Originally Posted by
Adfor
Oh I just love that you added on to that college you made! Cave maps have always been one of my favorites, being some of my earliest map creations for DnD, so you've got my heart here.
First, being outside a bustling college, are the administrators (even students) aware of this cave? If so, are they aware of the secret looking door to the back section? This could lead the cave's outline in different directions depending on how you answer it, because if they do know about it, are they secretly operating out of it, as well? Do they hide a secret there? Also, if they do operate out of it, this answers my 3rd question, or atleast tweeks it.
Second, cave maps are always fun for combat encounters, being in such close quarters, and adding in obstacles to be used by both PC's and monsters to add different aspects of tactics, such as bars of unpassable stalagmites/tites, or a body of water, can really help make them interesting. Also, having enemies with different strengths, such as an enemy on a high rise at the other side of the room with a bow lobbing arrows at the PCs at every step, can really spice up an encounter as well.
Third, what inhabits this cave? This question can be answered usually in either a static, or dynamic way. By static I mean such as a bugbear colony, they operate out of this cave, and that doesn't really change; or dynamic, such as more than one type of creature may be involved. But you always at least want a base reason for them being there in the first place.
I normally just stick with room numbers, roman numerals having always been my favorite touch.
I hope this helps!
IR