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"You enter a dungeon" vs. "You stand before the Tomb of Horrors" "There's a cave ahead" vs. "The locals call it the Sunless Citadel" The Sunless Citadel The Frozen Fortress The Burning Mines Acererak's Tomb Blackfang's Lair The Dungeon of the Mad Mage Descent into Avernus The Forge of Fury The Temple of Elemental Evil "The Lost Mine of Phandelver": - Tells you it was once found and operational "Castle Ravenloft": - The personal fortress of someone named Ravenloft "Wave Echo Cave": - Named for a distinctive natural phenomenon The Crypts of the Damned Shadowfell Keep The Bone Labyrinth The Vault of Stars The Crystal Labyrinth The Whispering Halls The Dragon's Barrow The Iron Fortress The Abyssal Pit Name your dungeons before the session - it's worth the preparation Let NPCs speak the dungeon's name with appropriate emotion Create local legends about why the dungeon has its name Use our generator to spark ideas for dungeon names Consider having multiple names - what locals call it vs. its true name
Worldbuilding with Dungeon Names
World Builder Mike
February 5, 2024
5 min read
The name of a dungeon can make players lean forward in anticipation or groan with dread. A well-named dungeon sets expectations, builds atmosphere, and becomes a memorable part of your campaign's history.
The Power of a Good Dungeon Name
Consider the difference between:
The named versions immediately create expectations and atmosphere.
Dungeon Naming Formulas
The [Descriptor] + [Place Type]
The [Owner's] + [Place Type]
The [Action] + [Location]
Building History Through Names
A dungeon's name can tell players about its history:
Names That Create Atmosphere
Match the name to the mood you want:
Horror
Mystery
Epic Adventure
Tips for DMs
The right dungeon name transforms a series of rooms and encounters into a legendary location that players will talk about for years.