One of the most famous dungeon locations in the Realms is Smokehole Caverns, or simply Smokehole. Smokehole is a huge complex of caves and crevasses located at the top of Sunrise Gap, the only pass through the central Tellarn Mountains. Sunrise Gap is traversed by a rugged, seldom used road that connects the High Plateau above Jasla with the kingdom of Mercia. The road would likely be a substantial trade route if it weren't for the presence of Smokehole, which dominates the road at the top of the pass.
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| One of Smokehole's many entrances |
Smokehole gets its name from the wisps and billows of smoke and steam that routinely come venting up out of the many cave entrances and fissures in the ground, some within sight of the road. It gets its reputation from the multitude of monsters and fiends that have called the caverns home over the years. Only the strongest, and perhaps most foolhardy, caravans and travelers attempt to use the road through the pass, and many of those that do regret the decision.
The many entrances to the subterranean caverns are said to lead to hundreds of caves, caverns, chambers and even tombs stretching over miles of maze-like passages. Adventurers (those that are still alive) claim that the denizens of this underground realm include all manner of goblinoid tribes, oozes, slimes, jellies, demons, fire monsters, and a host of evil corruptions that have no name. In addition to the monstrous inhabitants, tales tell of legendary treasures to be found deep in the mountains.
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| Smokehole - Deep underground |
Some say that the smoke and steam come from underground forges of cities of duergar and drow (dark dwarves and dark elves), while others swear that there is a river of lava that flows through the heart of the mountains deep beneath the pass. Some say both are true. Whatever the truth may be, only the bravest tempt fate by seeking to plunder the depths of Smokehole.
Over the years there have been many raids by the monsters of Smokehole, sometimes ranging as far as the borders of Mercia, almost 60 miles to the east. In return, forces from the surrounding lands have periodically been dispatched to the area in hopes of clearing the caverns, but such expeditions have been unable to achieve any lasting success. For now both the road and the surrounding area remain extremely hazardous.
The Legend of the Sunrise Guardian
In the taverns and inns of Mercia and throughout the Northlands, stories of Smokehole often go hand in hand with tales of the Sunrise Guardian. Dating back twenty years or more, there are stories of travelers in or near Sunrise Gap, beset by monsters, who unexpectedly receive the aid of a solitary hooded and cloaked figure wielding fearsome magics. This mysterious person has become known as the Sunrise Guardian, and is described as a tall figure wearing flowing dark clothes and wielding a simple carved wooden staff. Nobody has ever gotten a good look at the Guardian, who vanishes without a word after these encounters. Tavern talk speculates as to whether the Guardian is male or female, wizard or sorcerer or druid, human, elf, or some other kind of creature. Tales of the Guardian's exploits are legendary, and speak of fire and ice raining from the sky, the earth opening and crumbling from beneath the feet of pursuing monsters, and other spells of staggering power. A story currently circulating is of a trader from Jasla, last survivor of his party, who was being pursued by a giant. The trader says that a hooded and cloaked figure appeared in his path as he ran, pointed its staff at the pursuing giant, and in a commanding voice spoke a single word. He claims the giant stumbled and collapsed to the ground, untouched, dead as a stone.
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