Dungeons of Doom

👉 The Dungeons of Doom is the primary dungeon branch in GnollHack, serving as the central spine from which all other branches diverge.

Location: Levels 1 to 24–25.

It extends from the surface all the way down to the Underground Castle. It is the standard area where players spend the beginning and middle portions of the game before descending into Gehennom.

ℹ️ Characteristics

• Layout: Varies heavily. Most levels are standard "room and corridor" generation, though occasionally you will find maze-like levels, swamp levels, or heavily forested areas.
• Lighting: Upper levels are typically fully lit, but as you descend below level 10, unlit rooms become increasingly common.
• Stairs: There is exactly one upstairs leading toward the surface and one downstairs leading deeper, except on levels where other branches attach.

🔗 Key Features & Connections

The Dungeons of Doom connects to almost every major branch in the early and mid-game:

• Gnomish Mines: Branches off between levels 2 and 4.
• Delphi: A special level housing the Oracle, located between levels 5 and 7.
• Sokoban: Reached by ascending stairs found immediately below Delphi.
• Big Room: A special single-room level found between levels 10 and 12.
• Quest: The home portal for your class quest, found between levels 11 and 14.
• Fort Ludios: Reached via a magic portal hidden in a vault between levels 12 and 20.
• Treasure Island: A water-themed treasure level located between levels 14 and 17.

As you approach the bottom, you'll encounter Medusa's Island, the Minotaur Maze, and finally the Underground Castle, which acts as the gatekeeper to Gehennom.