World Builder Blog

If it hasn’t been made clear by yet, I love fifth edition Dungeons and Dragons. It’s really wonderful in all of its streamlined, versatile storytelling glory. So don’t think me harsh when I say the latest Dungeon Master’s Guide is lacking in the number sample traps to drop into your campaign. I totally understand why. This amazing tome is jam-packed with so many subjects, it’s difficult to give a lot of attention to one area without cheating another (though I could have used less detailed description Forgotten Realms coinage and more traps, but that’s me).

Anyway rather than sitting around and complaining about the lack of traps in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, I decided maybe I should provide some traps of my own. Take a gander at the traps below and feel free to steal ’em for your game. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for a PDF and if you feel so inclined, please share it around.

Traps

Many of these traps are found in older editions of the Dungeon Master’s Guide and were updated by me, a few are of my own creation, and one was stolen from Ewoks. Don’t tell me Ewoks aren’t scary. They eat people. Enjoy!

Abyssal Gate

Magic trap

This trap requires a spellcaster to carve a specific sequence of Abyssal runes into a doorframe using demon blood and diamond dust. The person who carves the runes chooses a passphrase in Abyssal. When the passphrase is spoken aloud (whispering counts) within 15 feet of the door, the trap is rendered inert for 1 minute. When the final rune is carved, the sequence fades into the woodwork, metal, or stone. The runes can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check, but a character can feel the runes if it runs its hand along the frame and succeeds on a DC 10 Intelligence (Investigation) check. A character who knows Abyssal can determine the passphrase with a DC 15 Intelligence check, though sometimes the passphrase is more difficult to discover and a clever carver may hide it in a riddle within the runes. Dealing 50 damage to the door’s frame renders the trap inert until it is repaired. The AC for the doorframe depends on the material of which it is made (wood AC 15, stone AC 17, metal AC 19).

Any non-fiend creature who walks through the door triggers the trap. The creature is transported into a random area of the Abyss and witnesses unspeakable horror. That creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save it takes 55 (10d10) psychic damage. On a success it takes half damage. The creature returns on the side of the doorframe from which it entered at the end of its next turn.

Acidic Fall

Mechanical trap

Suspended above a 10-foot-square of thin stone ceiling is an acid-filled container. Any weight of more than 20 pounds placed on a hidden pressure plate in the floor beneath this area triggers the trap. The pressure plate can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character studying the area can determine the pressure plate is a slightly different color than the rest of the floor with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Wedging an iron spike or other object under the pressure plate prevents the trap from activating.

When the trap is triggered the container holding the acid opens, pouring it onto the ceiling. Immediately stone and acid rain down upon any creatures standing beneath. Creatures in the area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. Creatures who fail take 11 (2d10) acid and 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage. Creatures who succeed take half damage.

Crushing Room

Mechanical trap

Stone walls at opposite ends of the room are rigged to move toward one another, crushing and compacting anything in the room until they touch. Any weight of more than 20 pounds placed on a hidden pressure plate at the center of the room triggers the trap. The pressure plate can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character studying the area can determine the pressure plate is a slightly different color than the rest of the floor with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Wedging an iron spike or other object under the pressure plate prevents the trap from activating. A character can notice that the floor, ceiling, and walls have many scrapes on their surfaces with a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check.

When the trap is triggered, all doors to the room immediately close and lock. The doors are iron (AC 19, 27 hit points) and any character with thieves’ tools can pick the lock with a DC 20 Dexterity check. A character without thieves tools’ can attempt this check with disadvantage using a hair pin, wire, or other thin, metal tool.

The traps acts at the start of every round, each wall moving toward the center of the room at a pace of 5 feet per round. Characters can attempted to slow the walls by bracing a sturdy object (such as an iron pole) between the two walls. If characters do this these objects break at the start of the round, but the walls do not move that round.

A character who is adjacent to a wall can try to delay one wall from moving by making a DC 20 Strength check. The creature must remain adjacent to the wall until the start of the next round. On a successful check the wall does not move forward at the start of the next round.

