Life intrudes

 So... If you're wondering, I have not posted due to back surgery. This has had me laid up for the last few months and the end of the mega-dungeon will not get posted until I'm abe to get into a desk chair and get some posts drawn up. Until such time as I can resume I'll be working on revamping my ideas for 1st ed AD&D game, because I loathe any d&d iteration after 1st ed.

So until then happy gaming!

Dungeon23 Room 292 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Within 10ft of this cave entrance the PCs will encounter a foul stench. This caused by the Pterursine (AC 5 HD 5+2 MM pg. 77) Owlbear reskinned to look like a Batbear. This Georgre Nekron's pet.

 

Dungeon23 Room 291 (Down Old Dead Paths)

If the PCs ascend the ladders leading up to this 3 room laboratory, they should count themselves fortunate if the resident is NOT in attendance. The resident is the patron of the 3 troupes of Dark Folk, it is an Orge Ma-Gi (AC 4 HD 7+4 MM pg. 76) The ogre is Nekron the Sorcerer. Reviled even amongst others of his kind. 

Dungeon23 Room 290a (Down old Dead Paths)

This cave complex is home to the Taller less cuddly version of Creepers, these are the living quarters of 3 Dark Stalkers, though only one is here now. Dark Stalker (AC 0(or 8) HD 2+1 FF pg.23) The Dark Folk store their treasure with the Undernational Bank of Bob, across the passage. There is a very narrow escape tunnel behind a secret door, tho only small stature characters will be able to follow, even though you shouldn't.

 

Dungeon23 Room 290 (Down Old Dead Paths)

This cave off the main passage is the common space and barracks for upwards of 80 Dark Creepers. Currently there is only the Skull Stabber Troupe here. 23 Dark Creepers (AC 0 (or 8) HD 1+1 FF pg.22) 

 

Dungeon23 Room 289 (Down Old Dead Paths)

AND HE SHALL BE CALLED... BOB! Not only because I'm a big fan of Bob World Builder. He's the Fred Rogers of the Gaming World.

 

This cave off the main passage is apparently being used as a makeshift vault. Chests and crates are lined up against the walls. So many in fact, that the PCs will be surprised by Bob. Bob is an Imorph (AC 5 HD 5 FF pg. 52) This monster brought to you by Bob World Builder. Bob is not fond of Adventurers.

Once having either dealt with or fed Bob, they can make like kids on christmas morning... All together  they will find 15k sp, 18k ep, Wand of Metal & Mineral detection, Wand of Illumination, Staff of Withering, Wand Negation, Wand of Wonder.

 

Dungeon23 Room 288 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Off to the side of the cavern are 2 figures flanking a door. The figures are on pedestals, to either side of the figures is a line a three columns. The figures are 2 Clay Golems (AC 7 HD 50 hit points MM pg. 47) They will attack anyone touching the 15ft tall ornately carved stone doors. The doors show scenes of strange 4 armed creatures battling what appear to be giant squids. There are no visible locks on the doors, and they won't open just by pushing. The columns must turned so that face the doors, then the doors swing silently open. One foot inside the door is a pit trap, the door will only collapse if the person on it weighs more than 150lbs. 5ft  beyond the first pit trap is a second pit trap. This one is full of spikes and the door will drop at anything over 50lbs. Should the PCs get passed all of that, and stand in the center of the magik circle on the floor Roll a d6: 1-3 add +1 to Str or Dex or Con/4-6 add +1 to Int or Wis or Cha.

Dungeon23 Room 287 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Sitting just across the passage is a shepherd and and his herd... Amongst the rocks on the passage floor are 9 Giant Bombardier Beetles (4 HD 2+2 MM pg. 9) Doting over them from their nest on the plateau above the beetles are 3 Margoyles (AC 2 HD 6 MMII pg. 83)

Dungeon23 Room 286 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Pushing further down the passage, the PCs will eventually attract the attention of a pair of Stone Leopards (AC 5 HD 4+4 MM pg. 42) Reskinned flightless Garagoyles The Stoners are in their lair on a wide stone ledge 50ft from the tunnel floor.

