Traps¶

Simple vs Complex¶

For the purposes of LFG, traps come in two varieties: simple and complex. Simple traps are easily ad-libbed and quickly resolved; they are straightforward hazards such as tripwires that fire darts, or a false door that opens a pit. Simple traps can appear any place that makes sense, and their purpose is to deter or prevent passage or access.

Complex traps on the other hand are fully fledged encounters in their own right. They require significant GM planning ahead of time in order to fit their location and allow for meaningful interaction. Complex traps are multi part affairs, often with telegraphed warnings or clues, and serious consequences if the PCs fail to find a way to overcome them.

Mechanical vs Magical¶

What follows assumes a low magic world, with tables and rules skewed towards mechanical or alchemical triggers and effects. A handful of magical traps are also included however.

Rarity¶

Generally speaking, it is recommended that traps be used sparingly, and only in places and ways that are rational. For example, many traps will need methods to bypass them by friendly forces, and/or require ongoing maintenance by residents.

The reasons for trap rarity are twofold:

1. i. Rare traps offer more novelty and player surprise, and
2. ii. When traps are common, the game tends to suffer from repetitive searching routines and/or prohibitive caution (eg the PCs avoid touching anything non-essential for fear of springing a trap).

Where & How?¶

Spotting hazards before they go off, and figuring out how to neutralise them, is an important part of the trap experience. GMs are encouraged to ask questions of the players about where and how they are searching (or disarming), before:

1. i. Deciding whether a check is required, and/or
2. ii. Whether any modifiers ought to apply (similar to the approach often adopted for social skills, if using them).

If traps are allowed to devolve into a series of dice rolls without any real player input, they quickly become forgettable resource sinks instead of the interesting novelties we know they can be.

Search Events¶

Performing searches and disarms generally takes 10 to 15 minutes per average wall, section of floor, doorway, chest, etc. Each time the party spends asearch period investigating, the GM adds 1 to the Search Tally.

At any time, the GM may check for a Search Event by rolling 1d20. If the result is equal to or lower than the tally, a complication occurs (either immediately or shortly thereafter - perhaps in the next corridor or nearby room). The GM rolls 2d6 to determine the development or chooses/improvises an appropriate result.

If nothing occurs, the tally continues to rise with each subsequent search period until a complication triggers. Modifiers apply at the GM's discretion (eg being very loud might increase the tally by 3 instead of 1, or impose disadvantage). Once triggered, the Search Tally resets to zero.

Search Event (2d6)¶

Three Second Trigger¶

When a PC triggers a trap, instead of moving straight to the Luck save, attack roll, or other effect: (i) Inform the player of the nature of the trigger (eg: a tripwire tugs at your boot), and (ii) Boldly demand "What do you do!?"

Do not be drawn into providing any extra information about the trap at this stage. The player has to the count of three to respond (perhaps indicating the countdown on your fingers). If the proffered action makes it easier to avoid the trap, the PC gains a bonus on their Luck save or attribute check (perhaps a +2 bonus or advantage). If the described action is neutral the save or check is rolled as normal. If the action makes the trap significantly harder to avoid, the save or check is rolled with a penalty.

Simple Traps¶

A series of tables appear below to improvise simple traps on the fly. Roll once for each of the following:

1. Threat level,
2. Triggers & Countermeasures, and
3. Attack mode.

Threat Level¶

Roll 2d6 to determine the trap's threat level, or choose as appropriate for the adventure/scenario at hand.

Threat Level (2d6)¶

Triggers & Counters¶

For portable containers, traps are activated by opening, moving or otherwise interacting with the vessel.

For larger objects or spaces (doors, rooms, hallways, etc) roll 2d6. If a particular trigger doesn't make sense for the situation, roll again or use an adjacent trigger (even chance). Some possible trigger countermeasures are also provided.

Attack Mode¶

The following table indicates the mode of attack the trap uses to injure, incapacitate or hinder the intruder, as well as possible countermeasures to neutralize or disarm it. Roll 1d8 for portable containers (chests, boxes, jars, etc), or 1d20 for larger objects or spaces (doors, rooms, halls, etc). If an attack mode does not fit the situation at hand, reroll (or use one of the adjacent entries, even chance).

Attack Mode (1d8 or 1d20)¶

Acid¶

Alarm¶

Arrows/Darts¶

Crushing Walls/Ceiling¶

Deadfall¶

Drowning¶

Fire/Explosion¶

Gas¶

Lockdown¶

Magic¶

Various magical spells and effects are outlined below (spells allow their usual save). Like all of LFG's tables, the entries are merely suggestions; GMs are encouraged to add, modify and substitute effects to best suit their game.

For Minor magical threats, roll 1d8, for Moderate 1d12, and for Major 1d12+8.

Magic (1d8, 1d12 or 1d12+8)

Monster¶

Needle¶

Pit¶

Poison¶

Various poisons are outlined below. For Minor effects, roll 1d8, for Moderate 1d10+2, and for Major 1d12+8. Most poisons take effect immediately, but some have an onset time (2d6 rounds, minutes or hours).

