Arctic Encounter Locations for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

"A crumbling fort is half-buried among upright bones of a dragon. Below is an abandoned temple associated with darkness. "

Tables for Wilderness, Semi-Civilised and Unusual arctic locations. Result is from Arctic Unusual Locations.

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Arctic Encounter Locations

Arctic terrain is defined by ice and snow, with ancient glaciers and impressive cliffs. Arches of ice, frozen pools, gaping fissures and patches of sedge break up the landscape of eternal winter.

There is a 5e arctic random encounter generator at ChaosGen. And a separate tool for encounter locations including arctic.

There is also a pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Arctic Encounters.

Arctic Encounter Tables - creatures | locations | non-combat | complications

Arctic Edge of Wilderness Locations

1d8+1d12	Arctic Wilderness Locations
2	A cliff of ice with a snow-filled tunnel entrance with icicles hanging from it (the area is sacred to a power of death)
3	An impressive waterfall into a frigid lake. There is a mound of rocks (there is a brisk breeze from the north)
4	A turbulent stream fed by a spring near a fish-filled pond. (which is disguised by a hallucinatory terrain)
5	A beautiful valley with a mound of blood-stained snow (a blanket of sludgy snow covers the area. There are fresh tracks through it)
6	A shore of a deep lake (which is associated with a magical dragon)
7	A wall of ice columns and a deep ditch (blue flowers are dotted about)
8	A meadow of cotton grass (a blizzard is starting)
9	A ridge of cracked ice. There is a mossy rock (close to a sheet of ice with a fissure running through it)
10	An icy stream surrounded by plants (a blanket of untouched snow covers the area)
11	A field of crisp snow. There is a few twisted fir trees (which is protected by a flying sword)
12	A pile of bones surrounded by snow (there is a charred sleigh)
13	A mound of virgin snow surrounded by frost-covered rock (close to a circle of blue ice columns)
14	A few bare trees and a pond of black ice. (several small fissures cover the area)
15	A snow-filled cave entrance with icicles hanging from it and a patch of grass. (a freezing fog is forming)
16	A field of permafrost (it is associated with crows)
17	An icy stream by a few cave entrances. (the sky is filled with swirling lights)
18	A glacial valley. (there is risk of an avalanche)
19	A clear pond near a large rock. (large hailstones are falling)
20	An area of rock-strewn ground. There is an ice arch with icicles hanging from it (the area is covered with blood-stained snow)

Arctic Semi-Civilised Locations

1d8+1d12	Arctic Semi-Civilised Locations
2	An ice tomb and a muddy pool (freezing rain is falling)
3	A burial ground with a mound of debris (nearby is a dark tunnel entrance with icicles hanging from it)
4	A crumbling monastery and a concealed cave entrance (close by is a frozen stream)
5	A rock outcrop covered in melting ice and a sheltered shrine to a power of the sky (there is risk of an avalanche)
6	A frigid stream fed by a spring and a small beast pen. (by a plateau of sludgy snow)
7	A part-buried obelisk and a muddy ditch (a mist is forming)
8	A desolate wooden hut surrounded by jagged ice (there are chunks of obsidian)
9	A high cliff with steps cut into it and a clear pool (close to a burial ground)
10	A steep track. There is a patch of blue flowers (a blanket of blood-stained snow covers the area. There are fresh tracks through it)
11	An ice sculpture. (there is an overturned sleigh)
12	An igloo and a wooden hut. (close to a circle of blue ice columns)
13	A strange wooden hut. (purple flowers are dotted about)
14	A frigid stream fed by a spring and a small beast pen. (there is the skeleton of a bear)
15	An obelisk and a covered cave entrance (there is a pile of ivory)
16	A wizard's tower with a statue (close to a grove of carved trees)
17	A sheltered stone walkway with a rectangular hole (several small fissures cover the area)
18	A sheltered campsite. There is a tomb (there is writing here in Giant)
19	A fading fire near a banked campfire. (close to a field of permafrost)
20	A strange temple to a power of nature (the area is associated with wolves)

Arctic Unusual Locations

1d8+1d12	Arctic Unusual Locations
2	Standing stones of rystal and blue stone top a cliff. A waterfall spills down to a frozen lake, feeding into underground rivers and caves.
3	Between two towering ice caps is a frozen archway with glowing red runes. They warn of two rival spirits bound here by a local witch.
4	Inn of Dark and Light. A palace of ice is staffed by small hooded humanoids. It offers rooms and fungal drinks. It has a beacon from it's tallest tower and steps down which lead into the Underdark.
5	A hill of exposed rock has several lichen covered cave entrances. Outside of each is a column of cracked ice.
6	A crumbling fort is half-buried among upright bones of a dragon. Below is an abandoned temple associated with darkness.
7	A lake shore is marked by lush purple flowers. A programmed illusion of a shadowy figure picks flowers and walks on the lake.
8	The Great Bear. An obsidian statue of a rearing bear gazes watchfully on the lands below. At nights bears sleep in its shadow.
9	A glacier of blue ice rises from the surrounding plateau. A frozen giant is visible in the ice, reaching out a hand as if for help.
10	A steep slope has several exposed jagged rocks and bits of debris. It is sometimes used for sled races and there are two sleds at the top.
11	A plateau of virgin snow can be reached by steps cut into rock and ice. Cotton grass surrounds a ivory shrine to a power of sky.
12	Pillar of Resolve. A granite obelisk is marked by rows of hanging icicles. A hamlet has been carved from the surrounding cliffs.
13	A rocky island of heath sits at the meeting of two rivers. Orc bones are found here and there are dark shapes in the depths.
14	An ancient stone barn is surrounded by many deep pools full of fish. An armored yeti comes monthly to eat until satiated.
15	A stream runs along a shallow valley. Several areas of scattered colorful pebbles mark areas protected by poltergeists.
16	The Devil Pools. Several steaming pools are fed by thermal springs. Ruins surround the area on nearby hilltops, often obscured by sulfurous mists. A crazed druid is connected with the pools.
17	Vines emerge from an ice fissure. It is bridged by a rock imprinted with elemental runes. Shifting lights are visible below.
18	A stone path winds through a grove of tall trees. Piles of bones lie on the path's edge. A shapechanging reindeer is said to protect it.
19	Criss-crossing stairways are cut into an icy slope. Above several nests and cave-mouths are visible along with a carving of a dragon.
20	Summer's Patch. This circle of bushes bear edible red berries all year. Faint laughter and music can be heard in the shifing winds. After midnight fey celebrate here, emerging from a Feywild crossing.

More Encounters and Locations