 

Dungeon23 Room 285 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Should the PCs forego the way to the Nemyrothean Plains, they continue on down the passage until they pass by a large pile of rocks. Hidden within the piles a Giant Necrotic Slug (AC 8 HD 8 MM pg. 88) Reskinned Giant Slug with level drain attack.

 

Dngeon23 Room 284 (Down Old Dead Paths)

They were brave enough to cross the bridge, are they brave enough to test their rock climbing skills? Away from where the bridge reconnects there are 2 doorways. Getting there isn't the hardest part. The door closest to the bridge is a tomb holding 50 Skeletons (AC 7 HD 1 MM pg. 87) The three sarcophagi right inside the door, house the commanders of the skeletal legion. 3 Skeleton Warriors (AC 2 HD 9+6 FF pg. 79) In the tomb farthest from the bridge resides 14 Ghouls (AC 6 HD 2 MM pg. 43) & 2 Ghasts (AC 4 HD 4 MM pg. 45) Please enjoy your stay!

 

Dungeon23 Room 283 (Down Old Dead Paths)

After the PCs take care of (or get taken care of by) the whip spiders they will see a bridgehead. The thing that will stand out about the bridge is the broken skull motif. Draped in ancient cobwebs cover by an inch of dust, stepping onto the bridge the PCs will notice the temperature drop until their breath is visible. Crossing the bridge means the PCs will be walking on a mass of broken bones. (1/2 normal movement rate) From this point on, traveling down this path the PCs will be walking towards the Necropolis of the Lich Kings. The Necropolis beneath the Nemyrothean Plains. You have been warned!

 

Dungeon23 Room 282 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Remember that time you thought it would be a good idea to take the glowing glands and use them as torches? Then you got attacked by 3 Giant Pedipalps (AC 2 HD 4+4 MMII pg.100) Yeah.. Good times...

 

Dngeon23 Room 281 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Tucked away in this corner of the passage, behind a short crude twig fence, are 12 each of Giant Bombardier and Fire beetles (AC 4 HD 2+2/1+2 MM pg. 9) almost as if someone were cultivating them...

 

Dungeon23 Room 280 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Compared to the architecture seen thus far this area is downright primitive. A rustic rope and plank bridge stretches across to a crudely carved spiral stair, as it descends, every few steps there is an alcove or just a set on a step, either a pile of bones or a corpse in various states of decay. These are in fact 79 Skeletons (AC 7 HD 1 MM pg. 86) interspersed among them are 23 Zombies (AC 8 HD 2 MM pg. 103) The corpses are all those of Grimlocks. At the bottom of the stair is the sacrificial pit the Grimlocks use. I made it  a treasure hoard. 20,000 cp, 50,000 sp, 15,000 ep, 9,000 gp, Sword +2, Leather Armor +1, Mace of Disruption, Boots of Elvenkind, Wand of Illusion, Flail +1. This is really reminiscent of Diablo.

 

Dungeon23 Room 279 (Down Old Dead Paths)

Turning left from the Crossroads the first feature noticed will be a broken bridge. Originating from between two floor to ceiling columns of rock, it stretches across the chasm to a 20ft tall15ft wide doorway flanked by columns carved to resemble enormous snakes. The bridge is broken in the middle plunging into the crevasse. Now a cave Kraken might be a good idea here, have one that sits below the bridge. Or Ropers maybe.

 

Dungeon23 To the Demon Sea Complete Maps

Dungeon23 Room 278 (To the Demon Sea)

After so unwisely announcing the party's arrival, they may wish to go down to the sea shore to greet their new friends, when they arrive. I wouldn't suggest it personally, but PCs are not always the smartest of creatures. Descending the rickety stairs the beach is 90 feet below. The black sand beach has a dock built out over the impenetrably black water. Actually sounding the shell and the PCs will be able to hear the echoes across the dark sea for the next hour.

