100 rooms · levels 1–12
Two massive columns formed when stalactite and stalagmite merged dominate this narrow area in the cavern network. Moisture from above trickles down the columns and the rock wall, leaving trails of mineral residue. The pitterpatter of dripping water can be heard from somewhere above, as if the stone ceiling is all that lies between this narrow opening and a large body of water. A tight squeeze between the two columns leads to a naturally carved tunnel to the north.
The path opens here to a rough cavern, the walls damp with moisture. Patches of native fungi can be seen growing along the uneven cavern walls and floor from the many small cracks between the rocks. Tiny vermin scurry along the rock face seeking shelter on ledges as rocks are dislodged and tumble down, the only sound against the regular dripping of water in the background. To the south, two massive rock columns leave barely enough room between them for a small opening, while the cavern continues north, descending into unknown dark depths.
The tunnel continues its descent into the Underdark, weaving its way around the unusual rock formations protruding from the cavern walls and floor. Dampness covers the stone surfaces, making the sloping path slippery as mounds of rock must be grabbed for support to prevent falling while traveling through the uneven caverns. To the north, the tunnel leads to a wide cavern, while a naturally rough tunnel ascends south.
Two different tunnels intersect in this large cavern. Stalactites several feet long hang from the ceiling like so many teeth, matched only by the stalagmites which jut from the uneven cavern floor. Every so often, a stalagmite and stalactite merge and form a column of stone. The rough ground here is littered with rubble and the remains of various animals. The dripping water reverberates off the stone walls of this large cavern, amplified tenfold as it echoes down the tunnels east and west. To the south, a rough tunnel slopes upward into another cavern.
The carcass of some animal lies in the middle of the passage here, no longer recognizable due to the thousands of carrion insects swarming around it. The vermin cover the floor, walls, and ceiling surrounding the body like a thick, squirming blanket. The rough tunnel descends west deeper into the Underdark, and a sharp bend can barely be made out in that direction. East, the tunnel seems to widen a bit and opens into a larger cavern riddled with rock formations.
The tunnel bends sharply here as it slopes ever deeper. Along the walls, small deposits of mineral ores peek their way between the roughened stone surfaces of the cavern, the damp air lending them a beautiful luster. The everpresent dripping of water echoes throughout the cavern monotonously, broken rarely by the clicking of an insect or the sound of a dislodged pebble falling. A long tunnel leads north from this point, or turns east.
A narrow tunnel barely large enough to go through shoulder to shoulder meanders its way between uneven passages. The air is heavy with moisture, and patches of fungi grow on the rocks scattered across the path or along crevices on the wall. Small pools of water collect near the walls as long trails of water run from ceiling to floor, leaving traces of mineral residue. The tunnel descends steeply towards the north and inclines gently along a path to the south.
The slope of the tunnel is less pronounced here. The remains of a collapsed tunnel can be seen east of here, blocked off not long ago by a cave-in. Dry air wafts in from a long tunnel stretch to the north, revealing another network of caverns and tunnels left open by the cave-in or earthquake. An incline south leads to an older, damper network of tunnels.
Numerous piles of rubble and debris lie scattered about the passage, remains from a cave-in long ago which created this narrow stretch in the caverns. Subtle shifts in the rocks above indicate the passage is still unstable, and another cave-in might occur with but the slightest provocation. A narrow space between piles of debris reveals a newly made tunnel to the north, and the older portion of the caverns is south.
Climbing over mounds of rubble and between uneven passages, this newly opened tunnel is dry and covered with the dust of a recent cave-in. An opening in the tunnel can be seen off in the distance south of here, while the narrow tunnel continues north.
Small insects run in and out of the dark holes between the rock wall, foraging for food in this newly revealed tunnel. A thick blanket of dust has settled on everything around, with any movement raising a blinding cloud followed by a fit of coughing. Through the darkness to the north, the tunnel appears to turn west, while more piles of debris lie south.
It appears as if once this tunnel continued east, but recent seismic activity collapsed that end of the tunnel, barring passage to that portion of the caverns. Mounds of rock line an opening in the south wall of the tunnel, newly revealed. Glancing in that direction, a long passage riddled with debris and rubble can be seen. The tunnel continues west, the dry air full of the sounds of underground life. Heavy traffic of small footprints descend the uneven tunnel west.
The cavern evens out a bit here, with the slope not being as pronounced. The rough walls are scarred with streaks of white as if a metal tip has been scraped against them repeatedly. Chunks of rock have been chipped off the wall, leaving dark holes in the surface where something was extracted. Insects have made their nests in several of these holes, as they scurry between the dark recesses of the rocks searching for food. Dozens of tracks have been imprinted in the fine layer of powdered rock covering the floor, most of which continue west while a few lead north.
The passage widens a bit here, and the dust covered floor shows signs that this place was heavily frequented not so long ago. Off to one corner, nestled in a natural alcove in the cavern wall are a few piles of ragged cloth, resembling sleeping mats. A small pit has been dug in the center of the rough cavern floor and lined with pebbles. Looking inside the pit are piles of ashes and a few charred remains of an animal. The walls are riddled with holes, as are the few stalagmites rising from the cavern floor. The tunnel continues east and west.
