Darvaza Gas Crater

Basic Information

The Darvaza Gas Crater is a site in Turkmenistan rich in natural gas. The Soviet Union attempted to drill there for gas in 1971, but the ground collapsed. To prevent the gas from poisoning the surrounding areas, it was set on fire - and the crater has burned ever since. The locals have taken to calling the site "The Door to Hell".

Sources

Bibliography

1. Derweze Wikipedia entry

2. Darvaza, Turkmenistan: Burning Gas Craters - photo gallery

Game and Story Use

• This crater makes for great scenery for a showdown, especially if the PCs and their enemies are fire resistant.
• Fire elementals and other creatures of flime might come here and dance in the flames.
• Perhaps this site really is a gateway to hell, or some other dimension inhabited by demonic creatures - the gas drilling could just be a cover-up.