Dungeon23 Room 277 (To the Demon Sea)

A few more ruined buildings here, whose purpose is unclear. A behind a large wall sits a giant conch shell overlooking a cliff. really big conch not included. There is a mouthpiece, and unwise characters may attempt to create a noise. That would not do good things. That's the signal to the Sahaugin that someone would like to trade with them. And a large party of the Sea Demons will arrive within 6 hours. But arrive where?

Dungeon23 Room 276 (To the Demon Sea)

As the PC's cross the bridge they will be able to hear the sounds of surf, and while the PCs are listening to the sounds they might fail to notice the 5 Giant Spiders AC 4 HD 4+4 MM pg. 90) That have taken up residence in the ruined stone buildings.

Dngeon23 Room 275 (To the Demon Sea)

Across the small courtyard from the tombs is a huge stone gate. Magically locked, once behind it they will discover a transport circle that when the correct command word is spoken will take them to the City of Qet. City in the Deep Dark.

Dungeon23 Room 274 (To the Demon Sea)

So they made it past the bats & beetles, that's enough of the "alive" stuff. Across the bridge there are three tombs. Between the first two the PCs will have to contend with 30 Skeletons (AC 7 HD 1 MM pg. 87) The last one has 3 nasty surprises in the form of Mummies (AC 3 HD 6+3 MM pg. 72)

Dungeon23 Room 273 (To the Demon Sea)

Proceeding further down the passages to the Demon Sea, you will come across another bridge. Should you peer over the edge into the crevasse, an enormous whirlpool can be seen at the bottom. Pay attention for there are 8 Bane Bats (AC 6 HD 2 1/2 Dam from blunt weapons) & 11 Giant Fire Beetles (AC 4 HD 1+2 MM pg. 9) hiding among the rocks.

Dungeon23 Room 272 (To the Demon Sea)

 Across the bridge once again and the PCs will find a cave opening in the wall. Should they investigate they will find a series of ramps taking them up about 40 feet in total elevation. The ramps will deposit them on an upper level where there is another cave opening in the wall. There appears to be a transport circle here. From the runes, say the correct words and it will send you to the Deep Dark city of Oax.

 

Dungeon23 Room 271 (To the Demon Sea)

Down the crudely carved steps and there is another cave. This one is different in that it is partially filled with water. There are 2 enormous statues in here as well. One is giant 2 headed shark, and it appears to be eating a gnarly lookin squid. Each of the teeth in the shark is some form of gem. Start with a base of 100gp and go from there. But in order to get to the teeth you will have to defeat 3 Water Weirds (AC 4 HD 3+3 MM pg. 100) Just because I'm feeling sadistic, look... another bridge.

 

Dungeon23 Room 270 (To the Demon Sea)

Back across another bridge and down a tier... Oh wait, we missed that cave. S'ok it's slimy and smells bad in there. A small statue that looks like a pile of tentacles next to a giant clam are at the far end and they smell bad too. But on the lower tier there is a set of carved stairs down to a third tier.

Dungeon23 Room 268 (To the Demon Sea)

 A little further along the wall there is another cave entrance. This small cave contains 2 statues of what look like really big funky looking beetles with over-sized blade like claws and lots of legs. There are also 8 Giant Fire Beetles (AC 4 HD 1+2 MM pg. 9) and 8 Giant Bombardier Beetle (AC 4 HD 2+2 MM pg. 9) Then down a sloped area of floor to another bridge.

Dungeon23 Room 269 (To the Demon Sea)

Once back on the other side of the crevasse, lots-o-legs is the theme. Along the wall there are eight Banebat warrens. Banebats aren't living there tho... 3 Phase Spiders (AC 7 HD 5+5 MM pg. 90) have eaten the previous residents are now living there. Should the PCs be foolish enough to enter the cave just to the side of the phase spiders, they're gonna be facing lots more legs. 7 Giant Spiders (AC 4 HD 4+4 MM pg. 90) appear to very busy crawling all over a statue of an enormous spider with a female demonic head. Yep... HER

Dungeon23 Room 267 (To the Demon Sea)

Should the PCs peer over the edges of the bridge, they will notice two things. 1) They wil be able tomake out shapes in the dim of the bottom of the crevasse. 2) Now the crevasse comes with smell-o-vision. Not quite bog of stench level but lets say a tuna cannery, at the end of a long shift, in August. Nay! Tis more like rancid troll whiz...

