Among the treasures I’ve discovered as a Dungeon Master for my campaigns, few sources have had as lasting an impact on me as NOD Magazine. Published by John Stater, this magazine not only revolutionized my approach to designing hexcrawls but also provided an overwhelming amount of material to enrich each hex. In my opinion, Stater is one of the finest creators of hexcrawl content. His ability to condense fascinating ideas into brief descriptions, while leaving space for the DM's imagination, is truly a work of art. While his contributions to the Hexcrawl Chronicles series for Frog God Games are commendable, they feel much more "vanilla" compared to the bold creativity found in NOD. For those interested in exploring his work, I highly recommend visiting his page, Land of Nod, where a couple of issues of the magazine can be downloaded for free..
Module Cover |
In NOD Magazine #16, Stater presents a hexcrawl set in Kush, inspired by African myths and folklore. This main feature follows the magazine’s classic format, offering brief entries for each hex, though Stater occasionally expands his descriptions to include full dungeons. Among these gems is the ruined fortress of Lady Barbata, a dungeon that blends classic elements like cavern systems, dark cults, and a fascinating backstory.
Dungeon Summary
As Stater envisions it, the dungeon has two main entrances. One is a conventional entrance through the blackened remains of a ruined tower. The second, intended more as a chaotic exit, connects to a cave system inhabited by the hostile “men of dawn.” This partially lava-flooded cave system creates a scorching, oppressive atmosphere that not only challenges adventurers but also fits perfectly into my Chardaukan hexcrawl.The dungeon’s story revolves around Lady Barbata, an alu-demon born of the rape of a maiden offered to the demon Moloch by the “children of the lava.” This narrative introduces a memorable villain, adorned with evocative imagery: Barbata’s handmaiden, a succubus named Fiera, wears a loincloth made of platinum coins, while her steward is a tiny imp with a jeweled turban. Even the roof of the final chamber, which appears to be on fire, is actually covered by fire bats, adding an unexpected touch to the infernal aesthetic.
Dungeon Layout |
My Adaptation for the Chardaukan Hexcrawl
The Children of the Lava as Cultists of Thal’kor
In my adaptation, the children of the lava will be reimagined as cultists of Thal’kor, the Prince of Eternal Flame. I’ll likely recast them as a small congregation of fanatical Tieva who worship the destructive and transformative power of fire. This adjustment not only aligns with my world’s lore but also allows me to expand the presence of Thal’kor and his influence in Chardauka.
The Dawn Men as Monkey-Goblins
The dawn men will be reinterpreted as monkey-goblins: small, cunning hybrid creatures with simian and goblin features. This particular tribe (or burrow, as they call themselves) would live in the caves adjoining the ruined fortress, using their agility to navigate the rocky formations and swinging from stalactites as if they were branches.In my notes, I already have monkey-goblins inhabiting caves—an idea inspired by the module Depths of Rage (Dungeon Magazine #83). I’m now considering the possibility of connecting both locations. The idea would be that the monkey-goblins' caves extend across two hexes, forming an interconnected system. This would give players the chance to explore the underground of one hex, access an unrelated dungeon, and emerge in a different hex altogether.
The Fortress: Chardaukan or Blazing Pact?
The biggest challenge in adapting the dungeon lies in deciding the fortress's backstory before the cultists' invasion. I’m torn between two options:
A Chardaukan Outpost: In this version, the fortress was built as a bastion against the forces of the Blazing Pact. Its architecture and design would reflect the advanced magic and traditions of Chardaukan culture, with a focus on crystals and gemstones as symbols of power. The mineral creatures found in the dungeon could be constructs created by a renegade Chardaukan mage obsessed with harnessing the mystical energy underlying the terrain. In this version, the enchanted sword in the crystal temple could be replaced with a magical staff, reinforcing the arcane tone.
A Blazing Pact Fortress: Alternatively, the fortress could have been a temple-fortress dedicated to Agni Hotra, the goddess of fiery beauty and transformation through flame. Here, the tone would be more divine, and the angelic figure in the temple could be a phoenix or a celestial with bird-of-fire traits, symbolizing the passion and renewal embodied by the goddess. This version would emphasize the ideological conflict between the various factions of the Blazing Pact.
New Monsters and Their Impact on the Hexcrawl
One of the best things this dungeon adds to my Chardaukan hexcrawl is the new monsters it introduces—unique creatures with a strong thematic presence that I can reuse and adapt elsewhere in my world. Notably, three standout creatures are already being incorporated into various ways: the gigantic fire worm in the lava pit, the fire bats, and the explosive bones. The Fire Worm could reappear as the guardian of a unique location. The Fire Bats are a fantastic addition to my random encounter tables (in the Sacred Volcanoes and Flaming Jungle). The Explosive Bones are perfect for other Chardaukan-related adventures, particularly those involving their dangerous obsession with combining necromantic prowess and the fiery power of the Sacred Volcanoes.
Location on the Hexmap
This dungeon, with its power level and epic narrative, would be located relatively far from Garampur, the players’ base city. I’d never place it in the initial vectors connecting the first adventures of the hexcrawl, as its content is too deadly for a novice group. Hexes 04.11 or 05.11, further south in less-explored territories, would be a suitable choice for its location.
Conclusion
The dungeon of Lady Barbata is an excellent example of Stater’s talent for combining classic mechanics with fresh, evocative ideas. Adapting it to my hexcrawl not only enriches my world but also offers my players memorable, atmospheric challenges.
Now, I’d love to know: how would you adapt this dungeon to your own world? Let me know in the comments!
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