Crack On

Shed those gauntlets, gamers! We got high fives all around as this article completes our inaugural 3D-printed Wilderness Trek Wandering Monster table!

We’re adding another unlikely combat encounter, but depending on the players’ reactions, it could go any number of ways. Typically, players rest because they’re not at full strength, so one would naturally conclude that no one is eager to draw swords. However, as DMs know from experience, predicting your game group’s actions rarely works out.

Now, sleeping under the stars means the group never truly knows what’s around them. Instead, the focus is usually on finding flat ground to avoid a rock under your bedroll. That’s why we like slipping in this tucked-away egg nest. In the party’s haste to restore some HP, they could easily miss this roost near their campsite.

Side note: this STL was originally from Thingiverse, but as many of you know, models come and go from their platform quite often, so we’re unable to cite the maker or provide a link at this time.

Here’s how DM Ben is expecting this wandering monster scenario to unfold.

• During the watch, a player hears a cracking sound rather close by.
• To locate the odd noise, the DM asks for a perception check (DC 12).
• If successful, the DM explains they found a covered nest.
• If unsuccessful, another player can roll.
• The large, hidden eggs are slowly starting to crack.
• The eggs are heavy and spotted in color (like the pic above).

Each egg is nearly the size of a watermelon. The group has definitely infringed on a mother’s sacred resting spot.

What happens next?! Obviously, their mom will not be pleased if the players are anywhere near these mysterious eggs on the verge of hatching. Thus, the group has to make a speedy choice. Do they wisely realize that they accidentally picked a dreadful spot to rest and that whatever laid these big ol’ eggs isn’t far behind? Meaning it’s time to take a level of exhaustion (for cutting their long rest short) and simply get the heck out of there as quickly as possible.

The other option is for them to snatch up these odd eggs for themselves and attack their maker (see below). If the group tries to sneak off with an egg or two during their retreat (quite likely), the monster will fiercely attempt to track the party down.

Regardless of their actions, within a few minutes, the group will see a lot of the trees in the distance start to violently rustle! Something quite large is coming right towards them and gaining ground at a high rate of speed, toppling trees and vegetation with ease in the process.

DM Ben will probably give the players just a couple of minutes to come up with a plan before this nine-foot, 400-pound “Mamma Bear” comes into view.

This very protective mother is beyond furious that someone is disturbing her nest. Alas, the group has inadvertently sat smackdown in the middle of a Hook Horror’s hatchling space. #Oops. Be sure to play up its hooks beating against her chest.

This is definitely a winnable fight (AC 15, 75 HP, multi-att/+6/2d6+4/10-ft reach) but probably not so easy if the group was already rather beat up from previous encounters.

You can print and paint this nifty “Hook Clacker” by EC3D Designs in no time or utilize a prepainted WizKids mini (from your Shattered Obelisk or Rage of Demons collections).

Typically a creature of the Underdark, the party will need to ponder why this Hook Horror was hanging out in their forest (as opposed to the caverns). Something doesn’t add up here, and they will need to find out why!

Now, all we need to do is update our Wilderness Trek Wandering Monster Table for the last time?!*

*This isn’t the ultimate end! Anytime we use one of these table entries in our work campaign, we’ll think of an additional scenario as repeat encounters are so h0-hum. More to come!