Poisons generally allow a Luck (Con) save for half damage or to negate. At the GM's option, an apothecary with the right healing herbs might be able to concoct an antidote.

Poison (1d8, 1d10+2 or 1d12+8)

Relocation¶

Rolling Boulder¶

Scything Blades¶

Self Destruct¶

Snare¶

Spear/Spikes¶

Bypasses¶

Some traps will include a method to safely bypass the hazard to allow passage/access by friendly forces.

Finding the bypass generally requires searching in a specific location, and/or a Perc (Detection) check (often modified). Prying the information from a knowledgeable enemy also works.

Choose or roll 2d6 to determine the bypass:

Cost & Availability¶

Traps are generally categorised as “rare” goods. Rough costs are outlined below according to threat level. Final prices and availability are subject to GM discretion. Most prices will need tweaking to account for (i) the vendor, and (ii) trap specifics.

Complex Traps¶

A selection of eleven complex traps are detailed below, eight mechanical and three magical, ready to be dropped into an existing adventure. As with all traps, the GM will need to consider (i) how and why the trap exists, (ii) bypasses for friendly forces, and (iii) maintenance issues (including evidence of past victims, if any).

(1) Gargoyle Delight¶

Setup¶

This complex trap protects a room with a 20 ft ceiling, laden with sacks, chests, etc of valuables sitting on 3 ft tall pillars scattered about the chamber. In the centre is a 6 ft pillar upon which a winged statue is perched (gargoyle clue). The room has a slight acrid smell to it (poison clue). If a person other than the owner, or her trusted servant, enter the room, the gargoyle swoops to attack (possible bypass via disguise).

The Trap¶

When the Gargoyle leaves the podium, the central 6 ft pillar begins to sink into the floor, dropping by 1d4 feet each round. If the pillar reaches ground level the trap is sprung, dropping the entire floor (excluding the pillars) into a sheer pit 20 feet deep and spraying poisonous gas from the walls (inhalation vector, 3d6 damage each round, Luck (Con) save for half). The gas is heavier than air and does not rise out of the pit. Note the gargoyle is immune to poison and can fly.

Countermeasures¶

Players might disarm the first part of the trap by placing weight similar to the gargoyle back onto the pillar, jamming the pillar with spikes, or destroying the internal mechanical device (appropriate weapon or tool, and 3 x Str (Ath) great successes required).

Alternatively PCs might deal with the second part of the trap by scrambling onto one of the pillars as the floor drops (Luck (Dex) save at disad), covering their faces with wet scarves to assist against the fumes (save with +2 bonus vs poison), lassoing and riding the gargoyle, scaling pillars to get free of the pit, and so on.

Variants¶

The threat level of this trap depends on how powerful the gargoyle and poison gas are. The encounter can be made more or less difficult by changing the pit depth, adding spikes or a grinding floor, adding hand holds to climb out, substituting the gargoyle for a giant eagle or other creature susceptible to poison, and so on.

(2) Split & Stab¶

Setup¶

This hallway is at least 30 ft long and 10 ft wide, running east to west (the party is heading west). Towards the middle of the hallway, on the northern wall only, a vertical line of scuff marks can be seen (rotating wall clue). At the far western end of the hall is a lever behind a false stone block (bypass: resets the wall, rotating it back into the starting position).

The Trap¶

A few feet past the scuff marks on the wall is a floor pressure plate. Stepping on the plate (50% chance) activates the trap, causing a 20 ft section of the southern wall (aligning east to west) to suddenly rotate 90 degrees on its axis, until it aligns north to south, then locks into place (the western part of the wall rotates into a hidden recess, the eastern part swings into the corridor). When locked into place the rotating wall touches the scuff marks.

As the wall rotates, nearby PCs may make a Luck (Dex) check to choose which side of the wall they want to end up on; otherwise they are pushed westward.

PCs on the west side of the wall are set upon by sentries or other residents within 1d2 rounds, cut off from any allies on the eastern side of the wall. The locking mechanism is located at the rotation point hidden in the southern wall. PCs on the eastern side of the dividing wall may be able to make a firing hole with an appropriate tool or weapon (2 x Str (Ath) great successes required). A hole large enough for a person to squeeze through requires 1d6 minutes.

Countermeasures¶

PCs that study the edges of the rotating wall (about 10 ft either side of the axis) might notice hairline

cracks (Perc (Detection) check at -2 penalty). Breaking through the middle of the 20 ft wall (opposite the scuff marks) reveals the rotating mechanism, which may be jammed (very noisy, will draw sentries). The PCs might also simply choose to be swept westward, keeping the party together, and foiling the primary purpose of the trap.

Variants¶

The threat level of this trap depends on how powerful the sentries are, whether the PCs have tools to break through the wall, whether attacks come from both sides of the wall or just one, and/or whether damaging the wall will draw further unwanted attention.

