Dungeon Mastery

Encounter Level: 3

Setup:

As the party treks across the vast and unforgiving desert, the sun blazes overhead and the sands stretch endlessly in every direction. Suddenly, a distant rumble grows louder, and the horizon darkens. A sandstorm is rapidly approaching, leaving the adventurers with little time to find shelter. As they scramble for cover, they come across the ruins of an ancient structure partially buried in the sand. However, this refuge is not as safe as it seems.

Creatures:

• 2 Dust Mephits (MM pg. 215)
• 1 Giant Scorpion (MM pg. 327)

Encounter Description:

The party finds themselves in the ruins just as the sandstorm hits, reducing visibility and making it hard to move or see clearly. The howling winds and stinging sand make communication difficult. Suddenly, two Dust Mephits emerge from the swirling sands, their mischievous eyes glinting with malevolence. They cackle as they dive towards the party, using the storm to their advantage.

Just as the adventurers are distracted by the Mephits, the ground beneath them shifts and a massive Giant Scorpion bursts forth from the sands. It had been lying in wait, sensing the vibrations of the party’s footsteps.

Combat Tactics:

• Dust Mephits: The Mephits will use their Blur spell to make themselves harder to hit and their Sand Breath to blind and disorient the party. They are tricky combatants and will use the storm as cover, retreating into the sand to avoid attacks and reappearing to strike from unexpected angles.
• Giant Scorpion: The Scorpion will use its burrow speed to move through the sand, attacking with its claws and stinger. It will attempt to grab and restrain one of the party members with its claws, making them an easy target for its deadly sting.

Environmental Effects:

The sandstorm imposes the following conditions:

• Visibility is reduced to 30 feet.
• Ranged attacks and Perception checks that rely on sight are made with disadvantage.
• Creatures must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of their turns or be blinded until the start of their next turn.

Treasure:

Once the creatures are defeated and the storm passes, the party can search the ruins. Among the debris, they find a Desert Nomad’s Cloak.

Desert Nomad’s Cloak

Uncommon, requires attunement

This cloak is woven from the lightweight, durable fibers of a rare desert plant. While wearing this cloak, you gain the following benefits:

• You have advantage on saving throws against extreme heat.
• You can go twice as long without food or water before suffering exhaustion.
• You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in desert terrain.

The cloak seems to blend with the sands, offering protection and camouflage to those who traverse the harsh desert environment.