199 rooms · levels 25–50
This beautifully hand crafted white mansion seems quite out of place amongst these caverns. As you enter the gate you notice that it is much smaller on the inside than it appeared from the outside.
A cheerful little kitchen tucked behind the mansion's entrance hall, far too small for the house it serves and exactly right for its owner. Copper pots hang from hooks above a squat iron stove whose fire never seems to go out, and the shelves are crowded with jars of pickled mushrooms, smoked cave fish and spices carried down from the surface world. A scrubbed wooden table stands in the middle of the room, set for one. The only way out is back south to the entrance hall.
The rough stone passage runs east-west here, tufts of mushrooms growing between the many niches and cracks along the walls and floor. Tiny vermin can be seen moving between the mushrooms as they scurry into and out of the shadowy cracks where they have made their nests. The rhythmic pitterpatter of water as it drips onto stone can be heard nearby, a pleasant if somewhat monotonous backdrop. Faint torchlight seeps into the tunnel from between two large rocks against the northern end of the passage, quite noticeable in the natural darkness of the cavern.
This is a dry and cool passage, carved from the earth millennia ago, but separated from the cavernous network only recently. Secured from the rest of the perilous Underdark decades ago, this portion of the caves has remained free of dangers under the watchful eyes of those who call it home. A few crude torches have been shoved between the rocks in the tunnel walls, providing dim yet sufficient illumination for the dwellers' sensitive eyes. Two large boulders have been strategically set to block the opening of the tunnel to the south, and may be pushed aside to provide an exit to the rest of the caves. The tunnel itself continues north, lit by the flickering torches. An odd mixture of grunts, whistles, and growls can faintly be heard from the north.
Beads of moisture collect along the rough stone walls of the passage, and drip down the stalactites above. Numerous species of molds grow along the walls and the sides of the many stone formations along the tunnel, lending a musky odor to the stagnant air of the cavern. Another odor, like that of sweaty fur or leather, can be made out as well, becoming more pungent along the western passage. Another passage weaves its way between stalagmites as it heads east, while the southern passage seems to have recently collapsed, fresh air coming from that direction.
The tunnel widens significantly here, leaving plenty of room for comfortable passage. The cold, grey walls of the passage echo with the sounds of underground life as the clicking of carapaced feet, the impact of dislodged pebbles, and the subtle growls of rodents mingle harmoniously with the rhythmic dripping of water. A passage breaks north from here, while a large cavern opens up to the west.
The passage begins to widen as it continues north, while to the south it is narrow and leads to an apparent dead end. Crude wooden torches line the walls, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows against the rough cavern walls. Odd murals have been painted on the walls in a variety of colors, depicting a group of strange looking humanoids traveling through numerous settings and seasons. Unsettling laughter echos in from the north, and a bizarre mixture of sounds are sung in a haunting melody.
The gurgling laughter of children can be heard nearby, followed by the grunting whistles of a chastising parent. Torches run the length of the passage, disappearing into the darkness south and curving eastward a ways north. A series of odd murals have been painted on the stone walls, a rich story in colorful pigments of escape, flight, and resettlement. Portions of the murals are circled off, and within these are individual stories, recounting the deeds of noteworthy members of the tribe. The delicious aroma of roasting meat, stew, and boiling vegetables wafts in from the north. The tidy tunnel floor is free of rubble and growths, to eliminate any possibility that harm can befall one of the inhabitants.
The passage curves gently at this point, eventually leading to a large communal cave to the east. Flickering torchlight barely illuminates the passage as it runs south, the torches at the far southern end of the tunnel being overcome by shadows. The rough and uneven tunnel floor has been kept clear of debris and rubble, with only a fine layer of dust settling in the corners and within the small niches and imperfections of the wall. The walls themselves are covered with colorful murals, telling the stories of the small tribe that lives here. A delicious aroma wafts in from the east, where the merry sounds of festivities reverberate through the large cavern.