The tunnel continues its descent as it meanders its way between the rounded stalagmites scattered about the caverns. Small alcoves have been carved into several of the stalagmites, and the remains of rotting tools and cloths can still be seen in a few. Between a few stalagmites in the center of the passage is a tiny crater filled with a shallow pool of stagnant water, now layered with a slimy residue. The tunnel continues east and south from here.
The tunnel once ended here, but a tight opening has been carved into the southern wall. The air becomes more humid here as steam seeps in from the south, where the temperature rises noticeably. A spider runs along the ceiling and through the opening before it disappears between the cracks. Carefully climbing over the pile of rocks and through the opening leads to another cave south of here, while the tunnel continues east.
A long tunnel is revealed beyond the opening carved in the north wall, running south as it descends. All about the passage are pools of water, the steam rising from them blanketing the passage in a humid haze. Every so often a pool bubbles, spraying droplets of boiling water all about. Any deposits of minerals have been carved out of the rock, leaving behind hundreds of small holes in the cavern walls and even the floor and ceiling.
The oppressing heat is almost unbearable here as a thick haze of steam fills the entire tunnel. Moisture glistens and runs down the rock walls, collecting in the numerous holes chipped into the rough stone. A large pool comprised of several smaller ones dominates the center of the tunnel, with a small winding path of rock poking above the water surface being the only way to get from here to the other end of the tunnel. The moisture drips from the ceiling to the pools of water, their incessant pitterpatter echoing down the tunnel north and south.
The passage branches off at this point, descending sharply to the east where a murky darkness hides everything. A warm fog seeps in from the tunnel to the north, rising to the ceiling and condensing on the cold rock. Small puddles collect about the tunnel as the water drips from above, providing a cool water source for several of the rodents which scramble out of their dark hideaways between fallen rocks and in the walls for a quick drink. The tunnel continues south.
The tunnel narrows as it continues south, eventually ending at a darkened opening large enough to comfortably fit a small humanoid. Strewn about the opening are mounds of rocks, trash, and a few half eaten rodent carcasses. Very few tracks can be seen in the layers of dust covering the floor, most heading off down the north tunnel. Low grunts and snarls emanate from the south, highlighted every so often by a cruel, high-pitched laugh.
The smell of rotting flesh and excrement mingle strongly with the reek of sweat in a nauseating smell that is almost overwhelming. A freshly killed rodent lies in the corner, its head bitten off. A flea and tick ridden heap of cloth lies in the southeastern corner of the cave, serving as a makeshift bedroll. In the northwestern corner of the cavern, a pile of rusted mining equipment stolen from the local kobolds lies in urine-soaked dirt. A few low quality stones and crystals have been set along ledges in the wall, a feeble mockery of the kobolds' hard-earned treasure.
A featureless tunnel except for the dark hole dug into the base of one of the walls, nestled between two rocks. Within, eight beady eyes catch what little light there is as the sound of clicking mandibles comes from within the hole. Suddenly, a large spider jumps from its ambush hole, sharp fangs dripping deadly toxin as an odd looking rodent scrambles in from the east. Within seconds, the rodent is paralyzed by the spider's venom and is dragged into the killer's lair, twitching ever so slightly. The tunnel descends to the east, while an intersection can be seen to the west.
The tunnel reaches a low point here, sloping upwards to the north, east and west. A thick layer of dust covers the floor, mostly undisturbed except for a distinct set of clawed prints slightly human shaped. The prints trace a route between the northern cave to the alcove east of here and back, with a few small rodent tracks heading west. Stinky, dark liquid runs down from the east between the cracks in the floor, collecting in stagnant pools. The few insects and animals which can be seen steer clear of these pools, braving the tunnel west to reach the springs beyond.
The tunnel ends abruptly at this alcove, which has been converted to some type of storage area by some Underdark predator. Carcasses of animals, kobolds, and even a few gnomes lie in dismembered heaps throughout the cavern, their blood collecting between the cracks in the floor and running down the uneven floor to empty into small pools of rancid liquid. Tracks of a clawed humanoid also lead west and back, as if whatever lives close by visits this alcove frequently.
Refuse lies in heaps all about the cave, and puddles of urine collect in spots along the uneven cavern floor. Bones covered with teeth marks lie tossed about the cave, some of the skulls being relatively intact. Closer inspection of a few skulls reveals that they are kobold, while most of the others belong to large underground animals. The stone walls are cold to the touch, and faint wisps of steam rise from some of the still warm piles of refuse, stinking the room. A large boulder with a sharp point has been set in the center of the cave, and the numerous bone fragments emptied of marrow scattered around it give a hint as to what it is used for. Off to one corner, cloaked by shadows, rancid breath condenses in the chill air.
