10 Random Desert Encounters

A friend of mine has asked for interesting desert encounters, and I thought I could post them here :)

The obvious thing here is that a lot of these are inspired by the deserts of central Arabia and surrounding regions. I imagine deserts in North America, Central Asia, or other desert-scapes around the world could also have some of their own unique and locally inspired encounters. Would love to see some of those too :)

So here are 1d10 desert encounters that are rules neutral and can be modified to fit 5e or any other osr system. 

A Ten in the Sands - Sane Madan 2023

1- A Jinni's Wager: 
Encounter: The Jinn challenges players to a game of dice. Winning grants a wish, while losing incurs a curse. The Djinn might also offer a deal where the consequences are not immediately apparent.

 - Possible dice games can be suggested in another post!

2- Roc's Nest:

Encounter: The players stumble upon the nesting ground of a Roc, a colossal bird of prey. To pass safely, they must either negotiate with the Roc or navigate its territory without disturbing it. Or will they be tempted by the nestled eggs, worth a fortune in the local market. Will the Roc guide them on their journey ahead? 

3- Lanterns of the Desert: 

Encounter: Glowing and unlit red lanterns, seemingly untouched by the ever-present desert winds, cast an eerie glow across the vast expanse. Lighting these lanterns summons the desert caravan of ghosts and spirits! They materialize in swirling sands, offering transportation through the ethereal desert - not always the best navigators, they might drop you off somewhere entirely different, but the caravan driver and ghostly passengers are great ghoulish company.

4- The Tomb of One:

Encounter: Discover a modest tomb for one within the shifting dunes. its open doorway exposes a single sarcophagus made of carved sandstone. Carved on the sarcophagus are hundreds and thousands of names, dates, signatures, and markings. Some dates are from times long gone, or calendars never seen before. Some language are from lands far across the sea, some completely unrecognizable as from this earth. Push aside the lid to reveal a skeletal warrior clad in a rare and stylistic armor (GM's choosing). Defeat this ancient guardian and your name will be etched onto the sarcophagus and you can claim the coveted armor as your reward.

5- Thieves' Cache:

Encounter: As you traverse the desert, you notice a peculiar rock formation that appears out of place. Investigating, you discover a concealed entrance leading to a cave. Inside, a hidden cache of stolen goods is guarded by Jasir, a burly member of the infamous thieves' guild known for his cunning and ruthlessness. He seems surprised by your discovery and demands to know if you are friend or foe. 

6- The Dancing Sands: 
Encounter: In the vast openness of the desert, an eerie phenomenon known as the Dancing Sands occurs. A sudden sandstorm whips up around you, giving form to whirling dervishes of sand demons. These ethereal creatures attack with a rhythm that seems choreographed. Engage cautiously, for defeating them may unravel the enchantment and reveal the secrets of the storm, or flee and endure the storm's chaotic dance that could lead you astray.

7- Sand Serpents:

Encounter: Giant sand serpents, awakened by the vibrations of the players' footsteps, rise from beneath the dunes. Negotiating with or battling these creatures may lead to new alliances or awaken long-buried desert serpents.

8- Nomadic Mystic:

Encounter: A wandering mystic, draped in flowing robes, appears before the party. Offering cryptic prophecies, the mystic claims to possess knowledge about the party members' destinies. Players can choose to ignore the mystic or delve into their mystical insights, which might guide or mislead them on their quest.
- Possible prophecies can be suggested in another post!

9-  Dust Devil Market:

Encounter: A swirling dust devil unexpectedly materializes in the desert, revealing a hidden market with a mysterious merchant selling peculiar items. The merchant trades in memories, dreams, or even glimpses of the future. However, each transaction comes at a cost, and the true value of the items might not be apparent until later.

Cost of Transactions: Players must offer a memory or make a Charisma saving throw DC 17.

Items: Memory Elixirs, Dreamcatcher Amulets, Veil of Visions.

10- Mirage Oasis:
Encounter: In the relentless heat, a shimmering oasis appears on the horizon. As you approach, the oasis seems more like a mirage, and upon reaching it, you find it's a trap set by desert illusionists. They demand a toll for revealing the real oasis location. Choose to negotiate, pay the toll, or face the illusionists in a battle of wits.

Successfully navigating the illusionists' challenges might earn you a magical token that guides you to a hidden treasure or a genuine oasis.