Large Dungeon Near College Town

[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

[XCali]

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

It definitely helps! Thank you!

1. I can write it either way really. It depends on what would make the most compelling plotline for an adventure, what do you think?
For the time being, the story in my mind starts with the dungeon's bottom entrance has only very recently opened up letting some beasties into the forest. The College is busy giving a class in the forest when the first attack happens. Parallel to that, one of teachers at the College had started acting strange a while back, leaving others suspicious what his/her research was what they were muttering about often. (Thus the secret hall and room at the top of the map.)
Now, the College can then send in a team to discover what is going on. There are quite a few secrets to this seemingly peaceful part of the land.
I would like your thoughts on what would make the best hook for an adventure. (Super thanks in advance to any leaving their thoughts.)

2. This is actually the area which I am a bit more in the dark about, I have only played DnD a precious few times and none of those ventured into a cave yet. So, my experience is a bit limited, I can only add what others think would be best I add at the moment. (The stalagmites/tites and water I can experiment already. But the rest is still me learning what makes a cave/dungeon compelling.

3. Same as above, and the fact that I have never DM'd leaves a bit on the wondering side. Though the room numbers or labels is probably my only option in that regard at the moment. I do, however, plan on making several versions for the set. Day, Night, Dusk. With and without numbers ect. All to give DM/ GM's the best shot at making a cool adventure in this area.


Again thank so much for taking the time, I really do appreciate it.