As the walls move toward one another, the room shrinks pushing creatures and objects toward the center. At the start of the round when the room becomes too narrow for a creature (once the walls are touching for Medium and smaller creatures) that creature is restrained and it must make a DC 17 Strength saving throw. Creatures who fail take 55 (10d10) bludgeoning damage and creatures who succeed take half damage. Once the walls touch they grind against each other for two rounds and the walls slide back to their original position at the start of a round at a rate of 5 feet per round.

Sometimes the designer of this trip will put a hidden kill switch somewhere within the room in case the trap is triggered by accident. Such a kill switch is usually well hidden beneath a stone in the floor or wall and requires a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check to find. Pressing the switch causes the walls to slide back into their original position at a rate of 5 feet per round on the start of the round. Once the walls are back into their original position, the doors unlock.

Electrified Floor

Magic trap

These metal plates cover a 10-foot-square area and are painted to match the appearance of the rest of the floor. A character can hear the low of hum of energy in the room with a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check. A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check reveals the painted section of the floor. A character wearing heavily insulated footwear (such as rubber boots) can cross the area easily. Throwing a large metal object onto the floor (such as a full suit of plate mail) and leaving it there for 1 minute causes the magical energy within the floor to overload and disables the trap. The object explodes at the end of 1 minute. All creatures within 10 feet of the floor must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. Creatures who fail take 5 (1d10) lightning and 5 (piercing) damage. Creatures who succeed take half damage.

Any creature who steps onto the floor while it is active takes 22 (4d10) lightning damage and must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. A creature who fails is paralyzed until the end of its next turn. If the creature is still touching the trap at the start of its next turn, it must take the damage and repeat the saving throw. Any creature who touches another creature who is touching the trap must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. That creature takes 22 (4d10) lightning damage on a failed saving throw, half as much on a success.

Explosive Object

Magic trap

Any object can be a magic explosive in disguise but most often these objects are fashioned to look tempting to intruders. Ornate chests, works of art, treasures, potions, gems, and more could be a trap.

Any explosive object is powered by a small set of Draconic runes carved in a difficult to discern location on the object. The person who carves the runes chooses a passphrase in Draconic. When the passphrase is spoken aloud (whispering counts) by a person holding the object the trap is rendered inert until that person puts down the object. A DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check reveals the runes to any creature inspecting the object. A character who knows Draconic can determine the passphrase with a DC 15 Intelligence check, though sometimes the passphrase is more difficult to discover and a clever carver may hide it in a riddle within the runes. A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) reveals an odd heat radiating from the object to anyone handling it.

When a creature handles the trapped object, the trap is triggered. 2 rounds later at the start of the round the object explodes in a 20-foot-radius burst. Creatures within the area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. Creatures who fail take 33 (6d10) fire damage. Creatures who succeed take half damage.

Flame Jets

Mechanical trap

Flame jets are small nozzles attached to a fuel source placed into stone floors. The trap is trigger by a hidden pressure plate. Any weight of more than 20 pounds placed on the pressure plate triggers the trap. The pressure plate can be spotted with a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check and the nozzle can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character studying the area can determine the pressure plate is a slightly different color than the rest of the floor with a DC 10 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Wedging an iron spike or other object under the pressure plate prevents the trap from activating.

A creature who steps on the pressure plate must make a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw to avoid the sudden burst of flame which rises up from the floor. A creature who fails takes 5 (1d10) fire damage. A creature who succeeds takes half damage.

Grasping Arms

Magic trap

This trap appears in 10-foot wide and smaller corridors. Stone arms are carved into the walls. A character notices subtle movement in the arms with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. Creatures wearing a special amulet designed by the trap’s maker can move through the corridor without triggering the trap.

When a creature has moved to the center of the corridor, the trap is triggered. At the start of the round the arms make an attack roll with a +5 bonus, grasping at any creature adjacent to the walls of the corridor. A successful attack deals 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage and the creature is grappled by the arms (escape DC 14).