(3) Snare & Roast¶

Setup¶

This 15 ft high room conceals a three part death trap. The floor is flagstoned, with just a hint of fine black dust (flame clue) in some of the joints, particularly in the centre (a PC needs to be right in the centre to see such). In the top corners of the ceiling are dragon motif heads with open jaws (firing port clue). An ornate fresco covers the ceiling (concealing the oil hatch).

The Trap¶

Across the centre of the room is a 5 ft wide line of trapped flagstones (bar one, the bypass). Standing on a trapped tile (80% chance) breaks the false top and the character's foot descends into a 1 ft hole. The hole is lined with metal spikes pointing diagonally downwards at 45 degree angles.

Inserting a foot into the barbs causes no damage, but pulling it out quickly inflicts 3d6 damage and a likely foot injury (Luck (Con) save at disadvantage to negate the injury; entry 3 on Injuries & Setbacks table). Extracting the foot slowly over 2d4 rounds causes 1d8 damage only.

Part 2 of the trap is linked to a timer and activates the round after a PC becomes trapped in a foot snare: a hatch drops from the ceiling, dumping a barrel of tar like, highly flammable oil onto the victim. If the character has a shield or similar large item, they make a Luck (Dex) save to deflect the majority of the oil.

After the oil has dropped, a grinding sound can be heard as the firing ports concealed in the dragon heads rotate to take aim at the triggered area. If more than one PC is trapped, the heads divide up the targets.

Part 3 of the trap is linked to a timer and activates the round after the oil dump. All four of the dragon heads shoot flaming bolts at the victim: +8 to hit, 2d8+1 each bolt, plus the victim is set on fire for 2d6 damage every round for 2d4 rounds. A character that suffers this ordeal rolls 1d6 on the Injuries & Setbacks table and loses 1d2 Cha permanently due to disfiguring scars. Smothering the oil fire is very difficult, requiring 3 x Dex great successes. Throwing water on burning oil will not extinguish it.

Countermeasures¶

Testing the trapped tiles with a 10 ft pole or other instrument will reveal the spikes. A PC willing to yank their foot out of the snare greatly reduces the danger level.

An ensnared character may be protected from the flaming bolts by quick thinking allies shielding the victim or blocking the firing ports.

Variants¶

Spreading the trapped flagstones about the chamber, rather than in a line crossing the centre, increases the chance of trapping more than one PC at the same time (in which case the bypass is a secret safe route, carried on a parchment by an enemy, or perhaps available as loot elsewhere).

The danger level may be changed by adding or subtracting dragon heads, substituting oil for explosive area effect alchemists fire, adding an alarm, and/or attending sentries with flaming arrows.

(4) Drowning Chute¶

Setup¶

The Trap¶

A 10 ft long trapdoor is triggered when two or more people stand upon it, dropping the victims down a greased, spiral chute. A Luck (Dex) check at disadvantage avoids the drop.

The 15 ft long chute corkscrews diagonally downwards, propelling the PCs through a hinged hatch into a water filled chamber. The 3 ft diameter hatch is located in the northwest corner of the ceiling, and locks behind the PCs, resealing the chamber and blocking any ambient light from above.

Thrust into the middle of the drowning chamber, in complete darkness (any torches or lanterns are extinguished), the adventurers are blind and disorientated. Water completely fills the chamber and the PCs must hold their breath (see drowning p.78).

There are no exits from the chamber apart from a 6 inch drain hole (bottom of eastern wall, sealed tight, extends into the maintenance room on the other side), and the 3 ft entry hatch in the northwest corner of the ceiling.

The drowning chamber is 20 ft square, and locating the hatch is difficult. Randomly flailing about has only a 5% chance each round of finding it. Alternatively a PC may seek to orientate themselves by swimming until they find a wall (randomised for the first wall, 1d6: (i) ceiling, (ii) north, (iii) east, (iv) south, (v) west, (vi) floor).

Searching a wall requires 1d2 rounds and a Perc (Det) check at disadvantage. If successful, the PC can confirm the presence or absence of the hatch. If failed, the character cannot be sure they searched the entire wall.

If the hatch is located, it is locked (Dex (Traps & Locks) check at disadvantage to unlock, or it may be broken open with 2 x Str (Ath) checks at disadvantage (using a crowbar or other lever reduces the penalty to -2 instead).

Back in the hallway above, after the trap is sprung, the reinforced trapdoor closes and locks tight. Breaking the door requires 2 x Str (Ath) great successes, or 50 points of damage (only axes and

hammers do full damage, other weapons do half or no damage, GM discretion).

If the trapdoor is opened, attempting to free climb the greased chute causes the PC to be whisked into the drowning chamber (save as above). However a PC may be safely lowered down with a rope. It takes two rounds to descend to the bottom with a light source intact. In the cramped tube, the hatch may be opened with a standard Dex (Traps & Locks) check, or a Str (Ath) check at disadvantage. If opened, light filters into the drowning chamber, guiding any trapped PCs to safety.