The tunnels reach another intersection here, leading west to a large open cave, or continuing north and south. Huge mineral columns dominate this intersection, honeycombing the passage and creating an ideal hunting ground for Underdark game. By the varied prints in the dirt covered floor, it appears as if this area is indeed frequented by many creatures, and the concentration of booted tracks in certain corners behind the rocks show the choice ambush points of the little hunters.
The tunnel opens here, the ceiling reaching so far up that it has become hidden by dense shadows. Thick stalactites pierce the darkness above as they descend from the cavern top, some so long that they almost merge with the equally impressive stalagmites rising from the rough cavern floor. Unlike the rest of the tunnel network, vegetation abounds as it grows from the rimose rocks of the cave's walls and floor. In fact, the small booted prints freshly made in the dirty floor reveal that others have also found that these few tunnels are ideal locations to find underground life. The tunnel runs east-west, or another passage descends south.
This is a small extension of the cave west of here as the vegetation has encroached upon this tiny alcove. Barely 20' around, this cavern is nonetheless full of mushrooms, fungal patches, and the small animals that eat these vegetables for their nutrients as well as the deposits of water contained in their stems. It seems that the animals aren't the only ones who have taken advantage of this resource. Someone has left a crude, hand woven basket on the floor where she is gathering mushrooms, plants, and even a few dead rodents and insects.
The passage ends here at a large, open cave that is a veritable oasis in the sunless depths of the Underdark. A small body of water has managed to accumulate in the cave's center, around which grow luxurious and dense patches of underground vegetation. Overgrown mushrooms have sprung up all around the cavern, requiring any creature larger than a gnome to duck and walk a meandering path between them in order to reach the water. A shuffle here, the clicking of mandibles there, and a shrill screech every so often indicate that this watering hole is brimming with life and activity. A tunnel exits the cave to the east.
The tunnel makes a turn here as it burrows deeper into the earth, exiting north and east. The cavern walls are full of holes where ore deposits have been extracted long ago. Now, dirt has accumulated inside these holes, and insects as well as small vermin have made a few into their nests. Spore and fungi line the walls, the ones on the floor having been repeatedly trampled by small booted feet as the underground denizens search for larger game to feed their people. A small path branches off to the west, leading to a large cavern.
An unremarkable cave, it branches off of the main tunnel east of here where heavy traffic of underground hunters have nearly depleted the animal life in this portion of the cavern network. What few creatures remain are either too small to interest the hunters - or too big. Several tiny tunnels bored into the walls provide escape routes for the animals, since nothing larger than a rat can fit inside. Cobwebs crisscross the cave, a sure sign that nothing but small game has ventured here in a long while.
The tunnel narrows quite a bit here, as the walls on either side threaten to encroach upon what little space is available between them. The cavern top is so low here in fact, that it can be touched by anything human sized by simply lifting an arm. Splotches of blood cover the walls, as do claw marks and the scars of weapons on stone. A few kobold corpses lie mangled across the passage, some with rusty weapons still in hand. Whatever these kobolds were hunting apparently didn't like the idea of becoming their next meal. The passage continues north and south, with dragging tracks and a trail of blood heading north.
This large, open cavern is riddled with rock formations and mineral columns, formed when stalagmite and stalactite merge. Between three of the largest columns, a shallow pool has collected from the water running down the columns' sides. More kobold corpses lie broken about the cavern, one even impaled on the sharp point of a rock. The blood runs from the corpses and collects in the shallow pool, tinging it a deep russet. A trail of blood leads east, while the tracks of a large clawed beast head into a dark cave north of here. Another dark cave can be seen off to the west.
A dark cave, this appears to be a lair of some kind. The bones of several animals and humanoids lie scattered around the cave, picked clean of meat and sucked free of marrow. The armor and various belongings of these unfortunate humanoids are mingled among the bones, so shredded and chewed up that they are beyond value or utility. A space has been cleared in a shadowy corner of the lair, still warm from the heat of the occupant's body. A large cavern can be reached to the south.
The cave floor drops suddenly here, and it is only quick reflexes which prevent a painful demise on the rocks below. Far down, animals which appear no larger than mites go about their living and dying, the never ending cycle in the dangerous Underdark. While the drop seems to reveal a deeper cavern network in the depths of the earth, lingering too long here only creates more opportunity for an unfortunate and fatal slip. The safety of level ground can be reached east.
The last of the brave kobold hunters lies face down on the ground, the dirt around it being saturated with its blood. Vicious claw and bite marks have ripped the kobold's armor open, revealing decomposing flesh. Whatever happened to this kobold, it wasn't too long ago. Unlike the rest of the tunnels around here, this one is rich with mineral and ore deposits, as veins of raw silver, mithril, and iron run the length of the cavern wall. Dotted between the veins, every so often a piece of rough, uncut gems can be seen, catching the play of light and reflecting it about the cave. A large, open cavern can be reached through the passage west.
