Building the Dungeon Dungeon Aesthetic
d12 1. Designed to accommodate alien/giant body plan 2. Meticulously-crafted, smooth stonework, unadorned, impeccably clean 3. ertical design around central cre!asse w/shafts, landings, platforms for ancient public le!itation system no longer in ser!ice ". #rchitect$ %. &. 'iger on an acid-fueled bender with unlimited budget and massi!e sla!e labor force of highly skilled artisans (. Dark whimsy$ a Disneyland of fear and death ). *lopped together w/minimal outlay and e+ort, functionality compromised, doors barely work . atural beauty of ca!ern system preser!ed and subtly enhanced, chambers linked by fau-natural causeways . Mind-bending baro0ue design$ countless sculptures, tapestries, bas reliefs, mosaics depict e!ents of terror and bloodshed . nterconnected system of cones, spheres and cylinders, cold and clinical, srcin unknown 1. 4riginal masonry eroded and dotted with fossili5ed coral from long-ago period of 6ooding 11. 7arring tilts and trape5oidal chambers, angled ceilings and 6oors, a mad-house 12. &ough-hewn functionality dangerously askew after ma8or earth0uake, strong chances of collapse, inter-le!el breakthroughs. Just Getting in the Dungeon is Brutal
d12 1. Must drain chalice of hot poison for magical entry, sa!ing throw re0uired 2. ia the 9ueen:s magic mirror which leads to the dragon:s magic mirror, where!er he:s keeping it these days 3. ;eleported in by anointing head with the blood of the 4gre <5ar ". =ass through permanent dimension door at the top of a 1 meter tree
(. >ocate dungeon door only in dream state induced by eceedingly rare ca!e fungus that grows on hell hound droppings ). >eap through the top 6oor window in the *pider-lich:s spire . Mega-swarm of moon moths pro!ide lift to cloud door if ?rst charmed by series of elaborate rituals w/plenty of dancing and blood sacri?ce . a!igate reeking sewer-ma5e beneath the city of etinct titans . 4nly known entrance at the base of in!erted pyramid on the moon 1. #n arch-de!il must agree to show you the way 11. @nlocked door in the wall of ca!ern thousands of feet beneath the ocean surface, ancestral burial ground of the intelligent cephalopods 12. Monumental eca!ation e+ort re0uiring huge labor force toiling night and day for months, all the while terror-mummies claw their way up from the deep sands Interdungeon Connectivity
d12 1. Ma5e-like tunnels in constant state of 6u burrowed by giant stone-ants cursed with perpetual gold fe!er by the earth gods, smell gold w/in 1:, relentlessly pursue treasure laden ad!enturers, constantly loading random dungeon rooms w/debris in lieu of ant-hill 2. *orcerer w/bio-mechanical mole machine and array of detection spells made trips from one 8uicy treasury to the net, lea!ing 1:round passages in wake, huge scorched 5one where mech-mole ?nally blew up 3. Aicked iron-dwarfs tunnel up from below, install magma pipeline, etort tribute from dungeon powers-that-be with threats of molten doom, deep hub accesses se!eral dungeons ". B!eryone knows colossal chthonic worms, compelled by the gods to fore!er circle the earth in subterranean orbit, often inad!ertently chew connections between disparate dungeons, can:t be stopped, worm-prediction sorcery, constant repairs 8ust the cost of doing business (. @C4 materiali5ed in e!il wi5ard:s lair on deep le!el instead of epected demon, used disintegration ?eld to bore its way to freedom, but not before intersecting with nearby comple, disintegrating the Dungeon 4!erlord in the process, creating frantic power !acuum situation w/much backstabbery and preempti!e striking among the factions
). o one knows why the migratory laser-trolls blast their why from dungeon to dungeon, probably something to do with their comple reproducti!e cycle, too gross to contemplate . ery friendly giant sentient ?sh in mythic underground ri!er willing to swallow ad!enturers, transport to ad8acent dungeon, regurgitate, no payment re0uired, they 8ust lo!e to do it . *ystem of totally automatic superconductor-propelled subway cars link many known underworld sites, left o!er from earlier ci!ili5ation, )( of routes still in perfect working order, 3( lead to catastrophic plunge to earth:s core or some such lethal end . &oots of mythic world tree penetrate se!eral underground locales in their meanderings, retreat from sources of e!il/eldritch unpleasantness, spiraling passages left behind 1. >ooks like a 1: deep pit, false bottom opens into corkscrew chute that launches any who enter into an hours-long amusement park thrill ride terminating in neighboring dungeon:s prison le!el, multiple sa!ing throws re0uired to a!oid di55y discombobulation w/se!ere !omiting 11. Monstrous Dungeon 4!erlord maintains permanent arcane gate between pri!ate chamber and well-appointed trysting place in other comple for hook-ups w/foy gynosphyn 12. #d!enturers encysted in adamant sphere, loaded into la!a tube, out6ow in lowest le!el of net-dungeon-o!er, e!il dwarf pit crew at destination stand by to etract, collect other half of eorbitant fee Random Dungeon Overlord
d12 1. Marooned outer being established as ob8ect of worship, amasses resources needed to acti!ate trans-cosmic distress signal de!ice 2. Aorld:s smartest giant engineers scenario to ignite and maintain world:s most continuous debauched re!elry 3. Demigod of unspeakable e!il and malice brought to lowly state by !arious earthly addictions ". Cailed war leader from remote alien sphere gathering power to gi!e it another go in campaign world, hubris matched only by general incompetence Eecept in cruelty and combatF (. *atan himself, !isits campaign uni!erse in spare time, 8ust a relaing hobby
).
aw gone rogue/underco!er to sow seeds of
d12 1. ast, yeti ghost-haunted ca!ern co!ered in obscene ca!e paintings allows access to @nderworld !ia mystic doorway that must be constructed of enshrined ca!e bear skulls 2. #cti!e oo5e hi!e festers under the city, empties into nearby ri!er/lake/sea, !isited by famous sorcerer who departed atop perfectly obedient colossal pudding-steed 3. Death row con!icts attempting escape tunnelled into unknown chamber, their dessicated corpses appeared on the courthouse steps at daybreak ". &easonably sane captain of the watch insists sil!er hatch appears beneath city wall only when in direct light of full moon, swears in!isible things come out (.
. =rince:s pyramid pro8ect halted by lack of shipments from new 0uarry, trusted captain dispatched to in!estigate w/soldiery, not a peep . *orcerer:s griHn-borne aerial sur!ey detects huge, ornately camou6aged mountain top chimney spewing forth weird gases . &ocket-shaped wi5ard:s tower takes o+, sub-surface 6oors left unattended, someone should at least strip the plumbing 1. Dragon mo!ed in to proimate ca!ern not to plague the land in ful?llment of dire prophecy as is the pre!ailing wisdom, but rather to 8ealously guard secret entrance to antedilu!ian culture:s treasure !aults 11. ;he Cetid *ewers of the #ncients drain into another world 12. Aar-gangs of ogres and mied-humanoid lackeys loot frontier towns seemingly emboldened by smart attire, beautifully crafted garments/armor, chaotic e!il chic, shields embla5oned with de!ice of the ;ailor Gelow
Dungeon Levels Highlights of Dungeon Level One
d12 1. Aicked master of mind control accumulates riches by sending his ensorceled hoard of berserkers on raids of nearby settlements, trade routes and wealthy dungeon neighbors 2.
. ast and ancient chamber srcinally accessible only from below$ cruder more recent reno!ations broke through from le!el one, access to le!el two, haunted by spirits of etinct prehumans . o man:s land between subhuman and berserker areas w/impro!ised barricades, shallow trenches, arrows shooting back and forth$ littered with bodies, home to single opportunistic ghoul 1. *keleton-manned arms production facility, o!erseen by subhuman thugs 11.
