20 Sarcophagi Major Features
Sarcophagi are the focal point of tomb complexes, built to contain and preserve the revered dead. Builders, seeking to ensure eternal rest for the deads’ mortal remains, typically build sarcophagi from durable materials to enclose the body and protect it from the elements and carrion feeders.
Add depth and flavour to your dungeon sarcophagi, with these 20 major features:
The casket levitates 30 feet above the floor.
The sarcophagus is empty—the detailed statue of the corpse on the lid is the actual cadaver courtesy of a flesh to stone spell.
Drops of fresh blood lead to the coffin.
A five-foot wide moat of holy water surrounds the sarcophagus. The holy water reverts to normal water if removed from the moat.
Thick webs cover the sarcophagus.
A well-worn pair of soft leather boots sits neatly next to the sarcophagus.
A dead tomb robber slumps against the sarcophagus.
Carven holy symbols of current and forgotten gods cover every surface of the sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus is surrounded by 12 gold-framed mirrors, each facing inwards.
An honour guard of inanimate statues flank the sarcophagus’s approach.
The sound of footsteps, created by a permanent audible glamer, walk continuously around the room.
Carvings of angels, archons, daemons, demons or devils (as appropriate) decorate the sarcophagus.
Jars containing the interred individual’s internal organs fill a nearby shelf.
The statues decorating the sarcophagus are animated by crude clockwork, every hour.
Brackish water fills the sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus is lined with a layer of grave dust.
The coffin is filled with the toys and clothing of a child, although the person interred within is an adult.
The sarcophagus appears as an ever-burning funeral pyre lit with many continual light spells.
The sarcophagus is in the shape of a sailing ship. The lid—replete with masts and sails—is particularly bulky and difficult to remove.
Illumination from four dancing lights hovering above the sarcophagus fills the area with magical light.
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This is an extract from Dungeon Dressing: Sarcophagi 2.0 by David Posener. The supplement is available in 5e, OSR, Pathfinder 1 and Pathfinder 2 editions.
Design David Posener Art Matt Morrow