Another creature can try to free a grappled one by dealing 10 damage to the arms grasping the creature with a single attack or spell (AC 17).

Hungry Insects

Mechanical trap

A large grate taking up a 10-foot-square area sits in the center of the ceiling. A trip wire stretched across the middle of the room looses a box of hungry insects hidden in the ceiling above.

The trip wire is 3 inches off the ground and stretches between two columns. A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check spots the trip wire. A DC 15 Dexterity check made with thieves’ tools breaks the trip wire harmlessly. A character without thieves’ tools can attempt this check with disadvantage using any edged weapon or edged tool. On a failed check, the trap triggers.

When the trap is triggered, all doors to the room immediately close and lock. The doors are iron (AC 19, 27 hit points) and any character with thieves’ tools can pick the lock with a DC 20 Dexterity check. A character without thieves tools’ can attempt this check with disadvantage using a hair pin, wire, or other thin, metal tool.

When the trap triggers 4 swarms of insects fall from the grate in the ceiling and attack.

Log Slammer

Mechanical trap

Two heavy, hidden logs hidden at opposite ends of an area are set to swing together when the trip wire is triggered.

The trip wire is 3 inches off the ground and stretches between two columns or trees. A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check spots the trip wire or the logs hidden by foliage or cobwebs. A DC 15 Dexterity check made with thieves’ tools breaks the trip wire harmlessly. A character without thieves’ tools can attempt this check with disadvantage using any edged weapon or edged tool. On a failed check the trap triggers.

The creature who triggered the trap must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or be caught between the logs as they slam together. On a failed save that creature takes 22 (4d10) bludgeoning damage. A creature who saves takes half damage.

Malicious Harpsichord

Magic trap

This self-operating harpsichord plays hauntingly enchanting music. Any creature within 60 feet of the harpsichord who can hear it must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw at the start of its turn. A creature who fails falls prone and must use its action to engage in a violent dance, throwing itself against the floor repeatedly, dealing 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage to itself. The creature cannot move from the space it occupies under its own power and is under this effect until it can no longer hear the harpsichord. On a successful save the creature is immune to the effects of the malicious harpsichord for 24 hours.

The harpsichord is made of a magically treated wood and much tougher than it looks. It has AC 21 and 100 hit points.

Mists of Madness

Magic trap

This heavy purple mist lingers around the ankles. When a living creature shows any sign of above animal intelligence (such as speaking, casting a spell, using tools or a weapon, etc.) while standing within the mists, the mists rise up and try to enter the creature’s lungs. When the mists try to enter a creature’s body, that creature must first succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. If the creature fails that saving throw, it must then succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or gain one form of long-term madness from page 260 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Creatures who are aware they are standing in mists of madness have advantage on the Constitution saving throw.

A DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals the nature of the trap. A strong wind forces the mists to dissipate in 1d10 rounds.

Mists of madness never attack mind flayers. The mists were created by illithids.

Object of Deception

Magic trap

Most any object can be made into a tool of deception but most often these objects are fashioned to look tempting to intruders. Coins, works of art, treasures, potions, gems, and more could be a trap.

An object of deception is marked with a tiny indentation of an open mouth frozen in a laugh. Any character inspecting the item can find the indentation with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. A character handling the object feels the indentation with a DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check.

A creature who handles the object must make a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. A creature who fails this saving throw sees allies as hostile enemies and hostile enemies as allies. Kind words sound threatening and threats sound kind coming from these sources. The only way the creature can rid itself of this effect is to stop carrying the object. A creature who succeeds on this saving throw is aware that something or someone tried to affect its mind, but is unsure of the source and is immune to the effect of the object for 24 hours.

Pendulum Scythe

Mechanical trap

A large scythe drops from the ceiling and swings back and forth in a line 5 feet wide and 20 feet long when a hidden pressure plate in the room is pressed. Any weight of more than 20 pounds placed on the pressure plate triggers the trap. The pressure plate can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character studying the area can determine the pressure plate is a slightly different color than the rest of the floor with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check and that the ceiling holds a the outline of a trapdoor (from which the trap’s blade springs forth) with a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Wedging an iron spike or other object under the pressure plate prevents the trap from activating and attempting to open the compartment in the ceiling results in the trap activating.