d12 1. ecromancer:s %9 w/secret stair access to surface$ uses subhumans as bu+er against forces from below, ser!es as their occasional arcane sa!ior 2. *eemingly bottomless and literally howling chasm separates factions, subhumans ha!e built up shrine on their side, o+er sacri?ces to the presumed howling deity below, access to le!els three and four, mountaineering re0uired 3. Aarlock and s0uad of bloodthirsty henchmen make full study of prehuman ruins, ha!e amassed signi?cant hoard of relics ". Dripping wet and humid natural ca!erns descend gradually to the lake on le!el four, subhumans haul shipments of arms this way, simultaneously disposing of their dead Eand the necromancer:s failed eperimentsF to appease predatory ca!e monsters (. ncredibly elaborate series of frescoes in !ast hall depict in some detail the etraterrestrial srcin of humankind ). =artially looted royal catacombs of the etinct prehumans, signs of necromantic tampering, access denied by massed skeleton warriors . eutral slug folk protected by small pri!ate force of ogre mercenaries EdisgruntledF$ losses incurred in trade war pre!ent the slug folk from making their payroll . &o!ing miasma of li!ing gasses$ stupe?es upon inhalation, pursued by subhuman addicts . # giant snake with eight insect-like legs roams the corridors, ehaling choking black smoke
1. %erd of elusi!e dungeon deer on perpetual feeding migration through en!irons to scattered moss and lichen beds, led by intelligent stag 11. Defensible and out-of-the-way room$ automatic party e8ector, one-way ele!ator to surface 12. 'aming halls of slug folk$ open to all and sundry, must buy at least 1gp worth of tokens at well-guarded gates "emora#le $eatures of Dungeon Level Three
d12 1. 'rand promenade of the prehuman city$ ca!e tenements, former domain of the subhumans, now housing for cult fanatics awaiting the arri!al of their terrible deity 2. #mbient whirring from below as of a great engine pushed to its maimum eertion 3. #nti-subhuman traps around perimeter$ tripwire acti!ated catapults loaded w/nails and glass ". Corum of the prehumans now used by cultists: for public eecution of heretics, captured enemies Eespecially numerous$ albino mermenF (. Deep dwarfs under contract to eca!ate new !aulted chamber to house cult deity, will disallow any attempt to obser!e their work in progress ). *cienti?c installation of the prehumans, re?tted for sorcery by the cult high priests$ perpetual contact with deity established !ia huge half-magic communication de!ice . %owling chasm houses large hi!e of chaos 6ies, rapidly multiplying and growing more bold in their choice of prey . Aitch subsect of cult ?nds current leadership sub par, schemes dubious$ planning assassinations, looking to hire . Coul6ow &i!er enters se!eral sections of le!el, currently ali!e with aggressi!e giant phagocytes, har!ested as protein source by subhumans, cultists, and se!eral species of subterranean monster 1. atural ca!erns gradually descend to le!el four, former game preser!e of the prehuman ci!ili5ation, still haunted by myriad horrors from the unguessed past 11. 'iant ri!er monster like a fetal bird that pro8ects beams of terror from its unopened eyes
12. Deep dwarfs car!ing out new underworld byway breach gas ?lled chamber, releasing from stasis horde of headless naked man-creatures with two-handed swords and little regard for their own safety The %ital Bits of Dungeon Level $our
d12 1. ast self-luminous lake of clear green water in incredibly huge ca!ern, partially 6ooding numerous smaller ca!es$ home to amphibious spiral shelled kraken and their albino merman allies 2. =arty of subhumans led by necromancer:s chief associate w/shipment of arms and secret communi0ue for the merman theocrat 3. 'iant 8elly?sh that hunt orca-style, beaching themsel!es to take terrestrial prey ". Deep dwarfs nearing completion of centuries-long pro8ect to di!ert subterranean ri!er, massi!e pumping station ready to go online, will instantly alter ecosystem, guarded by ogre and troll mercenaries (. %alf-6ooded prehuman undercity, amphibious kraken o!ersee archaeological study by cult hierophants ). Aaterspouts that seem to target and relentlessly pursue indi!iduals until gi!ing a damn good thrashing or somehow dispersed . Mermen training in preparation for amphibious assault on deep dwarf ri!er pro8ect . *lug folk traders await shipment of subtlest li0uors brewed by the mermen, a chatty bunch . Domesticated lake monsters pro!ide merman mass transit 1. Merman concierge station administers water breathing potions to underworld traders and dispenses !aluable hints on merman eti0uette 11. Many-spired city of the mermen and their terrible secret$ as a result of curse females sa!age and terrifying 6esh-eaters that must be kept imprisoned in sub-lake breeding dome 12. Aandering deity$ towering ebon ?gure hand ?shes with mystically baited line Ecatch and releaseF, mo!ing slowly about the lake and en!irons surrounded by fawning merman fanatics incessantly pleading for remo!al of curse
Rooms Details $or the Other!ise &m'ty Dungeon Room
d12 1. %undreds and hundreds of mouse-si5e holes of indeterminate depth 2. Aalls composed of stone with dimly luminous !eins of an unknown compound 3. *cything blade trap 8ust inside the doorway, rusted in sprung position ". ntricate mosaic spells out obscenities in ancient script (. Glood trail leading to middle of wall Eno secret doorF ). 'ummy substance on top, bottom and sides of door$ hermetically seals room when closed . *ome settling has occurred$ unusual pitch of 6oor, walls and ceiling creates optical illusion, seeming downgrade actually gentle incline . *i5able swarm of dungeon gnats forms into patterns that appear to be a repeating series of runes . %eap of funerary ashes w/unidenti?able bone fragments 1. =acket of etremely old hard tack$ now really 0uite hard indeed 11. Mirrored ceiling, cleanEerF spots where furniture used to be 12. #ll-out insect war in progress$ huge colonies chewed into opposite walls, 6oor strewn with countless tiny casualties, sophisticated troop formations attempting to out6ank one another In the Dungeon Larder
d12 1. Creshly har!ested greens, seeds, roots, tubers, fruits, !egetables$ 1 toic to humans 2. 'iant-si5e tins of potted humanoid meats EunlabeledF, two-handed can opener 3. Cood processing/8uicing de!ice operated by hand crank, collection of tumblers w/glass sipping straws, sie!es, sinister-looking !al!es and rubber tubing, impeccably clean ". Mothballed full ser!ice sta+ of automatons in formal dress (. ariety of a0uariums/terrariums teeming w/li!e edible creatures Elarge 8uicy insects, mollusks, small nearly featureless furry things, etc.F w/nearby barbecue pit and iron skewers standing by
).
d12 1. ute of Bcruciation ". %eap of bodies w/hollowed skulls, brains kept ali!e in nutrient bath, housed w/in arcane agoni5er units (. ;eam of highly speciali5ed dungeon fairies w/surgical approach to etracting secrets ). ;emporarily abandoned confessor strapped into torture apparatus, unbroken, much !aluable information unre!ealed . %alf-dead giant in huge iron maiden, ready to strike bargain for release and will abide by any terms set . Cace and lips stretching de!ice for use upon the !ain . *piked pit/ad8ustable bungee cord arrangement
1. *eparate holding chambers each w/gated partition, ad8acent rooms ?lled to gills w/rats, scorpions, ra!enous giant 6eas or etc. 11. Aalls adorned with stunning !ariety of hooks, barbed implements, tongs, pincers, !ices, blades of e!ery description, pokers, prodders, whips, bludgeons, an ae for any occasion, hammers, nails, etc. etc. 12. ;orture chamber/gymnasium set-up wherein masked in0uisitors use spare moments to keep their muscles rippling for maimum eHciency
Dressing Dungeon Audio
d12 1. #mbient grinding of tectonic plates 2. Distant crowd roars in approbation 3.
d12 1. Dead thief collapsed half-way through a secret door 2. Ble!en dead man-apes co!ered with sucker marks 3. ;hree dessicated husks of the dwar?sh persuasion ". %uman-type creature blasted to tiny bits
(. ;he head of a hill giant with a message in his teeth ). #rea ?lled with reeking/disintegrating horror of ichor and tentacles . Ci!e bandits and their leader fallen upon own swords . ;hree ornately armored warriors crushed almost 6at . ;wo green hal6ing bodies still clutching their throats 1. Geheaded dragon Eloot freeF 11. *pear-impaled berserker with sword thrust through face of ad8acent berserk 12. Ai5ard with smoking neck-stump Dungeon (tatuary )Inanimate*
d12 1. *mashed fragments of classical-type statues wired together into startling aggregation of body parts 2. ;hree-dimensional representation of multi-dimensional entity$ staring at shadow causes debilitating sensory bewilderment 3. Megalodon-si5ed stone 8aws of #:chth the #ll-consuming$ heaped with freshly sacri?ced comestibles ". %uge ancient earthenware bowl of unknown pro!enance set on grand pedestal Erecent workF$ ?lled with green 6ames that utterly destroy anything placed inside (.
12. =olished granite dodecahedron surrounded by tiny ?gures bent in supplication &ven the Doors are +eird
d12 1. Made of semi-permeable tissue$ only organic material may pass through 2. Bnchanted talking door w/ ser!ice-oriented attitude, only knows about things a door would care about 3.
d12 1. *ingle tear of a titan shed in cosmic anguish 2.
. &epulsi!e soup of decomposition . ndustrial-strength sol!ent . >i0uid nitrogen 1. =rotoplasmic stew burgeoning with i0uid e!il It,s on the Ceiling-
d12 1. d1 *words of Damocles 2.
d12 1. *hallow hole in wall with debris and broken pick lying nearby 2. #n unidenti?able green stain on the 6oor, smells a bit 3. # still-smoldering torch ". %eaps of recently deceased rats$ not a mark on them
(. >oose 6agstones in 6oor leading nowhere ). >arge JLJ car!ed in wall . # half-melted sword . #bandoned nests of dungeon swallow colony . ery large fragments of purple eggshell 1.
d12 1. ;he sacred pool of the ca!e beetle god$ surrounded by millions of the tiny 5ealots in droning prayer 2. ;he Glack *oup of >ife$ coughs up random embryonic magical beasts 3. ;he cloning pool$ any li!ing thing touching the pool is perfectly cloned in 2" hours ". =urple baptismal pond of indelible staining (. =ool of cold li0uid gold$ assumes normal state when eposed to sunlight ). Goo5e pool$ run-o+ from the deep dwarf distillery . Monster oasis$ temporary detente between otherwise natural enemies, ad!enturers not included . ;ranslucent predatory protoplasm doing best impression of a pool . ;he pool of growth$ any being or ob8ect fully immersed permanently doubles in si5e 1. JGottomlessJ pool$ trans-dimensional portal 11. ;he waters of enlightenment$ drinking imparts 1d) minutes of god-like intelligence followed by recuperati!e coma lasting 1d) hours 12. %ot ;ub of the 'ods This Dungeon Has +eird $loors
d12 1. ;ranslucent material with swirling phantasms beneath 2. *tretched reptile hide 3.
