Volcano Encounters
Picture the fiery landscapes, the ominous rumbles, and the thrill of the unknown as you weave these volcanic wonders into the tapestry of your own Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
These encounters are ideas you can use to get you started; they’re invitations to shape your narrative, test your party’s mettle, and forge memorable moments. Ready your imagination, for the lava flows of inspiration await. Let’s turn up the heat on your campaign creativity!
As you shape your encounters you should also check out our guide to Lava Damage
Encounter Name: Lava Elemental Eruption
Description: The party witnesses the emergence of lava elementals from the heart of a volcanic eruption. The elementals may pose a threat to the surrounding area.
Enemies
Lava Elementals
- Various elemental creatures, various alignments
- Armor Class Varies
- Hit Points Varies
- Speed Varies
Molten Slam: Varies to hit, Varies damage (various abilities)
Terrain
This encounter takes place near the erupting volcano with molten lava and unstable ground.
Tactics
- The party must deal with the lava elementals and navigate the hazardous terrain.
Encounter Name: Fire Giant Forge Ambush
Description: The party stumbles upon a hidden forge in the heart of the volcano, where fire giants are crafting powerful weapons. The giants may be hostile or open to negotiation.
Enemies
Fire Giant Blacksmiths
- Huge Giant, lawful evil
- Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
- Hit Points 162 (13d12 + 78)
- Speed 30 ft.
Greatsword Swing: +11 to hit, 4d6 + 6 slashing damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place in a hidden forge within the volcano, with molten metal and intense heat.
Tactics
- The fire giants may be crafting weapons, and the party can choose to engage in combat or negotiate.
Encounter Name: Ember Hound Pack
Description: The party encounters a pack of fiery ember hounds, magical creatures born from the volcanic energy. The hounds may be guarding a valuable resource or territory.
Enemies
Ember Hounds
- Medium Fiend, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 13
- Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
- Speed 40 ft.
Fiery Bite: +5 to hit, 1d8 + 3 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place in the rocky terrain surrounding the volcano, with pools of molten lava.
Tactics
- The ember hounds may guard a valuable resource or territory, attacking intruders.
Encounter Name: Pyroclastic Flow Escape
Description: The party must outrun a pyroclastic flow cascading down the slopes of the volcano. They must navigate treacherous terrain and find shelter to survive.
Enemies
None
Terrain
This encounter takes place on the slopes of the volcano during a pyroclastic flow.
Tactics
- The party must navigate the treacherous terrain, avoiding falling debris and finding shelter to survive.
Encounter Name: Magmin Infestation
Description: The party encounters a swarm of magmins, small elemental creatures drawn to the volcanic energy. The magmins may pose a threat or offer information in exchange for assistance.
Enemies
Magmins
- Small Elemental, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 14
- Hit Points 9 (2d6 + 2)
- Speed 30 ft.
Fiery Touch: +3 to hit, 1d4 + 1 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place in the rocky terrain near the volcano, with pools of molten lava.
Tactics
- The magmins may pose a threat or offer information in exchange for assistance.
Encounter Name: Salamander Forging Ritual
Description: The party comes across a group of salamanders performing a mystical forging ritual in the heart of the volcano. The salamanders may be friendly or hostile.
Enemies
Fire Salamander Smiths
- Medium Elemental, lawful evil
- Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
- Speed 30 ft.
Magma Scimitar: +6 to hit, 2d6 + 3 slashing damage plus 1d6 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place in a cavern within the volcano, filled with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The salamanders may be forging powerful weapons and can be friendly or hostile based on the party’s actions.
Encounter Name: Fire Elemental Portal
Description: A rift to the Elemental Plane of Fire opens near the volcano, releasing fire elementals into the world. The party must close the portal to prevent further incursions.
Enemies
Fire Elementals
- Various elemental creatures, various alignments
- Armor Class Varies
- Hit Points Varies
- Speed Varies
Melee/Ranged Attack: Varies to hit, Varies damage (various abilities)
Terrain
This encounter takes place near the rift to the Elemental Plane of Fire, with intense heat and volcanic activity.
Tactics
- The party must close the elemental portal to prevent further incursions from the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Encounter Name: Magma Golem Guardian
Description: The party encounters a massive magma golem, a guardian created from molten rock and volcanic energy. The golem may be protecting a sacred site or be a threat to the area.
Enemies
Magma Golem Guardian
- Huge Construct, unaligned
- Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 120 (16d8 + 48)
- Speed 30 ft.
Molten Slam: +8 to hit, 3d8 + 4 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place in a cavern within the volcano, with pools of molten lava and intense heat.
Tactics
- The magma golem may be guarding a sacred site or pose a threat to the surrounding area.
Encounter Name: Fiery Phoenix Roost
Description: The party discovers a nesting ground for fiery phoenixes near the volcano. The phoenixes may be territorial or offer the party a chance to witness a rebirth.
Enemies
Fiery Phoenix Guardians
- Large Celestial, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 15
- Hit Points 90 (12d10 + 24)
- Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Burning Talons: +7 to hit, 2d8 + 3 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place near a nesting ground within the volcano, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The fiery phoenixes may be territorial or offer the party a chance to witness a rebirth.
