The following is hopefully the first of many articles on terrain (even if brief like this one). The intent is to make use of language and nature to beef up outdoor adventuring in all our RPGs.
Dingle- 'a deep, narrow cleft between hills; shady dell.
from Middle English: a deep dell, hollow; akin to Old English: dung dungeon
How cool is that?
A silly word in modern english (here in the states at least) a terrain feature with links to the name of THE game.
So how are dingles and dungeons related? I know in olden time people would keep sheep in little secluded valleys mayhaps prisoners were briefly kept in such features as well. An old man and a boy with a dog or two could certainly keep a person trapped in one until someone in authority could be reached or a proper gathering could be called to pass judgment. Of course I could be leaping to conclusions.
I know a dingle could certainly shelter an rpg dungeon entrance.
A dingle could be difficult to spot, they shouldn't be very large and are likely sheltered in some form. The sides should be steep enough it's a little difficult to get in and out of. Could shelter a modest sized party or band from being noticed while camping. A great spot to hide something or keep something.
So, if there are fruiting brambles around the entrance to the dingle-dungeon, are they then called dingleberries?
ReplyDeleteI did mention the world had some silly connections didn't I?
ReplyDeleteThere is a town in Ireland called Dingle, I think I'd stay away from any berry pies there.
all right, now I'm going to have to inflict a dingleberry pie on the players.
ReplyDelete