Deep-Strand Encounters

The Deep-Strands are a dangerous and unpredictable environment for those who do not belong. Use this table to generate encounters for a party traveling through the subterranean network.

d20	Encounter
1-3	Accord Patrol: 2d4 Kobold Scouts and 1 Deep-Strand Sentinel. They demand to see identification and an "Entry-Toll" (50 gp per person).
4-5	Borer Breach: An Aether-Blind Borer has broken into the tunnel. The area is partially collapsed and the Borer is aggressively searching for Aether-sources.
6-7	Smuggler's Cache: A hidden compartment in the wall contains 1d6 "Soul-Gems" or a crate of "Illicit Aether-Tech." However, it is protected by a sophisticated trap (DC 18 to disarm).
8-9	Strand-Menders at Work: A team of 1d6 Kobold Commoners and a "Strand-Mender" (Artificer) are repairing a crack in the Aether-glass. They are wary but willing to trade information for rare metals.
10-11	Aether-Leak: A section of the tunnel is filled with raw Aether vapor. Any creature entering the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 2d10 force damage and be "Mana-Burned" (disadvantage on spell attacks for 1 hour).
12-13	The Silent Toll: A group of 1d4 Shadows (remnants of a failed expedition) haunt a dark section of the tunnel where the Aether-glass has gone dim.
14-15	Fungal Bloom: The tunnel is choked with "Glow-Spores." The area is heavily obscured and creatures must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1d4 hours.
16-17	Lost Traveler: An NPC from a surface city (e.g., a Steamfort merchant or a Kigum scholar) who accidentally fell down a Vertical-Shunt and is now desperately trying to find a way out.
18-19	Sentinel Ambush: 2 Deep-Strand Sentinels are disguised as decorative pillars. They activate if the party mentions anything related to the "Void Gazers" or "Abyssal Fleet."
20	A Glimpse of the Capital: A massive "Viewing-Port" in the tunnel wall reveals a distant, breathtaking view of the Warren-Capital or the "Great Radiator."