Once across the bridge there is a two tiered plateau across from the bridge there is a cave entrance at the far end of the cave is a small brutish carving of some undefinable squat form. It looks greasy.

Dungeon23 Room 266 (To the Demon Sea)

Further down the passage there is a small cave opening. This opens into a large crudely carved cave, along one side on the floor is a sacrificial fire pit, next to the fire pit are 3 statues. The one in the middle is what appears a really big Kobold, he is flanked by a large crate on side and a black kettle bomb on the other. A banner spread across the wall behind them proudly proclaims (in kobold) In AC'ME we trust. AC'ME being the Kobold god of mischief. There are also 18 Giant Fire Beetles here (AC 4 HD 1+2 MM pg. 9), jus wanderin around doin beetle stuff. Across from the cave entrance is  a bridge head.

 

Dungeon23 Room 265 (To the Demon Sea)

Back across the bridge and out of the tunnel, PCs will notice a soft red glow moving among the rocks. Yes, there are 8 Giant Fire Beetles (AC 4 HD 1+2 MM pg. 9) and because I believe in nasty surprises, there are also 4 Giant Bombardier Beetles (AC 4 HD 2+2 MM pg. 9) Those things are notoriously nervous

 

Dungeon23 Room 264 (To the Demon Sea)

Left off the bridge will take the party to the Sleestak ruins. Long since scoured clean of any treasure. The only things not carried off was a stone table with lots of egg shaped depressions in the top. And a large metal mirror mounted in the wall.

 

Dungeon23 Room 263 (To the Demon Sea)

Having beaten the bridge trolls either to pulp or into submission, turning to the right off the bridge the PCs will see 4 cave openings. These are not actually caves but a large necropolis. Should they investigate they will discover mummies of creatures that look like beefier, more primitive troglodytes. Let's call them Sleestak. Oh yeah, don't touch the thermostat...

 

Dungeon23 Room 262 (To the Demon Sea)

Thru a carved opening in the tunnel wall there is a bridge that stretches across the chasm. What does every bridge need? Why that would be 3 Giant Trolls (AC 4 HD 8 FF pg. 90) Bridge... Troll... Get it?

 

Dungeon23 Room 261 (To the Demon Sea)

The passage empties into a large carved cave opening into a tunnel thru the spur of rock. The tunnel descends approximately 40 feet, but of much more interest is the bridge exiting thru the side of the tunnel about 3/4 of the way thru.

Dungeon23 Room 260 (To the Demon Sea)

Progressing down the passage the PCs will happen upon a spit of land out over the crevasse. Smart characters will not just willy milly vanilly to peer over the edge into the darkness. This course of action will only lead risks. A 3 in 6 chance of attracting the 12 Bane Bats (AC 6 HD 2 1/2 Dam from blunt weapons) out of their grottoes. 

 

Dungeon23 Room 259 (To the Demon Sea)

I don't try and think of the "why" something is a certain place. But more along the lines of how many PCs can it kill? Take this room for example. There are 18 columns here, each carved into sinuous writhing humanoid shapes. In the corner of the room is a statue commonly representative of the Void Father. The one difference is that this one is holding a Sword. Now, you can make that any kind of magic sword you want. I'm feeling mean today so I'll be putting a Githyanki Silver Sword. However, before the PCs will be able claim their prize, they will have to fight 8 Caryatid Columns (AC 5 HD 22 h.p. FF pg. 18) I plant the seeds of their doom...

