The Corpseless Coffin

- 1 min read

The Corpseless Coffin is a short Shadowdark annex dungeon for 1st-2nd level characters. Designed to be inserted into an existing dungeon, or played as a compact standalone adventure, it begins when an ancient stone coffin slowly emerges from a subterranean wall and compels the curious to climb inside.

Overview

Beyond it lies a crumbling funerary structure perched above an endless black void. Pale fruit hangs in an overgrown garden, two prisoners offer conflicting stories, and spectral warriors guard the forgotten treasures of a dead god. Time passes strangely here: for every hour spent beyond the coffin, an entire day passes outside.

Features

  • A compact three-level dungeon that can be attached to any larger adventure

  • A time-distortion mechanic that allows the host dungeon to change while the party is away

  • Spectral Sentinels whose physical anchors must be destroyed before they can be harmed

  • Rival prisoners, poisonous fruit, shifting portcullises, hidden passages, and funerary treasure

Note: This adventure was created for the Appendix N Game Jam 2026, drawing inspiration from works referenced in the AD&D Appendix N

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