The Frozen Hunting Camp

• A6 × Ice Mephit (CR 1/2, 100 XP each)

XP

600 of a 600 XP moderate budget

Party

4 characters of level 2

A frozen traveler kneels by a dead fire, perfectly preserved. Snow falls so softly that heartbeats seem loud.

Setup. Six ice mephits have broken free of a binding circle and are lashing out at everything.

Terrain

• Hanging icicles: a thunderous noise or a hit on the ridge (AC 12) drops icicles on a 10-foot square: DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 Piercing damage.
• Deep snow: the drifts are Difficult Terrain for creatures without a burrowing speed or snowshoes.

Tactics. They move constantly, using their full speed and passing through foes.

Twist. A bounty notice on one of the creatures promises a reward for bringing it back alive.

Adjust on the fly

• Easier: Remove one ice mephit (−100 XP).
• Harder: Add one more ice mephit (700 XP total, high for this party).

Treasure. 150 gp and 450 sp.