Encounter Name: Lavaworm Tunnel Ambush
Description: The party explores a network of volcanic tunnels, only to be ambushed by a pack of lavaworms. The lavaworms may be drawn to the party’s presence or guarding something within the tunnels.
Enemies
Lavaworm Pack
- Large Elemental, unaligned
- Armor Class 14
- Hit Points 68 (8d10 + 24)
- Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft.
Burning Bite: +6 to hit, 2d8 + 3 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place within the network of volcanic tunnels, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The lavaworms may be drawn to the party’s presence or guarding something within the tunnels.
Encounter Name: Volcanic Drakes’ Lair
Description: The party discovers a hidden lair of volcanic drakes within the heart of the volcano. The drakes may be protecting valuable treasures or be drawn to the party’s intrusion.
Enemies
Volcanic Drake Guardians
- Large Dragon, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 102 (12d10 + 36)
- Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
Scorching Breath: DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 5d6 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place within the lair of volcanic drakes, with molten lava and intense heat.
Tactics
- The volcanic drakes may be protecting valuable treasures or be drawn to the party’s intrusion.
Encounter Name: Obsidian Gargoyle Sentry
Description: The party encounters an obsidian gargoyle perched on a ledge overlooking the volcano. The gargoyle may be a guardian, offering information, or seeking assistance.
Enemies
Obsidian Gargoyle Guardian
- Medium Construct, lawful neutral
- Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 68 (8d8 + 32)
- Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Stone Strike: +6 to hit, 2d6 + 4 slashing damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place on a ledge overlooking the volcano, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The obsidian gargoyle may be a guardian, offering information, or seeking assistance.
Encounter Name: Volcanic Ash Storm
Description: A sudden ash storm blankets the area around the volcano, reducing visibility and releasing ash elementals. The party must navigate through the storm and deal with the elemental threats.
Enemies
Ash Elementals
- Various elemental creatures, various alignments
- Armor Class Varies
- Hit Points Varies
- Speed Varies
Melee/Ranged Attack: Varies to hit, Varies damage (various abilities)
Terrain
This encounter takes place in the area surrounding the volcano during a volcanic ash storm.
Tactics
- The party must navigate through the ash storm and deal with the manifestations of ash elementals.
Encounter Name: Lava Nymph’s Embrace
Description: The party encounters a lava nymph near a pool of molten lava. The nymph may offer information, magical boons, or pose a challenge based on the party’s actions.
Enemies
Lava Nymph
- Medium Fey, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 12
- Hit Points 49 (9d8 + 9)
- Speed 30 ft.
Molten Touch: +4 to hit, 1d8 + 2 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place near a pool of molten lava, with intense heat and volcanic activity.
Tactics
- The lava nymph may offer information, magical boons, or pose a challenge based on the party’s actions.
Encounter Name: Magma Mephit Ambush
Description: The party is ambushed by a group of magma mephits emerging from the volcanic fissures. The mephits may be drawn to the party’s presence or guarding something within the fissures.
Enemies
Magma Mephit Ambush
- Small Elemental, chaotic neutral
- Armor Class 11
- Hit Points 21 (6d6)
- Speed 30 ft.
Magma Spray: DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place near volcanic fissures, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The magma mephits may be drawn to the party’s presence or guarding something within the fissures.
Encounter Name: Volcanic Spirit Guardian
Description: The party encounters the spirit guardian of the volcano, a powerful entity tied to the elemental forces. The guardian may offer guidance, present a challenge, or pose a threat based on the party’s actions.
Enemies
Volcanic Spirit Guardian
- Large Elemental, unaligned
- Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 90 (12d10 + 24)
- Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft.
Eruption Slam: +7 to hit, 2d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage plus 2d6 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place near the heart of the volcano, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The volcanic spirit guardian may offer guidance, present a challenge, or pose a threat based on the party’s actions.
Encounter Name: Volcanic Geyser Trap
Description: The party unknowingly triggers a volcanic geyser trap, releasing scalding steam and fiery eruptions. They must navigate the area and avoid the deadly geysers.
Enemies
None
Terrain
This encounter takes place in the rocky terrain surrounding the volcano, with volcanic geysers and intense heat.
Tactics
- The party must navigate through the area and avoid triggering deadly volcanic geysers.
Encounter Name: Flame Djinn Negotiation
Description: The party encounters a flame djinn near the volcano’s summit. The djinn may be open to negotiation, offer a quest, or seek assistance in dealing with a rival elemental.
Enemies
Flame Djinn Negotiator
- Large Elemental, neutral
- Armor Class 15
- Hit Points 75 (10d10 + 20)
- Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Inferno Slash: +6 to hit, 2d8 + 3 slashing damage plus 2d6 fire damage.
Terrain
This encounter takes place near the summit of the volcano, with intense heat and molten lava.
Tactics
- The flame djinn may be open to negotiation, offer a quest, or seek assistance based on the party’s actions.