned boats. Something sinister lurks in the waters.
d100 = 11
A group of pixies offer to guide the party through the swamp, but they lead them to a deadly trap set by a powerful druid who wants revenge on trespassers in her domain.
d100 = 12
The swamp suddenly becomes eerily silent as the players come across a graveyard of abandoned boats. Something sinister lurks in the waters.
d100 = 13
A group of giant spiders has made their home in a nearby cave. They have been terrorizing the nearby villagers and the party is hired to get rid of them. However, upon entering the cave, the party realizes that the spiders were just trying to protect their eggs and must make a tough moral decision.
d100 = 14
A group of men wearing black robes and holding weapons attack the party. They say that they have been sent by the King to find the Black Tower, and anyone wearing red robes is an enemy.
d100 = 15
A loud and aggressive roar can be heard from the other side of a large lake. Upon investigation, the party finds a group of grick monsters who are fighting a group of hunters. The gricks may see the party as allies and join forces with them.
d100 = 16
As you make your way through the thick, murky waters, you feel something grab onto your leg. It's a creature known as a will-o'-the-wisp, which can lead you to treasure or danger depending on how you interact with it.
d100 = 17
A fallen tree blocks the path, forcing you to find a way around.
d100 = 18
Mud bubbles up from a small patch of the ground.
d100 = 19
They find an old, tattered map nailed to a tree trunk, the details long faded.
d100 = 20
You come across an abandoned campfire pit.
d100 = 21
The party stumbles upon a hidden temple dedicated to a forgotten deity. Inside, they find an altar with a glowing, mysterious gem on top. As they approach, they feel a powerful presence and hear a voice whispering secrets in their mind.
d100 = 22
Two lizardfolk rush into the swamp, shouting that they were attacked by a large creature with two heads and four arms. The party sees a giant crocodile with two heads and four arms floating in the water ahead of them.
d100 = 23
A small village of lizardfolk welcomes the party and asks for their help. They are being terrorized by a giant snake who has been attacking their village. The villagers offer a reward if the party can defeat the snake and drive it away.
d100 = 24
The air grows cold, and shimmering shapes begin to form. You find yourself surrounded by 1d4 ice mephits, who employ chilling tactics to freeze your movements.
d100 = 25
The party sees a beautiful, glowing will-o'-wisp floating in the distance. It beckons them closer, but beware, it may lead them into danger.
d100 = 26
A group of lizardfolk are having a large feast and invite the party to join them. The feast includes strange and exotic dishes, but also a lot of fermented drinks. How will the party handle the invitation?
d100 = 27
A mysterious, singing plant lures the players to it with promises of treasure. But once they approach, they realize it's actually a dangerous mimic that can mimic any sound or form. They must use their wits to defeat it and potentially gain its hidden treasure.
d100 = 28
The players encounter an ancient, cursed tree that causes them to hallucinate and see their greatest fears come to life. They must figure out how to break the curse before they go insane.
d100 = 29
A thick vine hanging from a tree above drips a strange, sweet-smelling sap.
d100 = 30
A melancholic drizzle veiling the sky sets the scene where the group encounters a troupe of traveling entertainers. They're cursed to eternally wander the swamp until they perform a perfect story. Players are asked to join the performance, involving real acts of bravery against summoned illusionary monsters.
d100 = 31
A lost gnome mage named Henry sleeps under a large, leafy tree. He is wearing a brown robe and has a travel pack beside him that is full of spell books. If awakened, he will tell the players that he was on his way to the forest to meet his brother, who is a wood-elf wizard. His brother has been working on a spell that will allow plants and animals to communicate with each other. Henry will ask the players to help his brother.
d100 = 32
In relentless, muddy conditions brought by weeks of unceasing rain, the adventurers find a bog filled with strange, floating lights. These will-o'-the-wisps guide them to sunken ruins of a lost civilization. Navigating the flooded corridors, they discover a treasure guarded by an ancient swamp dragon.
d100 = 33
A random event - A massive flock of 1d20+10 vultures fly over head, then circle around and land on top of whatever is in sight, trying to peck it to death
d100 = 34
You encounter a group of angry spirits who are haunting a section of the swamp. They are seeking revenge on the people who wronged them in life, and the players must help put their spirits to rest by locating and destroying the objects that bind them to the mortal world.
d100 = 35
You sense a strange energy emanating from a nearby tree. As you approach, a dark spirit appears and begins to attack you. Its power seems to be fueled by the ancient tree, and if you do not find a way to stop it, the tree will wither and die.
d100 = 36
You see a group of humans standing in the path ahead. They are holding spears, and they look angry. If players approach, they will ask if the players have seen any crocodiles nearby. If the players say no, they will become angry and accuse them of lying before attacking them. If players say yes, they will become scared and run away.
d100 = 37
They come across a series of small, broken pottery shards.
d100 = 38
They come across an area where the ground is covered in old, brittle leaves, crunching with every step.
