The Abandoned Pirate Cave is more than just a treasure vault. It’s a ready-to-run dungeon environment built for surprise and tension.
RPG Module
RPG Module
Pirates once dug here to hide their loot and probe for an ancient sunken temple, but something went wrong and they never returned.
A pirate captain’s unfinished excavation hides both riches and mysteries, from collapsing caverns to volatile stores of powder and oil, danger is never far.
Now the caverns are littered with traps, poisoned treasure chests, and volatile storage goods that threaten to explode at the wrong spark.
A family of Fonasaur, burrowing, bird-like predators has taken over the inner caves, weaving nests from pirate spoils and defending their hatchlings with ruthless ferocity.
Aban
Aban
doned
doned
At the deepest point lies the Treasure Pit, an unfinished excavation that hints at something larger beneath the sea.
Pirate
Pirate
Whether used as a deadly side quest or the gateway to a larger arc, this Blank Dungeon gives you a living, dangerous environment that can be slotted into any campaign with minimal prep.
Cave
Cave
Blank
Blank
Dungeon
Dungeon
“A forgotten cave, a false chest, and the bones of those who came before.”
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Todd Massey
DOYOUOPENTHEDOOR.COM
CONTENTS
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Blank Dungeon
Blank Dungeon
START HERE: How to Use this Module
Stats
Backstory
Backstory
Treasure
More than a Map
Hooks and Plot
Todd Massey
This Module Built Using EAS Methods
This Module Built Using EAS Methods
This RPG adventure module is presented in a new format. Rather than a PDF or print format, it contains clickable elements that reveal additional information.
The Home button takes you to the CONTENTS page where all major links are located.
Text, Images and Icons can be Clickable
While not everything is clickable, don't hesitate to click.
My goal was to solve common problems that Game Masters experience with other formats. The technology is nothing new, but the presentation for an RPG module is unique.
The Map icon will take you to the MAIN MAP page from which you can run the entire adventure.
CLICK TO OPEN CLICK TO CLOSE
The Creature icon will take you to the CREATURE detail page.
This way, the GM is never more than 1 or 2 clicks away from critical information and can easily return to whatever element they were at originally.
EMERGENT ADVENTURE SYSTEM
Are you a GM that wants to learn more about EAS - visit
EAS
Emergent Storytelling - A type of storytellng where a story develops naturally and unexpectedly through a player's actions.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
MAIN MAP
MAIN MAP
10
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Abandoned Pirate Cave
POV Overhead
Plain Overhead
Trade Storage
Entry Cave
Narrow Corridor
1A
Blocked Passage
Dirt Piles
Treasure Trap
Back Hallway
1A
Fonasaur Hatchling
10
Treasure Pit
Fonasaur Adult
Resting Cave
Sunken Temple
SUNKEN TEMPLE
SUNKEN TEMPLE
Low Light Map
This map is not detailed and is provided for any GM that would like to pursue the idea on their own.
The adventure can be over when the treasure is discovered and recovered.
Main Map
Main Map
Fonasaur
Fonasaur
Creature
Description and Physical Appearance
Abilities and Traits
Habitat and Behavior
To increase difficulty the GM can have a mated pair ferociously defending their hatchlings.
Lifecycle and Ecological Role
Reproductive Method
Increase number of hatchlings from 4 to 5.
Feeding and Energy Requirements
Social Structure
Increase the age of the hatchlings to young adults almost ready to leave the nest but have increased, near adult stats.
General Intelligence
Strengths and Weaknesses
Interaction with Adventurers
Narrow corridors or limited space to manuever benefits the Fonasaur where they can slash forward with their powerful hind digging legs using their thick tail to balance.
As tall as a deer, with Corvid-like intelligence and night vision like an owl this feathered, flightless dinosaur strikes at prey quickly and defends with powerful digging hind legs.
General Creature Stats
Clues for Adventurers
Lore and Myths
Fonasaur
Feeding and Energy Requirements
Consumes a varied diet of rodents, insects, lizards, bird eggs, roots, tubers, seeds, and hardy shrubs. Hunts by stalking and lunging, or by waiting at burrow entrances to ambush prey. Requires high protein intake during breeding and molting seasons.
8 - Floor Collapse Area
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into a rocky pit with water in the bottom. OR, the GM can have them fall into the water on level 2 with the sunken temple.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Treasure
Your World
You know your world and players best.
Reward them as you see fit.
8 - Floor Collapse Area
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into a rocky pit with water in the bottom. OR, the GM can have them fall into the water on level 2 with the sunken temple.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
AI
Artificial Intelligence
Some elements created with the assistance of AI tools.
9 - Back Hallway
Detail
After exiting from cave #8 or climbing the sloped obstruction in area #7 the adventurers will find a long tunnel with a wheeled wooden barrow, a narrow path weaving between piles of dirt and discarded digging tools such as picks and shovels.
Overhead - click to open/close
As the tunnel approaches cave #10 the walls become less naturally formed and show a lot of tool work as the area was widened so humanoids could more easily pass with their supplies.
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
Questions or Comments?
Have fun!
SERVICE@WEBWERKS.BIZ
5 - Resting Cave
Detail
This cave is the lowest point in the small cave system. Excess water that runs into cave #1 will run down the hallway to this room and drain downslope into the natural pool in the W end of the cavern.
Overhead - click to open/close
There is evidence, feathers, tracks and droppings, that the Fonasaur in caves #3 and #4 come here to drink the dirty water at the edge of the pool. The Fonasaur do not venture beyond the Resting cave.
Back when the pirates traversed this area, the pool was larger and higher, as indicated by water lines on the walls. The cleaner water served as a fresh source for restocking supplies. Ship hands that hauled cargo into and out of the caves rested and slept here. They left plenty of trash behind: broken bottles, chairs and padded canvas bags for sitting on, a large clay water pot, a bucket, remnants of a small campfire, and other debris.
There is an exit tunnel in the N wall at the W end of the room and the pirates shaped a narrow ledge to walk on lined with a now aged rope handrail.
Natural traps in this cave can be a creature lurking in the shallow water, the handrail or ledge can give way. The downslope in this cave is at a high angle and muddy.
Icons
Example
Graphic icons are often clickable and will expanded information related to the image.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Backstory
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure.
The caves have been abandoned for at least a year.
The abandoned pirate caves are a small array of 8 distinct natural caves (10 labeled areas) mildly modified by inhabitants over the years.
Location: These caves can be located anywhere but if you follow the pirate story they need to be near a large body of water. A sea or ocean location tracks best following some of the descriptive elements in this module.
The pirates left treasure, goods and traps behind expecting to return to reclaim the valuable goods.
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Since being abandoned, a creature has taken up occupation of 2 of the caves, nesting in one cave while her brood nests in another cave.
The bones of some humanoids that rediscovered these caves lie here as greed obviously brought them down.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
4 - Fonasaur Adult
Detail
Any approach that is noisy or brings light will alert the adult(s) Fonasaur or if they hear the hatchlings' alarm. If the adventurers back off and leave the creatures alone, the Fonasaur will not pursue.
Like room #3, the odor of a dirty bird cage is very noticeable. There is a single large nest built mainly of natural material but there are bits of pirate debris woven into the nest walls with the area surrounded by discarded small animal bone debris.
Overhead - click to open/close
A narrow tunnel in the S wall has been dug by the Fonasaur that more directly connects caves #3 and #4.
The adventurers will have to be exceptionally quiet and travel in darkness to sneak up on the Fonasaur as they are well suited to the dark and hunting in low light situations.
While at the same time the Fonasaur feathers allow them to move in a very stealthy manner, dampening the noise of their movements.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
10 - Treasure Pit
Detail
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave was increased in size to barely accomodate a handful of pirates working to dig a tunnel straight down and erect the beams, ropes, pulleys and support structure to accomodate this ardous task that the pirates absolutely hated.
The pirates hid their valuable treasure at the bottom of the pit in a side tunnel that has now collapsed. The pit and side tunnel were dug in pursuit of the temple but now serves as a hiding place for the pirate treasure.
As the adventurers start to clear the side tunnel of collapsed rock and debris, cool, salty air will begin to blow into their faces. The cool air is very noticeable compared to the warm and stuffy caverns they have been traversing.
GM can choose exactly how to handle this treasure pit. 1. Design the pit and place the treasure as the GM wishes. 2. Follow the design to the 2nd level. The second level has limited design but opens up story possibilities of a sunken temple if the GM wishes to pursue them.
The support structure and small cave can easily serve multiple trap opportunities with intentional or time degraded ropes and wood beams.
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
1 - Entry Cave
Example
Number icons typically are room identifiers and when clicked will give you more information about the room.
7 - Narrow Corridor
Detail
The corridor here is very narrow with a massive sloped stone obstruction at the N end. While not impassable, only humanoids of small framed stature can squeeze through here and climb over the rock that rises up to near the ceiling.
Overhead - click to open/close
If adventurers retreat down this narrow tunnel hoping to escape combat with the Fonasaur in cave #4, the Fonasaur are able to fit into this tight space and will pursue the intruders up until they encounter the sloped stone obstruction.
Urdrum Swarm
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
1 Bite per individual
Small (Individuals up to 2 feet)
Large (Swarm)
Attack Methods:
Venomous paralysis
Movement:
Skittering (fast)
Overwhelming numbers
Dexterity (wall climb) Intelligence (low individual - Cunning Hivemind)
Primary Attributes:
Defense Methods:
Hard chitin shell
Coordinated swarm
Special Abilities:
Armor Equivalent:
Paralysis poison bite, well armored, coordinated swarm movement.
High natural armor
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
Questions or Comments?
Have fun!
SERVICE@WEBWERKS.BIZ
Not Me - click the image to see a larger version and see more details.
Emergent Adventure System
EAS Explained
How This Module is Designed
No Character Restrictions
This RPG module introduces a fresh and flexible approach to storytelling in adventure campaigns, designed with Game Masters in mind. Its innovative linking structure means you are never more than one or two clicks from the information you need. It offers a more dynamic and versatile alternative to the rigid formats of traditional print or PDF modules.