Countermeasures¶

PCs roped together might prevent falling down the chutes. Water Breathing or Artificer Breathing Mask. A character with a pick axe might be able to break the sealed drain hole and let the water out.

Variants¶

A larger trapdoor, potentially dropping more PCs into the drowning chamber, makes this trap more dangerous (especially if all PCs become trapped). Adding a monster to fight underwater makes the situation extremely perilous (dramatically reducing the time a PC may hold their breath).

Other variants include adding a warning alarm which brings sentries to distract the hallway PCs, making the pool acidic (1d6 damage each round), or a small cloud of glowing parasites (5 ft diameter dim light, reducing the hatch search check penalty to -2 instead of disad) that are attracted to salted meat, alcohol or blood.

(5) Traitor Pit¶

Setup¶

This 30 ft chamber has stairs at the eastern and western ends, descending into a 10 ft deep recess. The arena's northern and southern walls have sharp wooden stakes sticking out of them (obvious danger). On the ceiling is a bas relief of moon, sun and star icons. Some sun and moon icons have 12 inch holes in their centre, funnelling up into the ceiling. If the party listens carefully, a faint buzzing can be heard emanating from them (Stirge clue). This trap requires resident creatures to maintain the stirges (or magical semi stasis until released).

The Trap¶

In the 10 ft deep pit is a colourless, odourless, hallucinogenic gas (the gas is non-flammable, and heavier than air). A Perc (Det) check identifies a slight visual distortion. Entering the pit exposes the character to the poison, which takes effect the following round (Luck (Con) save to resist).

If affected by the gas, the PC is subject to an immediate, overwhelming madness lasting 3d6 rounds. Roll 1d4 and reveal the result to the player by way of secret note or message:

1. The victim believes the rest of his party are secret vampires, about to feed on him.
2. The victim believes one random party member is a secret vampire, plotting to feed on the rest of them.

3. The victim believes he is a vampire, and it is time to end his suffering by driving a wooden stake through his own heart!

4. 1. The victim believes she is a vampire, and is ravenously hungry; she must feed on one of her party mates immediately or perish!

A character pushed or thrown onto a wooden stake suffers 3d6 damage and rolls 1d6 on the Injuries & Setbacks table. A victim who self impales, aiming for their own heart, must make a Luck (Will) save or die. If successful they suffer 6d6 damage and broken ribs instead (Injuries entry 6).

The stakes are pressure sensitive. Pushing or pulling on them unleashes 5d6 starving Stirges from the ceiling tubes above. Careful examination of the stakes and a Perc (Det) check reveals the pressure plates anchoring them.

Countermeasures¶

Wet face masks grant a +2 bonus on the gas save. Artificer Breathing Mask. Neutralize Poison. Cure Malady. Anti-toxin. A party with spikes, hammers and climbing gear might be able to scale the walls, bypassing the arena altogether.

Variants¶

The damage of the spikes might be increased or decreased. Stirge numbers might be changed, or substituted with Shades. Particularly potent poison might impose a -2 penalty or disadvantage on saves, or last longer. Self impaling on a spike might reduce the PC to zero hp instead of dead.

(6) Harpoon Crusher¶

Setup¶

This 40 ft long, 30 ft wide chamber is 25 ft high, with a single door on the north and south walls. Apart from a 5 ft border adjacent to the doors, the floor is covered with 5 ft square tiles, decorated with the dwarven runes for Stone, Anvil, Hammer and Throne (pressure plate/safe route clue). 5 ft panels are also etched into the ceiling, with dark, 1 ft diameter holes in the centre (firing port clue).

The Trap¶

A safe route can be traced across the floor by walking only on shaded tiles as indicated below:

Standing on any other tile causes harpoons to shoot down from the firing ports in the ceiling, as outlined below:

1. Stone: Harpoons strike the triggering tile and all adjacent tiles.
2. Anvil: Harpoons strike the triggering tile and in a vertical line, up and down the length of the room.
3. Hammer: Harpoons strike the triggering tile and in a horizontal line, across the width of the room.
4. Throne: Harpoons strike the triggering tile and in diagonal lines, emanating from the triggering tile in an “X” formation.

Standing on tile edges (trying to avoid the firing ports above) does not work; the internal port mechanism shifts to match the target’s position. Stepping on more than one tile in quick succession (eg by running) causes harpoons to fire across the whole chamber, imposing disadvantage on saves.

Characters on tiles targeted by harpoons must make a Luck (Dex) save or suffer 2d6 damage, are knocked prone (Dex check or drop held items), and impaled by the barbed blade (Luck check, if successful, armour is entangled in the harpoon, if failed, PC’s body is impaled: shoulder or leg, even chance, imposing arm or leg injury).

The harpoons are connected by lengths of chain that immediately begin retracting, yanking the victim off the ground.