The tunnel continues steadily east-west as it continues its descent into the dark network of caverns far below the earth. The uneven dirt floor is littered with rubble, as well as a few decomposing corpses of some unfortunate animals caught beneath when the rocks fell not long ago. There is a large cavern riddled with rock formations to the west, while the tunnel descends east.
The tunnel narrows significantly here as it weaves its way between formations of rocks jutting out of the wall and floor. Signs of untapped riches can be seen within the rocks here, as an uncut stone glitters in its rocky prison in the wall, only the tip of it exposed. Every so often, a trace of metal emerges from the rock, only to be swallowed once more by the dull gray of stone. The tunnel continues east and west from here.
The tunnel comes to a natural end here, but a circular opening has been carved out of the northern wall, someone having molded the rock as they burrowed deeper in the earth. A faint light seeps in from the northern tunnel, dancing along the length of the walls as it is caught by the intricate web of gold, silver, and copper veins within the rock, barely exposed. A long and more natural tunnel runs west from here, climbing slightly as it goes.
The floor becomes even and well tended here, with no more piles of rubble being scattered about to trip on. The passage is perfectly circular, being about 10' in diameter as it continues north, the slope indetectable by all but the most astute dwarf or gnome. Tiny, semi-precious gems have been set at regular intervals along the passage, giving off a soft white glow. There is an opening in the southern wall, where the rock becomes more rough and uneven, and dirt covers the floors.
The circular passage continues its steady descent into the earth, the smoothed walls revealing a wealth of metal and mineral deposits. The tiny gems set along the wall at even intervals light the tunnel with a faint glow, suggesting that the deep denizens of the tunnel are comfortable in darkness but need the light to work. The tunnel narrows slightly to the north, while the southern passage is much the same as this one.
The uniformity of these tunnels is uncanny as they burrow ever deeper into the earth. A cart left momentarily unattended rests in the center of the passage, full of rocks. How these rocks were extracted from the walls remains a mystery, no holes being apparent. The glow of tiny gems set along the walls run north and south, the clean floors of this circular tunnel giving no hint as to how recently this tunnel was used.
Glancing ahead to the north, the tiny spots of light from the gems appears to curve slightly eastward in the distance, while they continue steadily south. The rounded tunnel has a barely discernable slope to it, rising and narrowing south where the outline of a small cart can be made out in the soft glow. Running the length of the smoothed walls, veins of mithril and gold catch the light, their luster unmarred by impurities.
The tunnel turns east here as it continues its slow descent. The perfectly smooth, circular passage shows signs of recent occupation, with a small pick momentarily left against a wall, or the single boulder placed in the passage, the perfect height to be a seat for a human child or small humanoid. A spectacular sapphire, still uncut, has been left on the boulder, its owner obviously planning to be gone only a short while. A long passage runs south from here, or descends noticeably towards the east.
The circular passage descends noticeably here with the slope rising towards the west and continuing down the east. The smooth stone walls are broken every so often by the mineral pockets peeking through the rock, or the stray gem still encased in its rough stone shell, waiting to be cut. Two ledges have been molded from the walls on either side of the passage, about a foot off the ground. Set in a tiny alcove above each ledge is a glowing gem, their twins running the length of the tunnel east and west, bathing the passage in a soft light.
The small gems which run the length of the walls of this circular passage curve west and north here as the tunnel burrows ever deeper. A small cart rests against the wall full of gems and ores, each lovingly extracted from the stone walls. The cavern floor is otherwise free of dirt or debris, and appears to level off to the north.
The passage levels off here, but climbs a bit along the southern tunnel. The smooth stone of the walls are warm to the touch, and a faint vibration within the walls can be felt. The raw gems encrusted within the rock's surfaces glimmer as they reflect the soft light emitted by the tiny jewels which run the length of the circular passage's wall north and south.
The tunnel suddenly widens here, eventually opening into a large meeting chamber of some type to the north. Two ledges have been molded from the stone of the wall on either side of the rounded tunnel, each about a foot off the ground. Thin veins of gold and mithril weave intricate webs as they intersect repeatedly along the smooth walls. Soft murmurs, barely audible, can be heard all around as they echo and are carried throughout the length of the tunnel.
This large chamber is formed at the bend of the circular tunnel which has been molded within the earth. A length of tunnel leads into darkness south, where it seems to slope gently upwards. The tunnel also curves east at this point, only to curve again in the distance. A slab has been molded from the very stone of the cavern floor, around which several boulders have been arranged, just large enough to seat a small child or small humanoid. Muffled conversation can be heard from somewhere, but the echoing within the tunnels makes it impossible to tell exactly from where.
This cavern is an extension of the much larger one to the west. The shuffle of activity reverberates off the smooth stone walls as it travels down the circular tunnel. Tiny gems have been set along the length of the passage wall, their soft white glow being reflected off the lustrous metal veins peeking through the rocks, or refracting within the rough gems embedded in the wall, enhancing the light. No shadows are present in these tunnels, providing some measure of security for its inhabitants.
