Deep within a mountain range shrouded in toxic vapors lies an ancient path known as The Dungeon Guardian. Along this trail flows a slow but deadly river of corrosive liquid, carving through stone over time and dissolving all that dares to cross it. At the narrowest point of the pass, emerging from the mountain itself as if part of it, rests a colossal figure of living stone: the Guardian.
This gigantic being, made of rock, is not hostile. It does not punish or block the path, but neither does it allow passage without cause. Its duty—self-imposed or granted by ancient powers—is to guard the Four Gates, massive portals embedded in the mountain's wall. Only the Guardian knows where each one leads: some to places of great power, others to forgotten or even dangerous realms.
From the lower side of the pass, our heroes arrive. Their journey has brought them here in search of a faster route, a lost relic, or perhaps a way out of the realm. However, the Guardian opens no gate without receiving something in return. It does not ask for gold or material offerings, but for favors: retrieving lost items, solving ancient riddles, or performing deeds it cannot do itself.
Once the task is fulfilled, the Guardian will use its massive tongue—wide as a road—to transport the travelers to one of the gates. Some gates may be chosen, but others cannot… and no one knows which is which. Certainly is that if anyone dares to fight the Guardian or force open a portal, the acid will rise against them, and the Guardian, unmoved, will return them to stone.
Will the heroes accept the Guardian's bargain and fulfill its quest, or attempt to force their fate?
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All variations have a gridded and gridless version.
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