Robert Fisher
Just thinking out loud
On wandering monsters
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A common complaint about wandering monsters is that every encounter should be planned.
Well, wandering monsters should be planned encounters. That's why modules have custom wandering monster tables. Often, they have different tables for different parts of the module.
Wandering monsters also serve an important role. They represent another risk that the PCs must consider. Do they spend more time searching the dead end corridor for a secret door & risk a chance encounter, or do they move on?
It's also worth noting that "chance encounters" might be a better name than "wandering monsters". Wandering monster tables can include interesting encounters that aren't just monsters spoiling for a fight.
How about those "standard issue" tables in the rule book? For me, they serve three purposes:
- They are an example for the DM to follow. When stocking a location, I often look at these tables to gauge appropriate monsters for an area's "danger level".
- They are a tool for the DM who finds himself unexpectedly improvising. The random results can often be used as springboards for the DM's imagination.
- There are times when you just want a quick diversion. Roll up some PCs, choose an arbitrary dungeon map (or geomorphs), & roll random encounters for each room.
last updated 1 year ago #
