So you want to go to the Moon?
d12 Reasons to visit the moon
1 Scholar sending a skyship to collect samples for research
2 A wizard with a balloon seeks marvellous treasures and resources but needs some help
3 Royal expedition needs adventurers for the crew on a captured cloud giants castle. The mission is to contact moon people for possible trade or diplomacy
4 A wizard via magic has been observing moon life and can teleport an expedition and he can watch them send help and bring them back. Wizard seeks long-lost moon magic spells lost aeons ago
5 Despot sends on an expedition to plunder and conquers any moon peoples on a machine built by slave gnomes in an underground bunker. Good neighbouring peoples want to fund a rival expedition for peace and
6 Deep gnomes plan to build a fantastic transport machine and look for their long-lost lunar clans but they need some hired muscle in case of giant moon caterpillars they greatly fear. They believe their kin were stranded aeons ago when the moon ladder withdrew from the mortal world for the last time
7 A wizard has been building a craft from instructions from his new friend an alien wizard on the moon who needs help. The wizard wants some powerful heroes to help
8 A wizard of the west claims they know where to find giant mountain moths you can ride to the moon in their mysterious homeland. He claims it is for scholarly reasons but really they plan to build drug plantations
9 A moon god or star spirit seeks mortals to come to the moon to save a kingdom and offers them a crystal swan ornithopter powered by pure law that can reach the moon and some star charts
10 A wizard caused havoc with moon crystals they brought back from an expedition and now crystal creatures are establishing territory and ecology which will alter the air over time. A city close to the event seeks to send an expedition to locate a solution on the moon. The crew will be sent via a stasis pod to the moon from a gigantic telekinetic-powered canon. With a portable gate to return with the secret of where crystal life comes from
11 A priest of a moon god has the church build a flying stone monument so they can go to the moon and seek to lower the celestial ladder that once allowed trade with lunar kingdoms. They need experienced adventures as they are bound to encounter alien life
12 A wizard has filled their basement with alchemical compounds so his tower can travel to the moon. With his air elementals to help land he intends to conquer their own moon kingdom
d12 Reasons to accidentally go to the moon
1 A fallen star spirits crystal castle has a teleporter chamber in shattered remains
2 A menacing strange foe by moonlight teleports heroes to the moon to get rid of them
3 Enter a strange glowing tower but the doors seal in the treasure vault. It begins to vibrate and launches to the moon with an eruption of magical green flame
4 Strange wizard offers some magic herbs to try to expand your mind and users wake up on the moon
5 On a rare evening a cave or pool becomes a moon portal and someone lures in adventurers to get rid of them
6 Swarms of willow-the-whisps drive travellers into strange mists under a full moon sending people to the moon
7 A moon wizard in control of the celestial ladder uses it to scoop up some adventurers from the world for some quest on the moon. They insist on doing them a favour to return them to the world
8 An ancient evil plotting against the region has many adventurers sent to the moon out of the way with teleporting staves of the evils witch cult
9 A strange starry bridge or ladder or rainbow descends from the heavens and a minor deity invites you to a divine feast and rewards from the gods. Once on the moon, the petty god demands cash to send them home. In reality, they only have occasional control of the transportation magic
10 Escaping cultists open a secret passage while escaping adventurers so they use a secret one-way hidden gate-passage to the moon. On the other side the return passage is broken
11 A flight of silver dragons serving the celestial court are sent to capture some mortal heroes and send them to do the gods bidding on the moon. The dragons might try some swindling via shapeshifting or magic to trick the party or offer a ride to a new adventure if adventurers seem bored and resistant to tricks
12 Powerful witches capture adventures and fly them to the moon to stop a despotic conqueror from the mortal world and their awful stranded murder hobo crew. Witches will try charming or paralysis at first and might offer heroes a reward if that fails
d12 Gnome Machinery For Lunar Exploration
1 Simple balloon with furnace and fuel supply or a bound fire elemental and hope for good winds d4+3 day trip. An air elemental can recycle your air if you can get one otherwise you will die
2 Bell balloon with a pressurised metal sphere gondola with an air elemental in a balloon and cabin d4+1 day trip
3 Airships with a metal frame with a large gondola for crew and passengers over several decks, powered by multiple types of bound elementals d3+1 day trip