One of the standout advantages of this system is its adaptability. It can be tailored to characters of any ruleset and level, freeing your party to play with their established characters rather than being constrained to pre-made module characters or specific level requirements. This freedom allows for a more organic and immersive experience, as the story evolves around their choices and the heroes your players love.
Rule Agnostic Design for Maximum Flexibility
It is Up to the Game Master
Unlike conventional modules tied to specific game systems, this adventure is presented in a rule-agnostic format. This means there are no predefined stats or proprietary game mechanics. As a result, the module can seamlessly integrate into any game system, any world, and any character level.
This is a complete adventure story like any campaign setting, except there are no stats. After reading through the entire module's story, the GM should have a good idea of what level and how many hit points, etc., should be assigned to create interesting encounters.
Tailored to Your Players, Game and World
No Read Aloud
The only prerequisite for the GM is a good understanding of their players and their characters. GMs will assign target numbers and customize essential stats for opponents and obstacles such as Hit Points, Armor Class, or Skill Checks based on the game system they are using and the party's level. This ensures gameplay that is balanced, engaging, and suited to the specific dynamics of your group.
Controversial, I know. There are no read-aloud descriptions. The GM does what they have always done: describes the scene in their own voice.
Treasure
Outside of some general ideas or suggestions for what might be considered valuable (creature parts, etc.), no monetary quantities are used. Again, this allows the GM flexibility in slotting the adventure into their own world with minimal effort. Reward your players as you see fit.
Perfect for Homebrew Worlds
Because of the open-ended design, this system is particularly well-suited for integration into homebrew worlds. Its malleability ensures it can adapt seamlessly to your unique setting, enhancing the world you've built rather than imposing rigid external structures.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
2 - False Treasure Trap
Detail
The pirates laughed maniacally amongst themselves at their captain's cleverness as they rigged the crossbows with tripwires and poisoned bolts to help protect their share of the real treasure.
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave smells of mildew and mold. The bones of thieves still reside here because the Fonasaur in room #4 refused the poison-tainted meat, so they were left to other creatures to assist in decomposition.
Treasure is intentionally staged and stacked in this room to hide the 4 crossbows anchored to the walls. 2 are hidden on the left behind stacks of bolts of molded cloth on top of empty crates along with other useless treasure. 2 are hidden on the right behind molding crates that are also empty.
Only bones are left of 2 thieves already claimed by the poisoned bolts, so there are only two loaded bolts left, one on each side of the room with tripwires run across the floor.
There is a chest that was perched on a stone pedestal, now both lay smashed on the floor with the bony arm of one of the thieves apparently still reaching for the treasure chest.
The broken open chest has gold painted lead inside.
8 - Dirt Piles
Detail
The pirates performed excavation activity to create cave #10 at the behest of their captain and dumped all the excess dirt in this open area.
Large piles of loose dirt and rock line the walls leaving a path in the middle of the cave forcing everyone to walk the same route. The dirt piles, year old wheel tracks and humanoid tracks in the dirt look as if the dirt was dumped with a small barrow.
Overhead - click to open/close
Any adventurers that posess natural underground abilities or have minining related skills will be able to determine that the floor has an unsettling bouncy feel. As if the support structure for the floor is in degraded condition.
Beneath the floor of this cave is another cavernous area that moving water has been erroding. The errosion and the added weight of the dirt piles have brought the floor close to caving into the area below. But at this point it is still safe to cross the cave.
If any type of explosion occurs in cave #6, the shockwave will definitely bring the floor to the edge of collapse. When the adventurers cross the middle of the room, the floor will collapse.
GM can have the floor collapse into a rocky pit that has water in the bottom.
GM can have the floor collapse into the water of the sunken temple on level 2.
OR
1A - Blocked Passage
Detail
This passage has been strategically blocked by the mother Fonasaur creature in room #4.
The mass is made up of natural materials such as rocks, bushes, sticks, and vines, all held together with sticky saliva.
The creature also builds its nests using the same method.
Click to enlarge
1 - Entry Cave
Detail
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure and to resupply their water from a pool in cave #5.
Overhead - click to open/close
This entry cave connects to the outside world in the S wall through some dense brush that helps to hide the entrance.
There are some discarded, now worthless treasures dumped here. Smashed bench, torn portrait, broken clay pottery and rotting barrels.
The cave feels stuffy with no airflow moving through the cavern and an odor of feces and damp decay lingering in the air.
Heavy rain will flow into this cavern and if there is enough water it will then trickle down the N corridor then flow W at the 4-way intersection, follow the downslope at the intersection and eventually flow into the lowest part of this cavern complex, cave #5
There are exit tunnels in the E and in the N.
Fonasaur
Habitat and Behavior
Fonasaur thrives in rocky plains, scrublands, and near cliffside caves. They prefer soft or mixed substrates for burrows but can adapt to harder clay soils. Most active during early dawn and dusk, they avoid predators by retreating deep into their burrows. Territorial during nesting season, they will aggressively defend their burrow complex.
Fonasaur have a unique training system for their offspring since they are Corvid smart they tutor their offspring in more than just hunting. A couple of weeks after hatching, each Fonasaur is shown how to build their own nest, with the adult showing digging and nest-building techniques. Then the offspring live nearby but separately until adulthood, when they leave to live on their own.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Backstory
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure.
The caves have been abandoned for at least a year.
The abandoned pirate caves are a small array of 8 distinct natural caves (10 labeled areas) mildly modified by inhabitants over the years.
Location: These caves can be located anywhere but if you follow the pirate story they need to be near a large body of water. A sea or ocean location tracks best following some of the descriptive elements in this module.
The pirates left treasure, goods and traps behind expecting to return to reclaim the valuable goods.
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Since being abandoned, a creature has taken up occupation of 2 of the caves, nesting in one cave while her brood nests in another cave.
The bones of some humanoids that rediscovered these caves lie here as greed obviously brought them down.
Fonasaur
Social Structure
Generally solitary outside of breeding pairs. Breeding pairs form long-term bonds and may reuse the same burrow system for years, enlarging and reinforcing it over time.
Hooks and Plot
Bring Your Own
The GM gets a fully dressed scene backdrop to place a dungeon adventure in.
Blank Dungeons are produced with no hooks to entice adventurers into the adventure. The GM supplies this.
Blank Dungeons are produced without a plot for the adventurers to solve or fight their way through. The GM supplies this.
EAS Remix License v1.0
Copyright © 2025 Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC. All rights reserved except as granted under the EAS Remix License.
Full License (EAS Remix License v1.0)
Purpose
The Emergent Adventure System (EAS) is designed to help Game Masters create, share, and publish interactive, non-linear RPG adventures. This license encourages creativity and collaboration while protecting the original creator’s intellectual property.
You Are Free To:
1. Use & Play – Use this module, its maps, NPCs, creatures, and other assets in your games for personal or commercial use.
2. Remix & Adapt – Modify, adapt, and build new works using these assets, including commercial adventures.
3. Distribute Derivatives – Share your remixed or derivative works publicly (for free or for sale).
You Must:
Provide Attribution – All public or commercial uses must include the following credit:
“Built using the Emergent Adventure System (EAS) by Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC" (with a link to https://doyouopenthedoor.com where possible).
You May Not:
Resell or Redistribute As-Is – You cannot resell, republish, or distribute this module, its raw map files, or other unaltered content without express permission.
Claim Ownership of EAS or This Module – The EAS method, name, and original content remain the property of Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC.
Remove Attribution – Credit must remain intact for any public or commercial use.
Additional Permissions
Paid download access to raw maps, NPCs, creatures, and related assets grants you the right to use those materials for your own game content and commercial modules under this license.
WWW.DOYOUOPENTHEDOOR.COM
Disclaimer
These materials are provided “as is” without warranty. Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC are not responsible for derivative works or their use.
For questions, commercial licensing, or special permissions, contact toddmassey@webwerks.biz
Fonasaur
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Exceptional digger, highly adaptable diet, excellent camouflage, strong defensive kick, powerful balance tail, night vision.
Weaknesses:
Poor long-distance runner, limited mobility in open areas, dependent on burrow systems for protection.
Yellow Arrow
Description
Yellow arrows indicate POV image information and when located on the map it shows direction of POV.
Click on any yellow arrow to see an eye-level view of the room. Then click the image to embiggen.
Click to open then click to close.
Fonasaur
Abilities and Traits
Burrowing Mastery: Capable of digging through clay-rich soils with remarkable speed using wide, clawed hind feet. Fused pelvic bones provide strength and balance while digging, allowing for long digging sessions without fatigue.
Material Engineer: Uses gathered sticks, moss, stones, and saliva to build reinforced burrow linings, nests and obstructions.
Omnivorous Opportunist: Hunts small animals, raids nests, and grazes on roots, tubers, and hardy plants.
Sticky Saliva: Its saliva can harden into a weak adhesive substance, mainly used for nest building and other minor construction tasks.
Camouflage Feathers: Blends seamlessly into rocky or earthen surroundings, feathers allow for stealthy movement.
Night Vision: Night vision capabilities much like an owl possesses.
Fonasaur
Lifecycle and Ecological Role
Fonasaur hatchlings emerge from well-insulated burrow nests lined with moss and clay. Juveniles remain hidden underground for the first few weeks, emerging under parental watch. As omnivores, they regulate populations of small mammals and reptiles while dispersing seeds from their plant-based diet.
What is a Blank Dungeon?
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Very likely you have seen or possibly used premade dungeon maps. Dungeon maps that are nothing but a map with a few image details so the GM can utilize the map any way they wish as long as it fits the narrative created by the map.
Blank Dungeons are essentially the same idea. Premade dungeon environments so that the GM can drop it into a campaign adventure with very little prep.
Blank Dungeon environments are always presented as active and not frozen in time.
