A Clearing in the Woods

"A Clearing in the Woods" is a  map of DM's Essentials theme. With this month's set of maps, we've prepared maps that every Dungeon Master should have at their disposal. They'll be perfect for both one-shots and longer campaigns.

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Take a rest in this peaceful clearing after a day spent adventuring!

You’ve been fighting powerful enemies since you woke this morning – just another day in an adventurer’s life, you could say. At night your party makes camp in a small clearing in the woods. Before you go to sleep you all share stories of adventurers you had before the party met and decided to work together. Soon the talk turns to reminiscing about the quests you’ve been on together. The orc leader you defeated. The bandit camp you destroyed. The goblin caves you cleared. The weird individuals who have hired you for tasks. The bard in your party sings a song he wrote about your virtues. Finally you’re all too tired to stay awake, so you snuggle into your bedrolls. One of you stays up for the first watch.

But the night is only peaceful for a few hours. Suddenly a commotion wakes you up, and you grab your weapons. You’ve been attacked by goblins! They’re not after your lives thankfully, but they are eager to steal your hard-earned valuables! They grab your bags and run. You fight and quickly slay the ones who stay behind to keep you busy. Afterwards though, you have to search for the runaway goblins and the goods they took.

The night does not end up being nearly as peaceful as you hoped it would be.

Adventure Hooks

• After a long day fighting monsters, you make camp in the clearing and go to bed. But at night goblins attack, and you have to fight to protect the loot you’ve gathered. When some goblins escape with your treasures, you’re forced to give chase.
• You have been looking for a clearing to rest in for an hour now. Finally your party stumbles upon a seemingly peaceful clearing. This place should be good to make
• camp in for the night. But soon after you fall asleep, the howls of wolves wake you up. You’re being attacked! Fight for your lives!
• You stumble upon a group of traveling entertainers who have set up a camp in the woods. They’ve got interesting stories to tell if you’d like to listen.

Download your maps here: Novice | Mage | Archmage

Maps from DM's Essentials theme:Goblin Caves | Wizard's Tower | Ruined Monastery | Bandits' camp | A Quaint Marketplace | Crystal Dungeon |