The Howling Caves & Well of Light (L02) is a level of the Ardis Vala Mega-Dungeon, formerly the private floor of the priests of Thoth. It is now held by intelligent white albino baboons led by the druid Gerrilad the Gray.
| Type | Place (mega-dungeon level) |
| Location | Ardis Vala Mega-Dungeon |
| Builders | Archontean (most); Heqeti (three deep chambers) |
| Houses of the Cycle | ☷ House of the Descent |
| Spanish entry | Cuevas Aullantes & Pozo de Luz |
Description
The level turns on light against darkness. The baboons are more aggressive in the dark. If the great mirror of the Well of Light and the lesser mirrors are repaired, the lights come on and the baboons fight cowed and clumsily.
Areas
- Well of Light — a 200-foot shaft reflecting surface sunlight, with convex mirrors.
- Hall of Judgment — where Gerrilad performs a punishment ritual.
- Howling Caves — baboon territory.
- Whispering Hall — a mysterious chamber.
- Gerrilad’s quarters.
- Library of Thoth — the source of the dungeon’s history, kept by Isocritis Half-Hand.
- A Thothian ring lies in a minor chamber.
Figures
- Gerrilad the Gray — human druid, “lord of the baboons”.
- Sisko and Trefko — intelligent giant baboons, his lieutenants.
- Umsko and Yamki — intelligent giant baboons.
- Isocritis Half-Hand — keeper of the Library.
Connections
- Surface: the well, a spiral cellar, a tunnel and chimneys.
- Halls of Thoth: a teleport pyramid, stairs, a spiral and a vertical shaft.
- Obsidian Gates: a teleport.
- Floor of the Great Abyss: the pukel-manders; a balcony overlooks the Great Abyss.
- Sublevels: Tombs of Light, Hall of Altars, Lesser Baboon Caves, Tomb of Isadora, Druids’ Retreat.