Unlike the rest of the tunnel network, this chamber has been shaped into a squat square room. No lightjewels adorn the smoothed walls, allowing the natural darkness of the Underdark to seep its way in. However, where a sense of dread lurks within the darkness elsewhere, a feeling of peace and tranquillity dominates this snug room. Molded inside the four walls are about two dozen alcoves, within each rests a comfortable looking bed. A single lantern hangs from the low ceiling, its shutters blocking the glow of the stone inside. The sleeping chamber continues east, while a large cavern dominated by a table and seats can be seen to the south.
A square room with a low ceiling, this cave has been molded from the earth to provide a place for the busy inhabitants to rest after a hard day's work. All along the length of the walls are tiny spaces for beds. A shuttered lantern hangs from the ceiling, the only potential light source for this darkened room. These sleeping chambers extend into another similar cave west, or an illuminated tunnel network begins from the east. South, a tiny cave has been molded from the smooth stone wall, where most of the miners' belongings are kept.
Little more than a recess of the square, dark room to the north, this tiny cave is cramped with shelves molded from the rock wall. Lining the shelves along the east wall are small picks, a shovel or two, and other tools which are rarely used. Piles of clothes are neatly folded and fill the southern shelves, while delicate stone carvings are in the process of being made, momentarily left here while their owners go about their livelihood. A sole lightjewel is the only illumination afforded here.
An intersection in the intricate tunnel network deep beneath the earth, passages branch out in every direction from here. The circular stone walls are decorated by natural deposits of minerals and gems, which reflect the light from the tiny jewels set along the length of the tunnel as it runs north, south, and east. The passage south seems to narrow slightly as it delves deeper in the earth, while a bend in the tunnel can be seen off to the east. A small, round opening has been carved in the northern wall, beyond which a tiny figure is diligently at work. The cave to the west is completely dark. The faint murmurs of talk and activity can be heard all about.
This is a cozy antechamber off the main tunnel network to the south. A circular room, the walls are smooth and cool, with ledges molded from them all along the perimeter about four feet off the ground. Resting atop the ledge is an unparalleled collection of gems, skillfully cut to display each stone's unique characteristics. While some of the jewels are mounted in frames of gold and mithril filigree, most are simply set around the room as testimonials for a master gemcutter. A lit passage leads east to another circular room, and the exit is south.
All along the circumference of this small room are delicate glowing jewels, bathing the chamber in a soft white light and preventing any shadows which might cause a gem to be cut imperfectly. A low bench has been molded from the stone floor of the cavern, atop which are scattered various vices, cutters, and lenses used by a master gemcutter to practice his trade. Neatly arranged on the table are gems in various stages of cutting, some still encased in gray stone. A small antechamber is to the west.
The circular passage narrows here as it burrows north-south through the earth. Lightjewels have been evenly set along the length of the smooth tunnel walls, lighting the passage in a soft white glow. The floors are free of dirt and debris, and ever so often a small shelf has been carved within the wall, containing a miscellaneous item treasured by the tiny folk who dwell here, sometimes being a delicate stone statue while at other times a particularly well cut gem rests on a shelf. The quiet murmurs of conversation and activity resound throughout the tunnel, impossible to pinpoint.
The tunnel continues delving ever deeper into the earth, the smooth passage being skillfully molded by beings in tune with this environment. Streaks of silver shine along the length of the walls as they catch and reflect the soft glow of the gems evenly spaced down the passage. Shelves have been molded inside the walls, proudly displaying the works of the diminutive inhabitants of these tunnels. The tunnels echo with the sounds of soft conversation and activity as the passage continues north and south.
Two separate tunnels connect here, one running north-south while the other branches east. Like this entire tunnel network, these passages are circular and the stone smooth as they meander their way deep within the earth. The natural deposits of minerals as well as metal ores streak through the stone walls, floor, and ceiling, testifying as to the wealth of natural resources in this portion of the Underdark. Lacking within the walls, however, are rough gemstones, they having already been extracted and masterfully cut before being put on display throughout the cavern network. South of here, the tunnel widens into a well lit room, while a delicious aroma wafts in from the east.
The passage opens here to reveal a large, cozy chamber. Chairs molded from stone topped with plush cloth are spread throughout, congregating in twos and threes around stone tables. Exotic plants native to the Underdark yet absent elsewhere in these tunnels abound here, lovingly tended to and maintained by the tunnels' small inhabitants. On top of one of the center tables rests an opalescent stone which emits a low humming song when touched that is quite soothing. A tunnel exits to the north, while the chamber extends south.
A large, circular cavern that extends from the main living area to the north, the single dominating feature of this chamber is a wide stone column in its immediate center. Perfectly smooth and round, the column extends from the floor to the ceiling, veins of lustrous metals spiraling up and down its length. Gnomish runes have been molded into the surface of the column as they ribbon their way around it. Between the ornate runes are pictures and various designs, each a masterpiece in its own right. A space has been carved out of the southern wall, and a well kept fire burns warmly within. Around the fireplace, stone chairs topped with plush cloth are arranged in a semi-circle. The fire provides the chamber's only illumination, casting dancing shadows on the column's perfectly smoothed surface.
