Hexplorations: The Observatory
Here is the first of a series of articles/charts to augment a hex crawl game. This chart gives you some interesting ideas for an unusual building found in a hex. To use it, roll a d6 for each column, adjust the results as you are inspired!
| d6 | Age/Condition | Original Purpose | Main Inhabitant(s) | Other Inhabitants | Secret |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New, well-kept | Astronomy Telescope | Original creator/staff, unnaturally aged (if building is old) | Two children (apprentices or scroungers, as appropriate) | The structure is capable of sending a signal (across space? time? the planes?) |
| 2 | Old, but well-kept | Inter-dimensional Viewer | Creators’ descendants, much is forgotten | Otherworldly pets, tame | Forces in another place/realm are attempting to cross via this device |
| 3 | Old with some signs of age | Weather Control | Wizard | Undead (corrupted versions of the original crew/staff? wizard’s recruits?) | Some computer panels will work if powered (electricity or magic spells with electricity effects) |
| 4 | Old and in very poor condition | Oracle to the gods | Spirits of the original crew/staff | Inter-dimensional beings, scouting for an invasion | Hidden compartment with undisturbed high-tech devices |
| 5 | Ancient, but well-kept | Spacecraft with communicator deployed | Stranded crew from another planet or dimension | Xenomorph-like creature, easily accidentally revived/released | Was built on top of another structure that had another purpose |
| 6 | Ancient but partially in ruins | Ship that traveled through time | Bandits/humanoids (barbarians, kobolds, goblins, etc.) | Vermin | Has an unplanned side effect: Roll again on original purpose column. |