From the introduction: Since the end of the second invasion of Coot in 998, a detachment of elven warriors has guarded the entrance to the dungeons beneath Castle Blackmoor, preventing any of the foul monsters that reside there from escaping. Shortly after the seat of government was restored to the castle in 1007, it became an annual tradition to open up the dungeons underneath it, allowing both the foolhardy and the brave to enter in search of adventure.