Boggy mysteries at every turn…
Navigating the dense, wet mires of swamp settings brings a set of unique challenges and atmosphere to your campaigns. Swamps, with their lurking dangers and hidden secrets, are the perfect place for unexpected encounters and narrative twists. We all know those days when creativity seems to ebb a bit low, and the usual swamp creatures like hags or crocodiles feel repetitive. To keep the sense of unknown alive, and to ensure a fresh twist for your players, this D66 table of swamp encounters is your handy tool. One roll, and you’ve got a situation that can either be used directly or serve as the base for further improvisation.
Each encounter, whether hazardous or beneficial, is carefully crafted to inject an element of surprise into the story. They are designed to be system neutral, fitting seamlessly into any game world or campaign setting. From illuminating plants to submerged golems, the array of options adds layers to your swamp-based narrative. It’s not just about combat; it’s about weaving a tale that’s as unpredictable and complex as the swamp itself. Your adventurers could be helping a lost fairy one moment and navigating through hallucinogenic spores the next. Whatever the result of your dice roll, let it be the springboard to memorable adventure!
D66 Swamp Encounters
Roll 2D6, letting the first die set the tens digit and the second decide the ones. For instance, a roll of 3 and 5 lands you with 35: “A serene pool of water that has healing properties when bathed in during the full moon”. If this table piques your interest, be sure to look into our D66 Desert Oasis events or D66 Mountain Landmarks tables.
| D66 Roll | Encounter Description |
|---|---|
| 11 | A giant crocodile sunning itself on a mudbank. Approaching may lead to combat. |
| 12 | Thick, quicksand-like mud that requires a Strength or Dexterity check to escape. |
| 13 | A lost tribe of frogfolk who are initially cautious but may become allies if approached peacefully. |
| 14 | An old hermit living in a moss-covered hut. He offers a potion in exchange for a favor. |
| 15 | A horde of swamp zombies, emerging from the bog and pursuing any living creatures. |
| 16 | A grove of luminescent plants. Consuming them grants temporary night vision. |
| 21 | A bubbling spot in the water that emits poisonous gas. Requires a Constitution save or suffer poison. |
| 22 | A traveling merchant stuck in the mud, offering a discount if helped out. |
| 23 | A will-o'-the-wisp leading the way to a hidden treasure, but also to potential danger. |
| 24 | A sunken temple half-submerged in the swamp waters, rumored to be cursed. |
| 25 | A rare, beautiful bird which, if followed, may lead to a mystical shrine. |
| 26 | An ancient tree with a hollow inside, containing a stash of old coins and a map. |
| 31 | A stranded fairy, injured and seeking assistance to return to its home. |
| 32 | An aggressive tribe of lizardfolk patrolling their territory. |
| 33 | A broken-down wagon with a chest. Inside, an artifact that seems to hum with magic. |
| 34 | A territorial swamp giant, hurling rocks at any who venture too close. |
| 35 | A serene pool of water that has healing properties when bathed in during the full moon. |
| 36 | A wandering ghost seeking closure. Helping it may grant a blessing. |
| 41 | Venomous snakes hanging from a low tree branch. Require a Perception check to notice in time. |
| 42 | A crashed airship, with its crew captured by hostile swamp creatures. |
| 43 | A circle of standing stones that teleports anyone in the center to a different part of the swamp. |
| 44 | Mushrooms that emit a hallucinogenic spore. A Wisdom save is needed to resist their effects. |
| 45 | A massive serpent, rumored to guard an ancient treasure, slithers nearby. |
| 46 | A patch of land where the gravity is oddly lighter. Jumping grants temporary increased height and distance. |
| 51 | A bog witch offering fortune-telling in exchange for a personal item. |
| 52 | Quicksand! It pulls in creatures swiftly, requiring teamwork to escape. |
| 53 | A group of adventurers camped out, willing to trade stories and supplies. |
| 54 | An eerie, glowing mist that confuses and leads travelers astray. |
| 55 | A tree with a face, offering wisdom of the swamp in a riddle. |
| 56 | A swarm of blood-sucking insects, attacking any warm-blooded creature nearby. |
| 61 | A submerged golem, waking up when someone comes close, and defending its territory. |
| 62 | A sprite dance. Watching without disturbing grants a boon of good luck. |
| 63 | A huge spider web blocking the path, with its monstrous creator lurking nearby. |
| 64 | A collapsed bridge, requiring ingenuity and skill to cross the treacherous waters below. |
| 65 | A guardian water spirit, asking riddles to those wishing to pass. |
| 66 | An ancient obelisk inscribed with a forgotten language. Deciphering it reveals a powerful secret. |
If you like these swamp encounters you should also take a look at our D66 desert encounters and our Ultimate NPC generator!