This is the northwestern end of a large cavern, all about being the organized activities of everyday living. A large pit dominates the center of the cave, surrounded by a circle of rocks to keep the fire within from spreading to the rest of the cave. The cleaned remains of Underdark game are skewered above the pit roasting, provided by the brave hunters of the tribe who dare the dangers outside their protective caves to feed their people. Below the roasts, catching their drips, is a large cauldron within which an aromatic stew of mushrooms and other veggies boils. A tunnel branches off to the north, while a large congregation can be seen in the northeastern corner. To the south and southeast are the living areas of the group, cozily furnished with skins and furs.
This tunnel branches off from the main communal cave to the south, and heads to a good-sized cave off to the east. The air is humid, and carries a faint musky smell. The stagnant air becomes warmer as the tunnel continues, warmer even than the communal cavern which is filled with the smells of cooking as the food roasts over an open firepit. The floor has been cleared of debris, and no Underdark vermin can be seen or heard scittering in the shadowy niches between the rocks.
A nice-sized cave, its value lies not in the mineral deposits nor in the metal veins which can be seen embedded in the rock. Instead, its value lies in the deep, clear pool of water which bubbles up steam in the center of the cave. Large stone columns of stalactites and stalagmites surround the spring, moisture trickling down their sides. The cave's inhabitants knew full well the value of this resource, and have carefully cultivated a variety of nonharmful and edible species of molds and fungi, which seem to grow everywhere. The rhythmic dripping of water as the steam condenses against the cool stone echos throughout the cave. A tunnel opens to the west, where flickering torchlight can be seen.
The southwestern corner of the immense cave is reserved for the daily chores of living. Piles of skins to be sewn and pots of fungi to be crushed for the pigments are neatly arranged along the walls and on the ledges. Crude, rusty tools scavenged throughout the years are kept in the secure niches between the rocks of the walls, well out of the reach of the children. Even so, the lower portions of the walls are covered with the fingerpaintings of the youth, who took advantage of a parent's moment of distraction to poke their stubby fingers and paws into the pots of pigments and let their creative talents go wild. A sleeping area is to the east of here, while across the pit in the northeastern corner of the cave there seems to be activity of some kind.
Furs and skins are gathered in dozens of sleeping piles all about this corner of the cave, with the smaller piles of the children off to one end and the large piles of the adults off to another. No distinction of family units can be made out, instead the raising of the young and the various chores are communal. The mongrelfolk have survived numerous hardships by remaining unified, not by festering divisions within themselves. At the head of each sleeping pile are neatly folded mounds of old and scavenged clothing, today's merriment allowing the mongrelfolk to wear their finest instead of their everyday wardrobe. Crude but lovingly crafted toys are scattered about the floor between the bedrolls as children take advantage of their parents' good mood and enjoy a rare moment of relative chaos.
This area of the huge cave is where the hunters and warriors of the small group, males and females alike, gather to tend to their weapons and clean their game. It is also the area where the most precious of the mongrelfolk's items are kept, under the care of the mongrelman leader. Currently, because of the significance of this area to the tribe, the joyful marriage of two mongrelfolk is taking place. For the occasion, a feast of meat and stew are being cooked in the huge firepit dominating the center of the cave, and everyone is wearing their best clothes. The couple - being the center of attention - stands before the leader who is presiding over the union, while the rest of the mongrelfolk gather around in the cavern, and the children play.
The tunnel narrows greatly as it curves north and west, weaving its way between massive stone columns. Climbing over large boulders and squeezing between tight openings, the northern portion of this tunnel begins a steep descent into the Underdark, the water running down the sides of the columns and walls collecting in streams and continuing downwards. An intersection of tunnels can be seen off to the west.
The passage curves yet again as it meanders its way between boulders, through narrow openings in the rock, and across steep drops. At certain points, it is necessary to grab hold of one of the many oddly shaped rock formations jutting out of the rough walls for support, the steep tunnel being riddled with crevices and drops. A constant chittering echos through the tunnel against the rhythmic backdrop of dripping water.
The passage twists around thick stalagmites rising all along the tunnel floor like trees. An odd eight legged rodent scurries across the tunnel as it seeks refuge within a small hole in the western wall, barely stopping for breath. Cracks crisscross the length of the uneven floor, with bones, pebbles, and stagnant cave water all being entrapped within. A wide opening can be made out to the north, and the tunnel continues east. Ear-piercing, high-pitched squeaks come from somewhere within the shadows hiding the ceiling above.
