Dungeon Dressing: Strange Things II
Strange things abound in dungeons.
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Strange Smells
The thick, heady scent of sandalwood infuses the air.
The wafting air carries the faint smell of lamp oil.
The area smells strongly of peat bog and damp soil.
The pleasant scent of lavender, floating lightly through the air, fills the area.
The air contains a powerful aroma of freshly crushed mint leaves.
Specific places within the area have the faint stink of sour milk about them.
The delightful scent of cherry blossoms in full bloom drifts through the air.
The distinct aroma of pipe tobacco being smoked hangs lazily in the air.
The area has a strange alchemical smell of formaldehyde and other bizarre preserving ingredients and reagents.
Occasionally, the terrible, sickening stench of vomit overwhelms the area. The smell fades away just as quickly as it arrives.
The disgusting smell of rotten seaweed and fish permeates the area.
The beautiful scent of jasmine is noticeable only when a slight breeze disturbs the air.
The potent and unique smell of molten metal hangs heavily in the air.
A faint, but overly sweet, fragrance of mature lilac bushes fills the area.
The air is heavily spiced with a very strong mixture of frankincense and myrrh.
The odour of freshly chopped, raw onions strong enough to sting the eyes fills the air.
The area has a strange alchemical smell of formaldehyde and other bizarre preserving ingredients and reagents.
The distinct odour of sulphur and charcoal hangs in the air.
The smell of burning charcoal lingers in a few distinct spots within the area.
Numerous scents, including old leather bindings, pulp and paper and glue combine to form an aroma reminiscent of old books and ancient tomes.
Strange SOunds
The quiet sound of someone whimpering pitifully comes from an undetermined direction.
The sound of rapidly rushing water, such as from a river, comes from an unseen source.
From far away comes the faint sound of water tumbling into a pool.
A multitude of birdsong comprising chirps, tweets and whistles comes from all around.
Far into the distance, the low rumble of booming thunder echoes through the dungeon.
From somewhere close, a sad and mournful wailing, seemingly without end, fills the air.
From somewhere nearby comes the sound of old rusty hinges squeaking horribly as a door opens or closes. The distinct grinding sound of stone moving slowly on stone follows it.
Not too far away comes the chewing, gnashing and smacking sound of something large eating.
The rumbling sound of a person snoring heavily comes from somewhere close by.
From somewhere nearby, a person whistles a cheerful but tuneless melody over and over.
The snapping, cracking and hissing sounds of a roaring fire come from some distance away.
The distinct crackling and buzzing sound of electricity comes from somewhere very close.
The sound of bubbling liquids and other strange alchemical reactions fills the air.
Although their source is impossible to determine, the sound of quickly moving footsteps fills the air.
From all around comes the loud sound of a great many rodents chittering, scratching and scrambling.
In the distance, the violent and angry sounds of a person yelling and ranting in incomprehensible rage can be heard.
From somewhere nearby comes the quiet but disturbing sound of bones crunching. A strange, constant yet gentle tapping sound comes from behind a nearby wall.
The faint sound of chains being rattled and dragged across the floor comes from some distant point.
The sharp, loud sound of shattering glass from somewhere very close by fills the air.
The sound of someone’s laboured breathing, though slow and quiet, comes from just around the corner.
Credit
This is a short system-neutral extract from GM’s Miscellany: Dungeon Dressing. The book is available in 5e, System Neutral and Pathfinder 1 editions. The OSR edition will be available in early 2023.
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