4 Rocket car, a metal chariot car in front of an alchemical rocket booster for several crew, with a parachute to land or a skid and glider wings. Requires an alchemical solid fuel cell to fly so usually one-way trips only. Some might carry a spell caster for aerial combat 12+d12 hour trip if the pilot can reach the moon and survive landing. An air elemental can help provide air and a fire elemental can control the burn better and more evenly for a safer more controllable flight. Larger models have been tried but losses are quite high on various attempts
5 Radience Flyer is a pressurised metal cylinder with various elementals bound and complex control apparatus for a pilot and an engineer and a navigator. In the rear chamber is a furious radiance elemental that burns like the sun for the ability to visit other worlds and return. One day trip
6 Moth sledge pulled by a single moon moth controlled with magic and addictive food. The obedient moth can get to the moon or back but requires a week of feeding for the d4 days trip. They generate their own air-fields and have acute smell antennae that sense enemies from far away. Mostly used by merchants as moths a bit skittish and sometimes distracted by pretty lights
7 Bat gondola attached to the body of a giant moon bat and controlled with magic and food. The monster bats can get to the moon or back in a d4 days gliding on cosmic winds but require their own weight in meat or blood or bugs to prepare for the d4 days trip. They generate their own air-fields and many are wild in the heavens. Soldiers tend to like these for aggression but if you don't feed them they turn on you
8 Wyrmfly are gigantic dragonflies with a saddle and harnesses of baggage controlled with magic and addictive food. The titanic bug can get to the moon or back but requires a week of feeding for the d4 days trip. They generate their own air-fields and are voracious eaters. Their larvae are aquatic horrors
9 A great cannon using telekinesis to fire a pressurised capsule through a cannon. The capsule is contained in a stasis bubble to survive the velocity and impact on the moon. d6 Hours to reach one way requires a gunnery crew of powerful wizards
10 Ornithopter built of steel strong crystaline cogs and parts in the shape of a flying winged creature. Powered by a spark of Law and sometimes intelligent d3 days to reach the moon or return, Sometimes glides in cosmic winds to feed the law spirit contained within the mechanism. Some can be quite large with large crew
11 Sky Ship a magical sailing ship that flies the cosmic night sky and even into the void beyond on golden metallic sales and can get a large crew to the moon in a d3 days
12 Sky Castle possibly stolen from giants a portion of a mountain with a castle on it flies from world to world in a d3 days
you'll have to deal with the wrath of the moon's strange and unpredictable inhabitants!
this was assisted by a chatbot using some of my 2000+ tables on this blog. Editing and making meaner took most of the time.
d100 Moon Encounters
01 Moon Wasp, a large, iridescent wasp with a stinger that can cause paralysis. They are known for their aggressive behaviour and territorial nature.
02 Lunar Moth, a massive moth with wings that span several feet. They are attracted to light and are known to swarm around lunar colonies, causing havoc with their large wings and erratic flight patterns.
03 Star Beetle, a beetle that glows with a soft blue light. They are prized for their bioluminescence and are often captured for study.
04 Shadow Spider, a spider that blends seamlessly into the lunar regolith. They are known for their stealth and are often used as assassins by lunar criminal organizations.
05 Cosmic Flea, a small insect that feeds on the blood of lunar creatures. They are carriers of various diseases and are considered a nuisance by lunar colonists.
06 Space Locust, a massive insect that can strip entire fields of crops in a matter of hours. They are a threat to lunar agriculture and are often hunted by farmers.
07 Crater Beetle, a beetle that can survive in the harsh vacuum of space. They are often found in lunar craters and are known for their tough exoskeletons.
08 Moon Mantis, a large, predatory insect with razor-sharp claws. They are often found in the darker regions of the moon, where they hunt other insectoid creatures.
09 Celestial Butterfly, a butterfly that glows with a soft golden light. They are considered a symbol of good luck by lunar colonists and are often used in religious ceremonies.
10 Lunar Scarab, A beetle that burrows deep into the lunar regolith. They are prized for their ability to extract valuable minerals and are often used in mining operations.
11 Selenite priest who serves as a spiritual leader of the community. Lunar Priests are known for their deep connection to the lunar environment and their ability to communicate with the spirits of the moon. Sometimes on pilgrimages or living as hermit
12 Common selenite drone workers are responsible for building and maintaining a hive structure. They are typically smaller and less intelligent than other Selenites.
