59 lines
2.7 KiB
HTML
59 lines
2.7 KiB
HTML
<p>
|
||
The concept of a “dungeon” is a common trope in any type of RPG, tabletop and
|
||
digital alike. Generally, a dungeon is frequently — but not always! — a
|
||
labyrinthine environment, inhabited by hostile creatures... and often
|
||
concealing valuable treasures and powerful magical items, or acting as an evil
|
||
antagonist's lair.
|
||
</p>
|
||
<p>
|
||
In Fabula Ultima, the term “dungeon” is used to indicate a somewhat complex
|
||
location that is worthy of being explored. It could be an abandoned mill
|
||
turned into a brigand hideout, a witch’s castle, or a network of waterways
|
||
guarded by ancient golems.
|
||
</p>
|
||
<p>
|
||
Most of the time, the dungeon itself won’t be that important: why the heroes
|
||
are there and what can be found within it is what really matters. Other times,
|
||
a dungeon can be a powerful way to tell a story about those who inhabited it —
|
||
and maybe hint at some obscure truths or provide an answer to some of the game
|
||
world's mysteries.
|
||
</p>
|
||
<h2>EXPLORING DUNGEONS</h2>
|
||
<p>
|
||
Depending on the size and importance of the dungeon in question, the Game
|
||
Master may adopt any of the following methods:
|
||
</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>
|
||
<strong>Dungeon scenes.</strong> The exploration is run as a succession of
|
||
key moments rather than an inch-by-inch search of the dungeon. This works
|
||
best when the layout of the dungeon is mostly irrelevant and all that
|
||
matters is what lies in its depths. This approach is identical to default
|
||
gameplay: the heroes discuss their actions and describe what they do, the
|
||
Game Master describes what goes on around them, and Checks and conflicts
|
||
take place as normal.
|
||
</li>
|
||
<li>
|
||
<strong>Detailed exploration.</strong> The entire dungeon can be explored in
|
||
its every nook and cranny. This approach can be quite time-consuming and
|
||
should only be used if the structure and details of the place tell an
|
||
important story. For this method to work, the GM should carefully prepare
|
||
the layout of the dungeon beforehand — reserve it for locations that you're
|
||
sure the PCs will explore.
|
||
</li>
|
||
<li>
|
||
<strong>Interlude.</strong> The exploration is narrated as an interlude
|
||
scene, with maybe a single Group Check establishing whether the Player
|
||
Characters encounter any obstacles or dangers before they reach the depths
|
||
of the dungeon. Use this approach if you are short on time and if the
|
||
dungeon isn't particularly important — the typical occasion would be a minor
|
||
location discovered while traveling.
|
||
</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>
|
||
Additional advice on how the Game Master should prepare material for dungeons
|
||
can be found starting on <a href="/books/core/#page-258">page 258</a>.
|
||
</p>
|
||
<hr />
|
||
<p>DUNGEONS</p>
|