Blank Dungeons are written in a rule agnostic format so they can be used with any ruleset.
Text descriptions may be limited due to detailed map images that help to tell the story of the setting.
The only thing missing, that the GM supplies, are the various elements of the overarching storyline.
1A - Blocked Passage
Detail
This passage has been strategically blocked by the mother Fonasaur creature in room #4.
The mass is made up of natural materials such as rocks, bushes, sticks, and vines, all held together with sticky saliva.
The creature also builds its nests using the same method.
Click to enlarge
More Than a Map
Map+
Blank Dungeons are more than a map; they are a Map+. They exist somewhere between a plain map and a full adventure. The GM simply overlays their own adventure onto the provided setting.
Plenty of creative map developers sell wonderful maps or map packs for GMs to use as they see fit. Of course the visuals of the map need to fit the narrative the GM wants to convey but they can provide great shortcuts for busy GMs or for those that don't have the tools or skills to create maps.
Blank Dungeons seek to push that idea a little further and take the burden off the GM as they have to describe another tavern or another cavern for the 100th time. Great map visual details and Point-Of-View shots assist the GM by having a number of descriptive elements available for them to utilize in their storytelling.
8 - Dirt Piles
Detail
The pirates performed excavation activity to create cave #10 at the behest of their captain and dumped all the excess dirt in this open area.
Large piles of loose dirt and rock line the walls leaving a path in the middle of the cave forcing everyone to walk the same route. The dirt piles, year old wheel tracks and humanoid tracks in the dirt look as if the dirt was dumped with a small barrow.
Overhead - click to open/close
Any adventurers that posess natural underground abilities or have minining related skills will be able to determine that the floor has an unsettling bouncy feel. As if the support structure for the floor is in degraded condition.
Beneath the floor of this cave is another cavernous area that moving water has been erroding. The errosion and the added weight of the dirt piles have brought the floor close to caving into the area below. But at this point it is still safe to cross the cave.
If any type of explosion occurs in cave #6, the shockwave will definitely bring the floor to the edge of collapse. When the adventurers cross the middle of the room, the floor will collapse.
GM can have the floor collapse into a rocky pit that has water in the bottom.
GM can have the floor collapse into the water of the sunken temple on level 2.
OR
What is a Blank Dungeon?
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Very likely you have seen or possibly used premade dungeon maps. Dungeon maps that are nothing but a map with a few image details so the GM can utilize the map any way they wish as long as it fits the narrative created by the map.
Blank Dungeons are essentially the same idea. Premade dungeon environments so that the GM can drop it into a campaign adventure with very little prep.
Blank Dungeon environments are always presented as active and not frozen in time.
Blank Dungeons are written in a rule agnostic format so they can be used with any ruleset.
Text descriptions may be limited due to detailed map images that help to tell the story of the setting.
The only thing missing, that the GM supplies, are the various elements of the overarching storyline.
7 - Narrow Corridor
Detail
The corridor here is very narrow with a massive sloped stone obstruction at the N end. While not impassable, only humanoids of small framed stature can squeeze through here and climb over the rock that rises up to near the ceiling.
Overhead - click to open/close
If adventurers retreat down this narrow tunnel hoping to escape combat with the Fonasaur in cave #4, the Fonasaur are able to fit into this tight space and will pursue the intruders up until they encounter the sloped stone obstruction.
Fonasaur
Read Fonasaur Details Here:
Brief
Fonasaur mother (and mated male if GM wants a tougher encounter) will agressively defend the 2 room nest area.
If adventurers leave the two room nest area the parent(s) will stay on high alert but will not pursue.
Tactics: The Fonasaur likes the confined areas of the hallways and small caves that narrow the attack field since Fonasaur likes straight forward quick strikes and powerful hind leg attacks (much like a Kangaroo attacks by balancing on a powerful tail and kicking forward).
If using 2 adults, they will split their attack vectors up and one will move through connecting tunnels to attack from the rear. Mother will guard the roost while father maneuvers behind.
If using hatchlings they will not be much use in a fight but if they are near adulthood they will be formidable fighters much like their parents.
Fonasaur have good vision in the dark which is one reason they tend to hunt at dusk and dawn.
Fonasaur
Lore and Myths
Some cultures believe their saliva has binding magical properties, able to mend broken stone walls or reinforce weak structures. Text and drawings sometimes depict Fonasaur alongside human hunters, suggesting they were once tamed or hunted for their meat and feathers.
2nd Level Sunken Temple
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into the 2nd level where the sunken temple is located.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Fonasaur
Reproductive Method
Lays 3–5 large, pale eggs in a deep, reinforced burrow chamber. Both parents assist in incubation, using their bodies to maintain warmth and periodically moistening the chamber walls with saliva to prevent collapse.
Stats
Bring Your Own
I construct EAS modules in a rule agnostic manner and this includes Creatures, NPC's and any story related information.
This allows the GM to take any EAS created dungeon adventure and easily overlay it into their own world and characters with minimal effort.
The GM knows the characters that are traversing the world and can best decide what level of engagement to throw at them.
Any GM can play using any ruleset without trying to convert a dungeon module written for a specific branded ruleset and specific characters and levels.
Treasure
Your World
You know your world and players best.
Reward them as you see fit.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
Yellow Arrow
Description
Click green home button to go to CONTENTS page.
3 - Fonasaur Hatchlings
Detail
If the adventurers are quiet on approach, they can hear the hatchlings' deep chirping and rustling around in their nest area. If adventurers are noisy and carrying light, the hatchlings will begin chirping louder and more rapidly, alerting the mother Fonasaur in room #4.
Overhead - click to open/close
The mother has dug out 5 alcoves for her hatchlings and constructed her crude nests of collected materials held together with sticky saliva. Some of the nest materials are definitely from the pirate stash.
The tunnel approach to the hatchlings' nest has a strong odor of an unclean bird's nest. Four Fonasaur (one hatchling died) hatchlings reside here, each in their own nest. Surrounded by the splintered bones of their food, consisting mainly of protein sources from small animals and reptiles.
Adjust creatures' age and numbers to better fit battle encounters.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
2nd Level Sunken Temple
Detail
The treasure the captain buried is located in this side tunnel from the main Treasure Pit in cave #10.
The tunnel has collapsed all around the treasure and some effort will have to be made to reach the pirate gold.
Reward your players any way that you think is appropriate.
Fonasaur
Clues for Adventurers
Mounds of freshly dug earth near cliff faces or hillocks.
Sticky, clay-reinforced walls inside burrows.
Scattered bones of small animals near burrow entrances or nesting sites.Unusual, low-pitched rumbling calls at dawn or dusk.
Stats
Bring Your Own
I construct EAS modules in a rule agnostic manner and this includes Creatures, NPC's and any story related information.
This allows the GM to take any EAS created dungeon adventure and easily overlay it into their own world and characters with minimal effort.
The GM knows the characters that are traversing the world and can best decide what level of engagement to throw at them.
Any GM can play using any ruleset without trying to convert a dungeon module written for a specific branded ruleset and specific characters and levels.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Environment Synopsis
Yes, pirates did hide treasure in these caves expecting to come back and pick it up later. For some reason that has not happened yet.
The cave is stuffy with no airflow to speak of.
This cave system should be located near a body of water, preferably a sea but large lake is also suitable.
Most cave areas and tunnels are naturally formed and have low ceilings and irregular walls and floors. Ceiling height ranges from 6-12 feet high.
Creatures have moved in and made a home.
The last humanoids to venture into these caves a year ago now lay on the floor of a false treasure room in a heap of bones, one hand stretched out for a treasure chest.
10 - Treasure Pit
Detail
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave was increased in size to barely accomodate a handful of pirates working to dig a tunnel straight down and erect the beams, ropes, pulleys and support structure to accomodate this ardous task that the pirates absolutely hated.
The pirates hid their valuable treasure at the bottom of the pit in a side tunnel that has now collapsed. The pit and side tunnel were dug in pursuit of the temple but now serves as a hiding place for the pirate treasure.
As the adventurers start to clear the side tunnel of collapsed rock and debris, cool, salty air will begin to blow into their faces. The cool air is very noticeable compared to the warm and stuffy caverns they have been traversing.
GM can choose exactly how to handle this treasure pit. 1. Design the pit and place the treasure as the GM wishes. 2. Follow the design to the 2nd level. The second level has limited design but opens up story possibilities of a sunken temple if the GM wishes to pursue them.
The support structure and small cave can easily serve multiple trap opportunities with intentional or time degraded ropes and wood beams.
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Fonasaur
Interactions with Adventurers
Combat Tactics:
When threatened, retreats to its burrow and blocks the entrance with packed debris or its own body. In open combat, uses powerful hind leg kicks and its beak to inflict injury. Sometimes lashes out with its short powerful tail. When kicking with hind legs the tail will tuck under and serve as a third balance leg.
Non-Violent Tactics:
Bluff charges and loud, rasping cries to warn intruders. Fire can be used to manipulate their movements.
9 - Back Hallway
Detail
After exiting from cave #8 or climbing the sloped obstruction in area #7 the adventurers will find a long tunnel with a wheeled wooden barrow, a narrow path weaving between piles of dirt and discarded digging tools such as picks and shovels.
Overhead - click to open/close
As the tunnel approaches cave #10 the walls become less naturally formed and show a lot of tool work as the area was widened so humanoids could more easily pass with their supplies.
More Than a Map
Map+
Blank Dungeons are more than a map; they are a Map+. They exist somewhere between a plain map and a full adventure. The GM simply overlays their own adventure onto the provided setting.
Plenty of creative map developers sell wonderful maps or map packs for GMs to use as they see fit. Of course the visuals of the map need to fit the narrative the GM wants to convey but they can provide great shortcuts for busy GMs or for those that don't have the tools or skills to create maps.
Blank Dungeons seek to push that idea a little further and take the burden off the GM a they have to describe another tavern or another cavern for the 100th time. Great map visual details and Point-Of-View shots assist the GM by having a number of descriptive elements available for them to utilize in their storytelling.
