Amid the desolation of the desert lies the Crimson Ravine, a treacherous canyon marked by conquest and bloodshed. Skulls impaled on spikes and shields painted in dried blood line the rugged walls, while crimson banners whip in the wind. Narrow trails wind past crude defenses and rickety wooden bridges connecting high ground choke points, all designed to repel intruders.
A narrow trail leads deeper into the canyon, where makeshift defenses bar passage. Rickety wooden bridges span the rocky divide above, connecting strategic positions that ensure no intruder passes unnoticed. A small pool of water shimmers faintly, fed by a thin cascade spilling from the cliff face high above. Sparse vegetation—dense shrubs and a few hardy palms—clings to life around the water, the only source of sustenance in this arid wasteland.
At the heart of the ravine lies the camp of a brutal warband. Their dwellings are rudimentary: hides stretched taut over wooden frames surround a central fire pit, the flickering flames casting menacing shadows against the canyon walls. Guard towers and elevated positions ensure the camp’s strong defense, while cages hanging from the cliffs hold prisoners—or grim reminders of the warband’s victories.
This map is perfect for high-stakes combat, stealthy infiltrations, or tense negotiations, with dangers lurking at every turn.
Using This Location
The Crimson Ravine offers a wealth of possibilities for storytelling and encounters, whether the players seek to engage directly or navigate the tensions of this hostile environment. This map serves as a versatile location for a wide range of encounters, from intense battles to moments of diplomacy or cunning stealth.
Warband Composition & Motivation
The warband inhabiting this canyon can take many forms, from monstrous creatures to a barbarian tribe. If the band is monstrous, they may be raiding nearby villages for goods or simply indulging in their savagery. A barbarian tribe, on the other hand, may have more strategic goals—attacking fortified settlements to weaken rival clans or conducting raids for resources. Whatever the form, their motivations can shape the nature of encounters and the stakes for players approaching the ravine.
The Camp’s Defenses & Surroundings
Most of the warband’s defenses are concentrated on the southern side of the canyon, but what lies beyond? Perhaps this camp is merely an advance guard for a larger settlement deeper in the canyon. There may also be sacred sites the warband is guarding, and their proximity might determine how aggressive they become. These possibilities open up exploration and strategic options for the players as they decide how to approach or navigate the area.
Non-Combat Solutions
While combat is an obvious resolution, it may not be the only path. A stealthy approach could allow players to slip past the warband unnoticed, bypassing the more heavily fortified areas. Diplomacy might also be an unexpected but viable option, especially if the players are able to offer something valuable to the band—perhaps an item, information, or a trade that could persuade them to stand down or engage in negotiation rather than open conflict.