04 March 2012

The Monolith

I've been wanting to include some sort of monolithic structures in my D&D games, and make them more than just your basic runestones or Stonehenge esque deals.

One of the ideas I've had for years is a massive monolith cut out of a deep black stone covered in irregular etchings. It is cut in a roughly square shape, with an angled topside. Although it's in a verdant and lush forest, there is a 5 yard clearing around it where absolutely no plant life is found, and there is no wildlife in a large area around it. Standing next to it one can feel a slight chill, even during an otherwise warm and sunny day. On one side, the etchings give way to the image of a massive door, cut in the same style as the etchings, but more regular.

I plan on giving no hints as to what the monolith is, its purpose, or its age. I think that a little mystery in games can only be a good thing.

3 comments:

  1. Agreed. And the more little mysteries the better really - exploring a new space, it stands to reason there could be plenty that's not recognised or understood, even when a given thing isn't unusual by the conventions of the world.

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  2. Here's some more inspiration. I came across this in a National Geographic magazine.

    Gobekli Tepe. Believed to be the earliest discovered temple to date. Some interesting monoliths with carvings

    http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/gobekli-tepe.html

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    Replies
    1. This is fantastic! This is exactly what I love.

      As a kid, my grandmother got me a subscription to National Geographic and the sheer number of mysteries our very real world holds is incredible. Thanks for the link.

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