Permafrost Keep is similar to other goblin dungeons in that there are always a large number of goblins either standing or wandering around anyplace that you are. This makes it a very challenging, some would say impossible, area to solo in, although there are certainly a couple of places where soloing is possible. Most adventuring within requires a group so that you can survive the constant onslaught of the goblins, many of whom are casters and can see through invisibility.

It should be noted that one of the two dragons on Antonica resides in the depths of Permafrost. Lady Vox herself holds court deep within this dungeon. She is guarded by Ice Giants who attend to her, and who are highly aggressive. Her lair is also protected by pit traps, which can drop you into a dangerous underground area filled with dire wolves, polar bears, and icy terrors. Do not attempt to take Lady Vox or the Ice Giant Castle by yourself or even in a small group, to kill Vox requires the coordinated efforts of several well-balanced groups.

This zone, despite being far off in the north, actually does get some travellers from afar, seeking out the goods that lie within it. There are many rare items that are highly prized elsewhere in Norrath that can only be found here.

Lady Vox herself typically draws the most attention these days, as the players become more and more powerful. Although she herself is godlike in power, the items that she typically drops are equal to the risk, and many guilds and groups vie for the chance to fight her.

There are a couple of specific areas that are relatively safe to hunt in for large periods of time. One is the Flag Room, named such because of the flag hanging on an ancient pole in the middle of the room. A group of the appropriate level can stay up against the wall and pull from the flag room and the room beyond for quite some time. This requires a powerful and well-coordinated group, however, as you can accidentally pull as many as five spellcasting goblins at once.

It is also possible to solo relatively safely in two areas, one in the area of the Goblin Alchemist, and you can often find rangers from afar in this room waiting for him to appear. The other area is the King's Room, where a brave person can sit along the front wall and pull the spawns carefully.

There is only one way in and out of Permafrost Keep, through the tunnels leading in from the ancient castle ruins along the eastern border of Everfrost Peaks. There are, however, two ways to get to the tunnels. If you pass directly through the castle, you have found the shortest way, but also the most dangerous, as there are usually several ice giants in that tunnel standing guard. The other route lies through a small tunnel that can be found nearby along the northern wall of Everfrost. This winds its way through ancient tunnels and eventually into the main exit, past the guards through a secret door. Through this way, Permafrost Keep can be safely entered.

Travelling to the Bear Pits

You will want to cast Levitate and Invisibility on yourself before you zone into Permafrost; SoW is useful but not necessary. You will want Bind Affinity and a port spell memorized (not Gate).

No mobs see through Invis until you get to the south side of the King's Room (#3 on map). The Elite Guards there will see through Invis. Travel *high* along the east wall of the room until you get to the north side. Don't approach the wooden door if you get aggro and decide to fight it out, as you will aggro the Giant behind the door.

You need to drop Levitate before opening the wooden door at 717, n180. The Giant behind the door may see thru Invis depending on the spawn. Run to the drop if he does.

Take the first right at 776, n43. You may see a Spider in the corridor at 845,n46. At the T-intersection past the Spider turn right and follow the U-turn corridor. You will now see 3 ramps, two on the left and one straight ahead. You may aggro a Giant standing at these ramps. Take the first ramp on the left. You will drop down a trap at the top at 1025, 50. You will aggro the Tenticle standing beside that trap.

You now fall a short distance to the Bear Pits. You will also have aggro'ed a bunch of mobs that are heading toward you.

Videos mention you should not bind immediately below the trap as a Spider may spawn there now. Move beside the big rock in front of you, cast Bind Affinity, then port/evac away ASAP. I have successfully camped instead of porting but YMMV.