This large, long tunnel has been converted into a dining chamber of some kind by the small inhabitants of this cavern network. A long stone slab molded from the cavern floor rises and runs the length of the tunnel uninterrupted, a good twenty feet in length. Dozens of tiny chairs are placed along the table, with place settings before each. Delicious smelling dishes of mushrooms, meat, and soups rest atop the table, waiting for the hard working miners to return and eat. Stone grails brimming with ale foam invitingly. An enticing aroma seeps in from the east, while the tunnels can be reached to the west.
The smooth stone walls of this circular cavern have been molded into numerous counters and shelves. Food stuffs in various stages of preparation lie on the countertops, with mushrooms needing to be sliced and meats needing minced. Two contraptions built to contain cooking fires have been set along the north wall, stone pots with jittering lids resting on them, their contents boiling. Extra grails and platters have been neatly arranged along the shelves, the cook insisting on keeping her kitchen as tidy as possible. A storage cave lies east, while the main dining cavern extends west.
Probably the most untidy room in the entire svirfneblin tunnel network, crates of supplies and kegs of drink lie stacked against the east, south, and north walls. A single lightjewel is embedded in the ceiling, providing a faint glow. Well kept and cleaned, not a speck of dust, cobwebs, or trace of vermin can be found in the gnomes' food storage area. The kitchen is to the west.
This circular passage lies east of the main dwelling tunnels of the svirfneblin, eventually curving and descending to the network of caverns rich in metals and gems where they work. Gold and platinum flakes glitter within the dark grey walls, sparkling like so many stars in these dim tunnels of the Underdark. West of here an intersection of many tunnels can be seen, while the passage burrows deeper eastward. The muffled sounds of voices can be heard all about.
Faint vibrations can be felt throughout this passage, emanating from the stone floors, walls, and ceiling. The smooth tunnel walls are slightly warm to the touch, and the floor is surprisingly free of dirt or other debris. Soft echos of activity and conversations resound through these circular tunnels, impossible to locate or identify, but always present. This passage runs east-west, while a low and narrowing tunnel branches south.
This tunnel is barely five feet from ceiling to floor, requiring any who wish to traverse it to squat - or be blessed with a diminutive stature. The number of lightjewels diminishes as the tunnel continues south, eventually giving way to darkness. A main tunnel can be reached to the north, well lit and with enough standing room for even a human or half-giant. The murmurs of activity echo down the northern tunnel.
Unlike the rest of the tunnels in this area of the Underdark, this one is rough and uneven. Traces of the molding technique used by these gnomes are evident in the rock, but are incomplete. Rough, uneven, and dirty, this cave is definitely not a part of this network, having been abandoned because of the low quality of the rock, or some other mysterious reason known only to the gnomes. A low, narrow, faintly lit tunnel lies north.
The circular passage winds below the earth, delving deeper as it curves north. Rhythmic hums come from the rocks and wall as they vibrate slightly, tuned to the diligent work of the diminutive miners. Well kept shovels, picks, and carts lean against the walls, momentarily unattended in the bustling activity of these tunnels. The tunnel runs north and west.
The mining tunnel slopes steadily downwards here due to the miners' constant search for more gems and natural resources. The walls are conspicuously free of embedded, rough gems. Platinum, gold, and mithril veins weave lustrous strands as they crisscross down the length of the circular tunnels' walls. Tiny lightjewels are evenly spaced on the walls, lighting the way north and south.
The smoothed tunnel burrows deeper into the depths of the Underdark, descending steadily north. The shiny metal veins running the length of the passage are interrupted in a portion of the east wall, almost as if another passage branched off in that direction, but someone molded plain rock around the opening, blocking it off from the main network permanently.
The mining tunnel bends west at this point, going steadily deeper into the earth in pursuit of new hidden troves of gems. Tiny jewels line the walls lighting the tunnels, only to eventually disappear in the distance west and south. Miners are diligently working along the length of the passage, caressing the walls as they hum faintly to themselves.
This is the beginning of a long, circular tunnel which runs east-west as it delves ever deeper. The smooth circular walls have small ledges molded from them about a foot off the ground, serving as both seat or counter for the busy workers bustling about these passages. Tiny glowing jewels shine along the top portion of the walls, illuminating several miners working along the walls, caressing the stone as they hum faintly.
The smooth, even floor levels off here as the passage ceases to dig so sharply into the rocks. Clusters of raw gems still encased in stone poke sharply from the stone walls in between strands of metal veins. A wooden cart rests against the back wall, almost full, ready to transport the rough gems to be cut to perfection. Apparently, the svirfneblin found this level to be rich in deposits, and burrowed the passage westward level with this one. The passage rises to the east.
True to the svirfneblins' instincts, this area of the tunnel network is brimming with gems. Uncut rubies, emeralds, and diamonds are but a few of the stones which glitter between their gray shells as they catch and refract the light given off by the many tiny lightjewels set along the top portion of the circular passage's wall at regular intervals. The tiny pinpoints of light from the jewels run east and west into the distance.
