A pair of greedy orcs are looking for ways to become rich without having to fight. Ask group for advice.
Not all orc encounters have to be fights! Non-Combat Encounters using orcs for D&D 5e
Non-Combat Orc Encounters
Not all orcs want to die young in battle or become the strongest of their tribes. Some are ambassadors, axe-collectors or budding musicians
Inspired by a D&D Encounter Generator. A pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Non-Combat Orc Encounters
Non-Combat Encounter Tables - wilds & ruins | underground | travelers | city & village | level 1-10 | level 11+ | orcs
Non-Combat Orc Encounters
| 1d20 | Non-Combat Orc Encounters |
|---|---|
| 1 | A brightly-dressed orc is carrying a "truce" standard. They want to meet local rulers in an attempt to arrange a pitched battle with orc tribes. |
| 2 | An orc is writing about human society. Has many questions about them. |
| 3 | A hairy orc in bearskins offers "free hugs" to all, spreading love not war |
| 4 | An orc armed with a scythe is interested in farming. Wants to learn more about crops and seeks to try and convert members of their tribe. |
| 5 | A cheerful orc is looking for a companion to travel the world with. |
| 6 | An enthused orc who collects axes. Has many bone and flint axes on a mule. Curious about axes among party. Has lead about a magical axe. |
| 7 | An orc is creating amazing art with traditional orc colors. Ochre red, grey-white ash and charcoal, representing blood, death and darkness |
| 8 | A hyperactive orc is searching for bees. They crave honey above all else |
| 9 | An unarmed orc is fascinated with languages. They learnt Halfling and Elven from captives and want to learn more. Try practicing with party. |
| 10 | An orc is searching for their beloved half-orc child, stolen from their tribe at a young age by human adventurers |
| 11 | Two orcs ask group to judge which is better poet but both are terrible |
| 12 | Two orcs dressed in ill-fitting clothes claim to be tasked with spying on local city but have no intention of ever returning to their own people |
| 13 | Several orcs are smashing rocks and chopping down trees. One explains to group they are channeling rage to avoid killing each other |
| 14 | A few orcs are filling a wagon with stones and junk. As a full wagon is proof of great success they assume their tribe will give them great glory |
| 15 | Two orc lovers have been cast out from their tribe and are trying to live as herders. Currently have two goats, a cat and a boar. Happy for advice. |
| 16 | A pair of greedy orcs are looking for ways to become rich without having to fight. Ask group for advice. |
| 17 | A few fearful orcs are burning a wagon wheel. After vivid omens they are terrified of circles. Talk of the evils of shields, coins and mushrooms |
| 18 | Two orcs armed with mauls are driving stakes into the ground. Building a fence and interested in construction work or projects. |
| 19 | A few hopeful orcs are searching for a green dragon to work for. Have heard they pay well |
| 20 | A pair of orcs are stood outside a large cave mouth. Searching for a suitable home base for their tribe. Are wary of tracks they have found. |
More Encounters
Inspired by a D&D Encounter Generator. A pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Non-Combat Orc Encounters