A continuation of the passage, the ceiling of this portion of the caves is high above, darkness hiding it completely. A steep chute drops away through a crack in the floor here, its sides slick with moisture, but the many rocks poking out of its walls may help to assure a secure passage down. Guano pellets carpet the cavern floor, each squishy step nauseating. An opening in the southern wall leads south, where yet another curve can be seen. Ear-piercing squeaks come from the roost hidden in the darkness overhead.
This passage narrows in some areas to little more than a crack in the cave walls. Overhead, a steep chute climbs back up to the cooler caves above, and at times it is necessary to grab hold of the walls for support. A thin mist floats close to the tunnel's ceiling, becoming thicker eastwards where the passage widens into a steamy cavern. The molds growing along the passage help little, being slick with moisture. One unsure step may lead to a painful slide down the uneven tunnel, not a pleasant idea considering the sharp rock points which rise from the ground every so often.
A thick mist hovers about this open cavern, beads of moisture dripping down stalactites and running down the sides of the walls. The sounds of Underdark life present throughout the rest of the caves is absent here, this area being too humid for even most plants to grow. The shadows of a wide crack can be made out through the mist in the western wall, about eight feet off the ground and almost large enough for two human-sized creatures to squeeze through, cool air being quite visible as it trickles in from the tunnels beyond. The steam is captured in this cave, devoid of any other openings except for one to the south, through which the boiling mists come. The air becomes increasingly hot in that direction.
The heat in this cave is unbearable, no animals or plants being able to live here for long. A river of lava melts its way through the tunnel floor, oozing its way in through the stone of the eastern wall and gently curving south as it melts a hole in that wall as well. Narrow and unconnecting ledges are all that is left of the cave's floor, with barely enough room left to stand near the openings in the north and west wall - the lava even beginning to ooze over these and threatening to consume them as well. Large rocks fall from above only to sizzle as they strike the lava, disappearing within with a resounding belch followed by bursting lava bubbles.
This tunnel remained hidden beneath the Dragonspine Mountains until recent seismic activity shifted the earth, causing the tunnel walls to give and the ceiling to collapse. A layer of dust has settled on the mounds of rubble which litter the passage, lying in unstable mounds which seem unable to support the pressure of the rocks on top of them. Carefully climbing over the piles, a tunnel is seen leading off to the north, while the collapsed walls block passage south. A huge hole in the fallen ceiling allows the Overworld light through, into a region hitherto untouched by the light of day.
This tunnel breaks from the main passage south and curves gently west, rising slightly in that direction. High above, something peers out of the shadows, faceted eyes reflecting the dim light before it scurries back to the safety of its nest between the rocks. Along the base of the wall, a musky fungal growth glows a sickly pale white, barely illuminating the tunnel. Pieces of leather hide mingled with crusty blood litter the floor, while a trail of dried blood leads west, as if something bulky was dragged off in that direction, something like a bleeding body.
Piles of rubble lie scattered about the entire passage, cleared only slightly to form a trail north and east, while along the western passage the debris remains relatively undisturbed. Splotches of dried blood tarnish the rocks, and bits and pieces of leather lie scattered among the pebbles, cleanly cut. The faint light from the glowing molds growing along the sides of the walls reflects off of tiny scraps of metal, also mixed within the rubble - and also cleanly cut. An unnerving clicking sound reverberates throughout the passage, while the other sounds native to these tunnels seem to have died off - it's almost eerie.
The mineral columns become more numerous along this end of the tunnel, quite so in fact that at one point there is room only for one person to squeeze between the columns at any one time. The stone here is damp with moisture, as trails of water stream down the length of the pillars. Fungi and molds thrive in these conditions, especially since there is the odd absence here of the critters which normally eat the molds. In fact, there are none of the natural denizens of the caves here. Rubble lies strewn about the passage east of the pillars, while west of them the tunnel is free of such debris. An unsettling clicking echos all around.