The level tunnel continues running east-west, while another tunnel branches off to the north. A faint humming can be heard all about, accompanied by slight vibrations throughout the rocks of the passage. Diminutive miners stand facing the stone walls, caressing them with their sensitive fingers as they seek to reveal the secrets contained within the rock. The bustle of activity is all about.
This tunnel branches from the main passage to the south, only to end at a huge pile of rubble. It would appear as if recent seismic activity caused a weakened portion of the tunnel to collapse, a mistake unheard of in svirfneblin workmanship. The careful observer, however, might find covert signs suggesting that the tunnel was purposefully collapsed - from the other side. Small figures are busily at work along the walls of the passage south of here.
Empty
Few lightjewels are needed to illuminate this portion of the tunnels, as what little light they shed is amplified tenfold by the unparalleled wealth in raw gems contained within the walls on either side. In fact, very little of the wall can actually be seen, as svirfneblin work tirelessly to coerce the gems out of their stone tombs. So skillful are the svirfneblin that the walls remain unbroken as the gems seemingly surface from within on their own. An intersection can be seen east of here, while the tunnel continues west.
Although the Underdark has never seen the light of the sun, the illumination in this passage can rival that of the surface on the brightest day. Miners absorbed in their work face the walls, massaging the stone which hums in tune with the miners. Precious and semi-precious gems of almost every type imaginable lie exposed on the surface of the walls, glistening brightly in the soft white light of the lightjewels which line all the passages in this underground network. Every so often, a svirfneblin leaves east or west, busy on some errand.
Miners absorbed in their work face the walls, massaging its surfaces as they seek to bring out the treasures contained within. Small wooden carts and buckets rest against the wall, halfway full with the precious gems that the gnomes value above all but each other. Sporadically, a gnome walks in from the east or west and picks up a bucket or wheels a cart away, only for another to come in and replace it. The gems in the walls capture the soft glow of the many lightjewels set along the top of the cavern walls, and augment them to rival the brightest noon of the surface.
The smooth, circular passage curves at this point, descending deeper to the south or remaining level as it continues east. Tiny gems are embedded in the stone walls at regular intervals along the top of the tunnel, bathing the passage in a soft white glow. Lustrous veins of metal meander their way about the rockface, weaving intricate patterns as they crisscross. An intense illumination seeps in from the eastern passage, while a soft and pulsing glow finds its way in from the south.
Two tunnels meet at this point, one which runs north-south and another which runs west. In the immediate center of the intersection, a stand has been molded up from the smooth cavern floor to form a pillar of some kind, ending in a bulb formation about four feet from the ground. Within the bulb is a large crystal orb, contained within stone. The orb glows brightly and emits a deep hum that can be felt clear to the bone. Small miners busily go about their business, leaving north, south, and west.
This tunnel branches from the main intersection tunnel beyond the opening to the north. The smooth stone walls are riddled with winding veins of silver and gold, but barren of gems except for the small lightjewels that line the top of the cavern and provide the only illumination in these dark underground depths. A faint humming reverberates throughout the passages, and the stones seem to vibrate with a life of their own. The passage opens to a large cavern south of here.
The tunnel north of here opens into this large cavern, where unlike the rest of the passage networks, the stone is plain and devoid of any types of deposits of mineral, metals, or gems. Apparently, when the tunnel the gnomes were burrowing connected to this anomalous cavern, they realized its worthlessness and abandoned it. The cave walls are still natural and rough, with stalagmites and stalactites merging every so often to form large stone pillars throughout the cave. A few lightjewels have been embedded near the opening to the north, but the rest of the cavern remains enshrouded by the natural blackness of the Underdark.
A winding tunnel begins here, breaking from a main passage which lies off to the east. A soft, rhythmic pulsing light makes its way into this passage from that direction, reflecting off the numerous metal flakes within the stone walls eerily. The concentration of metal deposits is particularly high here, and their pure luster is quite noticeable in the soft white glow provided by the tiny glowing gems evenly set along the top of the passage. Diminutive workers hurry about their business through the tunnel, the sounds of activity echoing throughout the network of passages.
The smooth, circular tunnel continues its winding course as it burrows its way deeper into the metal and gem enriched stones. Miners absorbed in their work face the walls, massaging the walls diligently as they seek the treasures which they know lie deep within the stone. Tiny buckets rest atop ledges molded from the stone walls, brimming with clusters of ore-rich rocks. The walls, floor, and ceiling emits a faint vibration which resounds down the passage as it turns north and east.
The tunnel makes another turn here, eventually descending westward for a bit. Faint humming sounds echo in from the southern passage, while there are hints of high activity west as gnomes busily push gem-filled carts from that direction and off to the south, returning with empty carts. The smooth walls are saturated with veins of platinum and gold, as well as other metals in lesser concentrations, which crisscross about the tunnel in complicated designs.
