Derelict Airship | Free 5e and PF2e Encounter
Written by David J. Morand
Cartography by Sir Vicke
There are rumors of a desert glittering with gold and hiding untold treasures. The scorching sun beats down on the vast, endless expanse of the Shifting Sands. The scorching heat, water scarcity, and the ancient bones are testaments to the dangers of this long-forgotten region. It is rumored to be full of mysteries and hidden treasures.
The path ahead will not be easy, for powerful desert giants guard the desert fiercely; they do not suffer foolishness lightly and frown upon those seeking to rob them of their riches. The journey into the heart of the desert will be perilous and fraught with danger. But the promise of uncovering ancient artifacts and lost treasures may be too great to resist.
Versions for both 5e and Pathfinder 2e are included.
If you're looking for more encounters like this or other 5e and PF2e resources, check out our entire collection of Lair Magazine issues. This particular encounter came from the September 2023 issue, Deserts & Desserts, where you can find even more game master resources!
Derelict Airship - 5e
Level. This encounter is designed for a group of four to six level-seven characters.
Creatures. This encounter features the following creatures: desert giant warrior.
Location. The wreck of an airship half-buried in the sand is visible in the distance. As the characters approach, they can see that the airship is badly damaged and looks like it has been there for some time. The ship’s engines are missing, and there are signs of struggle and combat around the ship.
Loot. Inside the airship wreck there is a crate of metal ingots for blacksmithing, and a sack of 50 pp.
Encounter Description
There are three desert giant warriors in this area.
As the characters approach the airship, they see a group of desert giants gathered around the wreckage. The warriors are using their massive greatswords to hack apart the wreckage, searching for something in particular.
Roleplaying Notes.
- The desert giants are initially hostile towards the characters and demand they leave immediately. They are wary of outsiders and do not trust anyone who enters their territory.
- The characters may attempt to negotiate, but the giants are wary.
Encounter Notes.
- The desert giants will fight to protect their territory and will not back down easily. They may negotiate if the characters show they are not a threat, but they will not hesitate to attack if provoked.
- The desert giant warriors’ Sand Attack can be dangerous, potentially blinding multiple party members at once.
The Airship. The derelict airship wreck is half buried in the sand, so the area around and inside of the airship is difficult terrain. The ship’s remains comprise two main sections: the upper deck, which is exposed above the sand, and the lower deck, mostly buried in the sand. The lower deck is accessible via a collapsed stairway.
Secret. Inside the airship is valuable cargo, including the crate of metal ingots and platinum.
Derelict Airship - PF2e [Severe Encounter]
Level. This encounter is designed for a group of four level-seven characters.
Creatures. This encounter features the following creatures: desert giant warrior.
Location. The wreck of an airship half-buried in the sand is visible in the distance. As the characters approach, they can see that the airship is badly damaged and looks like it has been there for some time. The ship’s engines are missing, and there are signs of struggle and combat around the ship.
Loot. Inside the airship wreck there is a crate of metal ingots for blacksmithing, and a sack of 50 pp.
Encounter Description
There are three desert giant warriors in this area.
As the characters approach the airship, they see a group of desert giants gathered around the wreckage. The warriors are using their massive greatswords to hack apart the wreckage, searching for something in particular.
Roleplaying Notes.
- The desert giants are initially hostile towards the characters and demand they leave immediately. They are wary of outsiders and do not trust anyone who enters their territory.
- The characters may attempt to negotiate, but the giants are wary.
Encounter Notes.
- The desert giants will fight to protect their territory and will not back down easily. They may negotiate if the characters show they are not a threat, but they will not hesitate to attack if provoked.
- The desert giant warriors’ Sand Attack can be dangerous, potentially blinding multiple party members at once.
The Airship. The derelict airship wreck is half buried in the sand, so the area around and inside of the airship is difficult terrain. The ship’s remains comprise two main sections: the upper deck, which is exposed above the sand, and the lower deck, mostly buried in the sand. The lower deck is accessible via a collapsed stairway.
Secret. Inside the airship is valuable cargo, including the crate of metal ingots and platinum.
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For instance, Deserts & Desserts, contains new desert-dwelling monsters, drag-and-drop shops, encounters, and a three-level adventure arc.
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