The first level of the caverns however, remain relatively safe. Several of the smaller, more passive cavern creatures roam idly, and the only sighted humanoid forms are the miners near the entrance. Beyond the first level however, the happy dungeon story begins to take a turn towards the inhospitable.

Upon the second level, a camp of chaja have been located, and although accompanied by a shuddeni slavemaster, the camp has not been openly hostile. Nevertheless, this does not stop the local aspiring do-gooder from engaging in a little cleansing from time to time. Also abound is a rumor of a water dwelling monstrosity, and travelers are advised to stay clear of running water sources for the time being.

All official accounts stop at the second level however, as exploration has ceased upon discovery of a web-filled maze and the result of several explorers falling prey to the roaming caretaker, the phase spider. Despite attempts to slay the beast, the spider has prevailed due to its own unique power, and continues to feast upon anything that meanders through its territory.

However, some adventurers have braved the maze, and have returned with stories of a shuddeni filled city, but few have entered to explore upon seeing the abominable creations that stand guard. Some others have begun to talk of a colony of insectoids as well, but many dismiss this tale as drunkard's fantasy, as it is illogical to think the shuddeni would allow any species to remain unscathed, so close to their city.

Highlights:

• Prime low to middle range ranking area, depending on alignments. Evils get their miners, lighties get their chaja. From there, everyone can go wild on the random critters that wander the second floor.

• There's a quest for both light/evil alignments, see your corresponding camp of inhabitants for details. Sorry neutrals, you lose your quest but gain the benefit of killing EVERYTHING in the caverns instead!

• The chaja caverns is home to the most basic of free newbie gear there is. Everyone should search the first floor and look around for this apparent trove of items. You'll know you've found it when you come upon a number of items that increase random stats. Note that everything on the first floor is passive, so you shouldn't have to worry too much.

• This area also connects to a number of other underground areas. But these underground areas are not for the faint of heart (or the low-level).

Things to be careful of:

• Killing miners as an evil in PK range. You're in a prime spot to be ambushed, given how close you are to the area boundary. I seriously recommend passing up on the chaja caverns as ranking grounds for evils.

• Thief-types can hide in cavern type areas, so be wary if you think someone is after you. The chaja caverns is the #1 spot for lowbie thief-types to trip-ambush someone who's solo-ranking off a mob.

• Be careful with chaja hunters and burly miners. Everyone seems to underestimate these critters.

• The monstrosity is the only aggro monster on the first two levels. It's aggro for a reason. Be careful. Read the above lore and pay attention to your surroundings to determine its location.

• The phase spider and its maze; Don't poke around here without a potion of transportation. The spider is known to even give heroes a handful of bruises, especially considering how difficult it is to kill the spider. Most simply run past it, or blind it.