Five Room Dungeon

Five Room Dungeons are a type of adventure which includes a mythic story structure in the rooms. This includes Entrance (and guardian), Puzzle or rpg challenge, Trick or setback, Showdown or climax and Reward / Revelation / Plot Twist. There is a full description on Roleplaying Tips.

tools for - fantasy dungeon


the Sanctum of Spirits


First Area. The entrance is at bottom of a lake. The entrance has a deadly trap
Area 2. A mass of vermin or pests that retreat from something - maybe heavy footsteps?
Area 3. A powerful guardian guards the entrance
Showdown. There are two enemy leaders here working in partnership. One flees or surrenders when the other falls. A large fountain sits central to the area. The enemy leader tries to give a monologue before dealing with PCs
Finally. Find NPC prisoners, one of which is a shapeshifter.

the Hold of the Demented Twins


First Area. The entrance is a pool of water. The entrance is a fake and one large trap. The real entrance is hidden nearby
Area 2. A mad NPC is trapped here. If they helped they provide vital information
Area 3. A creature has made their lair at the entrance
Showdown. There are two enemy leaders here working in partnership. They hate each other.. Mirrors or chains line the walls. The enemy leader starts off peaceful but becomes more and more angry as they talk
Finally. The enemy leader returns to fight them as a familiar.

the Garden of the Dead


First Area. The entrance is via a collapsed building. The entrance has a deadly trap
Area 2. The guardian of the bridge requests a toll to pass
Area 3. One or more sentries are on watch, part of a larger group off in a side chamber
Showdown. The enemy leader has a champion that fights the characters first. There is a moving platform of some kind here. The enemy leader talks to the characters, trying to get news or information from them
Finally. There is treasure to be had but it is dangerous to get because of a lava lake.

the Luminous Maze of Chaos


First Area. The entrance is a frozen archway. The entrance is guarded by a group of creatures who can sound an alarm
Area 2. An rival or servant of the inhabitants willing to help them for the right price
Area 3. The guardian of the bridge requests a toll to pass. And...There is a one-way exit here back to the main entrance (teleporter/chute/fast-flowing river/one-way door)
Showdown. The enemy leader awaits them in a defensive chamber. Careful characters will find preparations are not ready. There is a large pool of water. Before confrontation, a herald speaks for the enemy leader, conveying their wishes to the group
Finally. Several minions also try to leave with parts of the treasure.

The Secret Shrine


First Area. The entrance is an overgrown puzzle door. A group of creatures have made their lair at the entrance
Area 2. An unhappy but powerful guardian gives hints to another way past it
Area 3. There is a one-way exit here back to the main entrance (teleporter/chute/fast-flowing river/one-way door)
Showdown. The enemy leader is weaker than expected and an underling is revealed as the big threat. There is a large pool of water. The enemy leader tries to give a speech before dealing with PCs
Finally. The inhabitants were stopping a great evil from escaping.

the Ruins of the Astral Idol


First Area. The entrance is a pyramid base . There are multiple entrances and only one of them leads to the true dungeon
Area 2. An unhappy but powerful guardian gives hints to another way past it
Area 3. Appears unguarded but a hidden ambush awaits
Showdown. The enemy leader has a champion that fights the characters first. There is a covered pit with a dangerous liquid within. The enemy leader tries to stall the characters because minions need time to hide a treasure
Finally. A trap is sprung, resetting the Showdown area.

the Maze of the Ruinous Warlock


First Area. The entrance is via carved steps. The entrance is a temple who inhabitants are unwilling to let intruders through
Area 2. A temple or shrine here requires a sacrifice to pass through
Area 3. The entrance is guarded by a creature who can sound an alarm
Showdown. There are two enemy leaders here working in partnership. One flees or surrenders when the other falls. There are several ledges holding minions with missile weapons. Afterwards other minions offer to show hidden treasure if shown mercy
Finally. The inhabitants were stopping a great evil from escaping.

the White Mines of Whisways


First Area. The entrance is a chimney. Appears unguarded but a hidden ambush awaits
Area 2. The entrance is guarded by a group of creatures who can sound an alarm
Area 3. Dangerous debris from a collapse covers a trap
Showdown. The enemy leader has a champion that fights the characters first. There are several ledges holding minions with missile weapons. Afterwards a minion comes out of an enchantment
Finally. A rival enters and tries to steal the reward.

the Sanctuary of the Whispering King


First Area. The entrance is a mineshaft concealed by foliage. A group of creatures have made their lair at the entrance
Area 2. A hallway of coloured portals with an old riddle telling them which way to go
Area 3. A magical puzzle that must be solved to take the easy route. And...A group of hostile inhabitants with the same weaknesses as the Showdown challenge
Showdown. The enemy leader has underlings attack while they look on from a suitable vantage point. There are many fungi here. Halfway through the enemy leader begs for mercy
Finally. They find out the enemy leader was related to the group in some way.

the Caves of Mists


First Area. The entrance is underneath a civilised structure. A creature has made their lair at the entrance
Area 2. A creature has made their lair at the entrance
Area 3. Dangerous debris from a collapse covers a trap
Showdown. There are two enemy leaders here working in partnership. One flees or surrenders when the other falls. There is a statue to a dark power. The enemy leader talks to the characters, trying to get news or information from them
Finally. More opponents take advantage as they are weakened from the Showdown.