e

fil
e
pl
Peace, crawler.
It's your old friend Gentle.
Funny us meeting down here again, eh? And you, lost again, no
m

less!? Not to worry, ol'Gentle will help you find the way.

Just in case we get seperated, I made sure to write everything

down this time. What you hold in your hands is my guide for
Sa

making a fun dungeon in Shadowdark RPG. If you've ever

looked at another random dungeon generator, it WASN'T like
this one.

Hold that torch high crawler, and let's see what we can find.
Just follow me down these steps...

1
 e
fil
e
pl
Peace, crawler.
It's your old friend Gentle.
Funny us meeting down here again, eh? And you, lost again, no
m

less!? Not to worry, ol'Gentle will help you find the way.

Just in case we get seperated, I made sure to write everything

down this time. What you hold in your hands is my guide for
Sa

making a fun dungeon in Shadowdark RPG. If you've ever

looked at another random dungeon generator, it WASN'T like
this one.

Hold that torch high crawler, and let's see what we can find.
Just follow me down these steps...

1
 Table of Contents
XXGame Design First.............................................4
XXDungeon Concept..............................................5

e
XXDungeon History................................................5
XXDungeon Purpose..............................................6

fil
XXDungeon Ruin....................................................8
XXPresent Purpose................................................9
XXPull It Together.................................................9

e
XXDungeon Factions.............................................10
XXNumber of Factions..........................................10
pl
XXFaction Goal........................................................10
XXFaction Obstacle................................................11
m

XXFaction Impulses...............................................12
XXFaction Composition.........................................18
Sa

XXPull It Together.................................................18
XXDungeon Exterior ............................................19
XXEnvironment......................................................19
XXPath......................................................................20
XXLandmark............................................................22
2
 XXSecondary Entrance.........................................22
XXAntechamber......................................................24
XXDungeon Interior..............................................25
XXDraw a Diagram.................................................25

e
XXPopulate Loops .................................................28
XXPopulate Experiences .....................................30

fil
XXPopulate Encounters........................................40
XXClues.....................................................................46
XXRoom Design.......................................................48
e
XXDraw your Dungeon..........................................51
XXGenerators..........................................................53
pl
XXLock & Key Generator .....................................54
XXPuzzle Generator...............................................56
m

XXTrap Generator .................................................58

XXSecret Door Generator ....................................61
XXHazard Generator..............................................64
Sa

XXFallen Shrine of Strength..............................66

XXCredits.................................................................69

3
 XXGame Design First
Gentle’s method puts solid game design first. There are design
patterns we can use to make sure our dungeon is fun to run and play.

Challenge. Dungeons
are primarily challenge

e
environments meant to test
player skill and a bit of luck.
We’ll design dungeons that do

fil
just that!

Give Players Agency.

We’ll be deliberate with
the information we provide
players. This allows players

world and overcome our

obstacle course. We’ll
e
to engage with the fictional
pl
deliberately stock our
dungeon with tells, clues and
factions.

Let Players Use Tools. Shadowdark has specific classes, spells and magic items
m

that we can think of as tools. We want players to use their character’s tools and
play out their class fantasy. Something has gone horribly wrong if the thief goes
home without picking a lock or the fighter without using grit.
Sa

Build Experiences. Good dungeon crawls have specific key experiences. We’ll
specifically design rooms to evoke those ideas.

XXRolling Dice
This guide contains f, ff, or fff tables. Throw the mentioned number of
d6 dice and assign one dice to each digit. For example, rolling on a fff table
means rolling three d6 dice. A roll of ecb would mean you look at entry 532.
4
 XXDungeon Concept
We first build a fiction for the dungeon. You’ll create several pieces and combine
them all together to get a solid background.

XXDungeon History

e
We have to build a mythology around the dungeon. We’ll start by rolling on the
Dungeon History table to decide what happened to this dungeon in the past.

fil
Dungeon History

f Dungeon History
1 Occupied by the original builders, the dungeon was used for its purpose.
2 Occupied by invaders, the dungeon is used for its purpose.
3-4
5-6
e
Occupied by invaders, the dungeon is used for another purpose.
Occupied and abandoned several times.
pl
m
Sa

5
 XXDungeon Purpose
Why was this place built? Roll the Dungeon Purpose table TWICE to set the
modifier and type.

Dungeon Purpose

e
fff Modifier Type fff Modifier Type fff Modifier Type
111 Rebel’s Mine 212 Spider Guild HQ 313 Cult Temple
112 Verdant Ruins 213 Celestial Aerie 314 Phoenix Hideout
113 Hanging Castle 214 Necro Village 315 Bandit Spire

fil
114 Sunken Shipwreck 215 Wizard Crypt 316 Minotaur Shire
115 Crystal Caverns 216 Abyssal Wasteland 321 Arch mage Sanctuary
116 Magic Forest 221 Witch Tower 322 Corpse Graveyard
121 Volcanic Masoleum 222 Defiled Chasm 323 Weird Sepulcher
122 Maze Sewers 223 Ancient Refuge 324 Eldritch Brothel
123 Lovers Pyramid 224 Thunder Stilt Village 325 Element Dungeon
124 Emperors Nexus 225 Amnesic Tomb 326 Ogre Asylum
125
126
131
132
Haunted
Lichs
Derelict
Collapsed
Battlefield
Workshop
Tree
Oasis
e226
231
232
233
Vast
Mirrored
Savage
Sphinx
Factory
Menagerie
Library
Seraglio
331
332
333
334
Hidden
Demonic
Eternal
Giant
Island
Great Wall
Feast Hall
Shrine
pl
133 Icy Fortress 234 Queen Palace 335 Clock work Portal
134 Opulent Monastery 235 Slime Trenches 336 Terrible Hell
135 Colossal Necropolis 236 Magical Grove 341 Infested Underworld
136 Misty District 241 Carven Gardens 342 Mouldy Mansion
141 Wild Moor 242 Chronic Keep 343 Heretic Hideaway
142 Cave Bridge 243 Sacred Statue 344 Death Reservoir
m

