D&D Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting - Lake of Spires - Maps

D&D Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting - Lake of Spires - Maps


The Underdark Map

Maps of an Uncharted World, The Lake of Spires is an underdark campaign setting with not just detailed maps of the underdark but also plenty of d20 OGL content.  Each Friday I release a new map panel covering a new area, 9 of these map panels are put together to create a campaign map.  The idea is to give others a lot of details to use with their own groups exploring an underdark campaign.  In most campaigned underground there is always the issue of no vast underdark maps for you to use or your group to explore, instead groups tend to bounce from dungeon to dungeon with nothing inbetween them except a few words.  When completed this will bring an end to that era and offer dungeon masters fitting maps of the entire area that are both descriptive and full of personality to bring alive the dangers of the underdark.

Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel 1
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #1
While the first map panel to be released odds are this won't be the starting point for any adventuring group unless you decide to go with the teleport error type introduction.  The wide open lanes and passages can provide some interesting encounters. 

Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  2
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #2
Access to a boat or raft will start to make sense for any adventuring group as they uncover the water ways are just as critical to movement as the cave passages.  A few unique rooms can offer some interesting encounters where those who wait for an ambush could be richly rewarded. 
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  3
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #3
At this point if a group isn't using the water ways they could be missing areas as the tip of one of these areas comes into view on this map panel, any underdark campaign should push players to think beyond the single route approach.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  4
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #4
While only a very small part this is the first glimpse of the Lake of Spires, as more becomes exposed players will learn that traveling and exploring the different spires could be an underdark campaign in itself.   Players should also be learning how to get across water ways so they can continue exploring a cave passage is important.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  5
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #5
In an underdark campaign going straight should never be the only option, sometimes groups may need to go back and forward until they find a successful route.  This is why maps of the underdark are expensive but unfortunately they are also seldom perfect or show everything.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  6
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #6
Falling into seemingly bottomless rifts could be the end of the line for anyone, those that live down in this region understand this and how to use spells to encourage such a fall to unaware victims.  There are also trading routes that can be travelled, though those are seldom safe for the unprepared as well.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  7
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Panel #7
Now groups should start to get a graps of how the Lake of Spires gets its name though the vastness of it can only be speculated at this point.  No telling what other features exist beyond the darkened water.  A boat of some sort is critical to exploring some areas that otherwise can never be touched by travelling land alone.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  8
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #8
For those that take to the water for adventure there promises to be a few unique features to find, this new world is much different then wandering a forest.  Dangerous creatures can find homes to hide and not be disturbed for decades, will your group be the first to disturbed them?
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  9
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #9
Sometimes a cave passage is just that, a cave passage but for all the unique things that exist there has to be a way to travel between areas.  These common areas are a good source for running into other groups and perhaps a chance for a little diplomacy, by words or swords.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  10
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #10
In most cases in the underdark real estate is limited and you have to deal with whatever the rock gives you.  This map panel focuses on the long winding passage with a few chances for something to explore or guards waiting to ambush.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  11
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #11
Even in an unlikely place such as the underdark, there are small pockets of civilization.  This small cavern contains the whispered slave market.  There are many small vendors and tents where untold items and services can be purchased for anyone with gold or something to trade.  Words of warning though, always watch your back.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  12
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #12
At one time this passage came to a large cavern which served as the lair of an ancient dragon, the stories told say the dragon is dead but the truth is no one knows what lurks below thw water that now fills this cavern.  The calmness of this cavern could be real or a deception, only sounds heard is that of water.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  13
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #13
In the underdark there is no shortage of long winding passages, they could lead to a dead end as easily as to something worth exploring but you never know until you explore it.  Adventures can find death, gold or some forgotten treasure.  This panal also provides detail for the upper corner for the ancient dragon lair.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  14
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #14
While exploring the underdark passages usually give you a choice to make, left or right.  Adventures must learn to work together and have sound tactics because no two openings are ever the same.  This map panel also covers the lower corner
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel 15
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #15
