Common elements in a DND sad dungeon story include the loss of life. This can be the death of fellow adventurers or the long - ago deaths of those who were once trapped there. Another element is the presence of unfulfilled hopes. The bard hoped to charm the beasts but failed, and the adventurers hoped for treasure but often end up with only guilt and loss. Also, the atmosphere of the dungeon, with its gloom and the feeling that it's a place where bad things are bound to happen, is a key element in creating the sad tone of the story.
Well, in a DND sad dungeon story, the setting itself is a big element. Dungeons are usually dark, damp, and full of secrets. There are often lost or doomed souls within. For instance, the bard whose lyre was broken. The actions of the adventurers can also lead to sadness. Like when the party left the goblin or when the rogues left their comrade. And then there are the mysteries that hold a sense of sorrow, such as the diary in the dungeon that told of past tragedies. All these work together to make the story sad.
There was a DND dungeon where a group of rogues entered. They were in search of treasure. But as they delved deeper, they found chambers filled with the remains of other adventurers. In one room, there was a bard's lyre, broken and covered in dust. It seemed that the bard had tried to charm some of the dungeon's beasts but had failed. As they moved forward, they were attacked by a horde of rats. One of the rogues got separated from the group and was bitten multiple times. The group managed to escape, but they left their friend behind. The memory of that sad dungeon haunted them, and they carried the guilt of leaving their comrade to die.
Death of comrades is a common element. When a character loses their friends or party members in a battle or through some cruel plot, it can be extremely sad. For example, a fighter might see his best friend, a rogue, get killed by a backstabbing assassin.
There was this DND story where a low - level character, a simple peasant - turned - adventurer. He joined a group to explore an ancient tomb. He had dreams of finding enough treasure to support his family back in his village. However, during the exploration, a powerful trap was triggered. The rest of the group managed to escape, but he was too slow. He was crushed by a falling stone slab, and his body was left in that dark, cold tomb forever, his family waiting in vain for his return.
One common element is a connection to nature from a young age. For example, a druid might have grown up in a rural area surrounded by forests or fields. Another is an encounter with a powerful or wise natural being, like an ancient tree spirit or a magical animal. Also, many druid back stories involve some sort of event that makes them more committed to protecting nature, such as seeing their homeland deforested by invaders.
Loss is a common element. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in the story of the man who passed away and left his family in grief. Another common element is betrayal. Just like the girl who was left without a goodbye from her best friend. Also, loneliness can be a part of it, like the abandoned dog waiting alone at the roadside.
In a common sad love story, misunderstandings play a big role. The couple might misinterpret each other's actions or words, which causes rifts between them. Loss is also a typical aspect. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in a case where one of the partners dies, leaving the other in deep sorrow. And often, the inability to communicate effectively is there. When they can't express their true feelings, problems accumulate.
Dark and spooky locations are common. For example, old castles, haunted forests, or abandoned asylums. Another element is the presence of undead creatures like zombies, skeletons, or ghosts. Curses also play a big role. A character might be cursed by an evil witch or a powerful artifact, which brings all sorts of misfortune and horror. And often, there's a sense of isolation, where the adventuring party is cut off from help or civilization.
One of the common elements in DND back stories is the character's motivation. This could be revenge for a wrong done to them or their family. For example, a character's village was destroyed by a group of bandits, and now they seek vengeance. Another is a special item or heirloom. It could be a magical sword passed down through generations that holds a special power. Additionally, there are often encounters with supernatural beings in the back story. Maybe the character once met a fey in the forest and was given a task that has shaped their life.
Typical elements in dungeon fiction often include dark and mysterious underground settings like dungeons or catacombs. There are usually dangerous creatures lurking within, such as monsters or undead. Traps are also common, like hidden pits or poisoned arrows. Adventurers are a staple, usually on a quest for treasure or to solve some mystery hidden in the dungeon.
One common element is loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, like in the case of Tom who lost his father. Another is unfulfilled dreams. Mary's story shows that when her dreams of being an artist were crushed, it led to great sadness. Also, loneliness is often present, as seen in Lily's situation where she was lonely at school and didn't get enough family support.