Typically, most of the dungeons you’ll encounter in OSR games will no longer be being used for their original purpose. These lists suggest what it was and why it’s no longer used for that.

What was this place?

Ace – A site of special religious importance

– A site of special religious importance King – A site of military importance

– A site of military importance Queen – A place to cultivate resources

– A place to cultivate resources Jack – A location to relax

– A location to relax Ten – A site to protect and guard value

– A site to protect and guard value Nine – An academic & research location

Eight – A space carved out from conflict

– A space carved out from conflict Seven – A tomb

– A tomb Six – A short-cut or pass

– A short-cut or pass Five – An animal den

– An animal den Four – The home of some monstrous intelligence

– The home of some monstrous intelligence Three – A natural hollow

– A natural hollow Two – Draw twice & combine

Why was it abandoned?

Ace – Supply routes cut off

– Supply routes cut off King – The inhabitants just left

– The inhabitants just left Queen – They “dug too deep”

– They “dug too deep” Jack – The original purpose was ruined

– The original purpose was ruined Ten – The original purpose was fulfilled

– The original purpose was fulfilled Nine – Invasion by monstrous intelligence

Eight – Superceded by nearby site

– Superceded by nearby site Seven – Inhabitants beset by plague

– Inhabitants beset by plague Six – Environmental encroachment

– Environmental encroachment Five – Realisation of the location’s innate danger

– Realisation of the location’s innate danger Four – Internal disaster

– Internal disaster Three – Overrun by beasts & vermin

– Overrun by beasts & vermin Two – Draw twice & combine

Draw a couple of cards & see what you get. Remember, the more often you can find contrast within the idea, the deeper you’ll be able to mine that seam of creativity.