I’ve been really inspired by Blog of Forlorn Encystment’s AD&D Series recently (I think it deserves a Bloggie!). So I’ve been rolling dice in my ol’ DMG and narratives are emerging! Below is a small region that I’ll be porting to a big hex crawl I’m working on slowly. I hope you find something gameable (or not) or at the least, inspiring.
- Plains. A den of wolves
- Mountain.
- Mountain. The castle of King Halkias, a small walled keep.
- Forest.
- Forest.
- Pond (Forest).
- Plains.
Encounter Table
rolled on 1d8+1d12
2. 4d4 shadow mastiffs
3. 1 chaggrin grue
4. 1-2 cave bears
5. 3d8 dwarf prospectors, eagerly seeking lost companions
6. 2d6 giant vultures
7. 4d6 vultures, roll again for what dead thing they are scavenging
8. 1-2 mountain lions
9. 1d4+6 Halkias brigands
10. 1d6 rams
11. 1d4 nomadic goatherds leading 10-100 goats
12. 5d4 wild goats
13. 2d10 wolves
14. 1d12 giant goats
15. 3d4 dire wolves
16. 2d4 giant rams
17. 2d6 werewolves
18. A character party
19. The Mad King Halkias, alone
20. Roll twice + encounter both parties already engaged. Use reaction to determine disposition.
The Castle of King Halkias
50 brigands, 6 2nd level fighters, 2 3rd level fighters, 1 4th level fighter, 1 5th level fighter, 1 6th level fighter, 1 7th level fighter, King Halkias, 50 civilians, 10 imprisoned dwarf prospectors.
King Halkias (9th level fighter with Cursed Sword of Berserking, +3 Chainmail, and a Ring of Protection)
Kalomira (7th level fighter, sword +1)
Dorotheos (6th level fighter, Chainmail +2, Scroll of Protection from Elementals)
Rumors abound that Halkias is not of royal blood, but slew the rightful lord of the hall and took their place. Whatever his providence, he rules with an iron fist from his mountain stronghold. His soldiers collect tribute from the nomadic goatherds of the region. Halkias and his men pay handsomely for information on dissent.
They say nobody who sees Halkias draw his sword lives to see it sheathed again.
The Cursed Sword of King Halkias
(as Sword of Berserking)
Whosoever grips the hilt of this mighty sword will hear the baying of fell hounds, the sound drowning out all others. They will be driven mad in battle, fighting with the strength of the pack.
Shadow mastiffs, wolves, and dire wolves always appear in within miles of the sword, but never attack its bearer.
Werewolves
A pack of 18 werewolves stalks the region, preying on the herdsmen and their flocks. They are descended from the king who once held Halkias’s halls, and they want to see him overthrown. Halkias hates them and wants them destroyed.
Goatherds
Nomads drive herds of goats, both mundane and giant, between grazing lands in the plains and mountainous climes. They subsist on trade with one another and with travelers, but each pays a hefty due to King Halkias and his men. Some find the Mad King’s meager forces easy to ignore, while others would happily see him toppled.