Dungeon Trick Tables

[talysman]

I like some of the dungeon trick tables floating around out there, or in books like the Ready Reference Sheets. I like the idea of dungeon features that are a gamble, although I'd like it better if there were some way for players to affect the odds slightly in their favor with clever thinking.

For example, I did this table for one of those "magic thrones":

Throne of Tricks

Among other things, someone sitting in the throne could have one of their ability scores raised. (Aside: Where did that even come from, anyways? I know I've seen this mentioned before, but who thought it up? And why did they think a throne would raise ability scores, anyways?)

In my table, shouting "I AM THE KING OF X" can potentially make you the "king" of X, whatever that means. So you could shout "I AM THE KING OF STRENGTH!" and maybe get your Strength score raised: you have better odds than if you just shout "I AM THE KING!"

I'll try my best to copy the table here.


d4+d8 Roll Random Effect
1 or less BEASTS: Becomes lion, Int 3, can charm normal animals
2 PAUPERS: All coins and gemstones crumble to dust
3 TOADS: Becomes man-toad, Charisma 3, hop straight up
equal to Move
4 FOOLS: Wisdom 3, armor transforms into jester clothes
5 LOSERS: Reroll highest ability, keep lowest score
6 THIEVES: Can steal any item if you have a higher Dex
than victim
7 MINDS: Reroll best mental ability, keep better score
8 HEROES: Reroll best physical ability, keep better
score
9 GHOSTS: Can see and converse with spirits, +2 reaction
10 REASON: Can decipher any script, including magic
11 SHADOWS: Can escape notice if your Dex is higher than
victim’s Wisdom
12 WEALTH: Showered with 3d6 gems that fall in your lap
13+ TIME: Get 1d6 extra rounds before any combat (time
slows around you)


I want to do more tables like this. I figure I'll do one for magic fountains, one for statues, and I have a couple other vague ideas. Any major cliches I'm missing?

[hagbard]

This is groovy. I love stuff like this, but I've always been partial to when there's a buff, there should always be a downside. It can be little things, that don't really have to hinder anything except provide a little hook. Like, if you're going to make the PC become a lion, make an after effect that lingers, like a bad case of fleas.

[talysman]

In this case, the after effect is that he stays as a lion...

[Merctime]

Hahaha.... Now there's a downside! Well, I think if it where me, I'd have to rename myself 'Aslan'.

Great table, talysman! Looks like a lot of fun... I'll have to visit your website/blog and see more.