The Dungeon Book

THE RULE OF THE DUNGEON

Those who abide here must know it, for this is the Rule they shall keep.

All who dwell in the darkness, all those who shelter in stone

All creatures are bound by this statute, so long as the Dungeon’s their home.

Hide ye from hateful sunlight, to the shadows below shall ye keep

The weakest shall dwell in the topmost, the greater inhabit the deep

Level by level descending, each denizen knowing their place

This is the order of precedence, not nature, nor title, nor race.

Each is accorded their treasure, held in a trap-guarded lair.

But keep in common the corridors; there any may freely fare

Hold that ye do not trespass; but knock on the owner’s door

For even the meanest of goblins is the keeper of their place and store.

Stray ye not from thy level, but cleave to thine appointed place,

Vigilant be in thy hunting, though hungry ye be for the chase.

Beware above all the adventurer, girded with steel and with spell!

For ruin they bring to the Dungeon, and all we who herein do dwell.

So guard against any intruders! Keep a watch on the Entrance Hall –

For the safe keeping of the Dungeon is the common task of us all.

Obey ye the lords of the Dungeon: gargoyle and dragon and ghast.

And trouble ye not the Master, he who was first here and last.