Spelunking Dungeons

[Mr. Mask]

Most dungeons in roleplaying games aren't like the caves spelunkers or cavers go into. Even without monsters and manmade traps, this is a dangerous hobby (three times as dangerous as driving, for cavers who are skilled and equipped for what they do). Adventurers, who would have to face monsters, traps, and go into the places while carrying their fighting equipment... just getting in could be exciting.

It'd be interesting to work out a dungeon for an adventure much like the caves spelunkers go into, and how the creatures of the dungeon had tried to make it habitable for themselves. Unfortunately, I don't know enough about natural caves to figure something like that out. Anyone know of something similar to this?

[Slipperychicken]

Apparently, cavers need to worry about falling rocks a lot. Flooding too. And diseases. Also wet slippery ground where you might fall and hurt yourself.

Maybe it would take Survival checks to find your way out of the cave if you aren't careful?

[Telok]

Try this.

It's the report of a 2010 expedition (with maps!) down a 2200 meter deep cave system in Abkhazian. If you just Google "Krubera-Report-2010" you aget some good hits too. Please note that the weather down there is a little bit cold and wet.

[Rhynn]

The AD&D 1E Dungeoneer's Survival Guide (TSR 2019) contains a deal of information (and rules, which may help create your own for whatever system you use) about caves and spelunking.

Google and Wikipedia spelunking and caving, you'll find plenty of information.

[Mr. Mask]

This was really helpful. Thanks guys. I might also search for documentaries on caving.