Dungeon23 Room 258 (To the Demon Sea)

Once across the bridge it's time for the Thieves, Assassins, and Barbarians to earn their keep. Along a section of sheer cavern wall containing 8 Bane Bat warrens (AC 6 HD 2 [1/2 Dam from blunt weapons]) Next to those is a big cave that is home to a bunch of regular bats and 3d6 Giant Bats (AC 8 HD 1 FF pg. 14) Hope your Climb Walls is up to it, cause it's a LOOOOOOOng down that crevasse.

Dungeon23 Room 257 (To the Demon Sea)

Oh look! Another bridge! Right now y'all are hoping this doesn't turn into another spear trap situation. SO, roll a d6: (1-2) 1d4 Mobats (AC 3 HD 4 MMII pg. 18) (3-5) 3d6 Giant Bats (AC 8 HD 1 FF pg. 14) (6) 2d4 Bane Bats (AC 6 HD 2 1/2 Dam from blunt weapons)

 

Dungeon23 Room 256 (To the Demon Sea)

Over the bridge and thru the bats the PCs will come across the crevasse to a section of passage wherein lies the first of the city gates. Behind a column of rock is a doorway leading to a room lined with statues of cowled figures. At the far end of the room a large circular section of floor is ornately tiled. Those uttering the correct phrase will be transported to Lavaqura City of Darkness. 

Dungeon23 Room 255 (To the Demon Sea)

At least you didn't have to build the bridge... Over the deep dark chasm... Full of disturbing smells and sounds... PCs using any sources of light risk attracting the wrong kind of attention. The attention is being showered upon them by any one of three threats. Roll a d6: (1-2) 1d4 Mobats (AC 3 HD 4 MMII pg. 18) (3-5) 3d6 Giant Bats (AC 8 HD 1 FF pg. 14) (6) 2d4 Bane Bats (AC 6 HD 2 1/2 Dam from blunt weapons)

Bane Bats are a creation of an Ancient Lich, they have since gotten a bit out of control. They steal gems and magic scrolls. They eat the scrolls... M-Us across the universe can't kill these things fast enough. Hence their treasure type being Qx2, S, T.

                                            Bane Bat

Dungeon23 Room 254 (To the Demon Sea)

Ya know what ya can't show on these maps? The complete DARKNESS that is everywhere. Total darkness. Humans will not cope well with extended periods underground. Do with that what you will. I will draw your attention to cave entrance in the wall about 40 feet down the sheer wall face. Now this is not as important as WHAT is living in that cave. That would be 3 Formian Giants (AC 3 HD 7d4+1 Dam 2-8 MMII pg. 68) Because the Giants took the cave from some ogres IF they defeat the giants add treasure type B,Q & S to the lair.

Dungeon23 Room 253 (To the Demon Sea)

Whilst the PCs are checking out their side of the chasm, the scouting party of 37 Dark Creepers (AC 0 or 8 HD 1+1 FF pg. 22) and 2 Dark Stalkers (AC 0 or 8 HD 2+1 FF pg. 23) are checking the PCs out. Treat the cave entrance as a secret door unless the M-U is dumb enough to cast a Light spell. Should the PCs decide to cross the chasm to go after the Dark folk, they will escape thru a secret door is the back of the cave, behind a statue. It is only big enough for small creatures to pass thru. Go ahead and send the halfling down there alone, I dare ya...

 

Dungeon23 Room 252 (To the Demon Sea)

At this time, the DeepWilds are a little bit above your pay grade. So for now we'll heading towards the Demon Sea. 

Walking past the sigil of the shark, off to the right is the deep, dark chasm from which undecipherable sounds intermittently drift upwards. To the left there are some rocks typical throughout the area and what appears to be a bridge head...

 

Dungeon23 Descent to the DeepWilds map

 

Dungeon23 Room 251 (Descent to the DeepWilds)

Welcome to the DeepWilds, we got traps and pain... LaDeDa...This area is just the end of the tunnel opening into the DeepWild. Beware smiling fungus...