d12 1. Depilatory fog$ released by a deranged sorcerer for an unknown purpose, roams corridors searching for the hirsute 2. Cog of *ticky #ccretion$ lengthy eposure re!eals adhesi!e build up on surfaces, swords stick in their scabbards, the friendly shoulder-pat becomes a drawn out a+air 3. Cog bank that is actually a swarm of microscopic winged crustaceans, able to strip corpses in seconds ". %ygroscopic fog$ sucks the moisture from li!ing beings for dessication damage, lethal to slugmen (. Cog Gank of the mpromptu Dance$ compels those within to gyrate rhythmically for 1d) minutes, if engaged in combat$ dance ?ghtK ). >uuriant apors of
. *wirling Ganks of 4bfuscation$ arcane fog generally in!oked to add another layer of security to hidden treasures and secrets, also employed to further conceal pits and other deathtraps . ernal Mist of Bnlightenment$ dungeon secrets enter the brains of those eposed !ia osmosis 1. Cog of #mnesia$ renders those within its in6uence utterly clueless until they escape, wi5ards lose random spells 11. Cog of Bros$ arouses otherwise latent passions, especially eHcacious on the most repressed personalities 12. %ot !olcanic fog$ looks normal, burns like hell
&ncounters /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level One
d12 1. %igh le!el wi5ardda5ed in full and regalia, torn, blood-spattered, black-feathered arrows in back, out of spells, desperate, clutches still-smoking wand of ?reballs with single charge remaining 2. Mystic le!itating in lotus position, 5ooms through dungeon in search of Epresumed deadF acolyte charmed into 8oining band of upstart scoundrels, issues brief but trenchant !erbal dressing-down to any ad!enturers 3. Curious pirate captain w/s0uad of the !ilest sea-dogs conducts brutal search for pick-pocket who slithered below with enchanted setant, cutlasses drip with !ital 6uids of the last one to refuse 0uestioning ". 4gre with new found culinary passion has no interest in dispatching surface dwellers despite etremely ferocious appearance, will trade notched war ae for wine/spices/cooking e0uipment, found dead body of acolyte Esee entry 2F and wants to do something really special with it (. mpaled warrior still on feet despite near-total blood loss thinks he remembers where he dropped a sack of huge gems ). 7unior thie!es hide in shadows while mo!ing silently ha!ing stolen the kobold c5ar:s sil!er circlet as part of an initiation ritual, unfortunately for them the relic glows powerfully through any wrapping . Mayor of nearby town in false mustache and cloak w/giant bodyguard Ehairless and mute but 8ust rippling with bone-cracking musclesF, dismissed from latest
mandatory secret meeting with dungeon o!erlord, human sacri?ce demands doubled . Garbarian w/gore-smeared bastard sword goes to great lengths to get ad!enturers to indicate direction of eit while concealing total bewilderment, suggestions that he might be lost illicit foaming o!er-reaction . 9uite powerful witch from across the way Eaccompanied by pair of towering headless kung-fu 5ombiesF awaits arri!al of local celebrity witch, irritation increases with each passing minute 1. Nnight with crumpled helm and ca!ed-in cuirass crawls toward the eit muttering about the J?st from belowJ 11. ;hief concealing enchanted setant Esee entry 3F rushes to lower le!els to meet underworld connections, knows secret way through the
d12 1. Magic-user w/6aming beard howls with mad laughter, barely able to walk, propped up by se!eral sabre-toothed ape ser!itors, en route to le!el ten in great haste, ad!enturing rabble 0uite beneath contempt 2. 4gre ?eld medic carrying black doctor:s bag, etensi!e surface-war eperience, will echange dicey healing skills for cash, lo!es to dicker while patients bleed out 3. @nderworld ranger mo!es noiselessly through dungeon on courier mission for petty boss, cuts down any who e!en momentarily impede progress, wa-sealed scroll contains pathetic plea for a couple of days worth of black lotus tar ". ;he Masked =amphleteer$ eceedingly nimble, all-concealing nin8a-like garb, glass globes ?lled with poison gas, 6its about distributing latest anti-dungeon-hierarchy screed, slipping them beneath doors, lea!ing piles by watering holes, at pit bottom, etc. (. Disembodied troll head painstakingly lips and tongues its way back to le!el three to re8oin the rest of its body, presumably still locked in combat with teleportation specialist and armed associates ). ntelligent cephalopod in tank on litter borne by s0uad of ?shman warriors discusses alliance with humanoid ?eld marshals planning coup
. B!il faith healer from underworld temple o+ers ser!ices in echange for oaths of fealty/monetary sacri?ce, cautions all re$ highly unreliable new-fangled battle?eld medicine as practiced by ogre Esee entry 2F . Aarrior with face melted by eldritch sorcery staggers to and fro senselessly, has no mouth but would lo!e to warn ad!enturers of mind-bending dangers on le!el three . ntelligent giant li5ard capable of speech attempts to con!ince ad!enturers to eterminate nearby colony of giant beetles with taste for intelligent li5ard eggs, beetles keep getting more intelligent with e!ery de!oured clutch 1. B!il merchant with two black eyes and blood streaming from nose staggers in a panic, carrying on about ruination, 6eeing confrontation w/etremely dissatis?ed !ampire customer, tra!el sack loaded with concentrated wealth 11. Multi-talented entertainer with cadre of hangers-on dragging trunks full of costumes, musical instruments, theatrical props, 6ees toward secret passage to surface, sub8ect to summary eecution following seditious portrayal of dungeon o!erlord 12. 'ill-man in 8elly?sh leather togs and 6uid-?lled glass dome helmet w/wicked black trident walks ra5or-tusked walrus on retractable tether while chatting with star-struck gaggle of humanoid royals about assassinating intelligent cephalopod from entry ). /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level Three
d12 1. =sychic sculptor$ telekinetically operates rather fearsome hammer and chisel, tags dungeon walls w/obscene bas relief 2.
). =aladin in ?re-blackened plate, once-glorious hairdo burned to scalp, eyebrowless, formerly booming basso !oice reduced to choked whisper, smiles cra5ily and keeps repeating Jit wasn:t a dragonKJ . ;ypically precocious dark elf children, clad in superb chitin mail, armed to teeth, scamper about setting eperimental man-traps for a school pro8ect despite feeble protestations by local humanoids too terri?ed to fully assert themsel!es . ;eleportation specialist wi5ard and gaggle of epert cut-throats congratulate one another on recent !ictory against troll, s0uabble about loot di!ision . %uman mercenary in skin tight action suit w/ rapier, dagger, armor-piercing specialist of the utmost skill, leads frail bald human in stained hospital gown w/power to detect gold at 12 feet 1. Dungeon serial killer concealed by magic-enhanced camou6age bides time waiting for ideal !ictim, can remain motionless for hours 11.;he *word of n0uiry, intelligent relic w/personality of a chat show host, cruises the dungeon under its own power of le!itation, freed from locked trunk in troll hoard by ad!enturing crew Esee entry F, willing to team up with the right warrior but only after etensi!e inter!iew process 12. Bpert monster wrangler in safari out?t meets w/ghoulish dungeon banker to discuss security options for proposed branch, site currently infested with entirely disposable humanoid population /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level $our
d12 1. ;hree identical clones of unknown wi5ard, naked but for bloodstained hands, 6ee madly from crime scene, beards still dripping with amniotic 6uid, each ha!e terrible eyes 2. *lender human with horse head, huge 6aming glai!e, stitches and staples !isible at ragged neckline, totes bale of hay, satchel of sugar cubes, unable to speak but taps out messages with feet 3. Creelance torturer ner!ously brandishing oHcial letter from dungeon o!erlord heads toward le!el ten to begin gig, cart load of implements hauled by undead manser!ant ". %igh priest of heinous underworld cult in tattered !estments on deity-mandated apology tour after years of mismanagement/malfeasance (. 'ill-man police detecti!e in 8elly?sh leather uniform and 6uid-?lled glass helmet hunts gill-man assassin last seen on le!el two
). 'iant termite 0ueen of surprising intellect scopes out possible sites for depositing one 5illion eggs . Aarlock with magic rope and s0uad of charmed humanoids, tracks mo!ements of escaped horse-head eperiment Eentry 2F with etreme caution . ictorian gentleman eplorer from ad8acent dimension seeks blacksmith to repair mole-tank abandoned on le!el ?!e, 8ust unloaded re!ol!er into dog-si5ed miniature sphin to ecellent e+ect but currently unarmed . Garbarian w/0uite impressi!e mutton-chops, countless arrows and spears protruding from fur-clad body, left for dead by party, wears ring of regeneration and will be coming around any moment 1. Cormer lawful warrior reincarnated as hideous dungeon piie lea!es dungeon in disgust !ia secret eit, complains bitterly about fellow dungeoneers, now eploring le!el ( 11. =ur!eyor of ?ne poisons with case handcu+ed to wrist, escorted to celebrity witch:s lair by s0uad of towering headless 5ombies 12. *ynthetic humanoid, re8ected for unanticipated le!el of hubris, escaped mass etermination then came across bodies of ad!enturers killed suddenly by poison gas, now wears cloak of concealment, carries stiletto enchanted to ignore armor, 2d" eploding gems, small fortune in gold /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level $ive
d12 1. ;all fellow in high-collared black cloak looks like he wants to parley but then froglike etensible tongue studded with ra5or-sharp obsidian starts darting about 2. Bperimental horse-man Eman-head grafted sloppily onto pony-bodyF$ escaped from lab, in search of man-horse last seen on le!el four and good sorcerer/surgeon 3. oted sorcerer/surgeon, recently trampled Eby entry 2F, in state of general discombobulation, le!itating at top speed on iron disk, e!ery death spell a!ailable on the tip of tongue ". 'eneral of recogni5able surface force, practically aglow with enchanted arms/armor, en route to le!el ten under protection of brother-sister bodyguard team, each sibling master of complimentary martial art (. Aorld bodybuilding champion of the ca!e giants sporting truly staggering physi0ue, in repose on litter borne by a platoon of ogres, eating elf-heads like grapes, separate platoon hauls portable workout rig, pretty sure e!eryone he sees is a big fan
). %umanoid in ha5mat suit w/insignia of sorcerer Esee entry 3F runs about in a panic opening doors and screaming about Jimminent core melt-down in the humanimal amalgamatorJ . Bpert burglar su+ering from magical amnesia can:t recall where he got the facemelting wand, but doesn:t feel at all comfortable about holding on to it . *mug warlock ma8or domo leads crew of headless kung-fu 5ombies bearing broken body of escaped former paramour of celebrity witch, mo!ing towards le!el four . *word master from famous surface duelling school, identity shrouded by magic, hell bent on proposing marriage to medusa in nearby lair, ritual suicide blade oiled and ready in the e!ent of re8ection 1. >one barbarian, unarmed after losing battle with pack of sphin-dogs, lurks in shadows waiting for someone to amble by w/a huge ae or something 11. 'ill-man %omeland *ecurity
d12 1. 'ibbering warrior w/cra5y eyes carries on about Jthe mouth in the shadowsJ while wandering aimlessly dragging (: rope tied into hangman:s noose 2. =owerful sorcerer, stripped of goods, nude but for sigil-inscribed underpants, huge bruised knot on forehead, still groggy after su+ering recent N4 at the hands of fellow ad!enturers 3. 'host of former cleric 8ust wants to talk for a minute about the good news, new re!elation$ the gods can Eand mustF be killed ". Deeply e!il but entirely reasonable witch wrapping up spell component gathering mission to nether corners of le!el, loaded w/!arious psychoacti!e fungi, willing to trade for interesting eldritchery (. &adical ca!e giant in open re!olt against dungeon powers-that-be issues rousing semi-intelligible political speech to any within earshot, will not be eploited again by dungeon autocracy, will hurl boulders only for the betterment of fellow underworld terrors
). @nintentionally summoned demon chews necromancer haunch while taking leisurely walking tour of interesting dungeon locales . =aladin in semi-gleaming mail staggers a bit but looks ?ne until he raises his !isor and its plain to see he:s a walking dungeon plague !ector . oble surface-aristocrat-turned-epert-assassin on mission to destroy the radical ca!e giant Eentry (F, but may actually agree w/rudimentary populism . *light human form seems to be wearing shaggy sweater, no wait, its made of 5illions of li!ing chaos mos0uitoes but don:t worry, the being assures, they only eat a little 1. &adiant angelic form nailed to 6oor by iron spike through foot, bats eyelashes, politely asks for assistance 11. Ai5ard w/perhaps the tallest conical hat on record tries to bamboo5le last healing potion from pair of wary ?ghters with carefully worded rationales, the lot of them multiply punctured by tiny bites of some kind 12. Aarrior w/prehensile mustache, sole sur!i!or of total party kill, willing to share location of museum loaded w/be8ewelled statuary, doesn:t mention that its also a breeding ground for weird chimera /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level (even
