Non-Standard Map Fragments to a Dragon's Lair

[Paka]

I don't want just fragments of a paper map.

Map Fragments:

Suit of Armor - This suit of bamboo reinforced full plate is made in the visage of a terrible red enameled dragon. The armor is from the Dragon's Lair Guard. It doesn't fit the PC who owns it.

Scrolls - These scrolls detail the making of the inner vault doors, the last doors before entering the treasure room.

Vase with Ashes - These are the last bits of ashes that are the only remains of the last great hero who attempted to kill this Dragon. There are three pinches left and with each pinch the PC will get to speak with the ghost of the hero for a few minutes, until the ashes scatter on the wind.

Any other ideas for "map" fragments?

 

[Nifelhein]

I don't get it... what is it that you meant with this thread? Making things that can be included in ny dragon's lair?

 

[Marimmar@Home]

Living Tatoo - On a half-dragon sorcerer's back (one of the few descendants of the dragon) is a living tatoo that always points into the direction of the dragon's current whereabouts. Through patient observation one can guess the direction of the dragon's lair. The tatoo only works while the sorcerer is alive and is a gift to his progeny. Maybe the sorcerer is killed by the party but one of his women bears his child so that the party has to wait some months for the child being born.

Cool idea btw.

~Marimmar

 

[TiQuinn]

Here's an idea:

A map that can only be seen properly if someone stands in a particular spot. For example, the floor of the chapel of St. Cuthbert in Two Fords reveals the location of a crypt of a famous cleric, yet it cannot be easily seen when walking in the chapel. Only if you go the tower belfry and look through the elaborate stained glass window can you make out the details of the map.

 

[Tonguez]

There a Military Maps from Vietnam which consist of an abstract picture and a how lot of written text giving battle plans

Perhaps one such scroll has a picture of a mountain next to a river with the sun rising to the left along with battle plans for an attack on the Dragon guard.


or steal the idea from the Mummy 2 - an artifact that shows deferent sites of significance en route which must be followed step by step...

 

[Enkhidu]

If the Dragon had his current lair constructed for him, then something good might be an old quartermaster's log detailing materials used in its construction. This could include things like pre-enchanted items brought into the lair, unique materials or pre-fab contructions, etc.

 

[alsih2o]

in my campaign i had the p.c.'s meet some friendly dwarves and make fast friends. the head of the dwarven clan gave the cleric a stone. whenever she drops the stone it will fall towards the stone he posseses.

maybe just a few inches, but not straight down....not exacting, but a nice hint

 

[Steverooo]

Diaries Of "missing" adventurers, detailing plans to go attack the Dragon's lair...

Art Pictures, plates, vases, etc. Depict the same dragon as the armor, as well as recognizable landmarks, such as a mountain range with several prominent peaks. Could also be on the vase with the ashes in it.

Duo Items Items which are known to have a mate somewhere in the Dragon's lair... Once the PCs get close enough, Locate Object will point them in the right direction. Of course, there could be more than just a pair of them (the armor might work, here).

Ghosts Dead adventurers who were slain after getting in. They can tell about the traps they passed, and about how their party was killed. If the GM wishes, they could be well-nigh invincible (not to mention silent & invisible) scouts and spies. They could lead the PCs right to the Dragon, and let them know when it's sleeping.

Bards Know all about the Dragon's history, and what kinds of terrain it's preferred for the last 1,000 years, any special abilities, and something about its spell list.

Observers Surely Someone has survived the Dragon, over the years. They might not know where it lairs, but they can tell PCs where they saw it. How they avoided becoming barbeque might also be useful.

Stuffs like that...

 

[Heretic Apostate]

I don't get it... what is it that you meant with this thread? Making things that can be included in ny dragon's lair?

The traditional map to a dragon's lair is just some drawings on a piece of (what's it called, animal hide turned into "paper").

The original poster is asking for non-traditional maps. Ways of finding a dragon's lair without the ease of having an actual map handed to you.

 

[Hand of Evil]

Burned tapestry showing a star or phase of the moon(s) and a dragon in flight and maybe a cave.

A plant that is only found in the area. This could be a picture and take a lot to find info on.