#arduin dungeon

[oldschoolfrp]

OSR enthusiasts still debate the best way to map wilderness areas with hex grids, but 1/4"=5 miles was good enough for author Dave Hargrave and mapper Carolyn Schultz in Death Heart: Arduin Dungeon 4 & Overland Adventure (Grimoire Games, 1980).

This adventure takes place in the Mountains of Madness, a name borrowed from Lovecraft. This map also shows the three previous Arduin Dungeons: The Howling Tower, The Citadel of Thunder, and Caliban's Seat, the latter taking a name from Shakespeare's The Tempest. Other references within include a rough stone shrine to "Pukel" by the path (from Tolkien) and a +3 sword named "Black Raiser" (a nod to Blackrazor from White Plume Mountain, published the previous year, another adventure with a non-gridded map).

[oldschoolfrp]

"It sure looks peaceful down there." But the first encounter in the ruins has them asking "Who said peaceful?" (Carolyn Schultz, front cover art for Death Heart: Arduin Dungeon 4 & Overland Adventure by David A Hargrave, Grimoire Games, 1980)

[oldschoolfrp]

Horragus, a "highly magikal" ancient primeval life form, older than all other life on this world, "their evil is as ancient as the stars. They are the minions of Chulhulos and may be summoned by the Priest-Mages who worship him." (Carolyn Schultz, back cover art for Death Heart: Arduin Dungeon 4 & Overland Adventure by David A Hargrave, Grimoire Games, 1980)

[oldschoolfrp]

Better check for secret doors.  The entry level of the Citadel of Thunder emerges from the base of a great waterfall, as seen on the cover.  (Arduin Dungeon #3: The Citadel of Thunder by David Hargrave, Grimoire Games, 1979)

By 1979 Hargrave was ready for the Old School Renaissance:

The dungeon maps are all hand drawn by David A. Hargrave, author of the three Arduin Volumes: The Arduin Grimoire, Welcome to Skull Tower, and The Runes of Doom. This was done to preserve the authentic "feel" of the maps and to add a personal touch so often lacking in slick, over processed games and game products.