"And what truly lies before you is vampire nature, which is killing." -- Interview with a Vampire
In a world of darkness and evil, so is there sunlight and hope. Our Map Pack today is a fun vehicle that can be placed anywhere in your homewbrew or module-based campaign -- the Vampire Hunter's Wagon.
The map is comprised of [3] total levels: 1st Floor, 2nd Floor and Rooftop. In addition to the [3] levels, we have a token version of the wagon that features the pilot seat and wagon pile to hitch the horses. This particular wagon was designed with a Gnomish Vampire Hunter in mind, whose Sprite is included and mentioned below.
Click your appropriate Tier below, and you can go grab your download links!
Tier 1 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/tier-1-dungeon-81146477
Tier 2 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/tier-2-world-map-81312503
Tier 3 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/tier-3-master-87793681
Tier 4 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/tier-4-master-87797001
We have a great illustrated scene to help set the mood, by Ha Art:
In addition to the illustrated scene, I also had an illustration created for the type of horse pulling the wagon. I'd thought to myself that a vampire hunter using regular horses would soon be down two horses, should they be of regular stock. Instead, I imagined a creature known as the Ashen Mare.
The Ashen Mare is a creature that is, to quote the Princess Bride, mostly dead. It was killed in life, but a questionable enchantment laid upon the creature disallows its spirit from completely passing to the other side. It does not have a heartbeat, nor the warmth or scent of a normal creature, thus it is often ignored by those creatures of the night.
Here is the illustration, by Carlos Eulefi
In addition to the specialized team drawing the wagon, there are several other features present to assist the vampire hunter in their duties. The exterior of the wagon has two long strands of garlic dangling to either side of the pilot seat, while a wooden beam suspends a the green glow of a Witchlight Lantern.
To the living, this appears to be a simple lantern emitting a green light. To undead, it forces the truth of their nature.
Vampires appear as corpses when illuminated. Their bodies rotting, bloodless, eyes glowing like embers.
Possessed beings show the outline of the spirit inside them.
Shape-shifters flicker between forms when illuminated.
Invisible specters become faint silhouettes.
A large, rotating crossbow is affixed to the rooftop, as well, armed with enchanted silver bolts that should trouble even the gnarliest of werewolves.
The 1st Floor of the wagon serves as a primary place of research, construction and storage for the vampire hunters many weapons: vials of holy water, wooden stake crossbow, silver holy symbols, potions and elixirs, necklaces of garlic and gemstones that ward the mind against the manipulations of the vampire.
The 2nd Floor of the wagon provides the main residence of the vampire hunter, including their bed, small kitchen, storage and eating area. Even here, there are a few tools in play against the possible encroachment of evil. A chalk-drawn ward sits at the top of the stairs, disallowing evil creatures from crossing, while a mirror at the kitchen table can capture the soul of an evil creature with the right command from its attuned master.
The table near the bed also holds a blood vial, perhaps a Phylactery that offers the vampire hunter some measure of support, or perhaps captured blood of a Master Vampire nemesis that allows the hunter to track it and its minions.
Here's a representation of all floors together on one map:
As always, we have a great Sprite from Katsudon Art of the gnomish Vampire Hunter that may occupy this wagon (though you can certainly choose any NPC you wish for your own narrative). This particular character strikes me as the daughter of an inventor taken in the night by a vampire while on travel. Now, she travels in his old wagon, blending his ingenuity with her quest for vengeance against those that took that which she held most dear.
I hope you enjoy the map and the tiles, and can use the character, wagon and idea for some fun adventures in your campaign!