Dungeons

Dungeons are an uncommon subterranean geographical feature on Creare.

Summary

The true nature of Creare dungeons is largely unknown, they appear to shift in shape, size, complexity and position, often without warning, causing mayhem for those living on the surface above them. They appear to be drawn towards populated areas however, breaking through the surface near towns, cities and villages and summoning all manners of dark creatures. Conversely, their expansion seems to slow whenever they contain wealth or artefacts of power, whether the dungeon seemingly creates them, or a task force or adventuring group places them within as a placatory gesture.

Sealing

Dungeons can be temporarily sealed, either by physically filling or collapsing their tunnels, or by travelling into the dungeon's depths and destroying the pulsating crystal found deep below. It is believed by scholars of the sage Oberandus that this crystal is the "brain" of the dungeon, though no theories have taken hold regarding how one dungeon can become active multiple times, each time with a new crystal.

Dangers

While any open dungeon is dangerous to civilians due to the looming monster threat, those of a more military disposition have noted that the level of danger within and around a dungeon is related to both the amount of time the dungeon has existed without being raided and its crystal destroyed, and to the degree of wealth within the dungeon. In the case of the dungeon running beneath the Devar Desert, the beasts and traps lurking around the entrance are alone enough to rout inexperienced soldiers, and quickly turn fatal for all but the hardiest of warriors only a few floors down.