Caves of Chaos
The Caves of Chaos are a network of monster lairs carved into a ravine half a day's walk from Kendall Keep. They are the primary adventuring location in the Return to the Keep on the Borderlands adventure.
Description
The caves are located in a ravine over four hundred feet long and over a hundred feet wide. A narrow stream called the Goblinwater trickles down the centre. Several cave mouths are visible on the slopes, with crude paths leading up to them.
History
Twenty years ago, Lord Macsen's father led expeditions to clear out the caves, believing he had wiped out the evil creatures within. However, the caves have since been reoccupied, and something far worse now lurks in the upper reaches.
Current Situation
According to Cob the huntsman:
- Gnolls have been seen fleeing south from the caves, as if terrified by something within
- The Goblinwater has run red with blood twice in the past month
- Travellers have been found ritually murdered on the roads nearby
- Whatever now controls the caves has the monsters themselves scared
The Caves
The caves are arranged in tiers, with the lower caves being less dangerous and the upper caves more perilous.
Lower Tier (Least Dangerous)
- Cave A — Kobolds
- Cave B — Bandits
- Cave C — Dead Orcs (cleared, now undead)
- Cave D — Goblins
- Cave E — Troll
Middle Tier
- Cave F — Former Hobgoblin Lair (undead garrison)
- Cave G — Fungus Cave
- Cave H — Bugbears
Upper Tier (Most Dangerous)
- Cave I — The Labyrinth (minotaur)
- Cave J — Necromancer's Lair
- Cave K — The Hidden Temple
The Hidden Temple
Father Abercrombie has been warning of a Hidden Temple dedicated to dark gods somewhere in the caves. This temple appears to be the source of the growing evil in the region.
Party Knowledge
As of Session 1, the party has not yet visited the Caves. They have learned about them from Cob and Jess, and have acquired a rough map of the trails leading there.