Hexplorations: Tombs
Tombs is the subject of our 7th “hexploration”–charts for details of things you may encounter in a hex crawl or simply developing your world). To use this chart simply roll for each column or look at the options for inspiration or use a combination of the two approaches. For example, you may role 4-6-2-2-5 resulting in an old, but well maintained tomb with a large crypt for many people which honors a major religious leader. It has an autonomous/clockwork caretaker. Strangely, the main coffin which should hold the religious leader’s remains has the remains of someone else. (Why? Whose are they? Where are the religious leaders?)
Hopefully these charts and ideas can be the basis of most of the key details to any tomb the PCs may find in your game. Customize the results to fit your setting and which groups may be nearby as needed and as inspiration strikes!
| d6 | Age/Condition | Type/Size | Purpose | Inhabitants | Secret |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newly built | Small stone cairn | Honors a local lord | None, just insects and mice | Holds a well known holy relic guarded by a puzzle or riddle or a clue to it |
| 2 | Recent, but like new | Single room mausoleum | Honors a major religious leader | An autonomous caretaker, such as a clockwork creature | The tomb is the only thing holding off a curse–if destroyed, it is unleashed |
| 3 | Recent, but not maintained | Small mausoleum with steps leading down to several rooms | Reminds all against a great sin | A magical caretaker | |
| 4 | Old, but well maintained | Large monument (giant statue, pyramid, etc.) with a grave in front | Honors the warriors of a major battle | Slimes, fungi, & molds | Under the right magic/astronomical conditions, the tomb has a portal to the underworld |
| 5 | Old, in ruins | Large monument (giant statue, pyramid, etc.) with several rooms inside | Memorial to a great tragedy | Other visitors paying their respects | The remains of the main coffin do not match who is said to rest there |
| 6 | Ancient, but restored | Large crypt for many people (servants, advisors, family) as well as the honoree entombed | Honors a king/emperor | An honor guard | At least one spirit of the dead has unfinished business |
