9/2/2021

one page setting

A creative exercise that I was inspired to do by browsing the darkened corners of the OSR internet was to make a one page adventure setting. Stripping out all the information that isn't needed (obviously highly subjective) and adding maps, dungeons, and important locations as would be interesting, leaving the rest of the gaps to be filled in by the dungeon master.

one page dungeon

Here is a transcription of the different hex descriptions:

  1. Colossus Tomb
    • The Obvious: A huge stone tomb filled with the corpses of a dozen ancient and dead giants. Now swarming with vulture-harpies.
    • The Hidden: 1d6 giants have glowing necklaces that ward their resting place with magic.
    • The Secret: The tomb is cursed. Those that leave the tomb with treasure will be stalked by a swarm of cultures until they return the treasure.
  2. Serpent Tower
    • The Obvious: A ruined watch tower with a portcullis stuck open. A pack of wolves have made it their den.
    • The Hidden: A ladder on the back of the fort leads to the roof where a giant crimson snake sun-bathes.
    • The Secret: The fort used to sit on an old toll road, indicating a large amount of treasure is locked up inside.
  3. City of Crosswater
    • The Obvious: Bustling city with lively fish markets and plenty of taverns. Welcoming to adventurers.
    • The Hidden: The streets are empty 1 hour before sundown, doors are locked and no one will answer a knock.
    • The Secret: Those that sleep outside at night are dragged into the sewers by small green-skinned monsters.
  4. Entrance to the Abyss
    • The Obvious: An endlessly deep pit with a single rickety ladder going down into the darkness.
    • The Hidden: At night, strange, insect-like, humanoids emerge from the pit collecting wood and rocks.
    • The Secret: Beneath the ground is a huge army of bug creatures building a portal to the realm of plagues.

I encourage everyone to try to make something similar, wether that be a single-page dungeon, city, adventure, or even setting. Give yourself some seemingly difficult boundaries and pack in as much quality into the tiny space as you can muster. Get creative! Add color, draw pictures, reference movies, quote books.

⇦ back to all posts