Dungeons in 3 Steps
Musing on Dungeon Designs and how to chain them
Chris McDowall from the Bastionland Blog had revisited some of his older blogpostings recently and I was reminded on a few of my favorites found there and scribbled down my musings about them for you.
Here are te original articles by Chris from which I draw these concepts:
Introduction
Designing a captivating and memorable dungeon for your tabletop role-playing game can be a daunting task. However, using the Three-Step Dungeon process can streamline your creative process and help you generate unique, engaging scenarios for your players to explore. This guide will walk you through the Three-Step Dungeon method and offer suggestions on how to create an immersive and cohesive dungeon-crawling experience.
The Three-Step Process
Introduce First Concept
Introduce Second Concept
Present a challenge involving both concepts, including an additional twist and a reward.
Concept Development
Begin by brainstorming interesting concepts that you'd like to incorporate into your dungeon. These can be creatures, items, hazards, or any other elements that you find intriguing. Consider putting unique twists on common tropes like skeleton warriors or pit traps, and exclude elements that don't pose any real danger or challenge to the players.
Introducing Concepts
For a small dungeon, focus on two primary concepts. For larger, more complex dungeons, break them down into smaller sections, each focusing on a pair of concepts. Introduce each concept in a way that allows players to gather information about it in a relatively safe environment. This could be through direct encounters, or indirect means such as a statue hinting at the presence of a dangerous creature. The introduction and challenge stages can feature the same monster in different contexts, depending on how you choose to reveal information.
The Challenge
When combining the two concepts, consider adding an extra twist to keep things engaging. Some ideas include:
A stronger version of a regular concept.
An "opposite" element, such as a highly intelligent version of a previously unintelligent monster or a peaceful version of a hostile creature.
A horde of basic monsters.
An environment that increases the difficulty for players.
Restrictions on player actions.
Removing a previously established safety net.
Remember to include a reward for overcoming the challenge, such as treasure or access to a new area.
Adding Extra Elements
To create a more organic and immersive experience, consider adding supplementary elements to your dungeon:
Include simpler areas that provide additional clues or context for the larger dungeon.
Incorporate basic elements that don't require explanation or have been introduced earlier.
Design a nonlinear layout, while keeping the main path focused on introducing key concepts.
Growing Larger
Designing larger and more intricate dungeons for your tabletop role-playing games can seem daunting. However, by utilizing the Three-Step Dungeon approach, you can efficiently create expansive dungeons that provide an engaging and immersive experience for your players. This article will explain how to integrate and expand upon the Three-Step Dungeon concept to create larger, interconnected dungeons for your game world.
Creating Larger Dungeons
To create a larger dungeon, start by designing a series of Three-Step Dungeons that can branch off from a central hub area or connect with one another. This approach allows for a coherent dungeon layout while still offering diverse challenges and experiences for your players.
A central hub area can serves as a connecting point for most of these separate dungeons, providing a sense of cohesion and structure.
Interconnecting Dungeons
When connecting the individual Three-Step Dungeons, consider using hub areas and "fluff" sections to bridge the gaps between them. These areas can still be entertaining and engaging for your players, but they should generally be safer or involve simpler concepts that don't require elaborate introductions.
Hubs
Hub areas can serve various purposes, such as providing a space for players to rest, regroup, or strategize. They may also contain NPCs who can offer information, trade goods, or present side quests. The hub can act as a safe haven or a central point from which players can explore the connected dungeons.
Fluff
"Fluff" sections, on the other hand, can be used to enhance the atmosphere and worldbuilding of your dungeon. These areas may contain environmental storytelling, simple puzzles, or encounters with low-level creatures. While not as complex as the main Three-Step Dungeons, these sections can still provide a sense of depth and variety to your larger dungeon design.
Conclusion
By combining the Three-Step Dungeon approach with hub areas and interconnected sections, you can create larger, more intricate dungeons that captivate your players and keep them engaged throughout the adventure. This method allows for a structured and coherent layout, while still offering diverse challenges and experiences. With careful planning and creativity, you can design expansive dungeons that enrich your game world and provide memorable experiences for everyone involved.
Dungeon Design Principles
Keep the following principles in mind when creating your dungeon:
Dungeons should contain something worth discovering.
Dungeons should harbor mysteries that may not always have clear answers.
Dungeons should change each time players return.
Secret/Locked Doors:
The challenge should be interacting with them, not just finding them.
If secured, someone or something nearby should be able to open them.
If hidden on one side, the other side should be easily discovered.
Room Design:
Rooms should contain interactive elements.
Rooms should provide clues about other aspects of the dungeon.
Rooms should reward further exploration.
Treasure:
Treasure should have character and unique features.
Treasure should come with complications or challenges.
Treasure should have a reason for players to want to keep it.
By following these guidelines and principles, you can create engaging, dynamic dungeons that will leave your players eager for more adventure and exploration.
Best regards,
Jack Arcanum