Level 4: Twisted Caverns - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

Level 4: Twisted Caverns. Designed for four 8th-level characters, this level of Undermountain contains enough XP to advance such a group halfway to 9th level. The Twisted Caverns feature an aboleth, which is a legendary monster. Review the "Aboleth" entry in the Monster Manual before running this level of the dungeon to help you run the monster effectively. What Dwells Here? Control of this level is contested between an aboleth and a tribe of kuo-toa. The drow of House Auvryndar watch this conflict intently, waiting to see who comes out on top before making any push of their own. Various other Underdark species vie for a place in these caverns. Aboleth Illuun the aboleth, along with its pet chuuls and enslaved troglodytes, has taken over the lake cavern (area 16) and pushed the kuo-toa out. Its presence has tainted the underground river, killing off fish and other river dwellers that provide sustenance to the kuo-toa. Illuun plans to take over the entire level as a step toward gaining control of Undermountain and then Waterdeep. The aboleth rarely leaves its watery lair and relies on its servants to capture new slaves. House Auvryndar A drow contingent led by a drow priestess of Lolth has holed up in areas 11 and 12. These forces report to T'rissa Auvryndar on level 3 and are preparing to challenge whoever perseveres in the conflict between the aboleth and the kuo-toa. These drow control access to one of the magic gates on this level. Kuo-toa The kuo-toa on this level were pushed out of the lake cavern (area 16) and away from their nesting caves (area 24) by the aboleth. They have taken refuge in areas 20 and 21 while the kuo-toa archpriest, Noolgaloop, creates an idol of a new god. The archpriest hopes the god will come to life and destroy the aboleth. Noolgaloop is using random items and the body parts of various creatures to craft the idol. The kuo-toa don't trust drow and attack them on sight, but they tolerate non-drow adventurers who agree to help bring Noo...