143 Lair Glades 244 Gilded Woad 345 Siren Domain

144 Dragon Cave 245 Vampire Petra 346 Mummy Grotto
145 Troll Undercity 246 Coastal Market 351 Golem Cove
146 Goblin War Camp 251 Were Zoo 352 Charnel Foundry
151 Drow Academy 252 Murder Nest 353 Hallowed Oubliette
152 Dwarven Cairn 253 Monster Maze 354 Royal Ossuary
Sa

153 Elven City 254 Cosmic Forge 355 Endless Barracks

154 Halfling Prison 255 Fiery Lighthouse 356 Faerie Courtyard
155 Mountain Barrow 256 Abandon Arena 361 Griffon Pits
156 Floating Redoubt 261 Weak Cliff 362 Puppet Court
161 Arcane Monastery 262 Harpy Colony 363 Eldritch Roost
162 Druidic Plane 263 Elder Fane 364 Moonlit Theatre
163 Lost Waterfall 264 Cursed Mausoleum 365 Stormy Lair
164 Woad Catacomb 265 Astral Airship 366 Basilisk State
165 Bloody Wilds 266 Nomadic Camp 411 Memnon Painted World
166 Sea Citadel 311 Under Lab 412 Shune Huts
211 Ethereal Tavern 312 Spore Alchemist 413 Primal River

6
 fff Modifier Type fff Modifier Type fff Modifier Type
414 Hag Hoard 512 Divine Ziggurat 612 Duergar Bulwarks
415 Kraken Vault 513 Feast Hive 613 Resolute Maw
416 Medusa Abyss 514 Endless Bastion 614 Fetid Hellgate
421 Naga Warren 515 Wind Circus 615 Harrowed Riddle
422 Monster Web 516 Outsider Monolith 616 Wyvern Perch
423 Rakshasa Bazaar 521 Plague Edifice 621 Amber Hospital
424 Rat Chateau 522 Frozen Throne 622 Flooded Ghost Ship
425 Siren Manse 523 Fungal Gauntlet 623 Sultan’s Gallery

e
426 Ten-Eyed Chambers 524 Animated Trial 624 Iron Farm
Oracle 525 Gorgon Warcamp 625 Chaos Teahouse
431 Merchant Cathedral 526 Legion Hotel 626 Glass Underpass
432 Viperian Abbattoir

fil
531 Torment Archives 631 Gede Last Stand
433 Priest Slum 532 Knight Gate 632 Orc Sanctum
434 Under Reserve 533 Ominous Reach 633 Ooze Enclave
world
534 Immortal Watch 634 Earthen Conclave
435 Echoing Retreat 535 Black Quarry 635 Shadow Hills
436 War-torn Headquarters 536 Sanguine Cavern 636 Vampire Hollow
441 Dreamy Den 541 Velvet Glacier 641 Crumble Tunnel
442 Spider Watchtower 542 Candle Ramparts 642 Collapsed Dugout
443
444
445
446
Djinni
Shadowy
Angelic
Magician
Party

Realm
Corridors
e
Burial Ground
543
544
545
546
Stone
Wererat
Buried
Grinning
Network
Canals
Halls
Labyrinth
643
644
645
646
Damned
Windy
Saint
Ancestor
Subterrane
Chantry
Cemetary
Reliquary
pl
451 Assassin Staircases 551 Blind Burrows 651 Unearth Grave
452 Planar Hunting 552 Magma Descent 652 Rising Mound
Grounds 553 Seaside Delve 653 Agony Museum
453 Mind Rift 554 Shifting Tower 654 Ravaged Tribunal
454 Rogue Trash Heap 555 Betrayer Row 655 Horrified Chancery
455 Pirate Alcazar 556 Skyward Hold 656 Absurd Consulate
m

456 Dinosaur Gorge 561 Onyx Chapel 661 Vital Colosseum

461 Mystery Pass 562 Other Ravine 662 Runic Basilica
462 Treetop Peak world 663 Greedy Palazzo
463 Mimic Valley 563 Dark Home 664 Sorrowful Arcology
464 Snowy Caves 564 Guardian Works 665 Devious Villa
465 Necrotic Deeps 565 Insect Dimension
Sa

666 Cackling Void

466 Forsaken Pools 566 Faceless Belfry
511 Wailing Creature 611 Fiendish Market

7
 XXDungeon Ruin
Most dungeons are ruined
ancient edifices. What caused
the dungeon to fall to ruin?
Roll on the Dungeon Ruin
table to determine.

e
If your dungeon isn’t in ruins,
or you decide later that it

fil
shouldn’t be ruined, disregard
this result.