A free harpoon retracts the same round and reprimises for firing in future rounds. A harpoon hoisting a PC retracts at a rate of 1d6 feet per round, including the round it strikes, accelerating by an extra 1d6 each round after the first.

As a PC is being lifted, the panels surrounding the firing port slide back, revealing two spiked, crushing wheels. The wheels begin rotating immediately with a loud, ominous grinding.

A PC that is lifted 25 ft is dragged into the grinding wheels and automatically killed in an awful spray of gore (gear destroyed).

Breaking a chain is extremely difficult, requiring 3 x Str great successes and a tool strong enough to bend the links apart without snapping (crowbar, adamantine or magical weapon tip). Hacking at the chain causes it to bounce and spark but is ineffective. Magical damage will break the chain if 20 hp is inflicted.

Untangling the harpoon from one’s armour, or extracting it from one’s body, requires a Dex or Will check at disadvantage respectively. An impaled PC suffers another 2d6 damage when the harpoon is removed (and possibly falling damage). Jamming the grinding wheels is not feasible with conventional items, which will be drawn up into the grinder and destroyed. The sliding doors revealing the wheels however may be pulled back into a closed position with a Str (Ath) great success. If the sliding doors are closed, the chain stops retracting, and the grinding wheels stop turning. If the doors are not fixed shut however, they reopen in 1d3 rounds, and the chain/grinders reactivate.

Countermeasures¶

Thunderwave (focused), Corroding Spray or acid will sever a harpoon or chain. Whilst a character (or other heavy decoy object, such as a chest) is being hoisted up by a harpoon, the tile below is effectively safe. Characters might acquire a safe route map from an enemy, journal or other loot. PCs might lasso an ally and pull on them against the rising chain mechanism; a Str check at disadvantage reduces the height risen by half (a great success halts their ascent for one round). The party can minimise their risk by crossing the tiles one at a time, rather than simultaneously, although that may prove difficult if an ally requires help to break free of a harpoon. PCs might also jump across to the safe border as they near it (10 ft jump automatic, 15 ft jump Str (Ath) check at disadvantage, 20 ft jump requires a great success).

Variants¶

Changing the speed of the rising chain will increase or decrease difficulty (giving PCs more or less time to get free). Allocating a particular tile as always safe (eg Hammer), will allow PCs to hopscotch their way across the tiles, instead of resorting to (largely) random chance (but may not make sense, depending on the purpose of the subsequent room). 10 ft poles will not trigger a tile, they require substantial weight to activate.

(7) Flesheater Tank¶

Setup¶

This 80 ft diameter chamber has an ornate fresco painted on the floor, domed walls, and ceiling (40 ft high, divine beings combating evil denizens in hell, or other appropriate theme). The highest points of the ceiling are obscured by darkness (ordinary torchlight only extending 30 ft; overhead danger clue). There is a subtle chemical smell to the chamber (acid clue).

Trap¶

If two or more PCs enter the central 30 ft of the chamber, the floor slides away, dropping them into a 10 ft deep tank of viscous, flesh melting ooze. The sludge affects flesh and organic material only (non-living organic matter is dissolved particularly fast, eg leather, wood, hemp), causing 4d6 damage per round (Luck (Con) save for half and negates destruction of leather armour, etc).

Moving through the gelatinous slush (swimming or walking along the floor) requires a Str or Will check (player's choice) every 5 ft, or to climb out. A failed check means the PC is overcome with pain and only travels half as far as intended, or fails to haul themselves out.

Hemp or silk ropes, or wooden poles thrown or extended to assist trapped allies, immediately dissolve or splinter in the victims' grasp (eaten by the acid). Chains or other metal objects are unaffected.

Part 2 of the trap is triggered 1d4+1 rounds after the first stage (mechanized timer, a great success Perc (Det) check notices a faint ticking noise emanating from beneath the floor). At this time a further 5 ft of the floor surrounding the initial 30 ft tank also recedes, dropping any characters along the edge into the vat (Luck (Dex) save avoids).

Part 3 of the trap is activated 1d3 rounds after the second stage, at which time the entire floor closes back up and locks itself, trapping those beneath (there is a 1 ft gap between the sludge and enclosed floor to breathe, albeit while being dissolved in acid). The sliding floor mechanism and lock may be broken or jammed with a Dex (Traps & Locks) check at a -2 penalty (with disadvantage if in the vat).

Countermeasures¶

Metal chains or metal ends of long hafted weapons (eg: halberds) or tools (eg Artificer's collapsing 10 ft pole) may be safely used to pull allies out. Levitate, Fly. PCs with spikes, hammers and climbing gear might be able to scale the walls, bypassing the vat altogether.

Variants¶

Instead of a tank of sludge, the vat might be filled with four Gelatinous Cubes in which case the tank begins 15 ft wide, expanding to 20 ft during the second stage, and in the third stage the exit doors seal instead of the floor; ie the cubes can emerge from the tank to attack others in the chamber. Changing the acid damage (or causing paralysis or sleep instead), and how far a person moves with a Str/Will check, will make things more or less dangerous.