The wide tunnel makes yet another turn here, curving north and east. Another passage branches south from here, but a portion of it seems to have collapsed, the cloud of dust created by the cave in having yet to settle. The shredded remains of spiderwebs hang from the ceiling and the upper portions of the walls, broken by the passage of some large beast. The delicate silk strands of the web waver slightly in an undetectable breeze, coming from the south if the strands are any indication. Massive stone columns formed when stalactite and stalagmite merged can be seen in quantity to the east, while odd clicking sounds come from the north.
Once stretching along the length of this tunnel, the gossamer webs now drape in shreds from the wall, torn by the uncaring passage of some large creature. High above, near the ceiling, narrow ledges can be made out within the shadows, and tiny feet scurry within the safety of the darkness. An even louder clicking comes from the north, almost overwhelming all other sounds within these tunnels as it reverberates down the stone passages. The air becomes warmer to the north, and a bitter smell taints the air.
Yet another curve in the tunnel network as it leads south and east from here. Impressive stalagmites rise from the uneven stone floor, smoothed by the passage of time. Moisture glistens off the sides of the stalagmites as well as the walls, running down in streams to collect in cracks and shallows on the floor. Molds grow in an overwhelming number here, taking advantage of the humid and warm air which increases as the tunnel continues east. A bitter smell taints the air, also increasing east.
Large pools of water dominate this steamy tunnel, scattered about between the stalagmites. A fine blanket of mist hovers just above the surface of the pools, and sweat drips down the stalactites as the water condenses against the chill stone above. A pebble falls down from a dark cranny above, the sound of its fall bouncing off the walls. A stream of dark liquid runs down from the southern opening and collects in the nearest spring, tainting it a deep crimson. The passage continues east and west from here, while a secluded cave opens to the south.
The rough, uneven tunnel curves yet again as it leads south and west from this point. A few bone fragments lie mixed in with the rocks and pebbles which cover the floor, dull white offset by the dull black of the stones. Trails of steam seep into the tunnel from the west, only to quickly disperse into the cooler air. The only sound which can be heard in these tunnels is an unsettling clicking sound, all of the other sounds of underground life being oddly absent.
Pebbles and debris litter the tunnel floor, parting only in one spot to form a continuous trail which comes in from the south and leads into the dark cave to the west. The path between the rubble is tarnished by spots of dried and crusted blood, some so old they are almost undetectable, others still wet. Pieces of leather and fur can be seen mixed in with the debris, as well as a few scraps of glinting metal - all cleanly cut. A bitter and unidentifiable smell taints the air, becoming stronger to the west. The clicking of carapaced feet on stone echos throughout the passage.
Patches of mold cling to the upper portions of the walls, while dark stains cover the lower areas of the walls and floor. A cluster of supple round objects lies nestled within a moss patch, the shells stretching to their limits as the almost developed forms move within, the beginnings of sharp pincers almost poking through the shells. A variety of skulls and bones, as well as other odds and ends, lie mixed in among the gold scattered on the floor. The half-eaten carcass of a gnoll lies near the eggs, a small hole in its chest. Ruined leather and metal armor, swords, and shields are just a few of the numerous objects which are the only remains of the scorpion's many meals. Steam seeps in from a small opening to the north.
Immense stone columns riddle this cavern, formed when huge stalactites descended enough from the ceiling high above to merge with the equally large stalagmites which rise from the uneven cavern floor. Moisture runs down the pillars, leaving mineral residue in its path as it collects in the many depressions along the rough cave floor. Many of these pools lie nestled between a cluster of columns and serve as valuable water sources for the Underdark denizens. Predictably, numerous species of insects, mammals, and arachnids weave their way between the stalagmites only to disappear into the shadows concealing their nests, their thirst sated. Warm air wafts in from the west, where a ledge overlooks a large pit, while a tunnel exits the cavern and leads eastward into the earth.
The cavern floor suddenly ends a few feet ahead, to be replaced by an awesome canyon engraved into the earth by a long gone underground river. The river once ran north-south through here, but some catastrophic disaster long ago blocked both mouths of the canyon, diverting the river. The cliff below this ledge is sheer and polished smooth by the old waters, without a single hold for hand or foot. Far below, a narrower ledge clings to the opposite wall where a tunnel opens into the canyon, and beneath it all a chill mist hides the canyon floor. Whoever would reach the bottom must find another way down through the tunnels. The only way on is back east.