Mazes are always an experience and one to be not taken half hearted.  This maze has been hidden away for as long as can be remembered so walk with care because it is uncertain what exists within.  This panel concludes the four parts to the ancient dragon lair.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel 16
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #16
Some times when you find the final chamber it is anything besides the last chamber to explore, there are many smaller chambers to investigate once the main one is cleared.  There are quite a few crossing passages so adventures would be wise keeping there eyes open and watching their backs as they move forward.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  17
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #17
This map panel displays what explorers will find when attempting to navigate the actual lake itself. Where the cave passages box adventurers in, the lake is open enough to the point you never know what to expect.  Some spires are solid, others are hollow or carved out for someone or something to hide within.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  18
The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #18
Things may look and seem quiet but underneath the water surface is a completely unique world, not just in the underdark but underwater in the underdark.  Creatures and monsters beneath this depth have survived for 1000's of years.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  19The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Panel #19
This map panel shows one of the old lava tubes that exists in the area of the Lake of Spires.  About half of the map panel deals with the lake itself and one of the spires has a few places for you to put an encounter or two.  Equal opportunity for adventure on land, on the lake or under the lake.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  20The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #20
Much like ice bergs, what you see above water is but a fraction compared to what exists below the water.  The scale of this underdark lake is starting to set in to your adventuring group and they could easily be victims of creatures that exist in the water and those that fly above the surface of this huge cavern.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  21The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #21
There are countless rock formations pushing out from the water in the Lake of Spires, giving your brace group of adventures a chance to not just explore the sprawling caves but also the seamingly endless lake.  There should be no shortage of things to do and many hidden treasures and reasons to find them exist just below the surface of the water.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  22The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #22
In my campaign as the adventures start to get a scope of the lake they will also start to get an idea that the drow are not the only race bent on their demise, the sahuagin will have chance encounters with anyone that dares to come close to the lake.  The water may look safe but it is far from it.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  23The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #23
This completes the southern wall of the community that lives on the Lake of Spires just to the north.  It is not uncommon to see people on boats either involved in some kind of task or travelling from various points of interest.  There is always the chance of being attacked as well, keep your guard up.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  24The Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #24
As this section of the lake is coming to a close it should give dungeon masters a good scope of what it is like for describing to their players.  There will be new features added but if players wish to push even further for now DM's should be able to handle the situation.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  25Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #25
This is the final map panel for campaign map #3 and gives a solid scope of the lake itself.  Sections like these while have no fixed or planned encounter are perfect for wandering encounters, sending messages or setting the theme with such things like floating corpses in the water.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  26Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #26
We begin Campaign Map #4, this map will provide adventures without countless hours of hard core adventuring fun.  This map has what could be a difficult crack to crosss, the question is which way is the best to go?
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  27Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #27
In map #2 the room count is 61 in out quest for 200+ rooms for Campaign Map #4.  Follow the wrong path and you will be greeted with a dead end, follow the right one and you never know who or what will be there to greet you.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  28Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #28
Heading further down into this campaign map should be no easy walk in the part, danger and encounters can come out of no where.  You never know when or what can be beyond the next turn in the passage or room.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  29Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #29
There are 2 points you can enter this map and 2 points you can leave, the question is did you choose the right path?  A few small areas for your groups to explore and should be easily handled in a single session.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  30Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #30
The sprawling passage ways open up to a few cave areas ready to be explored by your band of adventures, depending upon the event this map alone could keep your group busy for a few sessions.  The only question is which direction do they head in?

Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  31Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #31
As the passages wind through this section there are a few occasions where the group will have to make choices and in turn leave the rear of the group exposed to attacks and ambushes.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  32Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #32
Even more passages, more rooms and more ways to be ambushed or even worse, killed.  By now the group is probably wondering just how endless this section is and will it ever end.
Dungeons and Dragons Map - Fantasy Map: The Underdark Campaign Setting: Panel  33Underdark Campaign: Lake of Spires - Map Panel #33
This passage way crawls along giving dungeon masters a good chance to provide some off the cuff encounters for his brave adventuring party.


Related Links

The Underdark Map and Free Printable Dungeon Tiles (Battle Tiles)