Once the trap is triggered it acts at the start of every round. The scythe makes an attack roll against creatures in its path with a +7 bonus to attack. On a hit the attack deals 33 (6d10) slashing damage.

Some pressure plates are triggered to activate multiple pendulum scythes in a room or hall, each of which runs along a different line and gets to make its own attacks at the start of the round.

Poison Mister

Mechanical trap

A nozzle connected to a vial of poison gas is hidden within a chest’s lock, or in something else that a creature might open. Opening the object without the proper key causes the nozzle to spring out, spraying poison.

When the trap is triggered the nozzle creates a 15-foot cone of gas originating from the lock. Creatures within the cone must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. Creatures who fail take 22 (4d10) poison damage and are poisoned for 1 hour. Creatures who succeed take half damage and are not poisoned.

A DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check allows a character to deduce the trap’s presence from alterations made to the lock to accommodate the nozzle and vial. A DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools disarms the trap, removing the nozzle and gas vial from the lock. Unsuccessfully attempting to pick the lock triggers the trap.

A DM can choose to have a different kind of inhaled poison (Dungeon Master’s Guide page 257-258) within the lock. The effects and save DC for the poison change as appropriate.

Room Filling With Water

Mechanical trap

This stone, 15-foot-cubic room has thick metal doors and 4 5-foot square metal grates in the ceiling. When the door to this room is first opened, characters within 5 feet of the door feel a burst of stagnant, moldy air with a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check.

A hidden pressure plate in the room causes the grates to pour water into the room. Any weight of more than 20 pounds placed on a hidden pressure plate triggers the trap. The pressure plate can be spotted with a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character studying the area can determine the pressure plate is a slightly different color than the rest of the floor with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Wedging an iron spike or other object under the pressure plate prevents the trap from activating.

When the trap is triggered, all doors to the room immediately close and lock. The doors are iron (AC 19, 27 hit points) and any character with thieves’ tools can pick the lock with a DC 20 Dexterity check. A character without thieves tools’ can attempt this check with disadvantage using a hair pin, wire, or other thin, metal tool.

At the start of every round add 3 feet of stagnant, opaque water to the sealed room. Once the water is 6 feet high, creatures without a swim speed who attempt to pick the lock using thieves’ tools do so with disadvantage. Creatures in the room without a swim speed must make DC 10 Strength (Athletics) to swim above the rising water once it is equal to or greater than their height. Because the water is opaque, any creature who is submerged in the water is blinded while it remains underwater.

Have the rules for suffocating (Player Basic Rules pg. 65 and Player’s Handbook pg. 183) and underwater combat (Player Basic Rules pg. 77 and Player’s Handbook pg. 198) handy if you plan to run this trap.

Sometimes the designer of this trip will put a hidden kill switch somewhere within the room in case the trap is triggered by accident. Such a kill switch is usually well hidden beneath a stone in the floor or wall and requires a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check to find. Pressing the switch causes the water to stop filling the room and the doors to unlock.

Spectral Tendrils

Magic trap

This 20-foot-square area has been cursed with a ritual that forms tendrils of pure necrotic energy which hunger to feed on the living. The ritual is powered by an unholy symbol painted or carved into the ground at the center of the area. The tendrils live below the surface of the floor and wait for a living creature to walk into the area before attacking.

A character notices the trapped area and its immediate surroundings are slightly colder with a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check. A character trained in Religion can determine the meaning of the symbol with a DC 15 Intelligence (Wisdom) check.

When a creature steps into the area, the tendrils rise from the ground and make an attack roll against that creature with a +8 bonus. On a hit the tendrils deal 22 (4d10) necrotic damage and the target is grappled (escape DC 15). Another creature can attack the tendrils grappling a creature (AC 15). If they deal more than 15 damage in one attack the tendrils let go. The tendrils disappear if they are dealt radiant damage.