About three feet of floor is all that there is to this ledge, while all around is the open air within a deep Underdark canyon. An opening to the east allows access to a network of tunnels, while high above, across the canyon, another ledge can faintly be made out at the top of a sheer and unclimbable wall. Far below, chilly vapors obscure the bottom of the canyon, the cold air reaching all the way to this ledge. Close examination of the wall beneath the ledge reveals a multitude of small hand and foot holds, perfect for climbing if someone wished to reach the canyon floor.
The rhythmic pitterpatter of water echos east and west through the tunnel as it drips off stalactites and runs down the moldy stone walls. Patches of fungi grow anywhere along the sides of the stalagmites which honeycomb this wide passage, their combined luminescence bathing this portion of the tunnels in an eerie myriad of colors which reflect off the damp stone. Between a cluster of stalagmites a narrow depression has filled with water, and something dark and scaly momentarily breaks the smooth surface of the stagnant waters before disappearing again. The critters which live in these tunnels warily approach the pool of water, drinking from it cautiously before they hurry away.
Slender stalagmites rise high to merge with the stalactites to form the numerous columns which riddle this wide passage. Nestled between a cluster of pillars, a narrow depression has accumulated the water running down the walls and dripping from the ceiling. Underdark plant life thrives in this damp environment and provides food for the small herbivores which make their lairs near the precious water source. Likewise, their predators sculk within the nearby shadows, awaiting a moment to attack. Something scaly slithers above the surface of the inky waters, only to dive back into the pool. The tunnel continues east and west.
Two passages cross at this point, one heading off west into a wide tunnel riddled with stone pillars while another runs north and south. Niches and crannies dot the rough stone walls, housing the small vermin which live in these deep caverns. The clicking of carapaced feet and the monotonous dripping of water reverberate through the passages, the damp and stagnant air condensing as it comes into contact with the rocks.
The passage proper curves east and north here, boulders and other piles of debris littering the tunnel floor. The cavern eventually gives way to a large lake filling the western cavern, its dark waters overflowing into the tunnel and filling the many cracks along the floor and walls. An island of some kind can be seen in the middle of the lake, with faint movements in the shadows surrounding the island. The musky smell of the molds growing along the walls mingles with the slimy smells of the waters in a rather nauseating odor, reminiscent of bile.
The rough, uneven passage continues here through the Underdark east and west, while a dark cave breaks from the tunnel to the north. Carrion vermin scurry about this section of the passages, as the many bodies which lie half eaten and dismembered reveal the painful demise of an unfortunate group of adventurers who had not prepared themselves well enough for the perils of the Underdark. Dried and crusty blood stains the rocks of the floor, walls, and even the ceiling while the chewed remnants of leather armors rest uselessly against the wall.
Small, dark, and stinky, this cave opens to the main passage which runs south of here. Dull stone walls bear silent witness to the grisly scene which took place between the large boulders of the cave. A mangled corpse here, a shattered skull there, tell the story of a few adventurers who lived longer than their doomed group only to meet the same fate. Maggots squirm about between the molds growing on the carcasses, empty eye sockets staring at nothing, the skulls crushed by forceful blows. Pools of blood surround the bodies, and the tiny footprints of rodents and large insects leave a bloody trail of footprints as they seek their nests within the ledges of the wall and in the dark areas between the rocks.
Immense formations of stone and minerals fill this portion of the passages, leaving very little space for travel between them. Even so, the path left meanders its way between the rocks, bending constantly and hiding whatever lies ahead. Ledges exist atop the rock formations, providing ideal views of the tunnels north, east, and west. Indeed, it appears that some groups have been caught unawares here, as bodies in various stages of decomposition and decay litter the path. The rhythmic dripping of water echoes through the tunnels along with the clicking and scittering of the Underdark dwellers. The walls of the eastern tunnel seem rather unstable, and might collapse with but the slightest provocation. Everything is too perfectly quiet and peaceful.
