Dungeon Encounters

What this is

Dungeon Encounters dispatches and plays out an encounter that has interrupted dungeon exploration. It identifies what is present, stages the meeting, and runs the encounter through to resolution.

Invoked by: an encounter during Dungeon Exploration, or DM judgment.
Invokes: Encounter Staging; Combat, Chases, and Morale Checks as the encounter calls for them.
Returns to: the invoking procedure (usually dungeon exploration), once the encounter resolves.
Bookkeeping: Activity Log (encounter outcome); character sheets through Combat.

Step 1: Determine what is encountered

Roll on the dungeon's encounter table.

If the dungeon does not have an encounter table, the DM may:

• Pick creatures based on the dungeon's controlling faction(s).
• Use a wilderness encounter table.

Step 2: Stage the encounter

Invoke Encounter Staging (Dungeon column). Distance and grounds come from the dungeon map or DM judgment; reaction and surprise apply normally.

Step 3: Play the encounter

Run the Basic Game Loop at encounter pace. The DM describes the situation; the players declare actions; the DM adjudicates.

Escalations as the situation calls: Combat, Chases, and Morale Checks.

The encounter ends when both sides part on a non-violent outcome; one side is defeated, surrenders, or is captured; one side flees or evades the other; or the DM judges the encounter resolved.