13 Selenite warriors trained in the art of combat. Lunar Warriors are fierce and skilled fighters, often wielding exotic halberds
14 Selenite diplomat who represents the interests of their hive to other lunar communities. Moon Ambassadors are skilled negotiators and are often sent on important diplomatic missions or even to meet travellers
15 Selenite who specializes in constructing and maintaining lunar technology. Lunar Engineers are responsible for the development of advanced machinery and infrastructure and often command workers and equipment sledges pulled by giant moon caterpillars
16 Sensitive travellers feel the selenite hive mind, a collective consciousness that binds together all members of a Selenite hive. The Hive Mind is responsible for coordinating the actions of the hive and ensuring its survival and may make contact directly to travellers
17 Selenite scientists who studies the lunar environment and its inhabitants. Lunar Scientists are responsible for advancing the knowledge of the Selenite community. Often with workers and some crystalline technological apparatus or weapon18 Selenite Healer specializes in the use of lunar magic to heal injuries and illnesses. Moon Healers are revered for their abilities and are often sought out by other lunar communities.
19 Selenite Sage is responsible for passing down knowledge and wisdom to future generations. They are considered the keepers of Selenite culture and history and record all knowledge
20 Young selenite queen with warriors and workers dragging her palanquin. Leader of a young selenite hive or subordinate to her mother. Hive Queens are massive insectoid creatures with powerful mandibles and psychic abilities. She is revered by her subjects and feared by her enemies
21 A sleek and agile grey gnome airship hovering over the lunar surface. Its streamlined design and advanced propulsion system powered by elementals
22 Grey Gnomes tunnelling through the lunar regolith using their advanced mole machines. They are on a mission to excavate rare minerals and ores from deep within the moon
23 Strange automatons standing guard at the entrance of a Grey Gnome ruin. Its gleaming metal body and glowing red eyes suggest it was built for combat
24 Caravan of tracked land leviathans in formation across the lunar landscape. The Grey Gnomes appear to be transporting valuable goods and resources to other lunar settlements.
25 Unmanned mining automatons based in a bunker built into the side of a lunar crater
26 Hidden workshop filled with all manner of mechanical contraptions and gadgets. The Grey Gnomes appear to be tinkering with various designs and prototypes, constantly seeking to improve their technology
27 Strange facility staffed by repair automatons. The Grey Gnomes appear to be using this station to repair and maintain their various machines and automatons
28 Massive, hangar-like structure built into the side of a lunar mountain. Dozens of airships are docked here, and you can see Grey Gnomes working to load and unload cargo from the vessels.
29 Two combat automatons battle each other in an arena. A crowd of Grey Gnomes looks on, cheering and placing bets on the outcome of the match
30 Sprawling mining colony built by the Grey Gnomes. The colony is a hive of activity, with more machines and automatons working around the clock to extract valuable resources from the moon.
31 Bioluminescent Glow, in dark cave on a distant crater, you notice a faint bioluminescent glow coming from a patch of strange-looking fungus growing on the cave wall
32 While examining samples of an alien fungus, you notice that the spores seem to be moving independently of any wind or disturbance. As you continue to watch, the spores coalesce into a small, humanoid shape and begin to move towards you
33 Accidentally disturb a patch of fungus while exploring an alien planet, releasing a cloud of toxic spores into the air
34 Find a vast fungal forest with towering mushrooms and bizarre-looking fungi creatures. An otherworldly ecology of mobile fungus creatures The colony is alive with strange activity, as millions of individual fungal organisms work together in a complex symbiotic ecology
35 Massive fungal bloom spreading across the landscape. The air is thick with the pungent scent of rotting organic matter
36 Abandoned observation tower has been overrun by a fast-spreading fungal infestation
37 Mushroom house village of small moon folk villagers
38 Strange hive-minded fungus humanoids that seem to have a rudimentary consciousness. Communicates with you in a language of spore chemical signals and pheromones, giving you a unique glimpse into the alien world
39 Strange and macabre sight as a group of insect-like creatures feast on a massive, decomposing fungal fruit. The creatures seem to be drawn to the fungus by some mysterious chemical attraction
40 Humanoid creatures harvesting a rare and valuable fungus from the forests of an alien world. The creatures are guarded and suspicious, but you might manage to strike up a trade deal with them for some of their valuable fungi
41 A massive burrowing moon hulk hides in the shadows of a lunar crater. Its scaly hide, huge size and razor-sharp claws suggest it is a formidable opponent.
42 Massive moon spider weaving its web across the lunar surface. Its multiple eyes and twitchy movements suggest it is extremely dangerous.
43 Lunar Kraken writhing in the depths of a lunar chasm. Its massive size and powerful limbs suggest it is the ruler of the area
44 Massive clouds of iridescent moths flutter through the lunar sky. Their delicate wings and graceful movements suggest it is harmless, but they crave flesh
45 Awestruck by a Lunar Leviathan a, whale-like creature swimming through a vast lunar ocean or sands. Its sleek form and massive tail suggest it is capable of immense speed and power.