d12 1. Gig game hunter answering call for same issued by resident 0uasi-lich who feels proliferation of ropers obscures !iew of attracti!e scintillant gas cloud e+using from paleogean ?ssure, neanderthal side-kick drags cart loaded with speciali5ed antimonster implements 2. Grewmaster general Ehalf-drunkF, muscles like steel bands due to hefting kegs day and night, mighty war-maul ready to smash any who interfere w/deli!eries, e0ually mighty brew-apes EdrunkF haul twel!e !arieties of craft beers and ales, each uni0uely horrible 3. @naccompanied sorcerer in striped raiment$ all spells somehow bee-themed Ee$ contact other hi!e, summon giant beeF, bits of honeycomb in beard, likes to discuss all things apian pretty much eclusi!ely, insu+erable, abandoned by party when caught in web, royal 8elly sampler w/!ariety of magical e+ects ". %umanoid eecuti!e chef on rampage, tunic spattered w/remnants of deceased kitchen sta+, rants in outrageous accent as great clea!er wa!es around menacingly, needs replacement sta+ instantly to complete dinner ser!ice for dungeon o!erlord and important guests
(. ecromancer:s aide, eceptionally bright humanoid in black lab coat, did a 0uick loot of late master:s chambers after terrible incident Esee le!el siF, laden with interesting items in large sack, makes bee-line for buyer on le!el eight ). Masterful thief w/two broken legs crawling in shadows following unfortunate dispute with Grewmaster Eentry 2F, concealed scroll contains partial maps of le!els -1F . %uman from surface with ?sh symbol embla5oned on silk cape, dorsal ?n helmet, elbow length black safety glo!es, pushes hand truck with sealed leather bags containing li!e giant leeches for 0uasi-lich:s a0uarium . B!il gentleman of leisure w/armed-to-the-teeth undead manser!ant E5ombie-like but !ery spryF makes notes in leather book, working on encyclopedia of underworld phenomena, seems friendly but dispenses nothing but intentionally misleading dungeon lore . %ighly eligible troll maiden towers o!er throng of suitors pitching their nauseating woo, most she rebukes with !erbal crudities, the more re!olting she e+ortlessly tears limb from limb 1. Monster dentist brandishes oHcial dungeon pass issued by o!erlord, terrifying tool kit, collection of weird monster teeth, needed for emergency etraction on le!el 1 11. Dungeon census oHcial, tall and gaunt humanoid with pair of luminous ocular enhancers, takes information of any encountered, noti?es ta collector Esee le!el threeF !ia telepathy of any unauthori5ed looters, carries rod of summary eecution, s0uad of bloodthirsty ghoul attendants in war harness 12. &eal estate de!eloper for dungeon o!erlord, human shaped but co!ered in glistening ebon scales, blood-red forked tongue waggling pro!ocati!ely during lulls in con!ersation, constant unsettling smile, shows empty rooms to !ampire looking for new digs /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level &ight
d12 1. ;en foot tall multi-tentacled ser!ice creature w/pleasant facial epression balances 2d" trays loaded with eotic cocktails, glides toward nearby bacchanal, marsupial-like pouch stu+ed with tips, unleashes stream of toic bile if agitated 2. Drunk and disorderly demon princeling, fresh from making public ass of self in front of superiors, could possibly achie!e redemption w/particularly tasty human sacri?ce were one to present itself
3. B!il dramatist w/transparent skin and leathery wings works frantically on last minute re!isions to short piece for imminent performance, reads out parts to self, weeping easperated acid tears, willing to write in parts for ad!enturers who ha!e that certain special something ". Aily epert thief hides in roast catoblepas carcass left to rest before ser!ice, waiting for opportunity to 6ee the scene w/be8ewelled goblet enchanted to transmute wine into lethal poison (. Bnlarged paladin in black greasepaint w/impala horns glued to head pretends to be a demon guest but is sweating o+ his disguise, impro!ised fau-e!il dialogue not so hot either, ready to create distraction according to plan already abandoned by cohorts ). ;en foot tall multi-tentacled ser!ice creature relie!ed of duty after ?nishing o+ countless lefto!er be!erages, bitter, !engeful, loopy, desperately needs new employers, built up toic bile ready for discharge at e!en the slightest pro!ocation . Greathless barbarian mouths pithy rebuke to so-called gods, smacking forehead with 6at of gore-streaked two-handed sword, working up 0uite a froth before rushing headlong into battle against forces beyond barbarous comprehension . oted surface sorcerer dripping with rings, talismans, charms, tries to look inconspicuous, whispers instructions to in!isible companion, ?ddles ner!ously with luminous wand topped with tiny human-like skulls . %orri?ed local monarch pales !isibly reading o!er ?ne print on freshly signed contract, e0ually rattled court !i5ier attempts to get it together enough to read scroll of teleportation 1. Monster husbandry master attempts emergency surgical inter!ention on prone and gasping giant horror, recently hacked by barbarian Esee entry F, demonic owner looks on helplessly 11. Dealer with the face of a star-nosed mole readies displays of wicked armaments enchanted to smite the good, lawful, noble 12. %igh priest of surface temple webbed to corner chants feebly, still unbroken despite ob!ious abuse, crudely written sign at feet reads Jplease punch me in the faceJ /C &ncounters0 Dungeon Level /ine
d12 1. =artially stupe?ed giant, earmarked for cult sacri?ce but now making a break for it, sha!ed, tattooed, diapered, en!enomed darts sticking out of all parts north and south
2. ;he #ll %enchmen Grigade$ loose confederation of !arious former hirelings gone rogue, opportunistic treasure sca!engers, they hate ad!enturers abo!e all 3. a!a-man monarch, not 0uite sure about con!erting to cult despite being wined and dined, unimpressed with diabolical organi5ation, more than happy to share opinions with strangers .
d12 1. Dungeon 4!erlord:s chief of sta+, scarred around head where etra brains surgically crammed in, 8ust called onto carpet for constant security breaches, 6op
sweat, o+ers unregistered guests cash bribe for immediate departure !ia secret passage to surface 2. 'iant w/sledgehammer hand, sack of huge nails, takes down mummi?ed remains of ad!enturers from display wall, cart load of freshies ready to go up 3. &enowned master thief in 6owing cape, rumors of death greatly eaggerated, following mental collapse belie!es self to be ancient !ampire ". Ai5ard Eout of spellsF with nasty leg wound, recently defrocked cleric on the outs w/deity bleeding from face, drag limp armored form, rather chewed, certain they are pursued by actual %ounds of %ell (. Dungeon 4!erlord:s personal trainer in colorful skin-tight singlet, headband, !estigial bat wings, impeccably muscled body a high-tension wire, highly aggressi!e/!olatile personality, no appreciable combat skills ). Bccentric artist from surface, borne aloft by the e!er-6uttering silk scarf of ho!ering, demonic signi?cant other E8et-black, stunningly beautiful, porcupine 0uills instead of hairF, lampoon the foibles of second half of D.4.:s super-armor design team Eentry F . B!il dwarf armorer/engineer stomps around in hu+, mutters about contacting union steward to get him out of the super-armor contract Esee entry )F, huge adamant slide-rule beheads on critical hit . &ecently re!i!i?ed genocide-beetle scientist from ten million years in the past, tech ad!isor to D.4., o!ersees disinterment of paleogean death-science laboratory by de!ol!ed ser!ice beetles . %arem manager, towering androgyne, refugee from alien sphere destroyed in arcane incident, ninety-nine problems coming to head simultaneously, shredding documents with cur!ing ?nger-claws, contemplates options, considering taking 8ob with !ampire lord in neighboring dungeon comple, knows semi-direct underworld route, needs bodyguards 1. 'host of noted ancient philosopher/genius, policy ad!isor to D.4., insists Ewith all due politenessF ad!enturers follow to 4!erlord:s chamber as proof positi!e of security issues 11. *urface monarch from nation thought to be bastion of good, full regal ?nery including many sparkling gems and luminous circlet of station, unsightly bite marks on neck Esee entry 3F, looking for security chief to ?le complaint 12. D.4.:s deep tissue massage therapist, grotes0uely swollen land-kraken w/kindly human-like face, out-of-control drooling problem, tentacles strong enough to rip a man in half, simultaneously able to perform the most delicate of tasks
+andering the Dungeon (elf2righteously
d12 1. >one paladin on one man anti-chaos crusade$ scorched, bleeding, half his onceshining plate armor missing, cra5ed look of maniacal enthusiasm 2. =rocession of sun god acolytes loaded down with implements of destruction en route to desecrate shrine of enemy deity 3. ictim of fantasy psychosis belie!es self to be messianic ful?lment of prophecy ". 'aggle of ad!enturers bearing corpse of honored comrade$ easily ticked o+ (. ewly christened doom cultists prattle ceaselessly about their tedious con!ersion eperiences ). Gack from the dead to e!eryone:s surprise, the rightful heir to the dungeon . =lague doctor and medical assistants w/deceased specimen on stretcher gleefully race to laboratory . Bn!oy from underworld ci!ili5ation makes way to surface w/message of campaign world-shattering importance . @nited Cactions peacekeeping forces 1. *urface world prince w/full retinue O elite troopers on mission to rescue kidnapped noble 11. mperial Dungeon nspectors Eactually impostorsF 12. %ell-bent unicorn on mission of darkest !engeance against e!il +andering Dungeon $riendlies
d12 1. Masterless dungeon hound$ highly skilled, fond of dwarfs 2. @nguent salesman w/ hulking half-giant bodyguard 3. Btremely charismatic mercenary recruiter w/ sergeant and recent hires ". %umorless missionaries from the ;emple of eutrality (. 4!erfull ogre, picking ad!enturers from teeth, drunk on stolen wine and 0uite 8olly ). Bscaped chain gang from subterranean dwarf work camp
. Ioung nobles in tattered ?nery, recently !ampiri5ed and released to own de!ices .
d12 1. *lithering animate rope with hangman:s noose 2. 1d12 mindless clones of wi5ard near star!ation 3. Clying ink inscriptions$ escaped entries from spell book ". *keleton dancers gi!ing wandering performance (. Cree-roaming continual light spell ). Bnsorceled thie!es gi!ing out gold and gems to passersby . Disembodied hand compulsi!ely opening doors . ;he ghost of an intelligent sword Eadds bonus to attack of allyF . *pirit-eating phantasmal predator 1. &apidly eiting man-like creature made from gold pieces 11. =halan of 6oating shields and spears 12. &e-animated roast o on spear-like spit The +andering "onsters &ncountered &ach Other0 Dungeon Level One
;able 4ne$ %umans and the >ike d12 1. Aarpack of puny humanoids, armed to teeth, search for rumored e!il hobbit assassins but minimally enthusiastic due to crappy pay, poor bene?ts package
2. oble paladin w/damn good reason for sei5ing treasures already captured/co!eted by =one troll w/enormous appetite after grueling bit of regeneration slums it on le!el one in search of easy chow, sick and tired of combat, seeks parlay where possible . Glind sword master w/encyclopedic knowledge of proimate dungeon le!els, returning to etract pay from necromancer after mission to le!el three, issues challenge for single combat to any w/sword 1. ntelligent apes from nearby ca!e system carry great burlap sacks, hunt puny humanoids 11. B!il priest and s0uad of action acolytes lead chain gang of surface humans earmarked for cult sacri?ce on le!el three 12. Aarriors of entirely di+erent e!il cult roam corridors hoping to ambush, sei5e sacri?ce candidates from priest in entry 11 for their own unspeakable deity
Ta#le T!o0 Dungeon redators3(cavengers3Idiots d12 1. Aeird giant rats 2.4wlsnakes hungry for giant rats, no matter how weird 3. &ecently decapitated 5ombies stagger around at random 6ailing blindly at anything ". >arge transparent oo5e w/two struggling humans inside busy looking for pri!ate spot to digest cult warriors that took wrong turn
(. *tench beetle shoots ?rst, doesn:t bother w/0uestions, sticky aromatic 6uid accurate up to 3: Esee subtableF ). %uge spiders that tra!el by casting webs, swinging from ceiling like that comic book character, !enom dissol!es troll 6esh like acid . ntact 5ombies armed w/heads of decapitated fellows still capable of bite attacks .
d12 1. 'iant paramecium in tank Eeats gold?shF 2. Moon cat Eli!es on ceilingF 3. %erd of micro-horses in scenic terrarium ".
