2 OD&D Hexes: Mocking Walnut Wood; Terra Cotta Warrior Depot
Hex a day entries for June 6-7 2026. I've been using the Wolves hexfill for these, and "animal behavior" has been a particular challenge. I'm happy with the result here. I also broke the rules and decided to do a living statue lair, although they normally don't maintain lairs.
These both take place in the region of Oxia, which is sort of Not Greco-Bactria.
Weird, Animal Behavior, Forest - Mocking Walnut Wood
This region of thick forest is filled with the earthy-citrus aroma of walnut blooms and fruit from late spring to early fall. The trees are largely arranged in a rough grid, with newer growth much scruffier. Birds flock among the many walnuts, filling the woods with their uncanny song.
The birds are of an exotic mimicking variety, and they repeat all they hear with near-perfect fidelity. Those passing through marvel at it twice: once upon hearing it for the first time, and again when hearing their own voice among the chorus. They would fetch a fine price if captured and sold to a collector, but are crafty and remember faces.
On a 1-in-6 each visit, the birdsong may repeat useful information, such as:
- Voices of travelers discussing rumors of nearby hexes
- Villagers nearby settlements harvesting walnuts, revealing settlement location
- The next random encounter moving through the area, preventing surprise
- Re-orienting the lost by guiding them toward the nearest road or river
- Indicating hunting in the area with animal sounds
Lair, Living Statues Desert - Terra Cotta Warrior Depot
The entrance to the vault is well-hidden and can be found on a 1-in-6 for every day spent combing the area. Those who know the exact location beforehand will find it quickly.
A small round metal door seems wedged between the red rocks here. The observant will note that the old lock has been forced, and one may simply walk in. Carved steps lead downward into a large gallery. Inside, the vault is cool and dry and filled with statues.
Five dozen terra cotta warriors stand shoulder to shoulder, waiting to be called to action. Halflings and dwarves can slip through the ranks without disturbing them, but others run the risk of disturbing the statues--thieves on a 2-in-6, everyone else on a 3-in-6. If touched, a statue will animate; each round, all adjacent statues will animate until the whole vault is filled with angry Imperial warriors.
The bones of the fools who opened the door lie at the back of the vault, hidden from immediate view by the ranks of the statues. Four skeletons in total with random weapons, armor, and gear plus 4d6 gp each. One of them still clutches a curious metal rod with what seem to be magical symbols of the Red School of magic. Engravings in the Imperial script read "OBEY EARTHEN WARRIORS". Red mages and sages will recognize it as convincing fake.
Terra cotta warriors are a special type of living statue: 1+1 HD, AC 6 (chain and shield), attack as weapon (usually spears and bows), and are affected by a move earth spell as a clay golem or earth elemental. They only take 1 damage from slashing and piercing. Fire slows them. Transmute rock to mud heals them for 2d6.