46 Spot a massive, serpentine moon wyrm winding its way through the lunar tunnels. Its gleaming scales and glowing eyes suggest it is a formidable foe.
47 Lunar Behemoth, a massive, four-legged creature towering over the lunar landscape. Its massive size and bellowing roar suggest it is a true giant among the moon's creatures.
48 Moon Jellyfish glowing, translucent creatures floating through the lunar atmosphere
49 Moon chimaera with the body of a moon lion, the wings of a solar eagle, and the tail of a celestial serpent. Its bizarre appearance suggests it is the experiment of a god
50 Massive moon golem made entirely of lunar rock and dust (not cheese). Its glowing eyes and massive fists suggest it is a formidable guardian of the lunar landscape
51 Furry carnivorous golden moon moles burrow through the lunar soil in search of insects and small crustaceans or flesh. They vary from dog size young in packs to lone bear size specimen
52 Regolith rats are quick and nimble hopping rodents well-adapted to the harsh lunar environment. They have long, powerful hind legs that allow them to jump great distances and they are covered in thick white or blue fur. They can be domesticated and come in dwarf and giant varieties
53 Scaly lunar lizards about the size of a large dog are known for their keen senses and sharp claws. They burrow deep into the lunar soil in search of prey or for ambush and are highly territorial over their nests
54 Swirling masses of lunar dust and debris can take on a life of their own, forming into twisting, snake-like twisters or air serpents that slither through the soil. They are highly unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous to encounter by creating choking dust clouds
55 Long, slimy Moon Worms burrow deep into the lunar soil and feed on small rocks and minerals. They are highly adaptable and can survive in almost any environment. 3-6 yards long but the eggs appear gem-like and might be taken home by fools
56 Large, flying lunar Locusts are attracted to the abundant fungus life on the lunar surface. They burrow deep into the soil to lay their eggs and can be quite aggressive if disturbed. Small ones travel in swarms but as they die off hyper cannibal ones become gigantic
57 Moon serpents, snake-like creatures can grow up to 20 feet in length and are covered in tough, scaly skin. They hunt by sensing the vibrations of other creatures moving through the lunar soil. Footsteps attract them
58 Burrowing rock rippers have powerful jaws and teeth that can chew through even the toughest lunar rock. They are highly aggressive and will attack anything that enters their territory. with metal or gems
59 Moon Myrmidons giant breed of ants and are known for their powerful mandibles, which they use to burrow through the lunar soil. They are highly social creatures and live in large colonies with various specialised variants. Notably, the slave collar ant morphs with a puny body, large brain and mandibles that go around the neck to decapitate naughty slave humanoids. Domesticate other species like beetles and worms and dream of reaching the earth below
60 Spider-like crater crawler creatures have long, spindly legs and are covered in a thick exoskeleton. They hunt by stalking their prey through the lunar craters and can move incredibly quickly.
61 Silver Sprites, tiny, silver-winged faeries flit about the lunar landscape, leaving trails of glittering stardust in their wake. They are known for their mischievous and playful nature
62 Mischievous and unpredictable lunatic leprechauns, often playing pranks on unsuspecting travellers. These lunar faeries are fond of hoarding shiny objects and are said to guard hidden treasures throughout the moon's surface
63 Ethereal moon muses, and faeries are known for their beautiful singing voices and are said to inspire poets, artists, and musicians who journey to the moon. They are often elusive, appearing only to those they deem worthy of their attention. Sometimes they seek lovers but abandoned them if they start to show age usually in a d4 years
64 Mysterious dark moon elves are often associated with the dark side of the moon. They are rumoured to have powerful magic and can be dangerous if provoked. They often have strange magical vehicles and wear carnivalesque costumes
65 Graceful and delicate lunar nymphs are often found dancing in the light of the moon. They are said to bring luck and good fortune to those who encounter them with good manners. Acting rude earns their wrath
66 Celestial Sylphs, elegant faeries have feathered wings and shimmering, iridescent skin. They are known for their wisdom and often act as guides to lost travellers on the moon. They act as messengers between the various heavenly courts and star spirit crystal sky citadels
67 Playful and mischievous moonstone pixies are often found near the moon's abundant mineral deposits. They are said to be able to transform into different types of stones at will
68 Astral Elves are magical withered and sacrificed faeries who travel the void with the power to manipulate the very fabric of space-time. They are often associated with the moon's mysterious and unpredictable gravitational forces and live in orbital monasteries with dimensional portals within the astral plane and the void
69 Starlight Faeries radiating a soft, gentle light that illuminates the lunar landscape. They are often associated with healing and are said to have the power to cure ailments and injuries