Dungeon Ruin e
pl
ff Cause of Fall
11-14 Invasion. An enemy destroyed the dungeon.

15-22 Civil War. Internal strife destroyed the dungeon.

m

23-26 Poverty. The creators became too poor, and the dungeon fell to ruin.

31-34 Famine. Lack killed the creators, and the dungeon fell to ruin.

35-42 Disease. The disease killed the creators; the dungeon fell to ruin.
Sa

43-46 Natural Disaster. Some natural disasters destroyed the dungeon: hurricanes,
floods, and earthquakes.
51-54 Hedonism. The creators devolved from some vice: drugs, slavery, or pleasure. The
dungeon fell into disrepair.
55-62 Magic. The dungeon was destroyed by magic.

63-66 Powerful Monster. A powerful monster destroyed the dungeon.

8
 XXPresent Purpose
What is the dungeon currently used for? Roll on the Present Purpose table.

Present Purpose

f Purpose

e
1 Stronghold. Fortified and held fast.

2 Worship. They were used for religious reasons.

fil
3 Enclave. This is a place of magic research or experimentation.

4 Industry. They are used to produce something.

5 Redoubt. Occupants live here and try to avoid notice or don’t care to

6
leave.
e
Cursed. This place has fallen under a fell curse, and those that live here
have no choice but to stay, and suffer.
pl
XXPull It Together
m

Review the results and write a short paragraph describing the dungeon’s history.
Think about the present purpose going forward into the next section.

In my example, I rolled the dungeon, which was occupied and

Sa

abandoned several times. Its rolled name is Cosmic Home. Finally,

it was destroyed by magic and is currently used for worship. It
immediately makes me think of a space-dwelling race (cosmic) whose
home (perhaps a ship) was destroyed by magic. The crashed vessel
was abandoned and occupied many times and is now used by someone
for religious purposes. I’m sure you could think of your interpretation,
like the cosmic home being a dead god’s demiplane instead!

9
 XXDungeon Factions
Dungeons are filled with denizens, categorized into factions. We don’t know the
nature of the factions yet. They could be a single powerful creature, a group of
monsters that don’t hunt each other, or an organized group. A good faction is one
that players can interact with meaningfully. Great factions are naturally at odds
with each other.

e
Faction Goal
XXNumber of Factions ff Faction Goal

fil
Create 1d3 factions. If you make a large 11-14 Domain. They are trying
dungeon, add 1d4 more factions. to consolidate power either
in the dungeon or amongst
A megadungeon contains 2d6+1 factions. themselves.
15-23 Occult. They are seeking
occult power.

XXFaction Goal e 24-31 Excess. They want to enrich

themselves with gold, food,
pleasure, etc.
pl
Goals guide you in what motivates a 32-35 Survival. They are trying
faction into action. Roll on the Faction to survive – either their
Goal table. resources or safety is
threatened.
36-43 Aspiration. They are trying to
m

achieve something significant

for their society.
44-51 Destruction. They seek
to destroy something or
Sa

someone.
52-55 Evolution. They seek to
evolve or change themselves
to a superior state.
56-63 Creation. They try to create
new things and build.
64-66 Freedom. They seek to escape
from servitude or oppression.

10
 XXFaction Obstacle
Something must stand in the faction’s way of accomplishing their goal. A goal and
obstacle together create content players can interact with. Roll on the Faction
Obstacle table to determine its nature.

Faction Obstacle

e
f Faction Obstacle
1 Fear. The faction or its leader fears committing to the goal and needs

fil
encouragement or assistance.
2 Inept. The faction or its leader are inept and don’t know how or aren’t
able to achieve their goal. Support, removal of obstacles, or leadership
change are needed.
3 Infighting. The faction is divided on achieving their goal and bicker
amongst themselves. Some decisive sign to act needs to appear, or the

4
e
dissenter needs to be removed.
Opposed. Another faction actively impeds this one from achieving its
goal.
pl
5 Norms. Some existential reason stops the faction from achieving its goal:
breaking religious taboos, laws, or moral codes.
6 Casualties. A sickness, lack of supplies or ongoing conflict have made the
faction too weak to pursue their goal/
m
Sa

11
 XXFaction Impulses
Impulses guide your roleplaying of the faction, giving creatures a general impulse
for their behaviour and reactions. Select one of the Faction Impulse tables
randomly, or choose one to roll on. Impulses are categorized by their positive,
neutral, or negative nature.

e
Faction Impulse: Positive
fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse
111 Capable 211 Reflective 211 Masculine 311 Gentility

fil
112 Genuine 212 Neat 212 Honest 312 Epitome
113 Selfless 213 Confident 213 Insouciant 313 Exultant
114 Enthusiastic 214 Observant 214 Principled 314 Bohemian
115 Sage 215 Steady 215 Resourceful 315 Prescient
116 Upright 216 Moderate 216 Teacherly 316 Governed
121 Dedicated 221 Kind 221 Self-reliant 321 Consultative
122 Extraordinary 222 Independent 222 Methodical 322 Repudiative
123 Precise 223 Responsive 223 Patriotic 323 Laureate
124
125
126
Prudent
Stoic
Sporting
224
225
226
e Patient
Flexible
Amiable
224
225
226
Benevolent
Wise
Original
324
325
326
Mindful
Neat
Hospitable
pl
131 Cheerful 231 Insightful 231 Well-read 331 Benign
132 Unfoolable 232 Inoffensive 232 Creative 332 Noble
133 Optimistic 233 Objective 233 Sentimental 333 Fastidious
134 Modest 234 Farsighted 234 Courageous 334 Lovable
135 Spontaneous 235 Trusting 235 Ebullient 335 Hardworking
136 Challenging 236 Imaginative 236 Practical 336 Sober
m

