Quick Dungeon

A good dungeon adventure usually seems to have a semblance of direction and a coherent theme, while also being somewhat improvised.  Here’s some direction that might help you knock out an adventure quickly when you’re pressed for time.

-Dungeon map: Randomly draw one, or use a repurposed older map, or a map created by a random generator 

-Monster stats: Just use general stats from a book.  Only spend time on the Master.  Bulk up with max hp and maybe some magic or a magic weapon or an exotic guard animal.

-Mission: Pick one, something that will only involve one level.

-Dungeon level Master-the main opposition to the mission.  Why is the master there and what are their goals?  See below.

-Main encounter: Mark on the map the most important encounter and any other interesting encounters.  Don’t try to fill the map.

-Determine other monsters that are in the complex: Opposition or allies of the Master, vermin, and possible wandering creatures.  Also any traps or tricks if needed.

-Purpose of the dungeon: To set the dressing, determine what the complex was built for, or what it was originally built for and what it is used for now.

-Allow the characters an easy entry into the dungeon: Either unguarded, lightly guarded, start off inside, a secret back entrance, or some special means of entry past heavy guard.

Lists to fill out the Dungeon

-Master

Single Creature, Single Species, Multiple Creatures, Multiple Species, None Dominant, Free For All

-Status of Single Master

Absolute Control, Mindless, Insane, Indifferent, Suppressing Internal Rebellion, Fighting Another Faction

-Master Motive

Expansion, Extermination, Revenge, Pawn of Another Master, Scholar (Mundane or Arcane), Religious, Paranoid, Greedy Robber

-Status of Multiple Masters

Allied, Warring, Neutral/Treaty

-Subjects

Weaker Creatures, Subservient Species, Multiple Unrelated Species

-Vermin/Squatters/Random

None, Nest or Lair, Wandering or Hunting, Hiding

-Traps

Random-Set or Temporary, Protecting Area, Magical or Natural Phenomenon

-Corridors

Patrolled, Important Areas Guarded, Trapped and Alarmed, Empty

-Treasure

Scattered, Vaults, Hoard Room, Hidden Stash

-Centerpiece Encounter

Main Temple, Main Treasure Vault, Control Room, Throne Room/Royal Chambers, Royal Crypt

Dungeon Rooms

Armory, Audience Chamber, Aviary

Ballroom, Banquet Hall, Barracks, Bath, Bedroom, Bestiary

Catacombs, Cell, Chapel, Charnel House, Cistern, Classroom, Closet, Crematorium, Crypt

Divination Room, Dormitory, Dressing Room

Gallery, Game Room, Garden, Great Hall, Guardroom

Harem, Interrogation Room

Kennel, Kitchen

Laboratory, Library, Lounge

Mass Grave, Mausoleum, Meditation Chamber, Mess Hall, Monument, Morgue,

Museum

Observatory, Office, Ossuary, Oubliette

Pantry, Pen, Prison, Refractory

Salon, Secret Room, Shrine, Smithy, Stable, Statuary, Storage, Studio, Study

Theater, Throne Room, Torture Chamber, Training, Trophy Room

Vault, Water Closet, Well, Workroom, Workshop, Zoo