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Expanded Random Encounters Repost #7 - Verdant Belts

first published on 2023-09-10

This Net Project was originally compiled by ArcoJedi. Many of the entries were taken from the Dark Sun Mailing list. The Expanded Random Encounters net.project brings otherwise sometimes boring random encounters to life. Giving them more realism than "you walk around the bend to see 4 gith standing in the middle of the road with weapons drawn".

This week, we feature encounters involving verdant belts.

Lone Elven Merchant

Elves of Athas cover
Elves Of Athas Cover by Brom
Description: The PCs are near a city and come around a bend and encounter a lone elven merchant - Hawtho. Useful and possibly necessary rolls are: surprise (DMG p102) and encounter reactions (DMG p103). Note that Hawtho gains a -4 to his surprise rolls. If he wins surprise, Hawtho will use a subtle test of trust by placing himself in their path with his back turned to the PCs. He knows the PCs are there, but pretends to not notice them.

Hawtho (male elf/5th-level trader/N)
AC 0 (5); MV 20; HD 5; hp 19; THAC0 18 (17 whip, 15 bow, 20 trident); #AT 1, 2, 1; Dmg 1d3+1/1d2+1 (whip), 1d6-1/1d6-1 (arrows), 1d6/2d4-1 (trident); SA/SD wild talent, -4 surprise bonus, thief skills, +4 att/reac, +1 save/wis; SZ M; ML 9 S 9, D 21, C 11, I 13, W 15, Ch 11 {saves: 12 12 11 15 13}
Equipment: master’s whip +1 [spd 3], long bow w/stone (9)[3], stone trident [3], scale mail [AC=6], metal shield, 12sp, 11gems, enhancement stone (5PSPs)[PAA p100]
Psionics Summary: Wild Talent - cause decay (MAC 6, cost 4/2), PSPs 31 + 5 MTHAC0 18, MAC 8 Def: Thieving Skills: PP 55, OL 37, F/RT 20, MS 65, HS 50, DN 20, CW 60, RL 0, FD 50, BO 20, EB 27 (impaired with armor)
Proficiencies/S&P: Non-Weapon Proficiencies: information gathering, mental armor, navigation, survival (stny brrns), survival (mnts), tactics; Modern Languages: common, dwarven, elven, thri-kreen
XP: 420 (more for better role-playing)

Description: Hawtho is a proud person but unlike most elves, he is also pleasantly optimistic. His grizzled, weather-beaten face smiles from atop a gangly, slender body. His hair is brown and thick, but balding in the very top-center of his head. He has a clear, crisp voice.

Hawtho could become a friendly NPC that joins the party on their current journey. However, he has his own mission to accomplish at the end of the road and will therefore leave them at the next city’s gates. If things go well (and the party passes additional tests of trust) he may show up again later.