Walled Temple

Walled Temple map - by Faxfire

Surrounded by high stone walls and with a large interior space for gardens, contemplation, or solitude, the walled temple is a touchpoint for those of the faith. 

This map can be used in a variety of different campaign situations, and can used as a temple with an altar, or even be used as a fortified ancient shrine, with its religious use now long forgotten. I drew it to be the repaired stronghold for my players in a concluded campaign. It is shared for your personal use.

The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth - by Faxfire

A mysterious twisting path, filled with monsters and strange magic and guarded by fearsome minotaurs, the labyrinth is an enigma. What is it? Who built it? And what treasure or terrible secret lies at its center?

While working on the Hedge Maze, I discovered that there is a distinction between a unicursal labyrinth, and a more complex maze, although in the modern sense we treat the terms as synonymous. So I drew a unicursal dungeon. I recommend making each hallway ten feet wide so your players can move freely through the complex. The monsters and secrets you hide within are your own decision. I was also partly inspired by looking at the OSR game Mazes & Minotaurs, available for free, and mentioned by the venerable Dyson Logos in a blog post from over a dozen years ago (take a look at the character sheets if you get the chance--they're gorgeous). Perhaps when I find myself with a bit more time (maybe someday) I'll take a look at that RPG and write up a review. If I'm really ambitious, I'll create a one-shot at least to try it out.

This map is free for your personal use, but it remains copyright to Faxfire.

Hedge Maze

Hedge Maze - by Faxfire

A place for political intrigue, ruthless assassinations, clandestine liaisons, and magical activity, the hedge maze is an mysterious place. Whether this hedge maze abuts the property of a wealthy noble, or is a magical maze stocked with terrible monsters by a wizard, it is a thrilling place to explore. Perhaps the explorers will even find the fountain with the statue at the center of the maze.

This map may or may not have been inspired by some late nights watching Bridgerton with my partner. For you gentle reader, this map might be an interesting locale in a game of political or social intrigue, or part of the domain of a great wizard, in which case it might be stocked with strange chimeras and magical accidents as guardians. Or maybe its merely the mischievous work of a local fey or hedge mage who relaxes in the shade near the beautiful fountain.

This map is free for your personal use, but it remains copyright to Faxfire.
 

Underground Hidden Sanctuary

 

Underground Hidden Sanctuary - by Faxfire

Hidden in the side of a hill is a natural cave with a pool of water fed by run off from the slopes above. Heavy, long-shut doors sit in the back wall, concealing the descent to a hidden shrine of an ancient deity. But hidden behind secret doors is the entrance to a larger underground chamber with a stone pagoda and multiple weathered statues of eldritch beings. Strange creatures fish the underground pools here, and aberrations ascend from the tunnel leading deeper underground to pay pilgrimage at the strange shrines here, unknown to any who visit the cave above.

One of the first maps I drew a little over a year ago, the story I came up with in my head that drove it was essentially that written above. If I had the opportunity to revise this map, I'd probably have at least one of the passages not be behind a secret door, to stop any potential bottlenecks. I've gotten pretty permissive with notice secret doors due to high passive perception in my own 5e games, but not everyone is as forgiving or desirous to further the plot as me.

This map is free for your personal use, but it remains copyright to Faxfire.

Yawning Portal Map

Cartography by Faxfire

Both the adventures Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage make the tavern the Yawning Portal a focal point. It is the titular feature of the anthology book Tales from the Yawning Portal. Yet none of these sources provide a map of the establishment. Justin Alexander provides a great history of the tavern on his blog in a series of posts connected to his remix of Dragon Heist, which influenced me to draw my own version. I've included the extra major element of a stage because I think it offers unique roleplaying opportunities for players. The upstairs levels are not detailed, because I think it's largely unnecessary. Those using the map should note that the black squares around the literal yawning portal are the supports for the upper levels and their balconies, which overlook the famous entrance to Undermountain. 

My handdrawn version above is intended to provide a good visual representation that you can use in the intro scenario for Dragon Heist, or provide a real backdrop for your breaks from Undermountain in Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Enjoy!