141 Tolerant 241 Self-critical 241 Dramatic 341 Sweet

142 Athletic 242 Generous 242 Sensitive 342 Healthy
143 Self-defacing 243 Venturesome 243 Esthetic 343 Subtle
144 Articulate 244 Mature 244 Self-sufficient 344 Helpful
145 Casual 245 Innovative 245 Studious 345 Relaxed
146 Many-sided 246 Orderly 246 Witty 346 Efficient
Sa

151 Realistic 251 Chummy 251 Incorruptible 351 Aspiring

152 Debonair 252 Attractive 252 Suave 352 Systematic
153 Meticulous 253 Purposeful 253 Solid 353 Leisurely
154 Forgiving 254 Cultured 254 Scholarly 354 Good-natured
155 Tidy 255 Skillful 255 Incisive 355 Considerate
156 Directed 256 Profound 256 Individualistic 356 Idealistic
161 Clear-headed 261 Curious 261 Polite 361 Daring
162 Exciting 262 Elegant 262 Unwavering 362 Invulnerable
163 Deep 263 Honourable 263 Deductive 363 Gentle
164 Captivating 264 Humorous 264 Glorious 364 Polished
165 Scrupulous 265 Clean 265 Marvellous 365 Self-denying
166 Perfectionist 266 Allocentric 266 Coolheaded 366 Loyal

12
 e
fil
fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse fff Positive Impulse
411
412
413
414
Conciliatory
Well-rounded
Freethinking
Logical
454
455
456
461
e Painstaking
Strong
Seraphic
Earnest
541
542
543
544
Respectful
Uncomplaining
Disciplined
Multi-levelled
624
625
626
631
Impressive
Sympathetic
Sane
Understanding
pl
415 Intelligent 462 Sexy 545 Popular 632 Eloquent
416 Secure 463 Passionate 546 Compassionate 633 Perceptive
421 Rational 464 Ambitious 551 Magnanimous 634 Cerebral
422 Playful 465 Educated 552 Sociable 635 Romantic
423 Forecful 466 Undogmatic 553 Colourful 636 Decent
424 Protean 511 Humble 554 Organized 641 Warm
m

425 Well-bred 512 Reliable 555 Sharing 642 Lyrical

426 Responsible 513 Open 556 Conscientious 643 Leaderly
431 Shrewd 514 Playful 561 Steadfast 644 Energetic
432 Sophisticated 515 Nonauthoritarian 562 Charming 645 Gallant
433 Protective 516 Gracious 563 Brilliant 646 Vivacious
Sa

434 Tractable 521 Persuasive 564 Anticipative 651 Punctual

435 Felicific 522 Contemplative 565 Intuitive 652 Dynamic
436 Dutiful 523 Heroic 566 Firm 653 Cooperative
441 Youthful 524 Courteous 611 Decisive 654 Hearty
442 Friendly 525 Balanced 612 Fun-loving 655 Faithful
443 High-minded 526 Reverential 613 Appreciative 656 Knowledge
444 Providential 531 Focused 614 Simple 661 Tasteful
445 Dignified 532 Companionly 615 Charismatic 662 Personable
446 Calm 533 Winning 616 Constant 663 Rustic
451 Thorough 534 Discreet 621 Stable 664 Peaceful
452 Forthright 535 Caring 622 Empathetic 665 Clever
453 Fair 536 Urbane 623 Liberal 666 Serious

13
 Faction Impulse: Neutral

fff Neutral Impulse fff Neutral Impulse fff Neutral Impulse

111 Absentminded 222 Huried 233 Smooth
112 Aggressive 223 Hypnotic 234 Soft
113 Ambitious 224 Iconoclastic 235 Solemn
114 Amusing 225 Idiosyncratic 236 Solitary
115 Artful 226 Impassive 241 Stern

e
116 Ascetic 231 Impersonal 242 Unpredictable
121 Authoritarian 232 Impressionable 243 Strict
122 Big-thinking 233 Intense 244 Stubborn

fil
123 Whimsical 234 Invisible 245 Stylish
124 Breezy 235 Irreligious 246 Subjective
125 Businesslike 236 Irreverent 251 Surprising
126 Busy 241 Maternal 252 Soft
131 Casual 242 Mellow 253 Tough
132 Cerebral 243 Modern 254 Unaggressive
133 Chummy 244 Moralistic 255 Unambitious
134 Circumspect 245 Mystical 256 Unceremonious
135
136
141
Competitive
Complex
Confidential
e
246
251
252
Neutral
Noncommittal
Noncompetitive
261
262
263
Unchanging
Undemanding
Unfathomable
pl
142 Conservative 253 Obedient 264 Unhurried
143 Contradictory 254 Old-fashioned 265 Uninhibited
144 Crisp 255 Ordinary 266 Unpatriotic
145 Cute 256 Outspoken 311 Hairsplitting
146 Deceptive 261 Paternalistic 312 Attestant
151 Determined 262 Unsentimental 313 Idealized
m

