Thorn-Eye Den
Sharp shadows and the smell of wet fur haunt these narrow halls.
A damp network of natural caves and excavated storage cellars. The air is heavy with the scent of musk and the sound of distant, high-pitched barking.
The air is cold and humid, smelling of wet fur and damp earth. Sputtering torches provide dim, flickering light, while the steady sound of water dripping from the ceiling creates a rhythmic tapping that echoes throughout the halls.
☠ Threat
Krell, a scarred gnoll pack leader, seeks to unify the scavenger tribes of the surrounding woods. He uses the den as a base for raiding merchant caravans and has established a network of simple but effective traps to deter any heroes who might try to interfere with his plans.
History
Originally constructed as a secure cooling cellar for a local vineyard, this site was abandoned after a series of poor harvests. Recently, a splinter group of gnolls known as the Thorn-Eye pack moved in, digging deeper into the earth and fortifying the entrance with scavenged materials to protect their growing hoard.
Encounter Table
CRScavengers looking for scraps of food or intruders to bark at.
A lone gnoll carrying a torch, checking on the traps and guards.
Rumours & Whispers
The howling heard at night isn't from wolves, but something much more organized.
The old Red-Leaf vineyard was abandoned because the cellar was said to be cursed.
A local merchant went missing while carrying a rare silver chalice.
The gnolls in the woods are led by a beast with a scarred face who hates fire.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Elara the Weaver
A prominent merchant was captured by the gnolls, and his family is offering a reward for his safe return.
100 gp and a 10% discount at the local market.
Quest giver: Mayor Halloway
The local mayor needs the Red-Leaf Vineyard ledger to settle a land dispute.
A letter of recommendation to the regional lord.
Quest giver: Captain of the Guard
The Thorn-Eye pack is becoming too bold, and the village council has put a bounty on their leader.
50 gp per gnoll ear and 200 gp for Krell's head.
Corridor Notes
Large claw marks are gouged into the soft stone of the corridor walls.
The ceiling is reinforced with rotting wooden beams that groan under the weight of the earth.
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