A newer portion of the mining network, this section was recently encountered as the svirfneblin delved deeper into the earth. Gems of all types imaginable peek out from the ceiling and walls of this circular passage, coerced to reveal themselves by the communing svirfneblin which caress the walls on either side of the tunnel as they hum softly to themselves. Every so often, a gem drops from its stone prison, to be hurriedly and reverently collected by an awaiting gnome and placed in one of the many carts along with a score of other gems. The lightjewels run the length of the wall east and west.
Another naturally enriched cavern, there is veritably no stone left of the walls, they being comprised of almost pure metal ore peeking through whatever little grey stone there is. The light of the tiny gems which are evenly set along the length of the passage reveal the small wooden carts set along the walls where the ore is collected and transported in for trade and manufacturing. The sounds of muffled conversations against a backdrop of faint, rhythmic hums echo all about the circular passage, impossible to pinpoint.
This tunnel is an extension of the cavern south of here, both being rich deposits of natural metal ores. Carts lean against the smooth stone walls and buckets rest atop the small ledges molded from the wall itself, both of which contain several clusters of ores already extracted from the wall. Glowing lightjewels are evenly spaced along the top of the tunnel and extend down the passage south and west.
This tunnel is but one of the many areas in this passage network which has an abundance of gems and other precious as well as semi precious stones. The soft light from the lightjewels running the length of the passage plays on the sheen of the gems, reflecting upon the various facets of the crystals. A faint humming comes from the smooth stone walls as they vibrate gently, echoing down the winding tunnel.
Another gem enriched passage, this tunnel continues its descent westward. The bustle of mining activity is evident all about as gnomes hurry in from the east and west pushing carts filled with uncut gems through the passages. Some of the small workers face the stone walls, hands pressed against the cool stone surface, seemingly in communion with the rocks by the glazed looks in their eyes. As the gnomes hum softly, the very rocks seem to vibrate in rhythm with them. The passage also continues east, where another gem enriched area can be seen in the soft glow of the lightjewels.
The smooth, circular tunnel winds its way east and south from this point, with the echos of activity all about. The glowing lightjewels embedded along the top of the tunnel light the passage only to diminish as they continue off into the distance. A ledge molded from the smooth gray stone of the wall, streaked with metal flakes like the walls themselves, rises about a foot from the ground, providing an ideal seat for a child or small humanoid. Currently, a tiny mushroom rests on the ledge, pieces around the cap having been nibbled off by some hungry worker but left unattended momentarily.
The tunnel horseshoes here, branching east, or north only to turn east once more. A small cave has been molded from the smooth stone walls along the western part of the passage. Streaks of lustrous metals and sparkling gems dot the gray walls, forming natural and beautiful designs on the stone surface of the smooth walls, ceiling, and floor. The passage echoes with the sounds of activity against a backdrop of humming due to the vibrations of the stones themselves as well as from the miners.
This small cave has been molded from the rock wall of the eastern passage to serve as a storage area for many of the materials used by the miners daily as well as to keep their products until the end of the day. Being so far from the main living tunnels, catches of food line the stone shelves molded from the rock walls are restocked daily to provide that much needed boost of energy after a long day's work. Tiny lightjewels are evenly spaced along the perimeter of this round chamber, keeping this cave well lit at all times.
The natural richness of this area of the Underdark is again attested to as more gems encased in stone peek through the surface of the smooth gray walls. A few miners stand facing the walls, humming their mining songs to the rocks. The walls, ceiling, and floor in turn have begun to vibrate in tune with the humming, joining the gnomes in their song. Other gnomes traverse this passage as they hurry through the network on some unknown but important errand. The humming echoes down the tunnels east and west.
The winding, circular tunnel once again bends here as it meanders its way down into the depths of the earth. The small gems embedded along the top of the passage at even intervals light the tunnel as it curves down a long passage west or narrows southward. The stone of the walls is warm to the touch, and streaked with still smudged veins of metal and pockets of gems, as if newly revealed. A faint and yet constant humming resounds throughout the passages.
The tunnel becomes increasingly narrow here, the smooth walls warm to the touch. The everpresent humming becomes louder towards the east, while the tunnel widens to the north. There are a few lightjewels in the circular passage's walls, implanted as if by an afterthought, their glow still faint. The gray walls are unmarred by metal deposits or gem pockets, neither having been coerced out of hiding by the gnomes yet. A bucket of clear water rests on the floor, and a makeshift broom of cloth and dried fungi leans against the wall since the floor is still slightly dirty.
The smooth, circular tunnel ends here, where a group of svirfneblin stand against the eastern wall, trance-like. Before them, the stone wall seems to part and mold itself as it opens to reveal a few feet of tunnel and then more stone. The malleable, almost liquid rock hums intensely, and its heat warms the passage. The gnome diggers increase their own humming, and the rock responds accordingly as it parts once more to reveal another few feet of passage and more stone. A lone gnome carefully places lightjewels on either side of the passage in the still malleable rock as it recedes and solidifies, the jewels becoming embedded in stone to light the newly formed passages.