How to use Android device as router without cellular connection?

I have an Android tablet that has no SIM card and no cellular connection. Is it possible to set it up as a discoverable WiFi access point? I know when you have a cellular connection you can set up tethering and have an id and password that can be discovered by other devices. Is it possible to do this without any cellular connection? I don't actually need internet access at all. All I'm looking for is to set up a small WiFi LAN between an Android tablet and a small device running Debian Linux.