Zoning Denied for Stonespine Dungeon Development

A proposed residential development in the Stonespine Mountains was blocked on Tuesday, when the Board of Commissioners denied a request to rezone nearly 130 acres of rural caverns.

Named Gnoll Vista, the phased development along Goblin Terrace south of the Tranquil Crags community was planned to house the dungeon’s growing gnoll population. Starting with a dozen large dens, followed by more than 100 smaller hovels, and later acid traps higher up the ridge.

The master developer and architect, Jeremy Henderson, had planned to construct the property to satisfy local demand for gnoll housing adjacent to traps.

“People want gnolls and traps,” the developer said. “And if we don’t satisfy those victory conditions, one of the neighboring dungeon communities will. We’re letting victory points slip right through our fingers!”

The rezoning was denied in a unanimous vote. With commissioners voting instead to extend Goblin Terrace, connecting the thoroughfare with two more neighboring communities. While adding a business district with attached treasure horde to attract more slimes to the area.

“We’ve already invested heavily in slimes,” said commissioner Snarfblatt. “The dungeon with the most slimes in a row is going to receive a ton of victory points, and we’ve already got three! We need to stay the course in order to remain competitive.”

Ten neighbors testified against the rezoning, echoing concerns of the commissioners as well as expressing concerns about a strain on sewers and schools.

Henderson, and the developers from Mino, Taur and Horne, pointed out the unsightly negative two victory points located next to the new business district. Claiming that modern dungeons can’t afford such eyesores if they expect to attract the best monsters.

But commissioners claim that the benefits of more connected roads and adjacent slimes will more than make up for this drawback.

“What don’t think anybody understands,” said Henderson, “Is that I’m drafting these cards. Every development I don’t build, gets passed along and becomes an opportunity for one of our neighbors.”

While the ultimate shape of our dungeon is still unknown. For now, at least, it seems that Goblin Terrace will continue to be a center for commerce and slimes.

Residents will vote on a new referendum next week, altering the dungeon’s comprehensive use plan and offering up new victory conditions for savvy architects to snatch up.

As of publication, Henderson could not be reached for comment on plans for his next construction. But residents have already begun to make noise about keeping the “rural character” of the southern cave systems.

One thing is certain, there will be no easy choices.

This article was based on a preview playthrough of Stonespine Architects from Thunderworks Games. You can pre-order the game here.