).
d12 1. #lchemy mites$ eat gold, ecrete lead 2. *cintillating mold$ hypnotic e+ect when !iewed, trolls watch it for hours 3. &ock eating bacteria$ eca!ation bio-tool gone feral, undermines walls, 6oors etc. ". *tone slime$ as green slime but perfectly camou6aged (. Glack widow super colony ).
d12 1. 'iant tarantula has the place completely en!eloped in webs, deposited egg sack and scampered o+ before the cannibalistic little buggers hatch
2. Massi!e bioluminescent fungal bloom of e!ery hue speeds decomposition of deceased former deni5ens, continuously launching a noious miasma of spores 3.
d12 1. %umanoids staying w/cousins nearby,the all portable wealth remo!ed, monster husbandry epert stays back to release watch puddings 2. %ired horde of lesser humanoids use guerrilla tactics to harass and deplete party while still en route to dungeon, paid upfront w/treasures formerly up for grabs on le!el one 3. Cake beards distributed, ob8ects of open e!il hidden, humanoids pretend to be clan of industrious dwarfs ". Bntrances festooned with tripwires, pressure plates, hastily co!ered pits and holes, barbed pro8ectiles protrude from door slits, precariously balanced buckets totter o!er doorways, a huge pain in the ass
(. Main dungeon entrance rigged for lethal collapse, suicide trooper on duty, other entrances under hea!y guard ). 'as masks distributed Ew/strategic eclusions, esp. that owlbearF, le!el magically 6ooded with deadly !apors, tribe now permanently in debt to sorcerer from below . Aandering sorcerer employed to create hallucinatory terrain, misdirects ad!enturers to ca!e lair of terrible abomination they probably can:t handle, sorcerer does terri?c work, sla!es haul all humanoid treasures back to tower . *ub-o!erlord noti?ed, trio of medusae from unknown third le!el take up guard position formerly occupied by relati!ely wimpy humanoid watch . Dungeon entrance slick w/oil, sentries ordered to apply torches only after ma8ority of party enters 6ame 5one, " in ) chance of sentry o!er-ecitement 1. %umanoids massed by entrances, worked up into a lather by non-stop chanting and imbibing of fortifying be!erages, ready to encircle and annihilate the party before they e!en reach the door 11. Bntrance unguarded, rooms empty but for comfy chairs and tables with open bottles of wine E2 in ) chance of poison/bottleF, humanoids bide time in secret hidey-holes beneath 6ooring 12. %umanoids get enormous
d12 1. 7ust been handed the pink slip$ numbed and inattenti!e as they contemplate their net mo!e 2. Bperimental new humanoid chow turns out to ha!e unanticipated psychotropic properties$ urge to kill muted, beginning to think about settling down, perhaps taking up a craft or de!eloping hobbies Eof e!ilF 3. 7ust had a huge meal$ bloated, drunk and sluggish ". Aages slashed$ howling with rage and thirsty for blood (. Cren5y of grief and anomie following a ?rm Jre0uest deniedJ by their cruel deity ). Aounded, di!ided and demorali5ed after rather !iolent internal s0uabble . &eceipt of shocking news from spawning grounds lea!es them confused, o+ their game
. irus going around that causes temporary insanity in most human-like species . %ea!ily ensorcelled to ensure robotic obedience 1. *crawny, shagged out and partially stupe?ed by unreasonably long shifts and shoddy feed 11. 7umpy, paranoid, terror-stricken o!er dark master:s newly promised and !ery speci?c penalties for failure 12. n stitches due to dead-on and highly satirical portrayal of dark master by a particularly talented member of the crew Dungeon Geniuses
d12 1. ;elepathic giant spider with preternatural charm and persuasi!eness$ does what spiders do but with 1 cooperation from all fellow deni5ens sub8ect to bamboo5lement 2. i!ing !apor, coalesced 8ust after the srcin of the uni!erse, currently incarcerated by wi5ard$ of knowing the answer to any gi!en 0uestion, wants its freedom . *lug-man w/magically enhanced intelligence acts as oracle, using superior logic and reason to predict future outcomes with a high degree of reliability . Grilliantly insightful serpent man prophet spreads sal!ation with the swords of his disciples . Clesh golem with half a brain hemisphere online$ now that its creator is dead, dedicated to elucidating the post-human condition through poetry 1. 'iant siliconian worm$ consumed crashed alien spacecraft and subse0uently assimilated the knowledge of digested computer banks, loaded with cosmic wisdom
11. Bscaped scholar/tutor lich, created by sorcerer as research assistant, now obsessed its own unful?lled academic ambitions 12. 4gre that always wanted to be smart found ring w/three wishes, two remaining +andering Dungeon Jer5s )+ho +ant to Join the arty*
d12 1. =otent magic user who treats e!eryone in possession of an e!en slightly less magni?cent intellect with disdain and open contempt Efa!orite 0uip$ JdiotsKJF 2. %yper-macho ?ghting man way o!er the acceptable hubris limit, absolutely cannot let stand any percei!ed slight, will undertake any challenge, preoccupied with mustachio-maintenance 3. *killful, bra5en thief practices pick-pocketry on party before disappearing into shadows only to keep reappearing, emits high pitched, tittering laughter ". Gig mouth warrior spews constant stream of braggadocio, reeks of cologne, wears slee!eless armor to show o+ rippling muscles Egymnasium ri!al of 2, abo!eF (. ;reasure sack-laden ser!itor ape looking for work ha!ing 8ust strangled former employer ). Deposed monarch w/e!er-shrinking cadre of loyalists looking to enhance warchest, stickler for protocol, epects e!eryone to be constantly genu6ecting, etc. . Cormer professional torturer turned dungeon raider, an able warrior who takes unseemly glee in carnage . Nick ass princess with a sword, ?nally away from oppressi!e court life, won:t listen to anyone about anything . Magnanimous Iotch, dungeon real estate agent, needs fresh bodyguards after professional mishap 1. ;alking unicorn w/mood disorder on suicidal ?nal war against e!il 11. =aladin on perpetual crusade against e!en seemingly tri!ial transgressions Eperfectly 4N with murder hobo lifestyle, so long as the !ictims are demonstrably e!ilF 12. Gard $reelance Dungeon (ecurity
d12
1. Gored aristocrat, masked, eager to put to use life-long martial training while escaping arranged marriage, and loyal gang of epert big city cutthroats with names like 'utshank, *tompo and ;he *pleener 2. 4ol-phla-ah the *lime Ai5ard and his 4o5es for B!ery 4ccasion 3. Mr. and Mrs. *phin$ professional treasure guards, impeccable attention to e!ery detail, charmingly mated for EpreternaturalF life, annoying habit of destroying other dungeon monsters ". ;rantlebon the ecromancer pro!ides precision infestations of warding ghosts (. Dungeon fairies roam from hi!e to hi!e, monitoring dungeon e!ents and calling forth mighty 0ueen and attack drones from their encystment as needed ). ;ribe of impecunious man-apes aiming to impro!e the lot of their kind with a little hard currency, dubious morale in combat, but eager to please employers and unsurpassed in natural fawning sycophantry . Mind-eater and host of armed !ictims, essentially mindless but alert, fearless, ferocious thanks to surgical brain-dining . Noklar the 8olly old demi-god, a relic of bygone days and long since belie!ed destroyed, and host of loyal nin8a-like warriors gifted with supernatural lifespans . Grotherhood of ogre monks$ a real bargain as they refuse to draw pay and labor tirelessly, amassing number of kills re0uired to ad!ance in their order, once achie!ed they abandon their posts and return to temple 1. ;he world:s stealthiest hill giant martial arts epert, a one-creature army 11. Bceedingly costly arcane system$ 6oating eyeballs link to magic mouths and decorati!e enchanted sarcophagi that manufacture and store biomechanical wardens, released only at need 12. #ncient !ampire with impressi!e resume and good number of half-!amp underlings gi!e the appearance of competence while draining the wine cellar and embe55ling as much as possible before mo!ing on without gi!ing notice Living "acGu7ns "issing in the Dungeon
d12 1. arcotics dealer hoping to corner market makes bold mo!e to meet the subterranean source, addicts, particularly those of high station, frantic 2. Pealot priest of 'od of the &osy 4utlook and rather large re-consecration crew of lay members, indispensible =s among them, heading down to facilitate sal!ation of the deni5ens with much pomp
3. ;he whole !illage woke up one morning in a trance, disappeared into the depths of the earth ". Caction of cultists in midst of bitter theological schism set ?re to their temple in town and !anished below with their sacred treasures (.
d12 1. Bmaciated ogre, master of an unknown mystical discipline, le!itates in lotus position o!er carpet with a few copper coins on it 2. B!il bard busker plays dirty song parodies lampooning surface world mores for spare change collected in ridiculous many-plumed hat 3. #bandoned dungeon pets Ee!il hounds w/spiked collars, sabre tooth monkeys in charming out?ts, two-headed cats etc.F, their moist, imploring eyes burn holes through the hearts of sympathetic characters ". 4usted dungeon boss and sur!i!ing cronies wander miserably, pleading for aid and arms with which to eact re!enge upon the new hierarchy
(. %umanoid !ictims of a weird dungeon plague look to any and all for assistance, e!en if it is only the release of obli!ion ). *ur!i!ing clergy from a sacked dungeon temple, their raiment torn, stripped of !aluable icons, faces streaked with bitter tears, shamefully 0uestion their god:s omnipotence while self-6agellating, ask only for hard tack .
d12 1. Medusa secretly 6ees befouled relationship with duplicitous demigod, bringing only what she could cram in her o!ernight bag 2. ampire couple and coterie of half-!ampire minions hauling wagon w/coHns, pots of nati!e soil 3. %orde of subhumans displaced by spike in subterranean dinosaur population$ roll hideous stone idols on greased logs ". Dragon:s real estate agent scouts for luury lair-away-from-home (. Grood of recently-hatched giant spiders$ egg-sack mates or no, cannibali5e one another as they seek lairs of their own ). ecromancer w/train of 5ombies o!erburdened by eldritch collectibles . ;roupe of ogre musicians skipping out on the rent
.
