Celestial Saga

Traps are a common element in many TTRPGs, especially in dungeon-crawling adventures. They can add challenge, tension, and variety to the game, as well as reward clever and cautious players. However, traps can also be frustrating, boring, or unfair if not used properly.

Types of Traps

Traps can be classified into different types based on their purpose, trigger, effect, and countermeasure. Here are some examples of trap types:

– Hazards: These traps are meant to harm or hinder the characters, such as pits, spikes, blades, poison, fire, etc. They usually have a visible or hidden trigger, such as a pressure plate, a tripwire, a lever, a button, etc. They can be avoided by detecting and disabling them, or by finding an alternative route. Some hazard traps may have a delayed or secondary effect, such as a collapsing ceiling, a flooding chamber, or a gas leak.
– Puzzles: These traps are meant to test the characters’ intelligence, logic, or creativity, such as riddles, mazes, codes, symbols, etc. They usually have a clear or obscure trigger, such as a door, a chest, a pedestal, a statue, etc. They can be solved by finding the correct answer, combination, or sequence, or by using an item or a skill. Some puzzle traps may have a penalty or reward, such as a trapdoor, a secret passage, or a treasure.
– Social: These traps are meant to manipulate or deceive the characters, such as illusions, disguises, lies, threats, etc. They usually have a verbal or non-verbal trigger, such as a conversation, a gesture, a sign, a sound, etc. They can be exposed by detecting and resisting them, or by using insight or persuasion. Some social traps may have a consequence or benefit, such as a betrayal, a revelation, or an alliance.

Tips for Using Traps


– Audience: Different players may have different preferences and expectations when it comes to traps. Some may enjoy the challenge and thrill of traps, while others may find them annoying and tedious. Some may prefer simple and straightforward traps, while others may like complex and intricate traps. Some may want to avoid traps at all costs, while others may want to trigger them on purpose. As a game master, you should know your audience and tailor your traps accordingly. You should also communicate with your players and get their feedback on traps, and adjust them as needed.
– Purpose: Different traps may have different purposes in the game. Some may serve as obstacles or hazards, while others may serve as puzzles or clues. Some may advance the plot or the theme, while others may add flavor or humor. Some may challenge the characters or the players, while others may reward them or teach them. As a game master, you should know your purpose and design your traps accordingly. You should also make sure that your traps are consistent and coherent with the setting, the story, and the tone of the game.
– Balance: Different traps may have different levels of difficulty and danger. Some may be easy and harmless, while others may be hard and deadly. Some may be obvious and avoidable, while others may be hidden and unavoidable. Some may be fair and logical, while others may be unfair and arbitrary. As a game master, you should know your balance and adjust your traps accordingly. You should also consider the level, the abilities, and the resources of the characters and the players, and make sure that your traps are challenging but not impossible, and fun but not frustrating.