Augur's Combat Guide to East Karana Village
Level: 16 to low 20's
Party Mix: Any

Resting between the Beholder Maze zone (aka : the gorge) and the beginning of the zone for Highpass is a sleepy village, consisting of four buildings. The village is fairly easy to find... head straight from the wooden bridge once you arrive in East Karana and follow the road.

This was one of my favorite spots to gain experience when I was in training for my 17th Rank of Warriors, all the way through 21st. One of the reasons this location is very prime, in my opinion, is due to the "safety outlets" which are nearby should trouble arise. The critters at this location have a very redeeming quality ...most are docile unless attacked.

The merchants in the village sell food, water, alcoholic beverages (another reason I enjoy this spot=)), clothing, weapons and various other items, and will also be willing to purchase your loot items at a fairly decent price. The buildings are arranged in somewhat of a circle with 2 guards posted near the rear buildings. If trouble should arise, run to the guards who will defend you, the shopkeepers who will also help you, or run to the gorge zone.

For caster types, I would recommend binding behind the out-house (sounds nasty, but is the safest place in the village).

WHAT TO KILL:

From 16th level to 17th or so, in a group, hunt the carrion spiders (poison, so beware), bullnose snakes chasm crawlers. Loot is not the best, aside from giant snake fangs and poison sacs, but the experience is wonderful.

From 18th to 20ish level hunt the Gorge Hounds and the Crag Spiders (very deadly poison, takes 3 cure poison to cure). Loot is worse than the critters listed above, but they should be FANTASTIC experience.

When you are ready to Meditate (a condition I do not have to endure *smirk*), rest by the guards in case of Lion attack. The Lions of East Karana are known to enjoy the flesh of meditating spellcasters.

HOW TO PULL:

Standing at the village, looking out over the East Karana plains, you will see a tree about 10 yards from the building closest to the plains. Have your party stay there and send the combat puller (ref: Augurs Combat Pullers Guide) out to about 200 yards straight ahead. For reasons listed below, do not go out beyond 200 yards to hunt. Many of the Hounds and Spiders spawn in that general area. Using a bow in this area is a wonderful way (and fairly inexpensive) to pull the hounds or spiders and get a good start on them. SoW also helps a great deal.

DANGERS:

Your 3 main dangers in this area are : Cyclops, Evil Eye, Griffawn.

The Cyclops spawns on the hill next to the village, approx.. 500 yards to the left if you stand facing away from village. Usually he does not come into the village (unless pulled).

The Evil Eye spawns at apron 300 yards in front of the village and a little to the left (facing away). The eye will usually take a patrol route across the plains, moving from your left to right (facing away from village) and then heading north.

Griffawn spawns approx.. 500 yards directly in front of the village. Even a green griffawn can cause problems. They are fairly good xp for a higher level party.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST:

To your left (facing away from village) is the hill that the Cyclops spawns on. Over the hill and to the left is the zone to Highpass (after running up the hill for what seems forever). If you do not turn left to Highpass, as you cross the hill, but continue straight, you will find a group of Gnolls known as the Mucktail clan. They are led by a Gnoll Shaman who is named (as are all the Mucktail Gnolls). It is rumored that the leader carries a rare magic item, which I will not spoil the suprise for you. The shaman casts a variety of spells, from frost rift to drowsy. You might even see the Mucktails waging war against their hated enemy, the snakes...

At night, in the Mucktail spawning area, a skeleton spawns. This skeleton is a bit of a pain, since his hit points range from 250 to 300. I have not seen him cast any spells however. You will take a "skeleton faction" hit if you kill him, so necromancers and shadowknights beware.

There is a Hill Giant who occasionally roams near the Mucktail spawning area, but not close enough to cause problems for the "awake" party.

LAST NOTES: Remember to bring a tailor's kit (sewing kit). With the amount of spiders you will be killing, you can make a small fortune by placing 2 seperated spider silks in the kit and hitting "combine". Success will make a patch of silk cloth (used in raw and cured silk armor). This WILL make you decent money and give you some training in the tailor skill. Should you forget to bring a sewing kit, you can purchase one from the NPC in the building closest to the plains.

Overall, this spot is excellent for parties wishing to gain some easy experience and have a pleasant night of gaming without risking the dungeon "trains" which are so popular. Usually there are not many players in this village, which makes your targets of opportunity much greater.

Give it a try for a few nights as a change of pace and enjoy..

-Augur Fleshrender
A'dileab de Paegen