What is a “Dungeon”?

So, my wife and I were talking with some other gamers at our local game store, Tyche’s Games, as you do.  The people we were talked mentioned that their campaign did not not have dungeon and then described what their campaign did have . . . which sounded just like a dungeon just under another name.

Which lead to a discussion among my wife and I about what defines a dungeon.  I think I know what defines a dungeon, in the classic Dungeons & Dragons sense, to me and which I will elaborate on in a moment.  But what does the term dungeon mean to you?  What images does the word conjure?  Is there anything that you immediate think of, for good or ill?

New Monster – Rose Assassin

These creatures are created for a singular purpose, to kill, drawing upon fae magic and the ties of blood to create an animated plant that seeks to slay a particulat target.

A child-size being of vaguely humanoid form made of intertwined strands of thorny vines, its head a mass of flower petals.

Rose Assassin
Small fae plant, evil

Armor Class 16

New Monster – Star Cat

These creatures are philosophers and explorers, curious to learn about new people and worlds.  What they do with that information is unknown, however they are deadly enemies of the Lrueoc and seek to have them destroyed whenever they learn of them (though reluctant to confront them directly).

A proud lion-sized cat, its dark blue fur decorated with constellations.  It opens its mouth and says, through gleaming ivory teeth, “What are your thoughts on the immortality of the soul?”

Star Cat
Large monstrosity (from beyond), lawful

Armor Class 16

Tuesday Magic Item – Shield of Salynas

“While I feel it is right and proper to defend the smaller states against the predations of the larger,” said Voddick while donning armor, “I do wish the largers states would stop being so greedy.  I would be happy to never have to fight in another such battle.”

“Agreed my friend,” said Gollaon slipping arrows into a quiver.  “At least the defenders of this city-state have dug deep into their armories to make sure their defenders have the best weapons and armor they can provided.”

“The shield they gave their champion smacks of old magic,” nodded Voddick.

“I have high hopes that it will be helpful in the coming fight.”

Shield of Salynas

These shields are well made of practical designs and decorated with the heraldric symbol of the community they were made for.  No paint or magic can hide this symbol, it is always displayed.

Tuesday Magic Item – Naginata of Household Defense

“I am not sure if I should be pleased or concerned that the entire household is mobilizing for its defense,” said Gollaon.

“Pleased surely,” replied Voddick.  “It is nice to see people with a proper concept of how to keep their home safe.”

“I forget you come from a more militant land than I, my friend,” said Gollaon.  “But we had best help if we are to learn our pay.”

“Truth.”

Naginata of Household Defense

These polearms are beautifully made and carefully blessed and sanctified to the household, often decorated with designs lacing with meaning to to home.  Keeping the weapon properly cleaned and cared for is part of the rituals used to maintain its tie to the owner and their household.

Tuesday Magic Item – Teacher’s Hat

“How long has it been since you were last in a school room?” asked Voddick looking around.

“As a student?  Longer than I care to remember, my friend,” answered Gollaon in a voice tinged with nostalgia.

“Perhaps we should retire and teach a new generation . . . someday.”

“Yes, someday.  But not today and probably not soon.”

“Sadly truth.”

Teacher’s Hat

These hats come in a variety of styles but are always suited to an educator (teacher, tutor, usw) in the culture and are always made of excellent materials, occasionally even luxurious ones.

New Magic Item – Equinox Amulet

“We have never asked to be witnesses to a duel of magics before, I am not sure what is expected,” said Voddick quietly pausing the adjustment of the protective gear.

“I think we are primarily here in case something goes very, very wrong we are to keep crazed wizards or summoned demons from escaping the circle of combat,” replied Voddick, having just strung a longbow in preparation.

“That we can do.” Voddick slipped an axe into his belt loop.

“We have done such tasks before after all.”

Equinox Amulet

These amulets are made of a precise balance of black and white materials, evenly (and visibly evenly) divided.  They always seem at a perfectly neutral temperature, never hot nor cold.

Tuesday Magic Item – Mind Robbing Blade

Voddick adjusted his grip on the throwing axe.  “What is this person seeking, randomly stabbing people and then fleeing.”

“It is not random,” said Gollaon while running their fingertips along the hilts of the throwing daggers hanging from their belt.

“How do you mean?”

“They are following a chain from what to what, I am not sure,” said Gollaon.  “But each of the victims knows each other, sometimes in a tangential fashion.  But the knife-person is seeking something . . . or someone.”

“Perhaps we can ask them . . .”

Mind Robbing Blade

This dagger is made of fine steel, the blacked hilt is decorated with twisting faces that change from time to time.  Even just holding the dagger, one hears distant whispers, but nothing that can be clearly distinguished.

Tuesday Magic Item – Vasizek’s Painting Kit

Voddick tilted his head and studied the painting.  “Not my usual style but it conveys itself well.”

Gollaon nodded.  “It is unusual, more . .  capturing the idea of the thing than the actual thing itself.  Very intriguing.”

“Its it nicely essential is it not,” agreed Voddick.  “If we had a fixed abode, I would be tempted to purchase it.”

“But, alas, we are but wanderers with out a home, venturing upon . . .”

“No need to wax poetic, I know all too well what our lifestyle entails.”

Vasizek’s Painting Kit

This well made wooden painting kit contains brushes, pots, a palette, small knifes, several pestles, and various other items for mixing paints and then using them.  The magic of the case keeps the materials from spoiling, drying or otherwise becoming unusable, it also cleans the brushes when the user is done with them, and for those reason alone will be prized by any painter.

Tuesday Magic Item – Ashinole’s Diplomatic Cape

“Now that is a dashing outfit,” said Gollaon with a touch of jealousy.

“They are an ambassador and can afford it,” said Voddick.

“We could become ambassadors!”

“Who would let us represent their nation?”

“Fair point.”

Ashinole’s Diplomatic Cape

This cape is made from the highest quality of materials and so many of them, leather and silk, waxed cotton and lined, sometime even fur trim as it is able to adapt to changing fashions and cuts as needed.