70 Celestial elves in the service of a deity hunting some enemy or relic in a sailing ship with three great blades it skates over the lunar landscape
71 Lunarchitects a swarm of small, insect-like creatures are the master builders of the moon. They construct intricate and beautiful structures using lunar dust and rocks and are highly skilled at manipulating the materials around them
72 Shimmering, crystalline pixies are rarely seen, but when they do make an appearance, they can be quite breathtaking. They flit about the lunar surface, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake which some collect as a stimulant and is craved by kings and wizards and astronomers
73 Playful and mischievous lunar sprites love to dance and sing and are known for their beautiful voices. They are often found in the lunar craters, where they gather to perform impromptu musical shows
74 Ethereal starlight nymphs are almost invisible to the naked eye but can be seen as shimmering streaks of light on the lunar surface. They are said to bring good luck and fortune to those who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them. Those who see invisible beings can be dazzled by their beauty. They may be curious and follow handsome strangers
75 Small, squat moonstone gnomes are the guardians of the moon's precious moonstones. They are fiercely protective of their treasures and will go to great lengths to keep them safe from thieves
76 Crone-like lunar hags are said to have lived on the moon for millennia. They are often feared by lunar travellers, as they are known to be unpredictable and dangerous. They might in return for favours offer you a potion or remove a curse or identify an item. Often they crave a kiss or more
77 Ghostly silver shadows can be seen flitting about the lunar surface at night, leaving trails of shimmering silver auroras behind them. They are said to be the spirits of long-dead lunar explorers
78 Beautiful star spirit muses are enchanting creatures are patrons of the lunar arts. They inspire creativity and imagination in those who are lucky enough to encounter them. They will aid poets and artists and performers
79 Eclipse Sirens try to lure victims into portals to the nightmare dimension they leave in the shadows. They often try to seduce people with songs or their looks to enter a portal to be stranded and likely devoured by millions of nightmare spirits
80 Moon harpies swoop from the sky on hideous flapping batwings seeking men to be their mates or dinner if they cannot satisfy or please their captors
81 Stymphasion birds with iron feathers and beaks that may shoot iron feathers like arrows
82 Huge battered golem made to fight titans long ago often with creatures living inside the chambers within
83 Lunar wraiths are lonely remnants of those who died exploring the moon and now hate new living explorers for being alive. Often they are in the battered uniforms and suits of their expedition
84 Moon doppelgangers pretend to be attractive castaways to get close
85 Moon amazons riding unicorns on a quest
86 Plasmoid tentacled gelatinous horrors servants created by some power of the outer void. Interested in buying slaves to feed their hungry wicked gods
87 Moon giants building monoliths and enigmatic structures to make future people wonder about their failed and doomed civilisation
88 Dragon of the moon flies overhead seeking its ancient enemy
89 Dragon of darkness from the outer void has conquered the area and dwells in a cave. Local humanoids fear it and serve it
90 Mobile forest of mushroom folk giants followed by smaller ambulant fungi and moon goblins who worship them
91 Flying moon gorillas with colourful parrot wings wearing waistcoats and tiny hats fly overhead seeking people to kidnap for their master a wizard with a scrying device like a mirror or an orb. Some of the apes are wizards and all are very grumpy
92 Warrior elemental abhumans descended from humans and elementals intermarrying millenniums ago. Each element or subtype is a different tribe that often feuds. If they meet humanoids they will ask what element are kindred with to see if friend or foe
93 Band of spectres banished to the moon for eating the souls of innocents as killing them didn't take. Now they are a problem for moon peoples
94 Vast moon caterpillar with selenite soldiers on the back operating a crystal cannon that fires stored spells and weighs several tons. Seeking an enemy to their colony
95 Army of mushroom people looking for places to colonise and in need of food and moisture
96 Crystalline abhumans battling magma abhumans over the entrance to a cave, each side has an elemental wizard for support
97 An ancient wheeled stone juggernaut from some ancient war trundling about wrecking buildings and attacking people. It is sentient but following orders of long-dead creators and its command words are buried in a tomb
98 Bronze golem sent to the moon to explore for a wizard. Mostly harmless but may stop to study samples of new life found with a quick dissection
99 Gibbering shoggoth crawls from an ancient stone pit once inhabited by selenites
100 A brilliant crystalline ornithopter of a star spirit flies overhead (bird or bug or mythical creature with wings form). The spirit fires a bow at fleeing targets for practices and eventually gives up and flies away