Recommended Levels: 1–2
Hidden among the rocky hills north of the Stone Circle of Eldermoor, concealed by thick thorn bushes and hanging ivy, lies Widowfang Cave. At first glance it appears to be nothing more than a narrow crack in the hillside, but inside stretches a winding network of damp tunnels carved by underground streams long ago.
The air is cold and heavy with the smell of damp earth and decay. Thick strands of spider silk cling to the walls and ceiling, becoming denser the deeper one ventures. Scattered bones—deer, wolves, goblins, and even a few unfortunate adventurers—lie wrapped in old cocoons throughout the cave.
The cave is home to Widowfang, a monstrous Giant Wolf Spider that has claimed the tunnels as its hunting grounds. Larger than a horse, its dark body is covered in coarse black and gray hairs that help it blend into the shadows. Eight glowing amber eyes watch silently from the darkness, and its powerful jaws drip with potent venom capable of bringing down prey many times its size.
Unlike web-spinning spiders, Widowfang stalks its victims. It moves with terrifying speed through the tunnels, silently circling intruders before striking from behind. The webs inside the cave are used to trap prey and protect its egg chamber rather than to catch food.
Sticky webs partially block the entrance. Careless adventurers may alert the spider before they even enter.
A cavern littered with skeletons and old equipment from previous victims. Careful searching may uncover valuable treasure hidden among the remains.
Narrow passages thick with webs, making movement difficult while providing perfect ambush points for smaller spiders.
The deepest cave contains dozens of pale spider eggs suspended from the ceiling. If disturbed, they hatch into a swarm of Spiderlings.
A crystal-clear pool fed by an underground spring. The water is safe to drink and glows faintly with magical energy from nearby Eldermoor.
Widowfang, Giant Wolf Spider (Boss)
2–6 Giant Wolf Spiders
Swarms of Spiders
Cave Bats
Giant Centipedes
Spiderlings (Tiny Giant Spiders)
Among the bones of previous victims, adventurers might discover:
45 gp and assorted silver coins.
A Potion of Healing.
A silver hunting dagger engraved with the crest of Bramblebrook.
A bundle of 20 arrows.
A ring of climbing.
Several vials of Giant Wolf Spider venom.
Rare Spider Silk worth good coin to tailors and alchemists.
A farmer's son has vanished while searching for a lost sheep.
Chief Gribnak of the Mosscrag Clan offers a reward for anyone who kills Widowfang, whose hunting territory is expanding toward the goblin camp.
Elara Thornroot needs Giant Wolf Spider venom to brew an antidote for an injured hunter.
Strange runes have recently appeared on the cave walls, glowing only at night.
Behind the Egg Chamber, concealed beneath layers of ancient spider silk, lies a collapsed stone doorway engraved with the same mysterious runes found at the Stone Circle of Eldermoor.
The passage beyond has remained sealed for centuries.
Whatever lies behind it is far older than Widowfang... and it has begun to awaken.