4 - Fonasaur Adult
Detail
Any approach that is noisy or brings light will alert the adult(s) Fonasaur or if they hear the hatchlings' alarm. If the adventurers back off and leave the creatures alone, the Fonasaur will not pursue.
Like room #3, the odor of a dirty bird cage is very noticeable. There is a single large nest built mainly of natural material but there are bits of pirate debris woven into the nest walls with the area surrounded by discarded small animal bone debris.
Overhead - click to open/close
A narrow tunnel in the S wall has been dug by the Fonasaur that more directly connects caves #3 and #4.
The adventurers will have to be exceptionally quiet and travel in darkness to sneak up on the Fonasaur as they are well suited to the dark and hunting in low light situations.
While at the same time the Fonasaur feathers allow them to move in a very stealthy manner, dampening the noise of their movements.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Arrow
Description
Clicking this arrow in this situation opens up some additional text information.
Click the image of the cavern map to increase size, then click map again to close.
Try clicking other elements below the cavern map to experience additional information reveals.
2 - False Treasure Trap
Detail
The pirates laughed maniacally amongst themselves at their captain's cleverness as they rigged the crossbows with tripwires and poisoned bolts to help protect their share of the real treasure.
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave smells of mildew and mold. The bones of thieves still reside here because the Fonasaur in room #4 refused the poison-tainted meat, so they were left to other creatures to assist in decomposition.
Treasure is intentionally staged and stacked in this room to hide the 4 crossbows anchored to the walls. 2 are hidden on the left behind stacks of bolts of molded cloth on top of empty crates along with other useless treasure. 2 are hidden on the right behind molding crates that are also empty.
Only bones are left of 2 thieves already claimed by the poisoned bolts, so there are only two loaded bolts left, one on each side of the room with tripwires run across the floor.
There is a chest that was perched on a stone pedestal, now both lay smashed on the floor with the bony arm of one of the thieves apparently still reaching for the treasure chest.
The broken open chest has gold painted lead inside.
6 - Trade Storage Cave
Open flame is dangerous in this cave
Detail
This cave is an unintended natural trap ready to burst into flames or possibly explode due to the stored materials.
This cave has large, oversized storage and shipping containers of trade goods. Some have the backpack style wooden carrying racks still attached with rotting rope laying on the floor of the damp, stuffy cave.
Overhead - click to open/close
Some large containers have broken open and leaked whatever contents were inside. The floor around these containers are stained with oils or piled with powders or similar materials.
One large clay container that is broken open has spilled saltpeter (Potasium Nitrate) into a pile around the container. Saltpeter (gunpowder, food preservative) helps other materials burn better.
Other sealed containers have highly flammable substances like Tea Tree Oil (wound treatment), Sulfur Powder (gunpowder, pest control, food preservative), Turpentine Liquid (wood preservative).
Disturbing weakened containers can cause them to break open, spilling flammable fumes or powder into the air that any open flames can ignite and can then be worsened by other ingredients such as saltpeter.
Markings on the containers can reveal the contents but labeling is not standardized and could be represented as graphical or text in foreign language. Tea Tree Oil could simply be represented as a spray of leaves.
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
Questions or Comments?
Have fun!
SERVICE@WEBWERKS.BIZ
Fonasaur
Description and Physical Appearance
The Fonasaur is a robust, flightless, bird-like dinosaur about the size of a North American deer, standing 4 feet at the shoulder and measuring up to 8 feet from beak to tail. Its body is covered in coarse, mottled feathers ranging from dusty browns to slate grays, providing excellent camouflage in scrublands, rocky hills, and cavern mouths and pads their movement making them silent hunters. Its head is narrow with a curved, keratinous beak lined with sharp inner ridges capable of slicing small prey and grinding tough plant matter. The creature’s forelimb wings are short, tipped with blunt claws used for gripping and manipulating. Its powerful hind limbs have wide, splayed toes with heavy claws, ideal for digging or scraping soil and clay.It has a short but muscular tail often used as a third leg for balancing or for stunning and crushing blows.
Fonasaur
General Intelligence
Displays problem-solving skills much like Corvids, particularly in reinforcing burrows, tricking or trapping prey. Can recognize and remember safe foraging routes.
1 - Entry Cave
Detail
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure and to resupply their water from a pool in cave #5.
Overhead - click to open/close
This entry cave connects to the outside world in the S wall through some dense brush that helps to hide the entrance.
There are some discarded, now worthless treasures dumped here. Smashed bench, torn portrait, broken clay pottery and rotting barrels.
The cave feels stuffy with no airflow moving through the cavern and an odor of feces and damp decay lingering in the air.
Heavy rain will flow into this cavern and if there is enough water it will then trickle down the N corridor then flow W at the 4-way intersection, follow the downslope at the intersection and eventually flow into the lowest part of this cavern complex, cave #5
There are exit tunnels in the E and in the N.
Creature
Highlight
A new creature called the Fonasaur has been created specifically for this Blank Dungeon, Abandoned Pirate Cave.
I created the Fonasaur after reading about a dinosaur discovered in 2024 that most likely was a burrowing feathered dinosaur.
Highlights from the article:
Fona herzogae was a small dinosaur about the size of a dog that lived underground, making it one of the few known burrowing dinosaurs from 99 million years ago.
This dinosaur had strong legs and muscles suited for digging, helping it create burrows in the ground for shelter.
Researchers found many fossils of Fona in Utah, showing that these dinosaurs lived in groups and often stayed in their burrows.
5 - Resting Cave
Detail
This cave is the lowest point in the small cave system. Excess water that runs into cave #1 will run down the hallway to this room and drain downslope into the natural pool in the W end of the cavern.
Overhead - click to open/close
There is evidence, feathers, tracks and droppings, that the Fonasaur in caves #3 and #4 come here to drink the dirty water at the edge of the pool. The Fonasaur do not venture beyond the Resting cave.
Back when the pirates traversed this area, the pool was larger and higher, as indicated by water lines on the walls. The cleaner water served as a fresh source for restocking supplies. Ship hands that hauled cargo into and out of the caves rested and slept here. They left plenty of trash behind: broken bottles, chairs and padded canvas bags for sitting on, a large clay water pot, a bucket, remnants of a small campfire, and other debris.
There is an exit tunnel in the N wall at the W end of the room and the pirates shaped a narrow ledge to walk on lined with a now aged rope handrail.
Natural traps in this cave can be a creature lurking in the shallow water, the handrail or ledge can give way. The downslope in this cave is at a high angle and muddy.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
6 - Trade Storage Cave
Open flame is dangerous in this cave
Detail
This cave is an unintended natural trap ready to burst into flames or possibly explode due to the stored materials.
This cave has large, oversized storage and shipping containers of trade goods. Some have the backpack style wooden carrying racks still attached with rotting rope laying on the floor of the damp, stuffy cave.
Overhead - click to open/close
Some large containers have broken open and leaked whatever contents were inside. The floor around these containers are stained with oils or piled with powders or similar materials.
One large clay container that is broken open has spilled saltpeter (Potasium Nitrate) into a pile around the container. Saltpeter (gunpowder, food preservative) helps other materials burn better.
Other sealed containers have highly flammable substances like Tea Tree Oil (wound treatment), Sulfur Powder (gunpowder, pest control, food preservative), Turpentine Liquid (wood preservative).
Disturbing weakened containers can cause them to break open, spilling flammable fumes or powder into the air that any open flames can ignite and can then be worsened by other ingredients such as saltpeter.
Markings on the containers can reveal the contents but labeling is not standardized and could be represented as graphical or text in foreign language. Tea Tree Oil could simply be represented as a spray of leaves.
Hooks and Plot
Bring Your Own
The GM gets a fully dressed scene backdrop to place a dungeon adventure in.
Blank Dungeons are produced with no hooks to entice adventurers into the adventure. The GM supplies this.
Blank Dungeons are produced without a plot for the adventurers to solve or fight their way through. The GM supplies this.
3 - Fonasaur Hatchlings
Detail
If the adventurers are quiet on approach, they can hear the hatchlings' deep chirping and rustling around in their nest area. If adventurers are noisy and carrying light, the hatchlings will begin chirping louder and more rapidly, alerting the mother Fonasaur in room #4.
Overhead - click to open/close
The mother has dug out 5 alcoves for her hatchlings and constructed her crude nests of collected materials held together with sticky saliva. Some of the nest materials are definitely from the pirate stash.
The tunnel approach to the hatchlings' nest has a strong odor of an unclean bird's nest. Four Fonasaur (one hatchling died) hatchlings reside here, each in their own nest. Surrounded by the splintered bones of their food, consisting mainly of protein sources from small animals and reptiles.
Adjust creatures' age and numbers to better fit battle encounters.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Creature Marker
Brief
This icon on the map shows the location of the Fonasaur.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Todd Massey
Created on August 12, 2025
Blank Dungeon RPG Module adventure where pirates have hidden treasure in some abandoned caves.
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Transcript
The Abandoned Pirate Cave is more than just a treasure vault. It’s a ready-to-run dungeon environment built for surprise and tension.
RPG Module
RPG Module
Pirates once dug here to hide their loot and probe for an ancient sunken temple, but something went wrong and they never returned.
A pirate captain’s unfinished excavation hides both riches and mysteries, from collapsing caverns to volatile stores of powder and oil, danger is never far.
Now the caverns are littered with traps, poisoned treasure chests, and volatile storage goods that threaten to explode at the wrong spark.
A family of Fonasaur, burrowing, bird-like predators has taken over the inner caves, weaving nests from pirate spoils and defending their hatchlings with ruthless ferocity.
Aban
Aban
doned
doned
At the deepest point lies the Treasure Pit, an unfinished excavation that hints at something larger beneath the sea.
Pirate
Pirate
Whether used as a deadly side quest or the gateway to a larger arc, this Blank Dungeon gives you a living, dangerous environment that can be slotted into any campaign with minimal prep.