The tunnel continues east and south here, while passage north is blocked by tight clusters of stone columns. Through narrow slits between the columns, another network of passages can just be made out beyond them, inaccessible unless another route is found. More of the massive rock monoliths honeycomb the southern tunnel, a narrow path meandering its way between these and hiding whatever might lie within the cluster. Molds and other dark growths line the walls of the passage, blocking the streams of water which trickle down the walls and drip from the ceiling in a steady if boring pattern. The skittering of tiny feet can be heard within many of the dark crevices along the wall and between the rocks.
Northward the tunnel becomes impassable, massive stone pillars having formed so close together that only extremely narrow spaces between them exist. Through the openings, another network of passages can be seen beyond the pillars, lush with verdant vegetation and pools of accumulated water. Fragments of bones litter the floor, some chewed for the marrow but all stripped clean of meat. The heavy footsteps of a lumbering creature echo throughout the passage against the monotonous dripping of water, but because of the nature of the tunnels, it is impossible to tell exactly where the footsteps are coming from. The tunnel runs west and south.
An ear-splitting rumble echoes through the intersection as the earth quakes and the walls of the western passage collapse in a cloud of obscuring dust. The lack of air movements prevents the cloud from dissipating any time soon, and only by cautious steps to prevent tripping and feeling along the walls can passages heading off north, south, and east be made out. The cloud is thick, reducing visibility to two feet - if even that. The heavy footsteps of a large creature can be heard, but it is impossible to tell exactly from which of the three tunnels they are coming.
Three passages meet at this point and head off north, west, and south. Stalagmites and stalactites meet to form stone monoliths which riddle the passages, the paths weaving their ways between the columns which only seem to support the ceiling high above. The rhythmic dripping of water somewhere nearby is all that can be heard, the intersection being extremely calm, almost dangerously so. Molds grow along the sides of the columns, their surfaces glistening with moisture.
Mounds of rock interrupt this north-south tunnel, in certain places requiring to be climbed in order to continue along the passage. Faceted eyes peer out of shadowy niches in the walls, the clicking of carapaced feet reverberating throughout the tunnel. A feeling of expectancy is near overwhelming, the passage being TOO calm. A slight tremor can be felt.
For the first time, the actual cavern floor can be seen as the eerie mists which carpet the tunnels are held at bay to the south by some unknown force. Rising high all about are massive columns of cold stone, no sounds echoing between them within this open cavern deep in the Underdark. A few yards ahead lies the base of an imposing stalagmite, which rises high above beyond sight to be lost among the shadows cloaking the cavern's ceiling like a starless night sky. No fungi or molds grow along the sides of the stones, no vermin skitter between niches within the walls - nothing lives in this cave, and that thought alone is enough reason to turn back now.
The rough walls of the tunnel are due to portions of it being dislodged and edges of rocks jutting from the walls, some ending in sharp points. The tunnel floor is uneven and cracked as debris litters the path, requiring caution while traveling lest someone trip. An extremely nauseous odor seeps in from the south where the tunnel opens into a cave, while an intersection can be seen a ways north. The earth quakes ominously, showering rubble from above and breaking chunks of stone from the walls.
The passage continues north and south through the Underdark, with a shadowy cave opening west. Crushed rock litters the passage, and massive chunks of stone have been pounded out of the walls, blanketing the floor in debris. Travel is cautious, for one unsure step can mean falling and brushing against the sharp rock fragments. Mixed in with the pebbles are pieces of bone of varying ages, as well as a few strips of leather and chips of metal. An overpowering stench wafts in from the cave, smelling of body waste, sweat, and decaying corpses.
A good-sized cave opens here where the tunnels to the north and east merge. The high ceiling is all but hidden by shadows, small stalactites descending from the darkness here and there. Rough stumps dot the cave's floor where once natural stalagmites grew, but having decided they were in the way, something crushed the stalagmites to clear the cave so it could move about freely. A pile of skins, furs, and molds lies in a dark cranny, and crushed skulls rest atop the ledges of the stone walls. One particularly odorous corner in the cave appears to be where some large monster relieves itself, many piles of wastes of various ages testifying that this cave is inhabited regularly and has been for some time.
