Map Set 57 Gold (Cave Ruins and Portal Pirates)

Hope everybody's having a good summer so far. Here's our newest map set with two new maps!

The first is Cave Ruins [30x45]:

Nestled within a grotto of jagged stone on the shores of the Shimmering Sea, the Cave Ruins stand as silent sentinels to a forgotten epoch. Here, the remnants of three once-proud edifices lie in solemn decay, their secrets entombed within the whispers of centuries past.

The eldest of these structures was once the refuge of a band of exiled warriors. Their walls, resilient and unforgiving, now crumble beneath the weight of time. Legends persist that within this stronghold lies an ancient treasure, abandoned when the stronghold fell to an enemy lost to history. The spectral remnants of these warriors are said to haunt the halls, their restless spirits bound to their forsaken legacy, forever vigilant against intrusion.

Adjacent to the stronghold, the desolate remains of a small temple that beckons with an eerie allure. This sacred site, once dedicated to a deity of the sea, attracted devotees who sought the god's blessings for safe passage. The temple's desecration has rendered it a locus of dark energy, a sanctuary for twisted sea creatures.

The third edifice, a bustling trade hall in its prime, served as a hub of trade and barter. Here, merchants from distant realms converged, their stalls brimming with rare wares. Now, this hall stands a mere shadow of its vibrant past, its stalls long empty, its walls veiled in mold and grime.

The true cause of the Cave Ruins' abandonment remains unknown. Some whisper of a pestilence that swept through the inhabitants, while others speak of a monstrous leviathan from the depths that ravaged the enclave.

Potential Encounters:

• Mysterious Merchant. The party encounters a mysterious figure shrouded in dark clothing. This figure is an illusion created by a cunning mimic posing as a treasure chest. The mimic attempts to lure the party into a false sense of security before attacking. Nearby, hidden compartments may contain valuable items or more mimics.

• Cave-in Catastrophe. As the party explores the ruins, a tremor causes part of the cave to collapse. They must navigate through falling debris and unstable ground. This encounter is more about survival and quick thinking, requiring skill checks to avoid injury and find a safe path.

• Sea Creature Ambush. While exploring the ruins, the party is ambushed by a group of sea creatures—twisted and corrupted by the dark energies of the corrupted temple. These creatures are amphibious, capable of fighting on land and in water. They use hit-and-run tactics, retreating into water-filled sections of the cave.

The second map is Portal Pirates [50x67]:

In the heart of the Shattered Isles lies a haven revered by those with dubious moral standing, where the ruthless navigate a labyrinth of secrets. This three-story fortress, a monument to piratical ingenuity, mirrors the paradoxical lives of its denizens: chaotic yet meticulously ordered.

Atop this fort, the Captain surveys the boundless expanse of ocean, his gaze as penetrating as the myths that surround him. His domain is a repository of relics and spoils—each piece a fragment of his storied past. Ancient maps, imbued with the whispers of lost realms, compete for space with enchanted trinkets. The room's focal point, an intricately carved wooden desk, is strewn with arcane schematics of otherworldly portals, begetting the captain’s relentless pursuit of plunder.

Nearby, one enters the Tavern, a dimly lit crucible of boisterous revelry. Here, the air is thick with the mingled scents of spiced rum and the sea, and the walls resonate with the echoes of sea shanties. Slain beasts adorn the tavern’s walls—each whispering its own saga. This is where bonds are forged and legends are born, amidst the clamor of clashing mugs.

Further below, the storage area contains a bounty of pirates' far-reaching exploits. Crates and barrels, brimming with exotic spices and other treasures from distant lands, form a vital repository. Contraband of every conceivable kind is shuffled through these corridors, ensuring the base's coffers remain ever brimming.

Across the deck lies the barracks, strung with hammocks swaying in rhythm with the sea’s eternal dance. Here, the rank-and-file find respite, their dreams ushered in among the distant murmur of waves. This communal space breathes with the spirit of camaraderie, every plank inscribed with the tales of shared perils.

Yet, what truly sets this fort apart are the ancient portals, relics of a forgotten age, scattered throughout the nearby waters. These enigmatic gateways defy the constraints of space, enabling the pirates to traverse distant realms in an instant. The secrets of their operation are closely guarded by the Captain and his inner circle, wielding this arcane knowledge to strike with impunity, evade the clutches of pursuers, and explore uncharted territories.

Potential Encounters:

• Artifact Heist. The players are tasked with stealing a powerful magical artifact from the Captain's desk. They must navigate traps and stealthily avoid detection, perhaps encountering the Captain’s pet—a fearsome, enchanted parrot.

• Brawl Breakout. A heated argument between two pirate factions erupts into a full-blown tavern brawl. The players must decide whether to quell the fight, pick a side, or use the chaos to their advantage to gather information or sneak into restricted areas.

• Contraband Chase. A rival pirate crew infiltrates the base to steal a valuable shipment. The players must thwart the heist, either by defending the goods or chasing the thieves through the maze-like storage area.

Thank you so much for your support, it's truly appreciated! If there are any map requests either DM me or add a comment to the sticky.