afternoonmaps

King’s Barrow Battle Map - Launch

Added 2023-02-21 00:19:58 +0000 UTC

Hello adventurers! I've just finished our next map! The King’s Barrow. One of the first maps I created in my current style, was a set of burial mounds, reminiscent of the Barrow Downs in Lord of the Rings. I always wanted to make an interior for a burial mound but wanted to make something bigger, as very small rooms aren’t ideal for battle encounters. So I present to you the King's Barrow, with a few chambers, each containing an artefact or container that could house mostly anything you want. Take a look at the Map Notes for some ideas.

Next Maps

I’m currently working on the Lava Tubes map which should be ready by the end of the month, early next week. After that, I’ll move on to the Castle Dungeon, which will have a ton of utility :)

Lava Tubes with Chamber (Suggested by Richard)
I imagine it will have smoking vents, glowing walls and probably a chamber with some fun elements to complicate any combat encounter :) Think of this as a travel encounter map but for underground use!
Castle Dungeon (Suggested by Valerio)
Sometimes you just need to lock up your party in a dark dank dungeon. This should have lots of utility, and as with many of my maps, I’ll do a bit of research to add some historical elements into the mix.
Restaurant (Suggested by Clapperson and Luís)
This will be a city map based around a restaurant theme with a dining area, kitchens and front/back alley. Certainly different from your regular combat location, which will hopefully spice up the encounter :D

I can’t thank you enough for your support and good wishes. Seriously, it really means a lot. I hope you have a wonderful week and that your games run smoothly. And as always, happy adventuring! Now let's go dig up some ancient treasure… cursed? Nahh, just rumours made up by superstitious locals.

Find all the downloads on the Map List Page. Only Patrons have access to the download links!

Map Descriptions

The Stone Avenue
Standing stones flank the path, as you make your way through the grass-covered burial mounds. Some of the stones are plain and roughly hewed, while others have intricate carvings of concentric circles or repeating waves. A dense mist hangs in the air, limiting your view to just a few feet.

The Barrow Entrance
The mist begins to clear, revealing a huge burial mound. At its peak is a crown of standing stones pointing to the sky at odd angles. At its base, where the path ends, is a dark stone entrance surrounded by grass and wildflowers. As you approach, cold air seems to roll out of the entrance in waves.

The Main Chamber
Walking down a set of stone steps you find yourself in a circular chamber with a number of passages leading from it. The walls are made from tightly packed bricks of every size and shape. Dust covers the flagstone floor, and in places the ceiling has given way, littering the chamber with bricks and piles of earth. At the centre of the chamber are a number of stone columns surrounding a huge stone altar. Waves, swirls and symbols are carved into its surface.

On the table sits a stone coffin, a single glowing gem affixed to its lid.

Notes and Tips

30x45 Grid Map
There are two parts to this map, the exterior with a larger standing stone circle on the peak of the Barrow, and an interior map with the burial chambers.
A large burial mound is called a Barrow (or Cairn if you want to go for Celtic) and was often used for ‘royalty’ or chieftain's burials.
The main chamber holds the bones of some ancient king or leader. The smaller chambers and rooms contain artefacts that may be relevant to the king and could be used for some ritual or solution to an adventure:
- The Sword: The sword compels the holder to attack and slay all the enemies of the kingdom. Do any of the party have ancestors that could be seen as an enemy? Or will the party encounter someone with that lineage at a later date? Add a bonus to attacks or damage against that enemy.
- The Bound Boxes: Off in a side chamber are two or more boxes bound tightly shut with rope and leather. These could contain some piece of forbidden knowledge or a cursed artefact. Maybe a record of the King’s deeds, which could contain a vital piece of info for the party.
- The Sacred Stone: Hot to the touch, its interior looks like smouldering embers. What happens if it's removed from the altar? Will it explode? Does something break free and attack the party? Is there a way of handling it to prevent this?
- The Glass Urns: These could contain the spirits of loyal servants of the king. Or guardian spirits that patrol the rooms. They can only be defeated once the urns are shattered, or the water is poured out. If a party member drinks the water… let's just say it could become complicated ;)
- Coffins: The royal guards were bound and buried alive, sealed in the coffins with their king. They are not happy souls. But legend has it they each carry part of a key that unlocks something important. Maybe the King’s coffin?
Heir to the Kingdom: You are tasked with uncovering the true heir to the throne of a local Kingdom. Rumour has it, the dagger/sword that is entombed within the ancient barrow can not harm the true heir. But no one has been able to retrieve the dagger due to the barrow's angry spirits.
Grave robber encounter: Grave robbers have been stealing from the mounds and the locals are not happy, as the spirits of the dead will be awakened and come hunting for their treasure. The King’s Barrow has been left untouched so far, but it's only a matter of time before it is plundered as well.
The Mage King’s Grimoire: An ancient Mage King is buried here, the artefacts are keys to opening his coffin, which contains his body and his famed spellbook.
Bug Barrow: Some monstrous insect/spider has taken up residence in the barrow. It comes out at night to feed. If it is allowed to breed and create a nest it will become impossible to remove. Kill it before its eggs hatch.