(8) Pivoting Oil Pit¶

Setup¶

This hallway trap involves a 40 ft long, 10 ft wide corridor. The floor is completely smooth (slipperiness clue), the ceiling 20 ft high and covered in a etchings of geometric circle patterns (or impressions of planets, coins, eyes, etc, something round – overhead danger clue).

Trap¶

The 40 ft corridor has a pivoting floor that is anchored to the PCs' entry side. When a PC crosses the room's halfway point, there is a 50% chance of triggering a pressure plate that unlocks the anchor, swinging the back half of the floor downwards (assuming most of the party are in the back half of the corridor), and the front half of the floor upwards, dumping everyone into a 20 ft pit (2d6 damage).

If more than half of the party are on the far side of the corridor when the pressure plate is triggered, a loud click will be heard near the entry (as the anchor unlocks), but the floor will not tilt (as most of the weight will be on the safe side of the pivot).

If the floor swings, a Luck (Dex) save allows a PC to dig a dagger, axe spike or similar tool into the floor to slow their descent into the pit, avoiding falling damage. The floor swings through 90 degrees before locking in place (in a vertical wall position). The walls of the pit are perfectly smooth, similar to the floor (now a wall), making free climbing impossible.

PCs falling into the pit have a 50% chance of dropping whatever they are holding, including torches and lanterns. Torches have a 50% chance of extinguishing themselves and lanterns have a 50% chance of shattering, causing a small fire (no damage, simply a hazard). The floor has a small amount of give to it (it is weighted, see below).

After the PCs right themselves, a mechanical clicking can be heard (Perc (Det) check). Along the walls of the pit are a series of small 1 inch holes, approximately 2 ft from the ground. The round after the trap is triggered, oil gushes out of the holes, spraying over the legs of the characters and rising until the oil is 1 ft deep (takes 1 round

to reach this level). The start of the round after the oil is deployed, a chute opens in the ceiling (hidden by the etchings), and something can be heard tumbling down... by the end of that round, an unlit torch drops out (by luck or poor maintenance, the torch didn't light).

Exiting the pit without pitons is difficult. Grappling hooks thrown over the lip have nothing to drag on and fall back down. PCs can however stand on each other's shoulder to form a human tower. The oil covered floor makes this a slippery affair, but PCs may use the wall to steady themselves. A Dex (Acro) check at a -2 penalty is required for the first person climbing up. The second person must also make a check but requires a great success.

With a three person tower, the PC at the top is about 16 ft high, and can use an axe or other hooked implement to pull themselves out of the pit (Str check). The escapee can then throw a rope down to assist others to escape.

If the oil pool is somehow lit, it burns for 3d6 damage per round for 1d3 rounds (perhaps sentries arrive and throw torches down, or maybe a torch falls out of the ceiling each round, with a 50% chance of being lit).

Countermeasures¶

In some ways countermeasures aren't needed for this trap as the torch fails to light, sparing the party from roaring flames. Even if the torch did light however, a Dex check would allow a PC to catch it before it reaches the oil.

The floor will not unlock until the party exits the pit and the oil is burnt away (the floor detects the weight change); it then reorients itself horizontally and relocks. PCs can use spikes or implements to jam the anchor, avoid the pressure plate, or ensure there is more weight on the far (safe) side of the pivot at any one time (eg by crossing one at a time).

Variants¶

Variants include adding sentries who might set the oil on fire with flaming arrows or torches, swapping the oil for acid or a Black Pudding, or having spears shoot out of the holes in the walls (causing damage and leg injuries; entry 3 on the Injuries & Setbacks table).

(9) Whirlpool Of Reduction¶

Setup¶

This 15 ft tall, 40 ft diameter chamber, has a floor set 2 ft lower than the entry door. The entire recess is filled with approx 20 inches of relatively clear water. In the centre of the room, a black, 1 ft rune circle can be made out (magical trap clue). Spaced evenly around the walls are six bronze anthropomorphic statues depicting (i) rain, (ii) wind, (iii) frost, (iv) thunder, (v) lightning, and (vi) fog (weather trap clues).

Detect Magic reveals strong transmutation magic in the water, teleportation magic on the runes, and evocation magic on the idols.

Trap¶

This entire chamber is protected by ancient and unpredictable magic. Part 1 of the trap is activated when a PC enters the room, whereupon the water begins to flow in a gentle swirling action, rotating around the central black runes.

Part 2 of the trap is triggered when a PC crosses the halfway point of the room. At that time any adventurers in the water are shrunk to 12 inches tall, including all equipment (Luck (Con) save at a

-2 penalty resists). From this point, anyone entering the water while the trap is active must also save.

Whether or not any PCs fail their save, the whirlpool increases to fearsome speed. Shrunk victims are dragged around the chamber, fighting to avoid drowning as they are drawn into the centre. After 2d4 rounds the victim is sucked into the black runes and teleported to a dimension of the GM's choosing (no save).

