PART 2 of The Abandoned Dwarven Outpost – or Dwarven Ruins – a massive battlemap I drew, consisting out of six smaller, interconnected, battlemaps one can either use as separate maps or as one massive map. The basic idea is that one could either use the separate maps as gateways to a dungeon beyond, the beginning point of an underground adventure, or as a single map for an adventure into the ruins of this Dwarven Outpost.
The story behind the Dwarven Outpost was that it was built on top of a mine filled with precious metals, located near an active volcanic source. Hence the lava in some parts of the map. Making sure they would be able to protect the mining operation of this precious metal, the Dwarven built a fortress inside the mountain.
Starting in the bottom left corner of the map, you can see the entrance of the complex, a massive stone gateway carved in the shape of a Dwarven head. Once guarded from an overlook they build on top of the gateway. There is also an alternative rout around the mountain, they had closed off with a stone wall. In case of an attack, Dwarven infantry would man the walls and gateway while the cavalry mounted up in the stables build at the end of the hallway leading into the complex (top left corner), ready to ride out and meet their attackers head on. (Alternatively I had also designed an opening in the ceiling of the central courtyard of the stables, where flying mounts could make their exit).
The dwarves had also built a tomb near the first part of the complex, where fallen soldiers could be buried with honor.
All the way in the far right is both the mine itself and a fortress where the Dwarves had made their last stand. Only the first level of the fortress itself is accessible, the stairwell leading to the living quarters below has collapsed. (I might get to making a second level at one point, for all the areas that are missing, but for now I just use it as is).
Now in the lower center of the map is also a system of caves one could access. It was here that the Dwarves had discovered a mysterious portal stone, while working on expanding their complex. The exact spot where they eventually found their doom.
In my adventure the ruins are currently held by a pack of marauding orcs, who have taken control over the outpost long after it was found abandoned. They have no clue of what actually happened here, and the dangers hiding inside the mountain, as they were simply happy to find such a prized encampment.
If you like content like this, I would also like to invite you to check out my Patreon. Here you will find more of my custom monsters, (battle)maps, and (paper) miniatures that I create each month. I keep an online folder of all my work in High Res, a back catalogue that you can instantly access after joining up, gaining access to all my previous work including this. In due time I would love to publish a collection of it in print and pave the road to publishing more content that way.
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