152 Dominating 263 Placid 314 Commandable

153 Dreamy 264 Political 315 Grinchly
154 Driving 265 Predictable 316 Disingenuous
155 Droll 266 Preoccupied 321 Outpaced
156 Dry 211 Private 322 Logographic
161 Earthy 212 Progressive 323 Hellenic
Sa

162 Effeminate 213 Proud 324 Weepy

163 Emotional 214 Pure 325 Unwashen
164 Enigmatic 215 Questioning 326 Grazier
165 Experimental 216 Quiet 331 Stolid
166 Familial 221 Religious 332 Endless
211 Folksy 222 Reserved 333 Unexcelling
212 Formal 223 Restrained 334 Uncandid
213 Freewheeling 224 Retiring 335 Acquiescent
214 Frugal 225 Sarcastic 336 Textureless
215 Glamorous 226 Self-conscious 341 Susceptible
216 Guileless 231 Sensual 342 Repurposing
221 High-spirited 232 Skeptical 343 Ferreting

14
 fff Neutral Impulse fff Neutral Impulse fff Neutral Impulse
344 Theatrical 454 Benign 563 Toxic
345 Recording 455 Seductive 564 Swarthy
346 Marred 456 Subvertible 565 Menacing
351 Fascinated 461 Rigorous 566 Extravagant
352 Deferential d666 Neutral Impulse 611 Unassuming

e
353 Goitered 462 Clipt 612 Obvious
354 Bungling 463 Overanimated 613 Conspiratorial
355 Rallying 464 Incognito 614 Loquacious

fil
356 Analytical 465 Unmoored 615 Queer
361 Spewy 466 Persnickety 616 Vivacious
362 Reconditioned 511 Capricious 621 Combative
d666 Neutral Impulse 512 Unsteady 622 Garrulous
363 Needful 513 Volatile 623 Astute
364 Exposed 514 Constant 624 Auspicious
365 Anarchic 515 Unshakeable 625 Affluent
366 Sentinel 516 Lax 626 Ambivalent
411
412
413
Overwhelmed
Underwhelmed
Inextensible
e
521
522
523
Judicious
Half-witted
Gung ho
631
632
633
Beguiling
Obsequious
Misanthropic
pl
414 Misaligned 524 Foolhardy 634 Unhinged
415 Reproachful 525 Laudible 635 Convoluted
416 Jeered 526 Invalid 636 Counterintuitive
421 Cantonal 531 Disapproving 641 Intuitive
422 Servant 532 Disgruntled 642 Kindhearted
423 Quitting 533 Celibate 643 Aspirational
m

424 Polytheistic 534 Choosey 644 Deluded

425 Remorseful 535 Breaved 645 Glib
426 Introverted 536 Zen 646 Flighty
431 Stimulating 541 Wistful 651 Comedic
432 Harebrained 542 Wordly 652 Flustered
433 Thyestean 543 Wronged 653 Shellshocked
Sa

434 Leasable 544 Vicious 654 Numb

435 Toadyish 545 Vociferous 655 Destructive
436 Tumultuous 546 Brazen d666 Neutral Impulse
441 Wheedling 551 Subdued 656 Convivial
442 Unmodest 552 Coveting 661 Antisocial
443 Bothersome 553 Brooding 662 Gregarious
444 Salacious 554 Unreasonable 663 Infantile
445 Prescriptive 555 Peculiar 664 Inspirational
446 Distorting 556 Indistinct 665 Savage
451 Overreaching d666 Neutral Impulse 666 Ruthless
452 Crummy 561 Instigative
453 Placating 562 Wolfish

15
 Faction Impulse: Negative

fff Negative Impulse fff Negative Impulse fff Negative Impulse

111 Fiery 222 Abrasive 233 Fanatical
112 False 223 Anxious 234 Complacent
113 Conceited 224 Foolish 235 Greedy
114 Miserable 225 Pompous 236 Pretentious
115 Uncreative 226 Flamboyant 241 Unctuous

e
116 Frightening 231 Petty 242 Excitable
121 Enervated 232 Arbitrary 243 Extravagant
122 Bewildered 233 Slow 244 Tense

fil
123 Venomous 234 Stiff 245 Neglectful
124 Shortsighted 235 Gloomy 246 Pharisaical
125 Mawkish 236 Disconcerting 251 Pedantic
126 Fanciful 241 Treacherous 252 Insecure
131 Aimless 242 Perverse 253 Thievish
132 Airy 243 Superstitious 254 Thoughtless
133 Difficult 244 Morbid 255 Egocentric
134 Intolerant 245 Overimaginative 256 Inconsiderate
135
136
141
142
High-handed
Shy
Libidinous
Disrespectful
e
246
251
252
253
Prim
Timid
Fatalistic
Uncaring
261
262
263
264
Unrealistic
Fawning
Angry
Cowardly
pl
143 Phlegmatic 254 Miserly 265 Grim
144 Oppressed 255 Fixed 266 Strong-willed
145 Hidebound 256 Obnoxious 311 Secretive
146 Impatient 261 Assertive 312 Presumptuous
151 Nihilistic 262 Obvious 313 Submissive
m