d100 = 39
A group of traveling merchants offers the party a ride on their floating barge through the swamp. However, they soon realize the merchants are actually disguised thieves and must navigate through dangerous traps and illusions to escape with their belongings intact.
d100 = 40
A group of giant spiders attack the party, but they are being controlled by a drider who has turned them into his minions. The party must defeat the drider to stop the spiders' rampage.
d100 = 41
They come across a patch of ground covered in soft, mossy growth.
d100 = 42
The players come across a group of explorers stuck in quicksand. They must work together to save the explorers, who may have valuable information or goods to trade.
d100 = 43
You spot a bright red cardinal perched on a branch.
d100 = 44
The players stumble upon a decrepit, abandoned mansion that is home to a group of witch hunters. They will interrogate the players, assuming they are witches, but may offer a reward if they help them hunt down a real witch in the swamp.
d100 = 45
As the party is navigating through the swamp, they stumble upon a giant, crumbling temple. Inside, they find a group of lizardmen performing a dark ritual to summon a demonic creature. The party must stop the ritual before it's too late, but will they be able to face the power of the summoned demon?
d100 = 46
They come across a small mound of stones arranged in a deliberate pattern.
d100 = 47
A group of bullywugs are holding a giant frog in captivity and forcing it to compete in gladiator-style battles. The players can choose to free the frog or help it win its freedom in a final battle.
d100 = 48
The party comes across 2d6 spectral figures wandering aimlessly through the swamp's mists. These restless spirits are remnants of a forgotten battle, forever searching for peace that may never come.
d100 = 49
As the party travels deeper into the swamp, they encounter a group of lizardfolk who challenge them to a game of riddles. If they can answer correctly, the lizardfolk will guide them to a hidden treasure.
d100 = 50
Giant Catfish *While swimming across a small pond, the players see a giant catfish swimming towards them. If they try to get away, the catfish snaps at them. If they stay where they are, the catfish tries to pull them underwater to drown them.
d100 = 51
A distant, rhythmic knocking noise suggests something tapping on wood.
d100 = 52
A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, bringing temporary relief from the oppressive humidity.
d100 = 53
The air becomes thick with humidity, causing you to sweat profusely.
d100 = 54
Frog eggs float in a gelatinous mass on the water's surface.
d100 = 55
The party is suddenly ambushed by a group of bullywugs, who demand a toll for traveling through their territory. Will the party pay up or fight for their right to pass?
d100 = 56
The sound of buzzing bees is heard nearby, though no hive is visible.
d100 = 57
DCC (Dangerous Curves Caves) - A cave of female succubi.
d100 = 58
The sound of distant thunder rumbles ominously, even though the sky is clear.
d100 = 59
The air is filled with the scent of decaying vegetation.
d100 = 60
The scent of mint fills the air as they brush past a particular plant.
d100 = 61
You come across a group of lizardfolk who are feuding with a neighboring tribe. The players can either help broker peace or join in the battle, but they must beware of traps and ambushes set by the lizardfolk.
d100 = 62
The party comes across an abandoned campsite with a fire still burning. Suddenly, a group of bandits ambushes them, demanding that they hand over all their supplies.
d100 = 63
Kwal (a type of water elemental) *A group of water elementals, which looks like a flock of birds, flies in the group's path/flying overhead. One of the elementals lands on a nearby tree branch and begins to taunt the group while they pass by/fly overhead. *The group hears a splash behind them, but when they turn to look back, they see nothing. The cleric casts a spell which reveals an elemental, who then takes a different form and disappears. *After the party starts walking again, the cleric sees a bird land on a branch ahead of them and change into the form of an elemental. The elemental then tries to grab the cleric but is unsuccessful. "Where are you going?" it asks, shifting back into bird form. *While the party is resting on a small island, an incorporeal watery hand grabs one of the party's gear and playfully drags it across the water.
d100 = 64
Two young elven lovers get lost in the swamp and get separated from each other in a fog. They end up being rescued by members of their village, who bring them back to their village after finding them in the middle of the night lost in the swamp.
d100 = 65
You come across a group of lizardfolk who are feuding with a neighboring tribe. The players can either help broker peace or join in the battle, but they must beware of traps and ambushes set by the lizardfolk.
d100 = 66
A zombie attacks! It is a massive creature, with arms as big as tree trunks. It will attack with both arms.
d100 = 67
A group of bandits are hiding out in a dried-out pond within the swamp, planning to ambush anyone who comes near.
d100 = 68
A series of stepping stones provides a way across a shallow area.
d100 = 69
A giant serpent-like creature rises out of the swamp and attacks the party, but it turns out to be a juvenile dragon who is lost and injured. If the party helps the dragon, they may earn its trust and find a powerful ally.
d100 = 70
A group of adventurers comes upon a village that has been destroyed by a group of orcs. The adventurers will get caught up in the battle and fight alongside the other orcs.
d100 = 71
The party encounters a group of lizardfolk who are in the middle of a heated argument. They are trying to decide on a new leader for their tribe and ask the party to help them make the decision.