Spinning Saw Blades

Mechanical trap

Hidden behind a wall, this circular saw blade with a 5-foot-radius runs along a track in the wall, floor, or ceiling after a trip wire is activated.

The trip wire is 3 inches off the ground and stretches between two columns. A successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check spots the trip wire or the blades hidden deep within a slot in the walls. A DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check notices the deep grooves in the wall, ceiling, or floor which serve as the saw’s track. A DC 15 Dexterity check made with thieves’ tools breaks the trip wire harmlessly. A character without thieves’ tools can attempt this check with disadvantage using any edged weapon or edged tool. On a failed check the trap triggers.

Once the trap is activated the saw moves 40 feet along its track at the start of a round. The saw makes an attack roll with a +5 bonus against any creature in its path. On a hit the creature takes 11 (2d10) slashing damage. If the saw gets to the end of its track, it switches direction and comes back the other way.

Some trip wires are triggered to activate multiple saws in a room or hall, each of which runs along a different track and gets to make its own attacks at the start of the round.

Widening Pit

Mechanical trap

These rooms are outfitted with a special floor which slowly opens from the center when a creature steps onto the hidden 10-foot-square area pit cover at the center of the room.

A successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check discerns an absence of foot traffic over the center of the floor. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check is necessary to confirm that the trapped section of the floor is actually the cover of a pit.

When a creature steps on the cover, it swings open like a trapdoor causing the intruder to spill into the pit below, which is usually 20 or 30 feet deep, but can be deeper. Once the pit is revealed, it begins to widen. At the start of a round the pit’s area grows another 5 feet on all sides as the floor begins to slide open. Creatures adjacent to the pit before it grows must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, or fall into the pit. The pit may have spikes at the bottom as described in page 123 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

When the trap is triggered, all doors to the room immediately close and lock. The doors are iron (AC 19, 27 hit points) and any character with thieves’ tools can pick the lock with a DC 20 Dexterity check. A character without thieves tools’ can attempt this check with disadvantage using a hair pin, wire, or other thin, metal tool.

Once the pit is detected, an iron spike or similar object can be wedged between the pit’s cover and the surrounding floor in such a way as to prevent the cover from opening and springing the rest of the trap. It can also magically be held shut using the arcane lock spell or similar magic.

Withering Tapestry

Magic trap

This 10-foot-square tapestry depicts a regal king and queen sitting upon a throne with crowns of gold. Any creature who can see the tapestry must make a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. A creature who fails is overcome with admiration for the tapestry and cannot willingly move out of sight of the tapestry for 24 hours. During that time the creature cares only about the tapestry and will defend the work of art with its life. It acts hostile toward any creature who tries to touch the tapestry or tries to move the effected creature away from the tapestry. The creature will try to find its way back to the tapestry if it is forcibly removed from it. The creature will not sleep while it is under this effect. After 24 hours the affected creature suffers a level of exhaustion. It must repeat the saving throw if the tapestry is still within line of sight.

A DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals the nature of the trap. A DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals the tapestry is immune to all damage except for fire. The tapestry has AC 10 and 30 hit points.

Zealous Altar

Magic trap

This altar bears the symbol of the patron god of its creator. Any creature who can see the altar who is not wearing a visible holy symbol of the altar’s god must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. Creatures who fail are blinded and deafened for 8 hours or until the altar is destroyed. Creatures who are successful are immune to the altar’s effects for 24 hours.

A creature trained in Religion who makes a DC 15 Intelligence (Wisdom) check knows the nature of the altar. The altar is made of a magically treated metal and much tougher than it looks. It has AC 22 and 200 hit points.

Need MORE Traps?

If you want even more traps, check out my man David Gibson‘s designs. Devious! His entire website is awesome.

It’s Time For Another PDF

I’ve put all of these traps into one PDF for your enjoyment. You can get it in the link below or feel free to head on over to the Free Game Resources section of this site to grab it whenever you like along with tons of other D&D fifth edition rules modules, backgrounds, spells, magic items, monsters, and more.

Traps

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