Shrunk PCs are at the mercy of the whirlpool and cannot resist its pull. Normal size PCs may make a Str (Acro) check to maintain their balance and move up to 10 ft each round (on a great success, up to 15 ft).

Part 3 of the trap involves the six weather idols, which glow ice blue. At the beginning of each round after the whirlpool activates, roll 1d6 to invoke a random magical effect:

1. Rain: heavy rain makes it hard to see and hear (disad on related checks), and increases the speed of the whirlpool (reduce times to reach the centre by 1 round).

Adventurers of normal size may assist their shrunken comrades by trying to snatch them out of the raging whirlpool, throwing them ropes/extending poles or weapon hafts to cling to, or improvised rafts to climb aboard (an empty waterskin, for example). Any of these acts will generally require a Dex check great success to land the object near the target, and the shrunken PC will need to make a Str check to cling on/climb aboard (and further checks each round to maintain such).

If the precise location of a PC being dragged about by the whirlpool needs to be known during a round, roll 1d4:

1. (i) Right side, 2d10+10 ft from entry.
2. (ii) Left side, 2d10+10 ft from entry.
3. (iii) Close side, 2d10 ft from entry.
4. (iv) Far side, 2d10+20 ft from entry.

After 3d6 rounds, the magic is spent; the water returns to normal, the idols stop functioning, and shrunken characters return to their usual size. Shrunken PCs that had to fight the whirlpool for more than a few rounds suffer 1d2 Str loss due to exhaustion (Con check at -1 penalty negates).

Countermeasures¶

If the PCs are roped together when the trap springs, shrunken characters gain a Luck (Dex) save to cling to the rope before they drop into the whirlpool.

Weighted ropes (in the gusting winds) and long poles (or long handled weapons lashed together) might be offered to victims to fish them out. Water Breathing, Fly, Gaseous Form, Levitate. Artificer Breathing Mask. Bypass via a magical password or object (perhaps inscribed on a talisman carried by an enemy, or found as loot elsewhere).

Variants¶

Sand or mud instead of water. Adding monsters such as small carnivorous fish or serpents (treat as Giant Shark or Giant Serpent vs shrunken PCs).

(10) Transmutation Bridge¶

Setup¶

This trap involves a 40 ft long, 10 ft wide stone arch bridge, spanning a 50 ft deep chasm. The PCs enter from the south. On the western side of the chamber is a small alcove containing three goblets, each marked with arcane runes (magic clue). Two 5 ft obsidian falcon statues (guardian clue) stand at both ends of bridge (four in total). The falcons face outwards, but the bird closest to the alcove has its face turned to look directly at the cups (bypass clue). On the northern side of the bridge is the way onwards (door, hallway, etc).

Trap¶

The stone arch bridge is enchanted and supposed to transform intruders into small rodents, which are then eaten (or dropped into the ravine) by the falcon statues (which animate). The bridge's elder magic is unstable however, and the transformations highly unpredictable.

The three goblets are marked with identical wizard's runes (Detect Magic reveals transmutation auras). One cup is made of bronze, one of wood, and one of clay. Pouring some liquid into any of the goblets and drinking from them produces a magical effect, as follows:

1. Bronze Goblet: the drinker rolls on the transformation table below (no save).
2. Clay Goblet: the drinker is permanently immune to the trap's transformation effect (by cup, bridge or otherwise). Does not work if the drinker has already been transformed.
3. Wooden Goblet: the drinker is drained 1d2 levels until the end of the adventure (Luck (Will) save resists).

The goblets do not function if they are removed from the chamber. Inspection of the underside of the bridge reveals eldritch runes similar to the goblets (Perc (Det) check or by player description).

Anyone crossing the bridge is subject to a magical attack at about the half way point, transformed into something other than themselves (Luck (Con) save resists). The enchantment is unravelling however, roll 1d6 to determine each polymorph effect:

1. Transforms into the opposite sex.
2. Transforms into another race, roll 1d6: (i) Elf, (ii) Dwarf, (iii) Halfling, (iv) Goblin, (v) Skorn, (vi) Urgot.
3. Mind switches bodies with another random party member (including PCs, hirelings, etc; no save for the other party).
4. Mind is infused into an object the PC has, and it gains a semblance of movement (as Animate Object). The PC's real body becomes mindless and non-responsive, but may be physically guided by others to eat, sit down, move about, etc.
5. Transformed into a rat (1 hp, Dex 14, advantage on stealth checks).
6. Transformed into hybrid rat-man (as Polymorph and wererat).

A transformed PC retains their personality and wits; only their physical form changes. The polymorph lasts 2d6 hours, or until ended by a Cure Malady spell. Dispel Magic suspends the effect for 2d6 rounds.

Attempting to jump, fly, climb down the chasm or otherwise bypass the bridge to reach the other side of the room invokes the same magical attack. Damaging any of the falcon statues causes them to immediately animate and attack.