d100 = 72
An old, broken signpost points in several directions, but the writing is too faded to read.
d100 = 73
A frail druid drowns in sorrow as the swamp overtakes his enchanted garden. Players can help restore the garden using special seeds hidden within the muck, earning the druid’s lifelong friendship and botanical knowledge.
d100 = 74
A group of rangers from a nearby town are on patrol in the swamp. They are looking for escaped criminals. If they find them, they will try to arrest them. If they fail, they will try to kill them. They are not very good at their jobs, but they will try their best.
d100 = 75
The players come across a group of 2d4+2 lizard men. They are carrying spears and shields.
d100 = 76
A crystal-clear bog mirage shows the players visions of what might have been. These mirages must be navigated with caution; those who can resist the temptations of these phantasms receive a boon from the swamp’s guardian spirit.
d100 = 77
A group of 2d8+2 goblin warriors (led by a hobgoblin captain) are marching through the swamp, looking for easy prey. They are carrying short swords and wearing leather armor.
d100 = 78
You notice a small, furry creature darting through the underbrush.
d100 = 79
Dragonflies dart and weave around the party, shimmering in the dim light.
d100 = 80
A group of 2d4+2 goblins, who want to eat the party.
d100 = 81
A tribe of oafish Troglodytes.
d100 = 82
You wade through knee-deep sludge and stumble upon a floating market in the mist. The stalls are run by eerie humanoid figures whose faces are obscured by swamp gas. Amid the vendors is Grozzik, a kobold trader who specializes in rare magical curiosities. He’s willing to barter, but only if you’re willing to share a deeply personal secret in exchange.
d100 = 83
A wet raccoon splashes through the shallow water.
d100 = 84
A group of three elves are walking through the swamp, arguing about their recent battle with a pair of ogres. They will ask the players if they have seen any ogres in the area.
d100 = 85
A creature with two heads and three arms attacks the players. It's actually two creatures fused together by magic. The two heads are arguing over which head should lead the fight against the players.
d100 = 86
As you navigate the twisted roots and thick underbrush, you encounter 2d8 bullywugs armed with primitive spears. They claim the party has trespassed on sacred ground and offer a choice: pay a toll, perform a service, or face their wrath.
d100 = 87
A traveling merchant is wandering through the swamp, offering unique and rare items for sale. However, some of these items may come with a curse or a hidden price.
d100 = 88
Through the dense, damp underbrush, the party finds 3d4 lizardfolk gathered around an ancient altar. Their eyes betray a sense of loss and desperation as they offer prayers to forgotten gods, hoping to reclaim their ancestral home.
d100 = 89
A quiet, almost inaudible humming noise fills the air, seemingly without source.
d100 = 90
A group of 2d4 lizardfolk are walking through the swamp. They are carrying a large, wooden chest with them. Two of the lizardfolk have a large, wooden cage with them. Inside the cage is a large, black panther that is growling and snarling at the players.
d100 = 91
Players see a small boat approaching them in the distance. As it gets closer, they see that it is being paddled by a group of skeleton pirates. The pirates are looking for new recruits for their crew and are willing to hold a battle for it, giving the party a chance to prove their worth.
d100 = 92
Mounted on horseback, a knight in flanged/spiked armor with a lance, squire and guards.
d100 = 93
You see a strange plant growing in the swamp with beautiful, brightly colored flowers. Anyone who smells the flowers will be transported to a dream world where they must complete three tasks to return to reality. However, if they fail, they will be trapped in the dream world forever.
d100 = 94
The party comes across a group of cursed adventurers who have been trapped in the swamp for years. They offer the party a map to a hidden treasure in exchange for their freedom. However, the map is filled with traps and puzzles, and the party must navigate through the cursed adventurers' madness to find the treasure.
d100 = 95
A dense patch of fog rolls in, reducing visibility to a few feet.
d100 = 96
The swamp suddenly turns into a treacherous, quicksand-like terrain. The party must use their quick thinking and survival skills to make it through unscathed.
d100 = 97
A party of six experienced hunters, who are tracking an Alpha-Werewolf. The humans are on his trail, and they have no idea that the werewolf is going to be the least of their problems before the hunt is over.
d100 = 98
The eerie call of an owl echoes through the swamp.
d100 = 99
Under a dense canopy, 2d8 displacer beasts move through the shadows. Their anguished growls speak of endless wandering and the burden of monstrous existence.
d100 = 100
The ground becomes extra squishy, causing boots to sink with each step.
Use this table with the rest of Doungim's D&D 5e toolkit
A random encounter scenario is just the start of a scene. Pair it with a creature from our D&D 5e monsters catalogue (3,000+ monsters with full stat blocks), an NPC from our pre-built D&D NPC roster, a spell from the D&D 5e spell list, and a reward from the D&D magic items catalogue — and you have a full one-page session ready to drop on your D&D 5e or 2024 party.
Other dice tiers for the swamp: D4, D6, D8, D10.
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