Creature Den

Description
Scavengers an predators alike sought refuge in the twisting roots of the giant hollow trees and dead forests that now serve as the Creature Den, Bones and skulls pave the ground within the dark twisting labyrinth of shadows inhabited by the savage and feral creatures that have claimed these winding rooted warrens as their home. Trough what means this mountain of remains was made remains a mystery; what made it is however clear.

Atop the ceilings and branches, and upon the walls and tree trunks, webs have been spun by the giant spiders who have taken residence in these hollows. The main two species of arachnoids have learned to work together in order to bring out their strengths and counter each other's weakness, developing a strongly tied bond of codependence that has allowed them to survive the harsh competition for what scare food can be found in the den.

On ground level, the Den is patrolled by the Gnashers, a name given to any and all canine creature that shambled, by instinct or chance, into the darkness of the Den. Long dead but somehow still persisting, their viscera hang loosely from inside their rotting bodies; if they still feed, they do so out of instinct, rather than necessity. There is little to distinguish species and breeds, as little more than a skeleton and atrophied muscles remain of the poor animals. One stands out in particular however; the Gander, a dog of war trained by the soldiers of the Lost Battalion, adorned with heavy armor and sharp combat prowess, has too found it's way to the Den, It's rigorous training now serves as the strategic foundation of this unnatural pack of predators who seem to be fueled by bloodthirst alone.

The ground floor of the Creature Den is host to one more beast of note. Crawling onto the dirt floor and trough the bones of humans and beasts alike, giant worms scavenge for whatever nutrients are left within the corpses and husks left from the fiercer creatures within the bestial refuge. Avoiding confrontation unless necessary, they will feed on whatever rotting remains the other animals of the Creature Den fail to consume, drawing the nutrients from even the vilest of corpses, fueling their maturation process. Upon reaching adulthood, they will become less frightened of direct confrontation, being able to hunt live pray if needed.

Gameplay
The Creature Den is a location node in Darkest Dungeon II. It consists of a 2 wave battle against a variety of animal enemies. Clearing the Den will reward the player with an assortment of inn items and combat items as well as one Animal Part item. These are a type of unique currency that need to be delivered to the inn in exchange for powerful effects.

Creature Dens have different chances to appear on the map depending on the current region.


 * Creature Dens will not appear naturally in The Sprawl
 * Creature Dens will always appear naturally in The Foetor and The Tangle
 * Creature Dens can appear naturally in The Shroud and The Sluice, but it is not guaranteed

The "Exterminate" region goal will guarantee a Creature Den spawning, regardless of region.

The "Outpost" region modifier increases the chance for Creature Dens to appear by 100%

The "Big Game" region modifier increases the chance for Creature Dens to appear by 200% and grants 100% scouting chance for Creature Dens

Creature Den Enemies
The following enemies are exclusive to the Creature Den, and are the only enemies to appear in the location


 * Carrion Devourer (Worm)
 * Carrion Eater (Worm)
 * Gander (Elite Dog)
 * Rabid Gnasher (Dog)
 * Spitter (Spider)
 * Webber (Spider)

Creature Den Exclusive Rewards
The player will be awarded one of the following items upon clearing the Creature Den. The item dropped is determined by the enemies fought in the second wave of the battle.
 * Note that for loot selection, the game will not count the Gander as a dog

Trivia

 * With the exception of the Gander and the Carrion Devourer, all Creature Den enemies can be found in the first Darkest Dungeon game.