Cave
Cave
Blank
Blank
Dungeon
Dungeon
“A forgotten cave, a false chest, and the bones of those who came before.”
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Todd Massey
DOYOUOPENTHEDOOR.COM
CONTENTS
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Blank Dungeon
Blank Dungeon
START HERE: How to Use this Module
Stats
Backstory
Backstory
Treasure
More than a Map
Hooks and Plot
Todd Massey
This Module Built Using EAS Methods
This Module Built Using EAS Methods
This RPG adventure module is presented in a new format. Rather than a PDF or print format, it contains clickable elements that reveal additional information.
The Home button takes you to the CONTENTS page where all major links are located.
Text, Images and Icons can be Clickable
While not everything is clickable, don't hesitate to click.
My goal was to solve common problems that Game Masters experience with other formats. The technology is nothing new, but the presentation for an RPG module is unique.
The Map icon will take you to the MAIN MAP page from which you can run the entire adventure.
CLICK TO OPEN CLICK TO CLOSE
The Creature icon will take you to the CREATURE detail page.
This way, the GM is never more than 1 or 2 clicks away from critical information and can easily return to whatever element they were at originally.
EMERGENT ADVENTURE SYSTEM
Are you a GM that wants to learn more about EAS - visit
EAS
Emergent Storytelling - A type of storytellng where a story develops naturally and unexpectedly through a player's actions.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
MAIN MAP
MAIN MAP
10
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Abandoned Pirate Cave
POV Overhead
Plain Overhead
Trade Storage
Entry Cave
Narrow Corridor
1A
Blocked Passage
Dirt Piles
Treasure Trap
Back Hallway
1A
Fonasaur Hatchling
10
Treasure Pit
Fonasaur Adult
Resting Cave
Sunken Temple
SUNKEN TEMPLE
SUNKEN TEMPLE
Low Light Map
This map is not detailed and is provided for any GM that would like to pursue the idea on their own.
The adventure can be over when the treasure is discovered and recovered.
Main Map
Main Map
Fonasaur
Fonasaur
Creature
Description and Physical Appearance
Abilities and Traits
Habitat and Behavior
To increase difficulty the GM can have a mated pair ferociously defending their hatchlings.
Lifecycle and Ecological Role
Reproductive Method
Increase number of hatchlings from 4 to 5.
Feeding and Energy Requirements
Social Structure
Increase the age of the hatchlings to young adults almost ready to leave the nest but have increased, near adult stats.
General Intelligence
Strengths and Weaknesses
Interaction with Adventurers
Narrow corridors or limited space to manuever benefits the Fonasaur where they can slash forward with their powerful hind digging legs using their thick tail to balance.
As tall as a deer, with Corvid-like intelligence and night vision like an owl this feathered, flightless dinosaur strikes at prey quickly and defends with powerful digging hind legs.
General Creature Stats
Clues for Adventurers
Lore and Myths
Fonasaur
Feeding and Energy Requirements
Consumes a varied diet of rodents, insects, lizards, bird eggs, roots, tubers, seeds, and hardy shrubs. Hunts by stalking and lunging, or by waiting at burrow entrances to ambush prey. Requires high protein intake during breeding and molting seasons.
8 - Floor Collapse Area
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into a rocky pit with water in the bottom. OR, the GM can have them fall into the water on level 2 with the sunken temple.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Treasure
Your World
You know your world and players best.
Reward them as you see fit.
8 - Floor Collapse Area
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into a rocky pit with water in the bottom. OR, the GM can have them fall into the water on level 2 with the sunken temple.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
AI
Artificial Intelligence
Some elements created with the assistance of AI tools.
9 - Back Hallway
Detail
After exiting from cave #8 or climbing the sloped obstruction in area #7 the adventurers will find a long tunnel with a wheeled wooden barrow, a narrow path weaving between piles of dirt and discarded digging tools such as picks and shovels.
Overhead - click to open/close
As the tunnel approaches cave #10 the walls become less naturally formed and show a lot of tool work as the area was widened so humanoids could more easily pass with their supplies.
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
Questions or Comments?
Have fun!
SERVICE@WEBWERKS.BIZ
5 - Resting Cave
Detail
This cave is the lowest point in the small cave system. Excess water that runs into cave #1 will run down the hallway to this room and drain downslope into the natural pool in the W end of the cavern.
Overhead - click to open/close
There is evidence, feathers, tracks and droppings, that the Fonasaur in caves #3 and #4 come here to drink the dirty water at the edge of the pool. The Fonasaur do not venture beyond the Resting cave.
Back when the pirates traversed this area, the pool was larger and higher, as indicated by water lines on the walls. The cleaner water served as a fresh source for restocking supplies. Ship hands that hauled cargo into and out of the caves rested and slept here. They left plenty of trash behind: broken bottles, chairs and padded canvas bags for sitting on, a large clay water pot, a bucket, remnants of a small campfire, and other debris.
There is an exit tunnel in the N wall at the W end of the room and the pirates shaped a narrow ledge to walk on lined with a now aged rope handrail.
Natural traps in this cave can be a creature lurking in the shallow water, the handrail or ledge can give way. The downslope in this cave is at a high angle and muddy.
Icons
Example
Graphic icons are often clickable and will expanded information related to the image.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Backstory
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure.
The caves have been abandoned for at least a year.
The abandoned pirate caves are a small array of 8 distinct natural caves (10 labeled areas) mildly modified by inhabitants over the years.
Location: These caves can be located anywhere but if you follow the pirate story they need to be near a large body of water. A sea or ocean location tracks best following some of the descriptive elements in this module.
The pirates left treasure, goods and traps behind expecting to return to reclaim the valuable goods.
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Since being abandoned, a creature has taken up occupation of 2 of the caves, nesting in one cave while her brood nests in another cave.
The bones of some humanoids that rediscovered these caves lie here as greed obviously brought them down.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
4 - Fonasaur Adult
Detail
Any approach that is noisy or brings light will alert the adult(s) Fonasaur or if they hear the hatchlings' alarm. If the adventurers back off and leave the creatures alone, the Fonasaur will not pursue.
Like room #3, the odor of a dirty bird cage is very noticeable. There is a single large nest built mainly of natural material but there are bits of pirate debris woven into the nest walls with the area surrounded by discarded small animal bone debris.
Overhead - click to open/close
A narrow tunnel in the S wall has been dug by the Fonasaur that more directly connects caves #3 and #4.
The adventurers will have to be exceptionally quiet and travel in darkness to sneak up on the Fonasaur as they are well suited to the dark and hunting in low light situations.
While at the same time the Fonasaur feathers allow them to move in a very stealthy manner, dampening the noise of their movements.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
10 - Treasure Pit
Detail
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave was increased in size to barely accomodate a handful of pirates working to dig a tunnel straight down and erect the beams, ropes, pulleys and support structure to accomodate this ardous task that the pirates absolutely hated.
The pirates hid their valuable treasure at the bottom of the pit in a side tunnel that has now collapsed. The pit and side tunnel were dug in pursuit of the temple but now serves as a hiding place for the pirate treasure.
As the adventurers start to clear the side tunnel of collapsed rock and debris, cool, salty air will begin to blow into their faces. The cool air is very noticeable compared to the warm and stuffy caverns they have been traversing.
GM can choose exactly how to handle this treasure pit. 1. Design the pit and place the treasure as the GM wishes. 2. Follow the design to the 2nd level. The second level has limited design but opens up story possibilities of a sunken temple if the GM wishes to pursue them.
The support structure and small cave can easily serve multiple trap opportunities with intentional or time degraded ropes and wood beams.
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
1 - Entry Cave
Example
Number icons typically are room identifiers and when clicked will give you more information about the room.
7 - Narrow Corridor
Detail
The corridor here is very narrow with a massive sloped stone obstruction at the N end. While not impassable, only humanoids of small framed stature can squeeze through here and climb over the rock that rises up to near the ceiling.
Overhead - click to open/close
If adventurers retreat down this narrow tunnel hoping to escape combat with the Fonasaur in cave #4, the Fonasaur are able to fit into this tight space and will pursue the intruders up until they encounter the sloped stone obstruction.
Urdrum Swarm
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
1 Bite per individual
Small (Individuals up to 2 feet)
Large (Swarm)
Attack Methods:
Venomous paralysis
Movement:
Skittering (fast)
Overwhelming numbers
Dexterity (wall climb) Intelligence (low individual - Cunning Hivemind)
Primary Attributes:
Defense Methods:
Hard chitin shell
Coordinated swarm
Special Abilities:
Armor Equivalent:
Paralysis poison bite, well armored, coordinated swarm movement.
High natural armor
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
DoYouOpenTheDoor.com
Questions or Comments?
Have fun!
SERVICE@WEBWERKS.BIZ
Not Me - click the image to see a larger version and see more details.
Emergent Adventure System
EAS Explained
How This Module is Designed
No Character Restrictions
This RPG module introduces a fresh and flexible approach to storytelling in adventure campaigns, designed with Game Masters in mind. Its innovative linking structure means you are never more than one or two clicks from the information you need. It offers a more dynamic and versatile alternative to the rigid formats of traditional print or PDF modules.
One of the standout advantages of this system is its adaptability. It can be tailored to characters of any ruleset and level, freeing your party to play with their established characters rather than being constrained to pre-made module characters or specific level requirements. This freedom allows for a more organic and immersive experience, as the story evolves around their choices and the heroes your players love.
Rule Agnostic Design for Maximum Flexibility
It is Up to the Game Master
Unlike conventional modules tied to specific game systems, this adventure is presented in a rule-agnostic format. This means there are no predefined stats or proprietary game mechanics. As a result, the module can seamlessly integrate into any game system, any world, and any character level.
This is a complete adventure story like any campaign setting, except there are no stats. After reading through the entire module's story, the GM should have a good idea of what level and how many hit points, etc., should be assigned to create interesting encounters.