d12 1. mmortal 9ueen of #ll #nts and her army of 1 demi-god o+spring 2. Miniature @C4s on eploratory mission$ based on early ?ndings, in!asion postponed inde?nitely 3. #rmor-eating microorganisms$ spread !ia contact with strangely tarnished enchanted chest plate ". %ell:s own airborne !irus$ outrageous perspiration and e!il thoughts mark onset of infection followed swiftly by black !omit and de!elopment of demonic features (. &ation stealing pocket-apes$ non-aggressi!e, but bite like hell to a!oid capture ). #larm crickets$ bred by intelligent dungeon monsters to chirp loudly when approached by strangers . Micro-pudding$ slips into boot and starts digesting foot, eudes anaesthetic ichor to mask operations . *tealth piies$ sneak into ad!enturers: packs, uncork potions, defecate on rations, chew scrolls, etc. . Bar canal-seeking demons of mimicry$ use !oices of fellow ad!enturers to promote paranoiac mayhem 1. &at lords$ palm si5e humanoids command normal rats to ac0uire food and treasure, ride out in force astride rodent mounts 11. #rchery bugs$ defend castle-like hi!e on dungeon wall with hails of toothpicksi5e pro8ectiles
12. ;he >ittlest #pparition $leeing the Dungeon
d12 1. Bhausted swordsman w/multiple arrows in back drags unconscious wi5ard, bleeding profusely and moaning piteously 2. arge cube 8elly making o+ with dead giant whose head is embedded within after fortuitous critical hit 11. ecromancer disguised as escaped prisoner following coup d:Qtat by underlings 12. #ll the rats as if from a sinking ship
(earch Results0 At the Bottom of the it
d12 1. nsect-si5e 4racle of the =it answers 0ueries on any sub8ect, demands payment in fresh nectar 2. Blaborate headdress w/magic feather of le!itation among detritus 3. *wamp of slow digesti!e en5ymes seeping from walls ". %eap of crumbling bones pro!ides chance of falling damage reduction, airborne cloud of decomposing 6esh pro!ides chance of lethal infection upon impact
(. @seless but friendly ghost of pre!ious pit !ictim ). Cist-si5e tunnel to bustling i!ing !ictim of trap$ wi5ard with broken legs, half-nuts, currently eating pages from spell book . Mystical gate to random campaign world 1. *oul-eating astral predator bides time while humming pleasant little tune 11. ictim-eating ant colony commanded by 0uite chatty psychic 0ueen 12. Btensi!e ad!enturing notes car!ed into wall, ?nal act of mortally wounded rogue Chea' Dungeon Gross2outs
d12 1. ;he rotting pantry of the deceased hoarder-gourmet 2. 4rc la!atory Eas in battle, they fre0uently missF 3. ;he ampire >ady:s champagne fountain of blood ". ;he bulimic otyugh (.
d12 1-2. decomposing bodies
3-". bacterial soup (-). leeches -. raw sewage -1. hungry ticks 11-12. semi-coagulated monster blood Choice Items in the Dungeon Gar#age it
d12 1. 4ne boot of speed 2. =artially melted and re-hardened enchanted sword, attack bonus negated, still good against creatures only a+ected by magic weapons 3. Cossili5ed skull of primordial lich$ still crackling w/arcane potency ". Dented cans of high protein deep dwarf chow (. ;orn trousers w/!ial of poison carelessly left in pocket ). Ahale i!ory leg prosthetic, magically warded against sea-mammals . %alf-eaten fruit of the Corbidden Gush of Bnlightenment .
d12 1. =eal of a distant church bell 2. 'nawing, crunching sounds from within the door itself 3. 'entle patter like soft rain
". Garely audible !oice whispers J
d12 1. otice tiny, highly insulting graHti where wall meets 6oor 2. Disco!er concealed mouse-hole leading to network of mouse-tunnels that ultimately intersect in !ault containing fabulous >int-=alace of the Demi-Mouse 3. Garely perceptible crack in wall contains perpetual illusion of steamy gymnasium shower room scene ". Geneath loose 6agstone$ wicked humanoid:s secret collection of prurient engra!ings of e!il (. ;humb-si5e hole contains 6ying leech eggs, eplosi!e hatching triggered by proimate body heat ). *liding panel re!eals secret boo5e-stash of besotted wandering monster w/secret shame . Gehind rock$ sickening, o!erwrought lo!e letter from aristocratic teenybopper to unknown !ampire hottie, !ial of !irgin blood reeking of perfume . *ection of wall swi!els in slightly, stench pours out, must be where the local serial killer hides his !ictims until dried up and ready for unholy mummi?cation ritual . *tu+ed in a crack$ wandering monster:s spare set of dungeon keys
1. Cind smashed, abandoned dungeon fairy hi!e, many wee corpses, dusted in golden pollen, adds up to weight of single coin if somehow collected but of considerable magical potency 11. %idden camera, cutting-edge 1):s technology 12. @pon close inspection stone walls turn out to be painstakingly molded, painted polystyrene 4ne1'ected Dungeon Boons
d12 1. Map indicating dungeon traps found at bottom of 2: pit ?lled with poisoned spikes 2. ear-mutinous guardian creatures o+er bribe to ad!enturers to a!oid unnecessary unpleasantness 3. Glood-sucking ca!e bats transmit benign !irus that permanently enhances lowlight !ision ". %igh-powered gold magnet dropped by hastily e!acuating alchemist (. Dungeon o!erlord:s passkey carelessly left in lock after etended re!elry ). =ack of relati!ely wimpy humanoids laden with disproportionate amounts of cash, attempt to make night deposit for some successful dungeon enterprise . Managing to sur!i!e death ray trap triggers propagation of tissues enhancing strength and endurance upon full healing . Dungeon 6eas that sense danger to their host, bite like hell when monsters near . Dragon contemplating relocation w/?ery hatred for e!ery other dungeon inhabitant, more than happy to point out !ulnerabilities 1. #d!enturers in8ured by chaos 8elly ?nd upon healing their once-wounded tissues temporarily in!ulnerable to physical harm 11. Demon, swollen with pride o!er recent !ictory, happy to cheer on and indirectly aid ad!enturers: e+orts for entertainment !alue 12. Dungeon armistice after !icious territorial con6ict lea!es deni5ens unprepared, inebriated or otherwise o+ their guard 4ne1'ected (arco'hagus Contents
d12
1. *taked !ampire spouses in necrotic embrace 2. *i imp-si5ed mummies 3. Cully animate mold-man ". ;emporarily torpid crypt oo5e (. #sh and scorching indicates ?re from within ). #ncient king:s body dipped in gold . Btremely patient ghost awaiting transition . Greaking seal releases centuries-old death howl . # lush bed of purple night blossoms Ewilts immediatelyF 1. ote in archaic script$ J*ub8ect 13 remo!ed to labJ 11. %uman-type skeleton with dinosaur:s skull 12. Cully e0uipped ad!enturer in stasis
Items0 &nchanted Dungeon &8ui'ment
d12 1. Cifty foot rope, smart$ obeys simple commands, slithers along with party like friendly snake 2. Gackpack of e+ortlessness$ renders items placed within weightless 3. =itons of security$ single blow dri!es them, giant strength re0uired to remo!e ". Clint and steel, eldritch sparking$ throws mighty spark ten feet, capable of blinding/causing minor burns/igniting oil (. Clask of oil, etradimensional$ holds up to a gallon of fuel ). ;en foot pole, etensible$ up to twenty feet, also collapses to one foot rod at need .
1. 'rappling hook, self-guided$ can ser!e as impro!ised magic weapon in a pinch 11. #nimate sponge of automatic personal hygiene$ e!ery armor-wearing character should ha!e one, at least 12. &ations, Bpicurean$ utterly austere, rock hard tack imparts illusion of la!ish, soul-restoring meal Over2the2Counter Dungeon 4nguents
d12 1. Dragon balm$ temporarily Elike 1 minutesF reduces damage from heat/6ame 2. 'iant bug repellent$ ( e+ecti!e against giant beetles, centipedes, and spiders 3. 'ill wa$ stu+ed in nostrils, temporarily allows water breathing ". 4il of command$ temporarily impro!es charisma and smells awesome (. 4l: Cashioned eercise ointment $ loosens muscles for temporary deterity bonus, reeks o+ensi!ely, burns like hell ). Gite lather$ rubbed into poisoned wounds, arrests progress of most toins . Aar wa$ applied to full body, hardens on skin temporarily reducing combat damage . Garbarian:s balm$ temporarily reduces damage from cold/ice . 4il of in!incibility$ increases morale for all allies within smelling distance of the anointed 1. *kull wa$ applied to freshly sha!ed head, o+ers short-term protection from psycho-spiritual attack 11. *al!e of silence$ often applied to shoes, noisy armor 12. Gerserk:s butter$ slathered on before combat, acts as analgesic, allowing sub8ect to ?ght 3 rounds after JdeathJ Random Items0 Dungeon Level One
d12 1. ear mint collectible humanoid ?gurine set, each ?gure engaged in di+erent unspeakable act of e!il, wrapped in lamb:s wool and packed in special crate from the wicked manufacturer
2. *cu+ed brass dungeon compass with styli5ed dragon embossed on co!er, needle always points to the nearest eit 3. *titched giant:s bladder with ad8ustable metal no55le, ?lled with hot pepper mash that sprays forth if s0uee5ed ". #ncient cube of gold, 0uite encumbering, ( chance of being lead with thinnest !eneer of gold foil (. *emi-reliable Glindfold of ;rap #wareness, sends shi!ers down the wearer:s spine when traps are near or at random ). 'ems encased in blobs of lead for safe keeping Ea troll practiceF . ;rained rat in wooden cage$ sni+s out gold in echange for treats . =oorly smelted iron badge with unknown rune$ signi?es allegiance with speci?c humanoid tribe . @nusual potion imparts unpleasant side e+ects unless sa!ing throw succeeds 1. Damage-proof scroll case car!ed of le!iathan i!ory, be8ewelled, decorated with skulls and de!ils, crumbling scroll inside contains enough fragments of unknown spell for relati!ely easy restoration 11. #nimate disembodied hand on leash, able to follow simple commands 12. Bnchanted crystal sword that hits automatically for maimum damage once then shatters into semi-precious shards Random Items0 Dungeon Level T!o
d12 1. >eather scroll case, two tickets to the ogre war chiefs: biannual bacchanal inside w/directions 2. Geautifully crafted false de!il horns w/gum adhesi!e, bat wings, tail, array of straps, one application of purple body paint, still in package 3. 4rnate ceramic !essel with cork stopper, decorated w/scenes considered 0uite erotic by certain kinds of underworld humanoids, contains one gallon re?ned mineral oil, etra slippery ". %alf-full 6ask of nightmare 8uice$ tiny sip imparts stimulating chills down spine, sense of dread, full measure incapacitates with mind-bending horrors for 1d" hours, sa!ing throw !s. early retirement to 0uiet life in the country upon awakening
(. *hi! of shanking$ ra5or-sharp obsidian shard with leather wrapped grip, enchanted for bonus to backstabbery ). *i etra-large gold coins in black purse, appear to ha!e been minted in %ell, hideous de!il face, unholy sigils, inscribed with dire curse, always warm to the touch, hard to spend . Discarded corner of sorcerer:s mind-enhancing !egan sandwich$ boosts 9 a bit but mostly 8acks up self-con?dence and causes the lips to curl in!oluntarily into sardonic smirk . %umanoid medic:s ?eld surgical kit$ gnarly scalpels, retractors, pincers, spreaders, !ariety of toic powders that may or may not induce unconsciousness, great cur!ed needle and thread, strip of leather w/ bite marks, tubing and tourni0uets made from tanned monster arteries, menacingly large scissors . *tylish multi-pronged helmet, of the kind practically irresistible to warriors of in6ated self-importance, currently infested w/ bene!olent parasite 1. *mall leather bag with embroidered mushroom insignia$ weird loam within produces a new super-nutritious fungal lobe each day if kept moist, stinks though 11. ;he silent mallet$ ensorceled to dri!e pitons EetcF noiselessly 12. Bploding rations$ erupt into ten foot ball of blue 6ame when bitten Random Items0 Dungeon Level Three
d12 1. *tone tablet inscribed with cuneiform calendar of 1 accuracy, suppressed for religious reasons, could fetch ma8or sum from right buyer or possibly summary eecution for sedition if disco!ered by powers-that-be 2. Geda55led keepsake bo containing sacred bones, locks of humanoid hair, set of pointy baby teeth dipped in gold, swarm of aggressi!e body lice 3. otari5ed document presenting semi-irrefutable e!idence of regional monarch:s collusion in !arious crimes against humanity ". *word of armor-clea!ing$ ancient blade enchanted to sheer o+ opponent:s protecti!e gear in single swipe once per day (. =ages 11-1 of Corbidden Manual of Cuture >ore, contested translation into common tongue, contains many terrible re!elations of e!ents yet to be with direst rami?cations for current ruling classes ). %uge unbreakable leaf from the legendary ;ree of #damant
.
