The Mourn-Oak

Creaking branches glow with a spectral blue light

Where the cold wind howls through crumbling ruins and a veil of faintly glowing blue dust bathes the surroundings in an eerie twilight, stands a colossal oak towering so high its crown vanishes into the clouds. Called “the Mourn-Oak,” this towering tree is surrounded by statues of long-departed travelers, each posed in silent reverence toward the ancient trunk. Strange, creaking branches glow with a spectral blue light, and the ground itself quakes under the weight of tangled roots. Some say a god’s tear once fell upon this spot, birthing the oak from a divine spark. Others claim an otherworldly bolt of magic tore open the earth and left behind a seed of unholy power. Now, the swirling motes of “soul dust” in the air whisper the final laments of those who perished here, clinging to the bark in a sad, ghostly lullaby. Any who approach can feel the uncanny pulse of this place, as though the line between life and death is paper-thin.

2025 GOALS

I’ve set myself the goal for 2025 to engage more with the content Beneos puts out and to offer more ideas on how to use each release to tell your best stories. So why not beginn with the first release of 2025 ???????

"Beneos, how he works even harder because he loves his job so much"

Tips & Ideas for Dungeon Masters

1. Gateway to Another Plane

• Resurrection Site:
  The party might need to travel to the Mourn Oak to perform a special ritual to revive a fallen companion. The glowing “soul dust” swirling around the trunk could be the catalyst for high-level magic, channeling lingering spirits in a last chance to restore life.

• Planar Threshold:
  The oak can serve as a natural boundary between worlds. Perhaps it's a physical anchor tying the Ethereal Plane to the Material, guarded by stone effigies that challenge or guide travelers who dare attempt the crossing.

2. Epic Boss Encounter in a Gothic Setting

• Animated Statues as a Combat Mechanic:
  These towering statues might each represent a phase or aspect of a boss fight. Defeating minions near them could “power” the statues or weaken the boss. The more the party engages with these statues, the more the oak responds—rustling branches, shifting roots, and unleashing haunting echoes from the souls trapped within.

• Enchanted Soul Dust:
  The bluish particles might affect both enemies and allies—granting bursts of necrotic or radiant power, draining vitality, or creating illusions. As the battle progresses, the atmosphere grows heavier with swirling dust, intensifying the challenge.

3. Exploration of a Lost Ritual Site

• Ruins of a Fallen Civilization:
  The cracked stones, half-buried altars, and cryptic carvings around the tree can hold clues to a civilization that once thrived but succumbed to a cataclysmic event. Their attempts to harness the oak’s power, or to perform a forgotten funeral rite, might be discovered in tattered scrolls or inscriptions.

• Ritual Puzzles:
  Incorporate puzzles that revolve around the ancient magics. Perhaps the party needs to activate runic circles, place offerings of soul dust in braziers, or recite verses from a lost script to calm or even command the oak’s latent might.

4. Source of Dark Power or Holy Miracle

• Divine or Unholy Origin:
  If the oak is the result of a deity’s tear, it could bestow healing or resurrective powers—but only at great personal cost. Conversely, if a forbidden magic birthed it, the oak may radiate curses, slowly corrupting any who stay too long.

• Focus for a Lingering Curse:
  The oak might be the linchpin for a regional curse, quietly draining life from the land. Destroying or cleansing it could free the surrounding area. But with so many souls bound to the tree, uprooting it may have catastrophic consequences.

5. Atmosphere & Immersion

• Gothic Horror Vibes:
  Emphasize the scraping of branches in the wind, the glimmering blue gloom, and the sense that unseen spirits watch from every twisted root. Sound design (if you’re using background audio) can reinforce the eerie ambience.

• Weight of Grief:
  The Mourn Oak embodies loss, lamentation, and unresolved sorrow. Characters might feel a psychic heaviness, catching fleeting glimpses or whispers of loved ones who have passed on.

• Tangible Details:
  Describe the electric tingle in the air from the glowing dust and the faint tremors underfoot as ancient roots shift beneath the soil. Let the players experience a somber hush where even a whisper seems too loud.

RELEASE FEATURES

• 10x Animated Battlemaps

• 10x Animated Sceneries

• 1x Animated Intro Sequence

• 23x Rendered 3D-Player Handouts

• 2x HQ Audio Ambience Tracks as .ogg

• One Click Installation via Moulinette

• Full Foundry VTT Integration (Lighting, Walls, Overlay-Tiles, Sound Effects, Teleporters, MLT, ....)

How would you use the Mourn-Oak in your campaign?

• Let us know if the release inspires you and how you would use this environment? I collect all the DM inspirations and add them to the release to give other (new) DMs a useful archive of great ideas =)

The next map I’m planning will most likely be compatible once again with Descent into Avernus, specifically the High Hall and the rest of Elturel. That location is quite expansive and already underway but not yet finished, so we went with the Moan-Oak release instead. Stay tuned—it’s going to be awesome as always, and I’m sure it’ll also earn plenty of thumbs-up from you!

 If you're enjoying our maps, we invite you to consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps us create more content to captivate your players and enrich your gaming experience.

All our work is funded by our incredible community. As a token of our gratitude, we're proud to offer all our 2D battle maps for free! This is our way of saying 'Thank You' for your support and contribution.

The Mourn-Oak: FREE MAPs 

This pack is now available via Moulinette or in your master list

➤ TIER 2 DOWNLOAD: VTT All Inclusive + Foundry Ready DOWNLOAD

➤ TIER 1 DOWNLOAD: Just The Files DOWNLOAD


Disclaimer:
Although I work super hard on my standard of quality, this is no official content! This map pack is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.

Health Warning for Users with Epilepsy

When using animated Beneos Battlemaps, it's important to be aware of potential health risks, especially for individuals who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy. Some of our maps contain elements that could potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. For instance, lightning effects from storm animations on certain maps simulate strobe-like flashes which could act as a trigger. If you or anyone in your gaming group has a history of epilepsy or seizures, please consult a medical professional before using these animated maps. Additionally, users should take breaks regularly while playing, play in a well-lit room, and avoid playing if they are feeling fatigued or have had little sleep, as this can increase the risk of a seizure.

Age Rating Information

Our content at Beneos Battlemaps and Sceneries has not been rated by any public rating board. However, we strive to create content that refrains from glorifying violence and brutality. While our fantasy adventure maps may contain traces of violence or depict grotesque creatures, these elements are not the focal point of our creations. In the spirit of fostering a safe and inclusive gaming environment, we self-rate our content and suggest it is suitable for users aged 12 and up. We recommend that parents review the maps themselves or adhere to our general age recommendation to determine if the content is appropriate for their children. Our commitment is to provide immersive and engaging fantasy experiences without compromising on the well-being and safety of our users.