Have you ever been in a D&D game, or watched/listened to a real play podcast, and wondered why the heck the characters were in the scenario other than "that's how D&D works"?
There is more to D&D in my opinion than getting into battles.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a tabletop skirmish, but D&D has the ability to be much more than that, and therefore more emersive.
Situation and scenario
What is the situation and scenario your characters find themselves in?
Even random encounters should have context!
As mentioned previously, we can mine popular culture for many ideas. I also have a biase for things happening because of the characters previous actions ...
- The smoke and noise from the player's camp attracts bandits who want their loot
- Escaping a burning building - who set the fire? Why?
- Time pressure (Ticking time bomb)
- Captive and ransom
- Not just looting but a "Heist" (love this one)
If the consequences for actions happen enough then the party will start to take precautions!
Next time, have more than a BBEG!