Tailored to Your Players, Game and World
No Read Aloud
The only prerequisite for the GM is a good understanding of their players and their characters. GMs will assign target numbers and customize essential stats for opponents and obstacles such as Hit Points, Armor Class, or Skill Checks based on the game system they are using and the party's level. This ensures gameplay that is balanced, engaging, and suited to the specific dynamics of your group.
Controversial, I know. There are no read-aloud descriptions. The GM does what they have always done: describes the scene in their own voice.
Treasure
Outside of some general ideas or suggestions for what might be considered valuable (creature parts, etc.), no monetary quantities are used. Again, this allows the GM flexibility in slotting the adventure into their own world with minimal effort. Reward your players as you see fit.
Perfect for Homebrew Worlds
Because of the open-ended design, this system is particularly well-suited for integration into homebrew worlds. Its malleability ensures it can adapt seamlessly to your unique setting, enhancing the world you've built rather than imposing rigid external structures.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
2 - False Treasure Trap
Detail
The pirates laughed maniacally amongst themselves at their captain's cleverness as they rigged the crossbows with tripwires and poisoned bolts to help protect their share of the real treasure.
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave smells of mildew and mold. The bones of thieves still reside here because the Fonasaur in room #4 refused the poison-tainted meat, so they were left to other creatures to assist in decomposition.
Treasure is intentionally staged and stacked in this room to hide the 4 crossbows anchored to the walls. 2 are hidden on the left behind stacks of bolts of molded cloth on top of empty crates along with other useless treasure. 2 are hidden on the right behind molding crates that are also empty.
Only bones are left of 2 thieves already claimed by the poisoned bolts, so there are only two loaded bolts left, one on each side of the room with tripwires run across the floor.
There is a chest that was perched on a stone pedestal, now both lay smashed on the floor with the bony arm of one of the thieves apparently still reaching for the treasure chest.
The broken open chest has gold painted lead inside.
8 - Dirt Piles
Detail
The pirates performed excavation activity to create cave #10 at the behest of their captain and dumped all the excess dirt in this open area.
Large piles of loose dirt and rock line the walls leaving a path in the middle of the cave forcing everyone to walk the same route. The dirt piles, year old wheel tracks and humanoid tracks in the dirt look as if the dirt was dumped with a small barrow.
Overhead - click to open/close
Any adventurers that posess natural underground abilities or have minining related skills will be able to determine that the floor has an unsettling bouncy feel. As if the support structure for the floor is in degraded condition.
Beneath the floor of this cave is another cavernous area that moving water has been erroding. The errosion and the added weight of the dirt piles have brought the floor close to caving into the area below. But at this point it is still safe to cross the cave.
If any type of explosion occurs in cave #6, the shockwave will definitely bring the floor to the edge of collapse. When the adventurers cross the middle of the room, the floor will collapse.
GM can have the floor collapse into a rocky pit that has water in the bottom.
GM can have the floor collapse into the water of the sunken temple on level 2.
OR
1A - Blocked Passage
Detail
This passage has been strategically blocked by the mother Fonasaur creature in room #4.
The mass is made up of natural materials such as rocks, bushes, sticks, and vines, all held together with sticky saliva.
The creature also builds its nests using the same method.
Click to enlarge
1 - Entry Cave
Detail
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure and to resupply their water from a pool in cave #5.
Overhead - click to open/close
This entry cave connects to the outside world in the S wall through some dense brush that helps to hide the entrance.
There are some discarded, now worthless treasures dumped here. Smashed bench, torn portrait, broken clay pottery and rotting barrels.
The cave feels stuffy with no airflow moving through the cavern and an odor of feces and damp decay lingering in the air.
Heavy rain will flow into this cavern and if there is enough water it will then trickle down the N corridor then flow W at the 4-way intersection, follow the downslope at the intersection and eventually flow into the lowest part of this cavern complex, cave #5
There are exit tunnels in the E and in the N.
Fonasaur
Habitat and Behavior
Fonasaur thrives in rocky plains, scrublands, and near cliffside caves. They prefer soft or mixed substrates for burrows but can adapt to harder clay soils. Most active during early dawn and dusk, they avoid predators by retreating deep into their burrows. Territorial during nesting season, they will aggressively defend their burrow complex.
Fonasaur have a unique training system for their offspring since they are Corvid smart they tutor their offspring in more than just hunting. A couple of weeks after hatching, each Fonasaur is shown how to build their own nest, with the adult showing digging and nest-building techniques. Then the offspring live nearby but separately until adulthood, when they leave to live on their own.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Backstory
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure.
The caves have been abandoned for at least a year.
The abandoned pirate caves are a small array of 8 distinct natural caves (10 labeled areas) mildly modified by inhabitants over the years.
Location: These caves can be located anywhere but if you follow the pirate story they need to be near a large body of water. A sea or ocean location tracks best following some of the descriptive elements in this module.
The pirates left treasure, goods and traps behind expecting to return to reclaim the valuable goods.
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Since being abandoned, a creature has taken up occupation of 2 of the caves, nesting in one cave while her brood nests in another cave.
The bones of some humanoids that rediscovered these caves lie here as greed obviously brought them down.
Fonasaur
Social Structure
Generally solitary outside of breeding pairs. Breeding pairs form long-term bonds and may reuse the same burrow system for years, enlarging and reinforcing it over time.
Hooks and Plot
Bring Your Own
The GM gets a fully dressed scene backdrop to place a dungeon adventure in.
Blank Dungeons are produced with no hooks to entice adventurers into the adventure. The GM supplies this.
Blank Dungeons are produced without a plot for the adventurers to solve or fight their way through. The GM supplies this.
EAS Remix License v1.0
Copyright © 2025 Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC. All rights reserved except as granted under the EAS Remix License.
Full License (EAS Remix License v1.0)
Purpose
The Emergent Adventure System (EAS) is designed to help Game Masters create, share, and publish interactive, non-linear RPG adventures. This license encourages creativity and collaboration while protecting the original creator’s intellectual property.
You Are Free To:
1. Use & Play – Use this module, its maps, NPCs, creatures, and other assets in your games for personal or commercial use. 2. Remix & Adapt – Modify, adapt, and build new works using these assets, including commercial adventures. 3. Distribute Derivatives – Share your remixed or derivative works publicly (for free or for sale).
You Must:
Provide Attribution – All public or commercial uses must include the following credit: “Built using the Emergent Adventure System (EAS) by Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC" (with a link to https://doyouopenthedoor.com where possible).
You May Not:
Resell or Redistribute As-Is – You cannot resell, republish, or distribute this module, its raw map files, or other unaltered content without express permission.
Claim Ownership of EAS or This Module – The EAS method, name, and original content remain the property of Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC.
Remove Attribution – Credit must remain intact for any public or commercial use.
Additional Permissions
Paid download access to raw maps, NPCs, creatures, and related assets grants you the right to use those materials for your own game content and commercial modules under this license.
WWW.DOYOUOPENTHEDOOR.COM
Disclaimer
These materials are provided “as is” without warranty. Todd Massey and Web Werks LLC are not responsible for derivative works or their use. For questions, commercial licensing, or special permissions, contact toddmassey@webwerks.biz
Fonasaur
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Exceptional digger, highly adaptable diet, excellent camouflage, strong defensive kick, powerful balance tail, night vision.
Weaknesses:
Poor long-distance runner, limited mobility in open areas, dependent on burrow systems for protection.
Yellow Arrow
Description
Yellow arrows indicate POV image information and when located on the map it shows direction of POV.
Click on any yellow arrow to see an eye-level view of the room. Then click the image to embiggen.
Click to open then click to close.
Fonasaur
Abilities and Traits
Burrowing Mastery: Capable of digging through clay-rich soils with remarkable speed using wide, clawed hind feet. Fused pelvic bones provide strength and balance while digging, allowing for long digging sessions without fatigue.
Material Engineer: Uses gathered sticks, moss, stones, and saliva to build reinforced burrow linings, nests and obstructions.
Omnivorous Opportunist: Hunts small animals, raids nests, and grazes on roots, tubers, and hardy plants.
Sticky Saliva: Its saliva can harden into a weak adhesive substance, mainly used for nest building and other minor construction tasks.
Camouflage Feathers: Blends seamlessly into rocky or earthen surroundings, feathers allow for stealthy movement.
Night Vision: Night vision capabilities much like an owl possesses.
Fonasaur
Lifecycle and Ecological Role
Fonasaur hatchlings emerge from well-insulated burrow nests lined with moss and clay. Juveniles remain hidden underground for the first few weeks, emerging under parental watch. As omnivores, they regulate populations of small mammals and reptiles while dispersing seeds from their plant-based diet.
What is a Blank Dungeon?
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Very likely you have seen or possibly used premade dungeon maps. Dungeon maps that are nothing but a map with a few image details so the GM can utilize the map any way they wish as long as it fits the narrative created by the map.
Blank Dungeons are essentially the same idea. Premade dungeon environments so that the GM can drop it into a campaign adventure with very little prep.
Blank Dungeon environments are always presented as active and not frozen in time.
Blank Dungeons are written in a rule agnostic format so they can be used with any ruleset.
Text descriptions may be limited due to detailed map images that help to tell the story of the setting.
The only thing missing, that the GM supplies, are the various elements of the overarching storyline.
1A - Blocked Passage
Detail
This passage has been strategically blocked by the mother Fonasaur creature in room #4.
The mass is made up of natural materials such as rocks, bushes, sticks, and vines, all held together with sticky saliva.
The creature also builds its nests using the same method.
Click to enlarge
More Than a Map
Map+
Blank Dungeons are more than a map; they are a Map+. They exist somewhere between a plain map and a full adventure. The GM simply overlays their own adventure onto the provided setting.
Plenty of creative map developers sell wonderful maps or map packs for GMs to use as they see fit. Of course the visuals of the map need to fit the narrative the GM wants to convey but they can provide great shortcuts for busy GMs or for those that don't have the tools or skills to create maps.
