Featured Zones: Blackburrow & Wailing Caves

Introduction

Blackburrow is a maze-like system of tunnels carved into a southern Antonican mountain. The deeper you go the more dangerous the dungeon becomes. Since it's the home of a vicious clan of gnolls, adventurers must be careful.

Blackburrow is located north of the Qeynos Hills and south of the frozen lands of the north. There are three entrances to Blackburrow leading to a network of tunnels that are three levels deep. The main entrance is a wooden door surrounded by boulders. It leads to the top level of the cave system. A secondary entrance can be reached underwater. The third entrance is marked by logs. It leads to the middle level of tunnels. Solo players may be able to handle the challenges inside the main entrance, but it's advisable to bring along a group of allies for the other two entrances.

History

The Sabertooth gnolls were a powerful clan in Old Antonica until the Cataclysms destroyed everything. The surviving members of the clan were trapped inside the collapsed caverns and tunnels of Blackburrow, eventually rebuilding a new society and a three-level fortress within Blackburrow.

Quests

There are many exciting quests available within Blackburrow. Here's an example:

Path of the Wizard

The Blackburrow gnolls use rune stones to enhance their magical powers. You must gather a number of these rune stones from encounters with specified gnolls. Once gathered, this leads to a series of challenges within the majestic Tower of Three. These challenges must be accomplished in a specific correct order, or you'll suffer the consequences.

As Blackburrow encounters become more difficult, the treasures and other items become more valuable. Treasures range from clothing items such as pelts and collars to rare and valuable jewelry.

Beasts

The upper reaches of Blackburrow are inhabited by gnolls mining for the valuable ore needed to rebuild their stronghold. Blackburrow's middle level is the most dangerous one when it comes to beast encounters. You'll meet several types of Sabertooth gnolls here, as well as terrapedes and cave shimmers. In the lower level, you might meet giant lashers, blightfang hatchlings and blightfang broodtenders.

The Wailing Caves is a zone within Freeport's Commonlands. The caverns and dark pits are carved out of limestone and hold the secrets of the orc raiders. The Wailing Caves may be found by heading westward from the Smuggler's Path through Dead Man's Valley. The only entrance is marked by a huge snarling stone face that's carved into the side of a mountain. The Caves consist of a complex system of locked and hidden rooms, and a deep pit with a spiral ramp.

History

The orc raiders perished long ago. They were once known as the Raiders of the Shin'Ree. Once powerful, they are now tormented souls in skeletal form living within an underground fortress. The Raiders of Ree are currently attempting to reestablish their hold on the Commonlands region.

Upon entering the Wailing Caves, you'll meet a gnome looking for your assistance. Beyond him, you'll encounter the remains of those who perished in these dark caverns. Once past them, you will come face to face with the forces of the growing Ree empire and perhaps some of their allies. After dealing with them, you'll have to make your way past the powerful Advisor, who holds a key to the lower chambers that eventually lead to a final mysterious locked door.

Averus parts 1 & 2

One of the more memorable Wailing Caves quests is offered by a resident of South Freeport named Averus Justarius. It's a two-part series of challenges.