Encounter: Trogging Through the Underdark

Encounter Level: 5

Setting: The party is navigating through a series of winding underground caverns. The air is damp and cool, and the only light comes from the party’s torches, casting eerie shadows on the cavern walls. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and the ground is uneven, with pools of stagnant water scattered throughout. The sound of dripping water echoes through the tunnels, creating a haunting ambiance.

Description: As the adventurers venture deeper into the caverns, they reach a large, open chamber with multiple exits. The chamber is filled with towering rock formations and patches of phosphorescent fungi that emit a faint glow. Suddenly, the faint glow of the fungi reveals movement in the shadows. Before the party can react, they are ambushed by a group of vicious subterranean creatures.

Encounter:

Troglodyte Leader (1): A large, menacing troglodyte brandishing a bone club and adorned with crude armor made from the hides of underdark creatures. It leads the ambush with a guttural roar.
Troglodytes (4): These feral humanoids attack with savage claws and teeth. They use the cover of darkness and their keen senses to their advantage, striking from the shadows.
Giant Spiders (2): Lurking in the upper reaches of the chamber, these spiders descend on webs to ensnare the party. Their venomous bites and web attacks can quickly incapacitate unwary adventurers.

Tactics:

The troglodytes and their leader will attempt to surround the party, using their knowledge of the cavern to launch hit-and-run attacks.
The giant spiders will use their webs to create difficult terrain and try to capture isolated party members.
If the battle turns against them, the troglodytes will retreat deeper into the caverns, possibly leading the party into even more dangerous territory.

Treasure:

Hidden in a crevice near the troglodyte leader’s nest is a small chest containing 50 gold pieces, a potion of healing, and a mysterious amulet inscribed with Underdark runes.
The phosphorescent fungi can be harvested and used as a natural light source, or for alchemical purposes. Their light fades 24 hours after being picked.

Adventure Hooks:

The troglodytes might be part of a larger tribe that the party could encounter later in their journey.
The mysterious amulet could be a key to unlocking secrets deeper within the caverns, or it might attract the attention of other Underdark denizens.