Blank Dungeons seek to push that idea a little further and take the burden off the GM as they have to describe another tavern or another cavern for the 100th time. Great map visual details and Point-Of-View shots assist the GM by having a number of descriptive elements available for them to utilize in their storytelling.
8 - Dirt Piles
Detail
The pirates performed excavation activity to create cave #10 at the behest of their captain and dumped all the excess dirt in this open area.
Large piles of loose dirt and rock line the walls leaving a path in the middle of the cave forcing everyone to walk the same route. The dirt piles, year old wheel tracks and humanoid tracks in the dirt look as if the dirt was dumped with a small barrow.
Overhead - click to open/close
Any adventurers that posess natural underground abilities or have minining related skills will be able to determine that the floor has an unsettling bouncy feel. As if the support structure for the floor is in degraded condition.
Beneath the floor of this cave is another cavernous area that moving water has been erroding. The errosion and the added weight of the dirt piles have brought the floor close to caving into the area below. But at this point it is still safe to cross the cave.
If any type of explosion occurs in cave #6, the shockwave will definitely bring the floor to the edge of collapse. When the adventurers cross the middle of the room, the floor will collapse.
GM can have the floor collapse into a rocky pit that has water in the bottom.
GM can have the floor collapse into the water of the sunken temple on level 2.
OR
What is a Blank Dungeon?
A Blank Dungeon is like a blueprint that you can construct a homebrew dungeon adventure around in whole or as a side quest.
Very likely you have seen or possibly used premade dungeon maps. Dungeon maps that are nothing but a map with a few image details so the GM can utilize the map any way they wish as long as it fits the narrative created by the map.
Blank Dungeons are essentially the same idea. Premade dungeon environments so that the GM can drop it into a campaign adventure with very little prep.
Blank Dungeon environments are always presented as active and not frozen in time.
Blank Dungeons are written in a rule agnostic format so they can be used with any ruleset.
Text descriptions may be limited due to detailed map images that help to tell the story of the setting.
The only thing missing, that the GM supplies, are the various elements of the overarching storyline.
7 - Narrow Corridor
Detail
The corridor here is very narrow with a massive sloped stone obstruction at the N end. While not impassable, only humanoids of small framed stature can squeeze through here and climb over the rock that rises up to near the ceiling.
Overhead - click to open/close
If adventurers retreat down this narrow tunnel hoping to escape combat with the Fonasaur in cave #4, the Fonasaur are able to fit into this tight space and will pursue the intruders up until they encounter the sloped stone obstruction.
Fonasaur
Read Fonasaur Details Here:
Brief
Fonasaur mother (and mated male if GM wants a tougher encounter) will agressively defend the 2 room nest area.
If adventurers leave the two room nest area the parent(s) will stay on high alert but will not pursue.
Tactics: The Fonasaur likes the confined areas of the hallways and small caves that narrow the attack field since Fonasaur likes straight forward quick strikes and powerful hind leg attacks (much like a Kangaroo attacks by balancing on a powerful tail and kicking forward).
If using 2 adults, they will split their attack vectors up and one will move through connecting tunnels to attack from the rear. Mother will guard the roost while father maneuvers behind.
If using hatchlings they will not be much use in a fight but if they are near adulthood they will be formidable fighters much like their parents.
Fonasaur have good vision in the dark which is one reason they tend to hunt at dusk and dawn.
Fonasaur
Lore and Myths
Some cultures believe their saliva has binding magical properties, able to mend broken stone walls or reinforce weak structures. Text and drawings sometimes depict Fonasaur alongside human hunters, suggesting they were once tamed or hunted for their meat and feathers.
2nd Level Sunken Temple
Detail
The green target represents the area where the floor will collapse into the 2nd level where the sunken temple is located.
GM - Just have the floor collapse into a closed pit if you do not want to introduce the sunken temple on level 2. The sunken temple is not detailed but is there if the GM wants to play off the idea that the captain hiding his treasure in these caves was also following a map and clues to a particular destination he was searching for. The sunken temple was his goal.
Fonasaur
Reproductive Method
Lays 3–5 large, pale eggs in a deep, reinforced burrow chamber. Both parents assist in incubation, using their bodies to maintain warmth and periodically moistening the chamber walls with saliva to prevent collapse.
Stats
Bring Your Own
I construct EAS modules in a rule agnostic manner and this includes Creatures, NPC's and any story related information.
This allows the GM to take any EAS created dungeon adventure and easily overlay it into their own world and characters with minimal effort.
The GM knows the characters that are traversing the world and can best decide what level of engagement to throw at them.
Any GM can play using any ruleset without trying to convert a dungeon module written for a specific branded ruleset and specific characters and levels.
Treasure
Your World
You know your world and players best.
Reward them as you see fit.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
Yellow Arrow
Description
Click green home button to go to CONTENTS page.
3 - Fonasaur Hatchlings
Detail
If the adventurers are quiet on approach, they can hear the hatchlings' deep chirping and rustling around in their nest area. If adventurers are noisy and carrying light, the hatchlings will begin chirping louder and more rapidly, alerting the mother Fonasaur in room #4.
Overhead - click to open/close
The mother has dug out 5 alcoves for her hatchlings and constructed her crude nests of collected materials held together with sticky saliva. Some of the nest materials are definitely from the pirate stash.
The tunnel approach to the hatchlings' nest has a strong odor of an unclean bird's nest. Four Fonasaur (one hatchling died) hatchlings reside here, each in their own nest. Surrounded by the splintered bones of their food, consisting mainly of protein sources from small animals and reptiles.
Adjust creatures' age and numbers to better fit battle encounters.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
2nd Level Sunken Temple
Detail
The treasure the captain buried is located in this side tunnel from the main Treasure Pit in cave #10.
The tunnel has collapsed all around the treasure and some effort will have to be made to reach the pirate gold.
Reward your players any way that you think is appropriate.
Fonasaur
Clues for Adventurers
Mounds of freshly dug earth near cliff faces or hillocks.
Sticky, clay-reinforced walls inside burrows.
Scattered bones of small animals near burrow entrances or nesting sites.Unusual, low-pitched rumbling calls at dawn or dusk.
Stats
Bring Your Own
I construct EAS modules in a rule agnostic manner and this includes Creatures, NPC's and any story related information.
This allows the GM to take any EAS created dungeon adventure and easily overlay it into their own world and characters with minimal effort.
The GM knows the characters that are traversing the world and can best decide what level of engagement to throw at them.
Any GM can play using any ruleset without trying to convert a dungeon module written for a specific branded ruleset and specific characters and levels.
Abandoned Pirate Cave
Environment Synopsis
Yes, pirates did hide treasure in these caves expecting to come back and pick it up later. For some reason that has not happened yet.
The cave is stuffy with no airflow to speak of.
This cave system should be located near a body of water, preferably a sea but large lake is also suitable.
Most cave areas and tunnels are naturally formed and have low ceilings and irregular walls and floors. Ceiling height ranges from 6-12 feet high.
Creatures have moved in and made a home.
The last humanoids to venture into these caves a year ago now lay on the floor of a false treasure room in a heap of bones, one hand stretched out for a treasure chest.
10 - Treasure Pit
Detail
The pirate captain was attempting to solve two problems. Find a place to hide their own stolen treasure and to see if the stories, clues and old map the captain possessed were true about a lost sunken temple that had once resided at a large underground water source (ocean water fits this scenario best).
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave was increased in size to barely accomodate a handful of pirates working to dig a tunnel straight down and erect the beams, ropes, pulleys and support structure to accomodate this ardous task that the pirates absolutely hated.
The pirates hid their valuable treasure at the bottom of the pit in a side tunnel that has now collapsed. The pit and side tunnel were dug in pursuit of the temple but now serves as a hiding place for the pirate treasure.
As the adventurers start to clear the side tunnel of collapsed rock and debris, cool, salty air will begin to blow into their faces. The cool air is very noticeable compared to the warm and stuffy caverns they have been traversing.
GM can choose exactly how to handle this treasure pit. 1. Design the pit and place the treasure as the GM wishes. 2. Follow the design to the 2nd level. The second level has limited design but opens up story possibilities of a sunken temple if the GM wishes to pursue them.
The support structure and small cave can easily serve multiple trap opportunities with intentional or time degraded ropes and wood beams.
Something happened to the captain and pirates that prevented them from returning and finishing the job properly by tearing down and hiding the evidence of their excavation.
Fonasaur
Interactions with Adventurers
Combat Tactics:
When threatened, retreats to its burrow and blocks the entrance with packed debris or its own body. In open combat, uses powerful hind leg kicks and its beak to inflict injury. Sometimes lashes out with its short powerful tail. When kicking with hind legs the tail will tuck under and serve as a third balance leg.
Non-Violent Tactics:
Bluff charges and loud, rasping cries to warn intruders. Fire can be used to manipulate their movements.
9 - Back Hallway
Detail
After exiting from cave #8 or climbing the sloped obstruction in area #7 the adventurers will find a long tunnel with a wheeled wooden barrow, a narrow path weaving between piles of dirt and discarded digging tools such as picks and shovels.
Overhead - click to open/close
As the tunnel approaches cave #10 the walls become less naturally formed and show a lot of tool work as the area was widened so humanoids could more easily pass with their supplies.
More Than a Map
Map+
Blank Dungeons are more than a map; they are a Map+. They exist somewhere between a plain map and a full adventure. The GM simply overlays their own adventure onto the provided setting.
Plenty of creative map developers sell wonderful maps or map packs for GMs to use as they see fit. Of course the visuals of the map need to fit the narrative the GM wants to convey but they can provide great shortcuts for busy GMs or for those that don't have the tools or skills to create maps.
Blank Dungeons seek to push that idea a little further and take the burden off the GM a they have to describe another tavern or another cavern for the 100th time. Great map visual details and Point-Of-View shots assist the GM by having a number of descriptive elements available for them to utilize in their storytelling.