d12 1. *e!ered hand with ducal signet ring clutching a Aand of &egeneration, single charge remaining 2. =ackage wrapped in black paper, undeli!ered gift for wicked youngling contains set of fully articulated action ?gures of e!il, crafted of wood and tin, masterfully painted, tiny implements of war and mayhem included, coupon to send away for ultra rare anti-paladin ?gure 3. >uminous crystal shard contains single massi!e electrical charge released by smashing against suHciently hard ob8ect, discharges in thirty foot radius, damage as per lightning bolt ". B0uisite suit of plate armor on standing display, currently inhabited by colony of hideous dungeon fairies like tiny bat-winged hairless monkeys, swarm attack if disturbed, sabaton articulations seep toic guano (. ;remendous meat pie left to cool on industrial-si5e rack, contents unknown but smells alright, huge golden ring baked in ). Cabled #damant
.
d12 1. *toppered !ial contains balm that causes thick, lustrous hair to sprout abundantly from skin where!er applied 2. >eather bag held down by heap of stones conceals le!itating ingot of etradimensional metal of astonishing tensile strength and malleability, will ascend into the hea!ens if left untethered 3. >ife si5e manne0uin magically animates upon command and replicates se!eral popular ?ghting styles for martial training, armed with array of kendo-style weaponry ". *croll of nstantaneous Mass ;ransport, designed for use when things get etremely bad, teleports any within ?fteen feet of caster to distant star/campaign world of the game master:s choosing (. *ingle lens that allows remote !iewing of etremely grim and brutal alternate reality wherein, perhaps unbelie!ably, the =
. %and truck loaded w/unmarked barrels . early depleted spool of semi-unbreakable magic thread w/needle tucked in, enchanted small scissors of snipping stuck in the top 1. >ock bo containing receipts for massi!e deposits issued by royal bank of nearest metropolis, ledger, signet ring, enough personal information to pull o+ identity theft of 0uasi-lich 11. *croll scribbled in haste after research breakthrough seems to contain a !ariant of the disintegrate spell but is actually the arcane e0ui!alent of a cyanide tablet 12. 'olden idol of !ulgar deity screams obscenities if touched or mo!ed, carries on until dispel magic or e0ui!alent applied
Random Items0 Dungeon Level (i1
d12 1. Miniature scale model of recent dungeon construction in etraordinary detail, placement of some death traps subse0uently re!ised 2. Gag full of feathers from angel wings, ra5or sharp, stronger than steel, eude palpable aura of goodness repellent to soulless/undead, make for awesome magic arrows 3.
. *till-warm crock of giant centipede gumbo, 0uite nourishing, diabolically spicy, sa!e !s. gastro-intestinal distress 1d" hours after consumption 1. *haman:s medicine bag, straps hacked through, spattered with gore, contents interesting Etiny skulls of unknown srcin, ancient coins no one collects anymore, new and unusual fungi, a shrunken human foot, stinky resins, assorted dried berries, etc.F, seem like they should ha!e some kind of mystic function but add up to a hill of beans 11. 'leaming helm w/large frilly moth-like antennae that sense mo!ement/subtlest shifts in air current to a range of 12 feet 12. =alm si5e diamond, sentient, telepathic, awakened when cut by forgotten god at the dawn of time, has seen it all, knows it all, star!ing for attention after long isolation, eceedingly clingy and needy but good with numbers, !olunteers to become ?nancial ad!isor to ad!enturers
Random Items0 Dungeon Level (even
d12 1. *croll of %olding$ created by now-senile godling before totally losing it, stores unlimited amounts of information, spells, maps, other documents, contents from far6ung paleogean epochs right up to last ;uesday, no inde 2. *mall herd of stampeding treasure chests, fully loaded, ambulating upon clockwork horse legs, dispatched to secret summer house of the 0uasi-lich in ad8acent dungeon comple 3. Aand of ;ransmission$ ?res bolt of information unerringly, decoded by brain of target who must make a sa!ing throw or forget own name, other !ital bits, for 1d12 hours ". 'entleman:s formal attire of %ell, bat-wing bow tie, ?endish spats, freshly cleaned and pressed, si5ed for twel!e foot tall being of robust build, wing holes, smart lines, black-on-red design, fabric wo!en from wondrous alien metals, weighs a ton (. =recise ink diagram on good !ellum w/notations in thie!es: code, burned a bit, trodden on, crumpled, indicates eact locations of 1d" treasures on le!el ). =umpkin-si5e 'olden #pple of the 'ods, a single bite instantly increases the intellect if sa!ing throw !s. death succeeds, then roll %B&B for good measure . Bnchanted steel snail shell w/tiny door, magic phrase allows owner and carried e0uipment to shrink down and take shelter within should that e!er seem like a good idea
. 'ong of *upplication E%umanoidF$ tone precisely mimics signature fanfare of wicked deity, when sounded brings single type of humanoid to knees, wailing and gro!elling as one might until ruse disco!ered . arge, relati!ely slow-mo!ing bats w/four wings, bellies stu+ed with gems, winging their way to 0uasi-lich:s summer house in ad8acent dungeon comple 12. ;rained all-weather gelatinous cube$ follows commands played on tin whistle, master can be encysted within for e+ortless transport o!er land or sea, great storage capacity, secretes acid as desired Random Items0 Dungeon Level &ight
d12 1. %uge enchanted syringe crafted for soul-etraction, assembly re0uired, components packed in padded bo 2. Cloating storage locker, borne aloft by ;enser wa!e, currently loaded w/relati!ely !alueless tchotchkes from %ell 3. >e!iathan i!ory scrimshaw depicting pi!otal turning points in history of alternati!e reality ". Cull helm shaped as !ulture:s head, imparts ability to sense bloodshed, death, decay up to one mile distant (. Dress 8acket with eight decorati!e tentacles where epaulets should be, obey mental commands of wearer ). arge glass bottle ?lled with ?st-si5ed capsules each containing inert oo5e, 8ust add copious amounts of water . >ock bo full of crude medals festooned with skulls Egold, electrum, sil!erF for !arious e!ents in upcoming @nderworld 'ames . >ead-lined barrel, sealed and ensorcelled, holy symbols of e!ery stripe stored within, awaiting pickup by ha5mat disposal humanoids
1. =latinum idol of rearing diplodocus-god, 8ewel eyes, only half-eca!ated from stone wall 11. =ackage marked for deli!ery to *cience
d12 1. 7ust back from the cleaners$ wardrobe:s worth of human si5e cult raiment, outrageous, multiply spiked and pronged, towering headgear like baro0ue cathedrals, in all the most e!il colors, hateful de!il face masks included 2. %uge, perfectly cut 8ewels with self-generating spider legs, scamper to a!oid capture, bite with gem fangs loaded with !irus-like mineral !enom, transmutes great swaths of li!ing cells into crystalline slough 3. *kin-bound tourist:s phrasebook of %ell, co!ers many dialects of the #byss, also includes instructions for producing weird tones and ululations perceptible to Blder 'ods using common household items ". n huge lead bo, melted shut$ bust of current arge black medical bag$ huge tube of high potency anti-fungal cream, one dose ointment of regeneration, 8ar w/rather menacing giant leech that cures disease, sealed en!elope containing one inert colony body lice of healing . Ge8ewelled sofa with wicked clawed feet car!ed from de!il bones, upholstered with fabrics wo!en from precious metals, worth a fortune on secondary market of e!il, would look fantastic in wealthy !ampire:s lair, too bad its on le!el nine
1. Massi!e enchanted sacri?cial dagger Eas short swordF, unerringly seeks the heart of opponent once daily but only after time-consuming/embarrassing ritual 11. *oul-powered dungeon ho!ercraft, seats ?!e w/one more in the automatic ballista turret, not !ery fuel-eHcient 12.