152 Obsessive 263 Provocative 314 Disorganized

153 Indecisive 264 Regretful 315 Lazy
154 Arrogant 265 Faithless 316 Clumsy
155 Uncooperative 266 Brittle 321 Dull
156 Careless 211 Outrageous 322 Brutal
161 Messy 212 Unstable 323 Rigid
Sa

162 Unfriendly 213 Moody 324 Mechanical

163 Fearful 214 Paranoid 325 Devious
164 Cynical 215 Deceitful 326 Discourteous
165 Envious 216 Superficial 331 Shallow
166 Self-indulgent 221 Misguided 332 Irritable
211 Plodding 222 Uncharitable 333 Reactive
212 Dirty 223 Unhealthy 334 Decadent
213 Possessive 224 Cruel 335 Weak-willed
214 Blunt 225 Gullible 336 Prejudiced
215 Melancholic 226 Troublesome 341 Haughty
216 Undisciplined 231 Fraudulent 342 Ungrateful
221 Impractical 232 Unreliable 343 Dogmatic

16
 fff Negative Impulse fff Negative Impulse fff Negative Impulse
344 Ridiculous 454 Calculating 563 Disputatious
345 Complaintive 455 Unimaginative 564 Demanding
346 Incurious 456 Desperate 565 Muddle-headed
351 Coarse 461 Vindictive 566 Hesitant
352 Escapist d666 Negative Traits 611 Insulting

e
353 Abrupt 462 Malicious 612 Frivolous
354 Childish 463 Vulnerable 613 Ignorant
355 Sadistic 464 Weak 614 Vacuous

fil
356 Mannered 465 Irresponsible 615 Opinionated
361 Naive 466 Discontented 616 Suspicious
362 Uncritical 511 Inhibited 621 Disobedient
d666 Negative Traits 512 Impulsive 622 Meddlesome
363 Conformist 513 Distractible 623 Hateful
364 Unappreciative 514 Profligate 624 Hedonistic
365 Imprudent 515 Silly 625 Repentant
366 Boisterous 516 Disruptive 626 Insincere
411
412
413
414
Argumentative
Fickle
Grand
Bizarre
e
521
522
523
524
Callous
Barbaric
Venal
Crude
631
632
633
634
Expedient
Sedentary
Opportunistic
Passive
pl
415 Neurotic 525 Compulsive 635 Sly
416 Ruined 526 Crass 636 Single-minded
421 Dissolute 531 Resentful 641 Sanctimonious
422 Rowdy 532 Odd 642 Crazy
423 Dishonest 533 Sloppy 643 Hostile
m

424 Vague 534 Critical 644 Tasteless

425 Disturbing 535 Selfish 645 Monstrous
426 Dependent 536 Narrow-minded 646 Unprincipled
431 Power-hungry 541 Confused 651 One-dimensional
432 Mistaken 542 Willful 652 Dissonant
433 Domineering 543 Procrastinating 653 Wishful
Sa

434 Contemptible 544 Tactless 654 Narcissistic

435 Apathetic 545 Ritualistic 655 Imitative
436 Irrational 546 Regimental d666 Negative Traits
441 Asocial 551 Graceless 656 Crafty
442 Mealymouthed 552 Scheming 661 Disloyal
443 Scornful 553 Forgetful 662 Transparent
444 Criminal 554 Cold 663 Insensitive
445 Indulgent 555 Destructive 664 Erratic
446 Repressed 556 Astigmatic 665 Amoral
451 Stupid d666 Negative Traits 666 Cautious
452 Predatory 561 Aloof
453 Extreme 562 Loquacious

17
 XXFaction Composition
Roll to determine the members of the
faction on the Faction Population table
and Faction Creature Type table.

Faction Population

e
f Faction Population
1 Small but tight-knit.

fil
2-3 Numerous but unorganized.
4-5 Numerous power structure.
6 A single, powerful monster.
XXPull It Together
Faction Creature Type
Combine goal, obstacle, trait,
ff
11
12
Type
Beastial
Insectoid
ff
35
36
e Type
Angelic
Magical Being
population and creature type
and write a short paragraph
summarizing the faction. As you
pl
13 Amphibian 41 Vermin generate factions, think about how
14 Goblinoid 42 Shapechanger their goals and impulses put them
15 Humanoid 43 Fey in conflict. A good set of factions is
16 Reptilian 44 Immortal a powder keg, waiting for players
m

21 Undead 45 Draconic to come along and light things up.

22 Spectral 46 Homunculus
23 Crystalline 51 Elven
24 Stonehewn 52 Dwarven
25 Plant 53 Halfling
Sa

26 Ooze 54 Orcish
31 Demonic 55 Goblin
32 Devilish 56 Gnomish
33 Outsider 61- Human
66
34 Monstrosity

18
 XXDungeon Exterior1
Most dungeons have an exterior – a
separation between the regular world
and the mythic Shadowdark.

XXEnvironment

e
Roll on the Environment table to
determine where the dungeon is

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located. The environment should be
separate from the dungeon.

