Dungeon Dressing: Fireplaces

Fireplaces are common enough in shallow dungeons, burrows, and hobbit holes, but in the really deep dungeons, they are rare. The problem is the chimney. The Dwarves have learned the trick of creating deep networked chimneys that make use of natural faults in the stone. As a result, Dwarven constructions may have working fireplaces even in very deep dungeons. The flue is almost always well barred against monsters and vermin, though there are occasional exceptions. Only a very brave or foolhardy adventurer would enter such a place, however, due to the danger of encountering a monster in a difficult enclosed space. Dwarven fireplaces may also occasionally feature a hidden compartment for the storage of gems. Gold is never kept in such a heated space. Powerful magic users such as wizards or Rakshasa also relish the luxury of a fireplace, though theirs are more apt to be illusionary or otherwise magical. Adventurers should beware of a burning fireplace in an otherwise abandoned area, as this is a sure sign of old, powerful magic and a misstep could trigger an arcane explosion, or bring them face-to-face with an angry fire elemental.