A transformed character crossing the bridge (only) causes the four falcon statues to animate and attack them (as Giant Eagles). On a Nat 19, the falcon drops the victim into the chasm. The original magic intended the falcon guardians to kill polymorphed rodents; they will face much tougher opposition in the PCs.

Falling into the chasm, either by being pushed off or dropped, causes 5d6 damage. Climbing out is possible, there are many rough handholds, but requires a Dex (Athletics) check each 15 ft (automatic with climbing gear).

Countermeasures¶

Drinking from the Clay Goblet is the bypass that allows safe passage; this information might be extracted from a resident enemy or gleaned from a journal, etc.

Placing nets, ropes or chains around the falcon statues effectively renders them harmless. Characters roped together might negate any chance of being knocked off the bridge (or at least halting any fall).

Variants¶

This trap may or may not be a serious threat to the party depending on their transformation rolls and whether the falcons are dealt with prior to crossing the bridge (if they use the bridge at all). Being transmuted into an object or rat however could have serious repercussions mid dungeon.

Adding more statues, swapping the falcons for gargoyles, adding lava or spikes at the bottom of the chasm, etc, will make the trap deadlier. Reducing the number of falcons, the depth of thepit, and removing the wooden goblet, will make things easier.

(11) Chronomancy Curse¶

Setup¶

This circular room has nine archways pointing in all directions. Apart from the arch the party entered through, the remainder are opaque, filled with a hazy, purple fog (obvious magic). The floor of the chamber is made of smooth, purple stone (red herring, or see below).

Trap¶

This round chamber is a false treasury, intended to punish tomb robbers. One of the archways leads onto the real treasury (or other location), the remainder contain minor treasure, false treasure, or a cursed item.

Only a living creature (together with their carry gear) may pass through the fog, emerging into a small alcove beyond, containing one or more treasures. Poking an item such as a weapon, pole or grapple rope through the fog doesn't work; the object simply rebounds from the mist.

Entering an archway reveals a 5 ft alcove and an item (roll 1d8, reroll repeats except #8):

1. 1d6 turquoise stones worth 7d10 gp each.
2. An electrum urn with stars & serpent motif worth 120 gp.
3. An intricate steel helm set with a small sapphire worth 1d4 x 100 gp.
4. A brass bracer with a hawk icon (5d10 gp). The bracer is enchanted, allowing the wearer to snatch arrows out of the air (Dex check). The bracer's magic is malfunctioning however; any successful catch automatically generates a Dark & Dangerous Magic check.
5. A pair of (false) "cold iron" gauntlets, ostensibly worth 1d6 x 400 gp (if carefully scrutinized, a great success Int check

reveals the truth: iron gauntlets worth 10 gp).

1. 1. An antique silver necklace studded with small peridots (1d4 x 100 gp).
2. 1. A fine cloak with golden filigree, depicting a colossal tree with great roots (1d3 x 100 gp).
3. 1. Two blades, one cold iron sword with a dragon motif, the other a silvered dagger with a curling guard. The blades are enchanted and cannot be removed from the alcove.

If a PC wants to touch either weapon, have them inform you secretly of which one, and respond in kind. Holding both weapons simultaneously does not trigger any effects.

Picking up the dragon sword automatically teleports the PC to the real treasure room or other chamber (without the sword). A Stone Golem or other guardian awaits.

Handling the dagger causes it to glow, and suspends the dragon sword's teleport effect for 1d3 rounds (after which the glow ends).

Whether the PC can return to alcove #8 is for the GM to determine (there might be a small circle of purple stone, like the archway chamber floor, that if stood upon teleports them back).

Handling the treasures from Areas 1 - 7 does not cause any issues until/if the PC carries them back through the fog. At that point, a curse is triggered (Luck (Will) save resists). The chronomancy curse is meant to age the target 200 years, rendering flesh to dust, but the magic has destabilised over long centuries. Roll 1d4 to determine the curse effect:

1. Reduced to 1d8+2 years of age, lasts 2d6 hours.
2. Increased to 2d10+80 years of age, lasts 2d6 hours.
3. Permanently aged 3d10 years, and suffers a serious madness.
4. Target's weapons (50%), armour (25%) or both (25%) age thousands of years, cracking, splitting or crumbling (effectively destroyed). Magical objects are damaged and unfit for use until repaired instead of destroyed.

Countermeasures¶

Knowing which archway is the true path is the bypass that allows safe passage, information

that might be extracted from a resident enemy, gleaned from a note, cryptic research clues, etc.

Detect Magic radiates transmutation magic from the fog, and abjuration magic from the items (except the serpent sword, which radiates teleportation magic). Dispel Magic on the archways or blades suspends their effects for 2d6 rounds.

Variants¶

Variants include adding lesser guardians that emerge from the archways the round after a PC returns with treasure. The archways might require adventurers to leave an item in place of the original item in order to pass back through the fog. Leaving an item of greater value than the original might avoid the chronomancy curse altogether.