Environment

ff Environment ff Environment
11
12
13
Ruined city
Sewer
Farm/Orchard
52
53
54
e Volcano caldera
Deep underground
Bottom of sinkhole
pl
14 Graveyard 55 Floating on sea
15 Ruined castle 56 On a cloud
16 Temple 61 A pocket dimension
21 Chasm 62 Wasteland
22 Cliff face 63 On/inside a giant
23 Desert creature
m

24 Forest 64 Steppe
25 Glacier 65 Inside a book
26 Gorge 66 Re-roll twice and
31 Jungle combine.
32 Mountain pass
33 Swamp
Sa

34 Mesa
35 Caves
36 Sea cave
41 Mountain peak
42 Island
43 Underwater
44 Treetop
45 Behind waterfall
46 Archeological dig
site

1 Theory of Place by Joris Dormans

19
 e
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XXPath e
pl
A well-defined path to the dungeon. Roll on the Path Type table to determine the
path leading to the dungeon.

Path Type
m

f Path Type
1 Patrolled. Controlled by a faction, there is a chance of random encounters.

2 Hazard. Unstable or dangerous: rope bridge, precarious trail, crumbling stairs. (we’ll
roll for Hazards later).
Sa

3 Clear. Allows for a good look at the dungeon.

4 Clue. A spot along the path provides a clue to the dungeon ahead. (we’ll roll for clues
later).
5 Key. A spot along the path provides a key to the dungeon ahead. (we’ll roll for keys
later).
6 Boon. A spot along the path provides treasure or a boon.

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 XXPatrolled

Some creature patrols the path. Roll on

the Patrol table to determine who.

Patrol

Path Patrol

e
f
1 Powerful monster patrols its path as its hunting ground.
2 Local monsters/wildlife/bandits unrelated to dungeon factions patrol the path as

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their hunting ground. May exact toll, exploit party, or attack.
3-4 The dungeon faction patrols the path as their domain. Likely the dominant faction or
one subservient to them. Roll or choose who. May exact toll, exploit party, or attack.
5-6 Local civil authority patrolled to keep monsters contained or prevent looters from
raiding dungeons. May exact toll, exploit party, or try to avoid them from accessing
dungeon.

XXHazard
e
Add a Hazard here. Roll on the Hazard
XXKey

Note that you need a key here (we’ll

pl
Generator. generate keys later).

XXClear XXBoon
m

Merely provides a view of the dungeon Somewhere on the path is a treasure

ahead. or boon. Roll on the appropriate
Shadowdark treasure table for player
LV (pg 267 Shadowdark) or boon (pg
280 Shadowdark).
Sa

XXClue

Note that you need a clue here (we’ll

generate clues later.)

21
 XXSecondary Entrance
Secondary entrances provide alternate
access to the dungeon. Roll twice on the
Secondary Entrance table to determine
its nature and how far it goes.

e
Secondary Entrance

f Locating Destination

fil
1 Found via clue First floor
2 Opened via First floor
key
3 Only opens Second floor or deeper
from the
exterior
4 It only opens Second floor or deeper

XXLandmark e 5
from the
interior
Open and Secret sub-level
pl
A noticeable area off the main path is 6 obvious Directly to treasure
meant to entice players and provide
some options on the dungeon approach.
Roll on the Landmark table.
m

Landmark
f Sign
1 No landmarks
2 Natural feature
Sa

3 Ruined structure
4 Odd sound
5 Odd smell
6 Odd sight

Landmarks are rooms outside the

dungeon. We’ll generate the room at a
later step. For now, note that we need
to go back and create a room for the
landmark.
22
 XXFound via clue

The secret entrance is not obvious

and only found if you have the right
clue – under a pile of rubble, behind
a particular boulder, or through a
specific mausoleum, etc. We’ll seed

e
the clue for this entrance at a later
step. Just note that we need a clue for
this secondary entrance.

fil
XXOpened via key

This secondary entrance is locked and

opened via a key (we’ll generate lock
and key).
e XXOpens from the interior
pl
XXOpens from the exterior This entrance only opens from the
inside. The door may open via a trigger
This entrance only begins from the on the inside and then shut, an elevator
outside. The door may open via a that returns to the dungeon after use, a
trigger on the outside and then shut, wind tunnel concealed from the outside
m

an elevator that returns to the surface with no tells, or a teleportation device

after use, a long water slide, or a that only goes down.
teleportation device that only goes
down.
XXOpen and obvious
Sa

Just that – the entrance is always open

and revealed from both sides.

If your dungeon is deep enough, create

more secondary entrances. Additional
entrances should lead even deeper.

23
 XXAntechamber
Antechambers are the hard delineation between the outside world and the mythic
underworld. They should be imposing, supernatural, or ominous.

Consider the dungeon type, modifier, and history and write a mythic Antechamber
for your dungeon. If you’re stuck, roll on the Antechamber table.

e
Antechamber

fil
f Mythic Entrance
1 Supernatural. What about the entrance that shows this dungeon is supernatural?
2 Omen. What omen shows danger inhabits this place?
3 Wealth. What about the entrance hints there is wealth to be had here?
4 Death. What sign indicates those that enter here will die?
5-6 Imposing Architecture. What fantastic piece of architecture shows this is no regular
dungeon?
e
pl
m
Sa

24
 XXDungeon Interior
We’re now going to design the dungeon. This involves drawing a diagram,
generating loops, generating experiences and encounters, then filling in the
blanks. These steps will be explained in the coming sections.

e
XXDraw a Diagram
First, we’ll create a conceptual map of the dungeon. The diagram will show the

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number of rooms, the types of encounters in those rooms, and how the rooms
connect. They don’t represent room sizes or locations in real space. That comes
later.