4 - Fonasaur Adult
Detail
Any approach that is noisy or brings light will alert the adult(s) Fonasaur or if they hear the hatchlings' alarm. If the adventurers back off and leave the creatures alone, the Fonasaur will not pursue.
Like room #3, the odor of a dirty bird cage is very noticeable. There is a single large nest built mainly of natural material but there are bits of pirate debris woven into the nest walls with the area surrounded by discarded small animal bone debris.
Overhead - click to open/close
A narrow tunnel in the S wall has been dug by the Fonasaur that more directly connects caves #3 and #4.
The adventurers will have to be exceptionally quiet and travel in darkness to sneak up on the Fonasaur as they are well suited to the dark and hunting in low light situations.
While at the same time the Fonasaur feathers allow them to move in a very stealthy manner, dampening the noise of their movements.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Arrow
Description
Clicking this arrow in this situation opens up some additional text information.
Click the image of the cavern map to increase size, then click map again to close.
Try clicking other elements below the cavern map to experience additional information reveals.
2 - False Treasure Trap
Detail
The pirates laughed maniacally amongst themselves at their captain's cleverness as they rigged the crossbows with tripwires and poisoned bolts to help protect their share of the real treasure.
Overhead - click to open/close
This cave smells of mildew and mold. The bones of thieves still reside here because the Fonasaur in room #4 refused the poison-tainted meat, so they were left to other creatures to assist in decomposition.
Treasure is intentionally staged and stacked in this room to hide the 4 crossbows anchored to the walls. 2 are hidden on the left behind stacks of bolts of molded cloth on top of empty crates along with other useless treasure. 2 are hidden on the right behind molding crates that are also empty.
Only bones are left of 2 thieves already claimed by the poisoned bolts, so there are only two loaded bolts left, one on each side of the room with tripwires run across the floor.
There is a chest that was perched on a stone pedestal, now both lay smashed on the floor with the bony arm of one of the thieves apparently still reaching for the treasure chest.
The broken open chest has gold painted lead inside.
6 - Trade Storage Cave
Open flame is dangerous in this cave
Detail
This cave is an unintended natural trap ready to burst into flames or possibly explode due to the stored materials.
This cave has large, oversized storage and shipping containers of trade goods. Some have the backpack style wooden carrying racks still attached with rotting rope laying on the floor of the damp, stuffy cave.
Overhead - click to open/close
Some large containers have broken open and leaked whatever contents were inside. The floor around these containers are stained with oils or piled with powders or similar materials.
One large clay container that is broken open has spilled saltpeter (Potasium Nitrate) into a pile around the container. Saltpeter (gunpowder, food preservative) helps other materials burn better.
Other sealed containers have highly flammable substances like Tea Tree Oil (wound treatment), Sulfur Powder (gunpowder, pest control, food preservative), Turpentine Liquid (wood preservative).
Disturbing weakened containers can cause them to break open, spilling flammable fumes or powder into the air that any open flames can ignite and can then be worsened by other ingredients such as saltpeter.
Markings on the containers can reveal the contents but labeling is not standardized and could be represented as graphical or text in foreign language. Tea Tree Oil could simply be represented as a spray of leaves.
Todd Massey
Thanks for investing some of your life hours with me.
I have been playing RPGs since 1980. I absolutely love building and designing RPG worlds and stories.
I have had a vision for some time that, as a GM, I should be able to look at a map and have all the story and stats information quickly available at my fingertips without having to flip pages or scroll through a PDF. Interactive pages help solve this problem.
Do You Open The Door?
Do You Open The Door? is my vision coming to fruition. Anyone can now build One-Shots utilizing the effect of a One-Page design. While more complicated stories may require more pages, the visual effect is essentially the same; the Game Master is never far from the essential information they need quickly.
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Fonasaur
Description and Physical Appearance
The Fonasaur is a robust, flightless, bird-like dinosaur about the size of a North American deer, standing 4 feet at the shoulder and measuring up to 8 feet from beak to tail. Its body is covered in coarse, mottled feathers ranging from dusty browns to slate grays, providing excellent camouflage in scrublands, rocky hills, and cavern mouths and pads their movement making them silent hunters. Its head is narrow with a curved, keratinous beak lined with sharp inner ridges capable of slicing small prey and grinding tough plant matter. The creature’s forelimb wings are short, tipped with blunt claws used for gripping and manipulating. Its powerful hind limbs have wide, splayed toes with heavy claws, ideal for digging or scraping soil and clay.It has a short but muscular tail often used as a third leg for balancing or for stunning and crushing blows.
Fonasaur
General Intelligence
Displays problem-solving skills much like Corvids, particularly in reinforcing burrows, tricking or trapping prey. Can recognize and remember safe foraging routes.
1 - Entry Cave
Detail
A pirate leader used these caves to hide excess stolen treasure and to resupply their water from a pool in cave #5.
Overhead - click to open/close
This entry cave connects to the outside world in the S wall through some dense brush that helps to hide the entrance.
There are some discarded, now worthless treasures dumped here. Smashed bench, torn portrait, broken clay pottery and rotting barrels.
The cave feels stuffy with no airflow moving through the cavern and an odor of feces and damp decay lingering in the air.
Heavy rain will flow into this cavern and if there is enough water it will then trickle down the N corridor then flow W at the 4-way intersection, follow the downslope at the intersection and eventually flow into the lowest part of this cavern complex, cave #5
There are exit tunnels in the E and in the N.
Creature
Highlight
A new creature called the Fonasaur has been created specifically for this Blank Dungeon, Abandoned Pirate Cave.
I created the Fonasaur after reading about a dinosaur discovered in 2024 that most likely was a burrowing feathered dinosaur.
Highlights from the article:
Fona herzogae was a small dinosaur about the size of a dog that lived underground, making it one of the few known burrowing dinosaurs from 99 million years ago. This dinosaur had strong legs and muscles suited for digging, helping it create burrows in the ground for shelter. Researchers found many fossils of Fona in Utah, showing that these dinosaurs lived in groups and often stayed in their burrows.
5 - Resting Cave
Detail
This cave is the lowest point in the small cave system. Excess water that runs into cave #1 will run down the hallway to this room and drain downslope into the natural pool in the W end of the cavern.
Overhead - click to open/close
There is evidence, feathers, tracks and droppings, that the Fonasaur in caves #3 and #4 come here to drink the dirty water at the edge of the pool. The Fonasaur do not venture beyond the Resting cave.
Back when the pirates traversed this area, the pool was larger and higher, as indicated by water lines on the walls. The cleaner water served as a fresh source for restocking supplies. Ship hands that hauled cargo into and out of the caves rested and slept here. They left plenty of trash behind: broken bottles, chairs and padded canvas bags for sitting on, a large clay water pot, a bucket, remnants of a small campfire, and other debris.
There is an exit tunnel in the N wall at the W end of the room and the pirates shaped a narrow ledge to walk on lined with a now aged rope handrail.
Natural traps in this cave can be a creature lurking in the shallow water, the handrail or ledge can give way. The downslope in this cave is at a high angle and muddy.
Fonasaur
General Creature Stats
Attacks:
Size:
2-3
Medium 4 foot at shoulder
Attack Methods:
Beak strike, hind legs kick/slash, forelimb claw, tail bash
Movement:
Walk, quick charges, rarely run
Primary Attributes:
Strength, Intelligence (Corvid-like)
Defense Methods:
Retreat to burrow
Camouflage
Armor Equivalent:
Light natural, feather padded hide
Special Abilities:
Quick strike, powerful digging legs, good night vision
6 - Trade Storage Cave
Open flame is dangerous in this cave
Detail
This cave is an unintended natural trap ready to burst into flames or possibly explode due to the stored materials.
This cave has large, oversized storage and shipping containers of trade goods. Some have the backpack style wooden carrying racks still attached with rotting rope laying on the floor of the damp, stuffy cave.
Overhead - click to open/close
Some large containers have broken open and leaked whatever contents were inside. The floor around these containers are stained with oils or piled with powders or similar materials.
One large clay container that is broken open has spilled saltpeter (Potasium Nitrate) into a pile around the container. Saltpeter (gunpowder, food preservative) helps other materials burn better.
Other sealed containers have highly flammable substances like Tea Tree Oil (wound treatment), Sulfur Powder (gunpowder, pest control, food preservative), Turpentine Liquid (wood preservative).
Disturbing weakened containers can cause them to break open, spilling flammable fumes or powder into the air that any open flames can ignite and can then be worsened by other ingredients such as saltpeter.
Markings on the containers can reveal the contents but labeling is not standardized and could be represented as graphical or text in foreign language. Tea Tree Oil could simply be represented as a spray of leaves.
Hooks and Plot
Bring Your Own
The GM gets a fully dressed scene backdrop to place a dungeon adventure in.
Blank Dungeons are produced with no hooks to entice adventurers into the adventure. The GM supplies this.
Blank Dungeons are produced without a plot for the adventurers to solve or fight their way through. The GM supplies this.
3 - Fonasaur Hatchlings
Detail
If the adventurers are quiet on approach, they can hear the hatchlings' deep chirping and rustling around in their nest area. If adventurers are noisy and carrying light, the hatchlings will begin chirping louder and more rapidly, alerting the mother Fonasaur in room #4.
Overhead - click to open/close
The mother has dug out 5 alcoves for her hatchlings and constructed her crude nests of collected materials held together with sticky saliva. Some of the nest materials are definitely from the pirate stash.
The tunnel approach to the hatchlings' nest has a strong odor of an unclean bird's nest. Four Fonasaur (one hatchling died) hatchlings reside here, each in their own nest. Surrounded by the splintered bones of their food, consisting mainly of protein sources from small animals and reptiles.
Adjust creatures' age and numbers to better fit battle encounters.
Visit Fonasaur Creature for Details:
Creature Marker
Brief
This icon on the map shows the location of the Fonasaur.