Narrow Tread Path - Launch

Hello Adventurers! I’ve been sketching away to bring you another underground map for the last couple of weeks. This one is called the Narrow Tread Path. It's a cave or ravine with a narrow path weaving down the centre. On either side are drops into lower levels that more than likely are the home of some unpleasant creature(s). I’ve added caves around the base of the cliffs for monsters to enter because there is nothing more fun than surprise monsters :)

Next Maps

I’m working on the Ancient Artifice next and plan to release it towards the end of the month. After that, I’ll be straight on the Crumbling Stairs.

• Ancient Artifice (Arena Gauntlet)
  I want to create an arena-style map based on the idea of some giant half-buried artefact. The elements that stick out of the ground make up an arena with different parts of the device doing various things. Think of it as a gauntlet with distinct phases. It may have a kind of South American vibe to it. At least, that's my initial thought.

• The Crumbling Stair
  I want to create a sequence of stairs leading into a hole or ‘abyss’. A way for you to introduce an underground area to your party with a few unique obstacles as they descend. One may be a break in the stairs, a gate that needs to be opened or climbed over… I’ll think of maybe three versions for the base, with a few different themes for the variants.

Thanks so much for your support and comments over the year. Please continue to give me feedback and ideas! I’m always open to suggestions!

Now, let's get moving, watch your step, and be quiet. We wouldn’t want to attract unwanted attention. Does anyone hear that? Drums? Drums in the deep? No? Just me? OK, let's keep going.

Downloads

The files, thumbnails, and tags can be accessed on the Map List Page. You must be logged in to Patreon and signed up to the correct tier to access them. Remember, you are only charged for map releases; you can download all the old maps at no extra cost!

Map Description

The still air cools as the passage continues downwards, finally opening into a large cavern. Small patches of glowing lichen speckle the rock walls, illuminating a narrow path ahead. It weaves through the cavern, either side falling away into darkness. Dripping water punctuates the oppressive silence. The scent of minerals and damp earth drifts up from below. You can make out the floor of the carven, shrouded in darkness, cracked stone littered with loose rocks. Between the rocks are scattered bones and skulls. Around the edge of the cavern are cave entrances, leading into pitch darkness.

As you listen, you hear the sounds of movement from the cave entrances, a pebble skittering across the stone floor, a footstep, and a muffled murmur.

Notes and Tips

• 30x45 Grid Map

• This map has multiple levels, allowing for attacks to happen from above and below.

• Note the caves around the outside of the cavern and the small cave openings under the path. I wanted to allow passage from one lower area to another without climbing out. These may not be clear to the party but can be revealed when needed.

• Dropping a couple of Ropers into the cavern above the path would add to the confusion as other things attack from below.

• Climbing up onto the path should be possible without too much effort. I’ve created places that look easier to climb up. Allow for varying difficulty checks depending on the location.

• The Stones Have It: A Basilisk(s) inhabit the cave. Describe cracked and broken statue parts strewn around the bottom of the cave, along with shredded equipment.

• Hulk Smash!: Today's theme is messing with the players, and a Umberhulk will undoubtedly do that. This creature dazes its prey before feeding and has taken up residence in this cavern. It's been feeding on Miners or whatever clan of creature lives here. It will throw rocks at the party to knock them into the lower areas, even better if they are confused by its gaze first.

• Drums, Drums in the Deep: Referencing the dwarven Moria journal from LotRs, it would be fun to fight along the path, with hordes of monsters swarming out of the tunnels and climbing the cliffs to get to the party. A fight to the other end of the cavern before they are overrun would certainly get the heart pumping.

Variants

I've created water variants for each of the Biome types.I've added a desert variant without Water.And one with water, more of an Oasis.
I've also made a Forest variant with and without water as well.
You also get a Snow variant with and without Ice!
And for good measure, you get a Snow variant without the trees as well.