1. Choose a variety of dice. Seven dice for a small level, or Eleven dice for a
regular level, or Sixteen dice for a large level.
e Include at least
one d6 and one
pl
d10. The other
dice choices are
at your discretion.
m

2. Take a piece of paper. Drop the dice half a hand’s height from the page. Or,
take a battle mat and drop the dice from a full hand’s height. Or, use a map
generator like watabou. Or, use a virtual dice roller like dm.tools. Re-throw dice
Sa

that leave the surface or bring them back to the edge.

3. Draw circles (nodes) around each fallen die. Record the type of dice rolled
inside each node. Combine any nodes that touch into one, larger node.

25
 XXLoops

1. Draw straight lines line from the:

XX d6 node to a d8 node.
XX d8 node to a d10 node.
XX d10 node to a d12 node.
XX D12 node to a d20 node

e
XX Finally, draw a line from the d20
node back to the starting d6 node.
XX This is a loop.

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Each size of the dice represents a different kind of room.
XX d4: Small side rooms or larger corridors.
XX d6: Rectangular chambers.
XX d8: Irregular chambers (circles, polygons, caves)
XX d10: main objective or passage leading deeper.

e
XX d12: Special feature (rivers, chasms, tunnel, etc).
XX d20: Grand halls or important chambers
pl
Loops create interesting dungeon designs that provide structured challenges.
Each loop has a start and end. Starts can be any room, typically the d6. Ends to
the loop is typically d10s.

2. If you dropped 10+ dice, repeat step 1 by connecting more nodes into loops.
m

3. If you have nodes not part of a loop, draw a line from each free-floating node
to the closest node or line to make sure your dungeon is completely connected.
Sa

3. Review your diagram: any lines that bisect a node indicate a traversal. Any
lines that bisect other lines creates a junction.

4. Designated somewhere as the dungeon entrance: either a nexus of lines or a

random node of the smallest dice size.

5. Key each node and junction with a number.

26
 Example

I took 2d6, 2d8, 2d10, 2d12, 2d20, 1d4 Dark

and threw them on a page. I got this Nodes: Loop 1
layout and arbitrarily connected loops.
I identified all the traversals and Red Nodes: Loop 2
junctions. Finally, I decided to connect
the loose d4 to a nearby junction. T1, T2: Traversals

e
J1, J2: Junction

fil
e
pl
m
Sa

27
 XXPopulate Loops1
XXDramatic Arc
Roll on Loop Challenges table to
determine each Loops challenge. The route between the d8
and d10 is not traversable
Loop Challenges but allows PCs to see the other room.
Draw an eye on the line.

e
ff Loop Challenge
11-14 Alternate Paths Roll on the Impassable Obstacle table
15-21 Hidden Shortcut to determine its nature. As fiction

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22-24 Dramatic Arc dictates, clever play or magic could
25-32 Dangerous Route overcome some impassable obstacles.
33-35 Lock & Key
36-43 Unknown Return Impassable Obstacle
44-46 Patrolled Cycle
51-56 Gambit f Obstacle
61-63
64-66
Hub & Spoke
Double Lock e 1
2
3
Scrying reflection
Bottomless chasm
Magma lake
pl
4 Hive/Cyclopean monster
XXAlternate Paths 5 Crystal window
6 Hall of deadly traps
Both paths through the
loop are valid. Roll a
m

random dice and add it as a node XXDangerous Route

between the d8 and d10.
Record in the key that
the d8 room contains a
XXHidden Shortcut dangerous challenge: a deadly trap,
Sa

a powerful monster, or the like. The

The route between the d6 other route is less dangerous.
and d8 rooms is a secret
passage. Mark the line with an S. See
the Secret Passages generator.

1 Cycling Dungeons by Sersa Victory

28
 XXLock & Key XXPatrolled Cycle

Record on the d10 that the A poweful monster

vault/staircase/objective constantly patrols the two
is locked. Record the key paths. Treat the rooms
can be found in the d12. See Lock and in the loop as Deadly with a specific
Key generator. encounter.

e
XXUnknown XXGambit

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Return
Move the d10 to the other
Swap the d10 and d8 side of the loop. The path
places. Record that the from d6 to d10 contains a powerful
vault/staircase/objective in d8 is monster or deadly trap. The other
locked. Record the key can be found in route is now longer but less intense.
e
d8. See Lock & Key Generator. Add
an arrow with a line to indicate the
path from d8 to d10 becomes blocked XXHub & Spoke
pl
after use. Roll on the Blocked Return
table to determine the nature of the Erase the loop
blockage. connections. Connect d6
room to each other room. This makes
Blocked Return
m

d6 the hub and all the other rooms

spokes.
f Blockage
1 Collapsing bridge
2 Shifting hallway XXDouble Lock
Sa

3 Teleportation
4 Dropping block Record on the d10 that the
5 Curtains of flame vault/staircase/objective
6 Caustic gas
has two locks. The keys can be found
in d12 and d8. See Lock and Key
generator.

29