d12 1. Bnchanted photo-real 3-D portrait of the Dungeon 4!erlord as a young man/woman/entity, demon-sculpted black frame of e!il alone worth small fortune, but would look great o!er mantle R ad!enturer:s %9 2. =arked outside treasure sorting room$ large wheeled bin full of clothing, armor, gear stripped from startling number of dead ad!enturers, highlights include$ eciting footwear, unusual e0uipment, interesting helmets 3.4ne-third bottle of sour mash whiskey of monster control$ works great but unbelie!ably potent ". *il!er whistle creates imperceptible sound wa!e that destroys bond between arti?cially installed animus and 6esh/other matter, renders much necromancy null and !oid, terminally disrupts corporeal undead, single charge remaining (. Grain-shaped crystal formation, enhances intellect to super-human le!el when in physical contact, weighs one thousand pounds, 6oods brain w/cra5y ideas ). Gat-winged 8umpsuit w/horned space helmet from member of %ell:s ocked co+er ?lled with scrolls detailing accumulated research/elaborate plan to import elder being from ad8acent dimension, install in the hea!ens to create permanent eclipse, creatures of the night take o!er
1. *oul-powered bio-mechanical dungeon eca!ator, like small rail car on multitude of stubby legs, business end a riot of sho!els and picks, hacks out standard 1: dungeon corridor/minute, etrudes rubble as usable masonry, !ery thirsty for souls indeed 11. &od of Dungeon Mastery$ pro8ects rays that reduce the weak-willed to minion status, compel spirits of the @nderworld to re!eal mysteries of dungeon ecology, deacti!ate traps/automated tricks, open doors as per knock spell, multi-horned skull topper gi!es directions w/gentle !oice, warns of self destruct mechanism should the ob8ect be taken from the dungeon 12. Dungeon 4!erlord:s eperimental super-armor, un?nished but still rather awesome, emits wa!es of fear, induces supplication, enhances strength/endurance/speed, imper!ious to anything short of an eploding shell, when out of soul-fuel consumes that of occupant
$reelance Dungeon "issions0 $reelance Dungeon "issions0 $irst Level
d12 1. Monitor, trap stirges to obtain fresh blood sample from troll in nearby chamber for sorcerer:s use 2. &etrie!e one particular 5ombie from necromancer:s entourage, an e-=, for possible resurrection 3. >ocate, subdue dungeon rats Epowder of stupefaction pro!idedF, release following installation of enchanted seeing-eye de!ices ". =rocure certain tome for mperial %istorical *ociety from ecellent library of illiterate ogre partial to brandy, preposterous fau-intellectual discourse (. *neak in, introduce powerful psychedelic agent into dungeon well used by humanoids to loosen them up for arri!al of prominent high priest w/company of acolytes on hea!ily-armed e!angelical tour ). =ose as warlock:s new personal stylist, hangers-on from mperial
. =ro!ide stealthy reconnaissance of dungeon le!el, mark doors w/!arious colors of in!isible paint to indicate contents Emonster, monster O treasure, etc.F, prepare way for band of more eperienced del!ers 1. =lant e!idence of recent spate of political assassinations in doppelganger lair Eas noted by prior epeditionF get out before notable hero:s staged disco!ery 11. =acify, secure secondary entrance for use as escape route by more eperienced, painfully superior group of ad!enturers embroiled in lucrati!e dungeon crawl 12. *catter shrieker spores around comple, administer 0uick-grow potion, trigger shrieker chain reaction, se!eral units of mperial archers, infantry standing by outside dungeon entrance to annihilate e!acuees $reelance Dungeon "issions0 "id2Level
d12 1. >ocate, bargain w/uni0uely colossal troll, belie!ed sessile, ?lls entirety of chamber, for specimen of li!ing 6esh 2. arms dealer in trade %9 partnership w/@nderworld forces while en route to #ssassinate subterranean shipping company 3. Bchange tiny abomination incarcerated in enchanted !essel, captured familiar of dungeon sorcerer, for li!ing brain of court !i5ier, embodied in earth golem:s mass, currently under mental control ". *pike shut all three doors leading to le!el four, monitor, do not release other ad!enturers trapped w/in no matter what they say (. &elease plague-infested 6eas on dungeon le!el ?!e, anti-6ea garments pro!ided ). Bnter crypts, festoon w/holy symbols of e!ery concei!able stripe until its like I . *catter lair w/items implicating undesirable cult/nation/organi5ation, awaken ancient dragon, get the hell out
1. =
d12 1. mpersonate summoned 5ombie horde, stagger into depths, gain access to semiindestructible necromancer:s sanctum, eterminate unholy o+spring, in8ect !illain w/sterili5ing serum to pre!ent future abominations 2. *eal chaos-breech detected on le!el , scroll containing P5an55:s %ermetic %ypercube included, material component re0uired$ life-essences of 1 enemies of humankind, man-portable essence-etractor unit pro!ided 3.
12. 4!ersee/pro!ide security for top secret corridor-widening pro8ect to free neutral dragon no longer able to lea!e chamber after decades-long growth spurt
Other0 Dungeon Cons'iracy Theories
d12 1. Dragons beholden to unknown being from another sphere$ hoards 8ust not the same anymore 2. *o-called Jad!enturersJ actually death s0uads of underworld 8unta 3. ;he coming apocalypse will destroy the surface world only sending underworld real estate through the roof ". *trings pulled by cabal of mind-eaters who now know e!erything (. ;he one true god li!es at the center of the earth$ the path to wisdom runs deep ). %umans created in !ats of ancient underworld sorcerer to usher in age of terror .
d12 1. *0uad of freelance ogre mercenaries looking to go upscale$ need custom armor and e0uipment of highest 0uality, gigs already lined up, a sure thing 2. B!il high priest seeks aid to establish unholy gambling operation$ security paramount, o+ers up to ( of net in perpetuity for ma8or backers 3. ampire archaeologist, ha!ing obtained and translated ancient bas relief map, needs to hire contractors and obtain large sla!e force to eca!ate buried !ault laden with treasures, shares a!ailable
". %opeful entrepreneur and fully 0uali?ed troll chef ha!e found perfect location on le!el four for monster saloon/eatery, under capitali5ed and looking for partners (. #mbitious clan of kobolds looking to set up currency echange/loan establishment$ o+er females and children as collateral for start-up loans ). *orcerer and master assassin associate need coin for spell research/components to make their magic-assisted murder scheme really pay o+ . Deep dwarf team has laid diplomatic groundwork for construction of dungeon water and sewer system, a sound long-term in!estment opportunity . Gribe money needed to gain access to contested area of ruined subterranean city$ newly disco!ered sub-section epected to yield copious golden treasures .
;able 4ne d12 1. Glind old troll with walker made of bones 2. =o!erty-stricken Dragon needing sugar-parent 3. Doppelganger that got in too deep ". Bceptionally intelligent subhuman poet (. Dinosaur man$ fugiti!e from menagerie ). Melancholy ;emplar of
. %alf giant with heart of gold 1. ;he cutest kobold on record 11. Ioung surface aristocrat looking for thrills 12. nsomniac !ampire$ bored and clingy ;able ;wo d12 1. Disembodied wi5ard head 2. 4therwise 1 belligerent physical ?tness-obsessed ogre Eattacks with barbellsF 3. #ge-withered high priest of chaos unable to contain urges ". B!il warrior with tragic G.4. (. &eligious 5ealot slipping away from !alues ). *aber tooth dungeon hound . #e-wielding homicidal maniac w/mostly hidden soft side . aw distracted from mission of assassination 1. =olyamorous dwarf$ lo!es deeply and sincerely but needs to spread it around 11. =sychic for whom lo!e remains a ma8or blind spot 12. Aandering dungeon sage with the hormones of a 1) year old >o!e
Dungeon lagues
;able 4ne$ =athogen d12 1. &ot po$ too hideous a fate to describe 2. Bploding fe!er$ temperature spikes then keeps on cooking until etremely unpleasant eruption 3. Pombie itch$ turns host into mindless self-scratching machine ". Grain !irus$ before roasting the brain w/high fe!er in!erts personality/skews cognition (. Cace-eating bacteria$ it ain:t pretty ). *uicide chills$ e!entually lethal but more fre0uently ended by !ictim . Death shakes$ tremors come on almost instantly after eposure, escalate to grotes0ue parody of ecstatic dance, followed swiftly by death . Araith germ$ attacks point of contact between spirit and body, creating ghost EdeathF . Dysentery of #b8ect Misery$ immobili5es and kills by dehydration/humiliation 1. Glue anguish$ sub8ect turns blue and writhes in agony for 1-) days until deceased 11. Gone Melter$ turns skeleton into so much 8elly followed by su+ocation 12. *hri!eling wastes$ !ictim becomes more hideous than the most ancient lich, then snu+s it unceremoniously ;able ;wo$ ector d12 1. Dungeon oo5e 2. #nything handled by ?lthy kobolds 3. ampire blood ". Nraken ecrement (. *ewer monsters
). Gat !omit . Monster latrine . *ubterranean pools . Gugbear lice 1. #ncient gold coins lefto!er from plague-eradicated ci!ili5ation 11. Draconic cerebrospinal 6uid 12. ;roll mucus ;able ;hree$
d12 1. < ". *ubhumans employ giant ape for erecting monoliths in echange for fresh maidens (. 4rcs gain near-in!ulnerability from aggressi!e and dis?guring body fungi infestation ). Dragon sustains 8ellies with waste/lefto!ers in echange for cash horde cleansing and protection
. =udding li!es in gut of land kraken as digesti!e aid . 4gres feed 6ightless ca!e !ultures, bene?t from their heightened senses and s0uawks of alarm . Manticore ser!es as mount of de!il for protection/choice !ictims 1. *orcerer feeds sphin magic for ser!ice as research aid 11. %ydra and chimera en8oy strange multi-headed kinship and mutual protection 12. Dungeon fairies lead bamboo5led prey to giant spiders in echange for bolts of spider silk building material +hat,s on the Guard "onster,s "ind
d12 1. >iterally waiting on other side of door for interlopers to smite, total 8ob satisfaction 2. ooking for bribes, doesn:t want trouble, more than happy to betray anybody for pro?t 12. o longer cares one whit about it:s duty, merely showing up until something better comes along +hen :ou,re (tarving in the Dungeon
d12 1. &umor has it amber dungeon mold is edible, delicious e!en
2. Moderately edible dungeon lichens, once washed, chopped, pul!eri5ed, sie!ed, fried 3. >eather armor EusedF, soaked in wine for a long time ". 'athering an accumulation of semi-fresh dead bats will do for a while (. %erds of etremely alert tiny deer are rumored to roam the deeps, some kind of blind and great patience re0uired ). 'oblin cheese, a euphemism for some unmentionable aspect of their biology, edible but only 8ust, reeks with an unparalleled potency, pretty good spread on black bread with lots of onion and mustard seed . 'iant beetle grubs can be found underneath loose 6agstones . &ats work, but often carry weird parasites, sometimes bene!olent . Gocanite, a semi digestible element in many dungeon walls, !isible only to some dwarfs 1. otable del!ers claim giant centipede legs are a delicacy ?t for a king:s ban0uet hall 11. ;he ecrement of elusi!e dungeon ungulates Ebasically 8ust processed moss and lichensF pro!ides a good bit of ?ber 12. *ometimes it comes down to whether you hired that etra torchbearer