This is the base of a foreboding stalagmite column which towers above the others in this forest of stones. Unbroken silence seems to echo through the cavern, and the absence of anything living puts one's nerves on edge. The chill caress of death seeps in from the massive stone doors which block entrance into the stalagmite to the west, the double doors unlocked for only the foolhardy would seek access. Gilded adamantite trims the doors in intricate and alien symbols, all of which hum faintly with power. A narrow path leads south and then west as it ascends between the stone monoliths which riddle the cave, eventually ending at a ledge high above in the cavern's wall where tunnels can be seen leading deep into the Underdark.
The tunnel comes to an abrupt halt here, with exits only to the east and north. The grey stone of the walls and floor are rough and cool, with molds covering their surfaces and fungi clustering along their cracks. A creature of some kind lumbers nearby, its heavy steps echoing down the passages. The decayed corpse of a large lizard is squished against one of the many sharp rocks, its shriveled body sucked dry of fluids.
The pitterpatter of dripping water echoes through the tunnel from the east, accompanied by the sounds of Underdark life. Insects scitter across the tunnel as they seek shelter within the crevices between the rocks, their many feet clicking against the grey stone as they go. Ochre molds thrive in the moist air, growing on rocky surfaces and providing food for the more gentle animals who live here. The tunnel continues east or west, where it soon bends sharply north.
Varieties of molds and fungi grow all along the sides of the walls and the lengths of the stalagmites throughout the tunnel. Shallow pools of cool and clear water collect in the depressions between the columns, providing the necessary water for the ecosystem of the caves. Clicking and scittering echoes through the passage as tiny creatures brave leaving the security of their lairs to drink and feast upon the fungi. However, the bloodless body of a large rodent lies shriveled against a rock, testifying that those who prey on these animals also make their lairs nearby.
Warm air currents drift about the tunnel as the steamy air seeping in from the opening east moves in on the cooler air along the southern tunnel. A warm red glow comes in through the eastern opening, bathing the rocks of the passage in various shades of crimson, the hot air condensing against the cool rocks. Moisture runs down the sides of the walls and drips from the stalactites to collect in tiny rivulets and seep down the incline, forming refreshing pools to the south where fungal growths become more abundant and the sounds of animals echo faintly.
The rough and uneven tunnel walls run south and north, pebbles having fallen off the ledges along the walls to accumulate on the floor. A narrow path has been cleared through the rocks by some large beast as it moved south, if the scattering of the rocks is any indication. Regular tremors shake the floor and ceiling, dislodging even more loose debris from the tunnel. So far, they aren't enough to cause significant alarm.
Suddenly, the walls begin to shake and wide cracks rip their way through the floor. Balance is easily lost as cracks are sidestepped, rock showers from above are dodged, and handholds along the walls are broken free! Wide cracks run through the walls as portions of the floor rise while other dip. A dangerously large boulder falls only a few inches away, narrowly missing. The south wall collapses, and the opening north threatens to do so as well.
The walls shake and wide cracks rip their way through the floor as areas of it dip while adjacent ones rise. Sharp rocks shower from above as they are dislodged, and the intense quake forces balance to be kept by grasping the pointy rocks of the walls with a desperate hand. The whole passage threatens to collapse, the southern portion already gone within a thick cloud of dust, and the western opening looking like it cannot last much longer itself.
The walls and floors shake, wide cracks ripping their way along the tunnel's walls as portions of the floors rise while other dip. Large boulders become dislodged from the walls, tumbling dangerously down and threatening to crush anything and anyone in their way. The massive stalactites above shake ominously, and a particularly large one drops, bringing with it the entirety of the northern half of the tunnel! The shaking intensifies and the surviving exit to the south appears unstable, and ready to give.
The intense shaking of the passages dislodges huge boulders and stalactites which drop with deadly weight to the ground. Wide cracks appear along the length of the walls and floor, piles of debris being swallowed within! Stalagmites crumble and fall, rising thick clouds of dust, which in turn reduce visibility to almost nothing. Stumbling and blind an ear-piercing crash tells of the cave-in of the northern tunnel, with the east and west ends of this one not too far behind!
The eastern wall of this passage appears to have just recently collapsed, a cloud of dust still heavily blanketing the tunnel. The corpse of a large lizard lies entrapped under the debris of the east wall, half of it free while the other half crushed under the weight of the earth itself. The passage continues north.
The tunnel narrows in certain portions here as the uneven walls become so tight in areas that only two people can squeeze by at a time. The low ceiling adds to the claustrophobic effect, while a few bats fly above through the empty space, their screech echoing north and south down the length of the passage. Guano pellets coat the floor, causing it to be quite slippery in areas.
The tunnel curves gently at this point, with exits leading either south or west into the depths of the Underdark. Dull molds cover the stone surfaces of the walls, allowing only small areas of rock showing. Somewhere, a shrill scream can be heard, but because of the nature of the tunnels, the direction as well as the distance of the scream are all but impossible to determine. The pungent smell of sulfur seeps in from the west, carried on a faint breeze.
The pungent smell of sulfur becomes overwhelming here, carried into the passage by a breeze which blows in from some mysterious direction. Lichen and molds completely cover the grey surfaces of the walls, and charred debris litters the floor, blasted in from somewhere. The rhythmic dripping of water is the only sound audible, except for the quiet scittering of vermin within the walls. The uneven passage continues east and west.
A bend in the passage here as the tunnel heads off either east or south into darkness. The pungent odor of sulfur is carried in by a faint breeze from the east, and little if any animals care to live within the numerous crevices along the walls because of the deadly effects of the vapor if inhaled for an extended period of time. The monotonous pitterpatter of water as it drips from the tips of the stalactites is the only sound audible.
The passage curves yet again as it meanders its way east and north through the Underdark. Every so often, a faint squeak can be heard from within the shadowy niches of the wall as beady eyes peek out for signs of danger. Tall stalagmites rise from the tunnel floor, to merge with the slender stalactites and form thick stone pillars, which narrow in the middle. A shimmering sheen of water trickles down the walls and the sides of the columns, to accumulate in the cracks of the floor.
Yet another curve in the rough and uneven passage, as it continues west and south from this point. The sounds of life become increasingly abundant, with small critters scurrying across the path every now and again in search of food. Molds and fungi grow in abundance along the surfaces of the walls and the numerous boulders which dot the tunnel, providing nourishment for the herbivores of the Underdark. Not all of these creatures are so gentle, however - a point which is reinforced by the furry body twitching slightly as it is dragged into a shadowy nest in the wall by some unseen predator.
The passage curves yet again, as it continues north and west from this point. At certain points, the rocks jutting out from the walls must be grasped for balance as the molds along the floor become ever moister and slippery. A cluster of mushrooms sprouts from a crevice between two boulders, as small insects swarm about the hood building their nests. Off to one side of the passage, carrion vermin squirm inside a decaying carcass, their movements apparent as disgusting and moving bulges under the skin.
The passage curves gently at this point, heading south towards an intersection or east where another bend in the passage can be made out. All about, the rhythmic dripping of water provides a monotonous background as it reverberates down the tunnels. A large, hairy spider hangs from a web in the middle of the tunnel, only to quickly scurry back up the length of the strand and disappear in the shadows above.
This is the bottom of a deep canyon cut through the Underdark long ago by a now absent river. The northern and southern ends of the canyon have collapsed, blocking the river and passage in those directions. A thick and chill mist swirls just above the canyon floor, eddies of vapor forming with each step. High above, a ledge can be seen, and the many hand and foot holds along the sheer cliff can provide a skilled climber all they need to access the ledge. A dark, foreboding opening leads to a chilly tunnel to the east, no sounds whatsoever coming from within.
The path continues its steady descent into the cavern, while to the west an opening can be reached high above. The narrow path meanders its way between the massive stone columns which rise from floor to ceiling, blocking further passage east but opening to the north. To the northwest, a foreboding stone formation rises high above the others, evil and death oozing from it in almost tangible quantities. Even the eerie mists seem to shun the path to the north, ending here in chaotic whirls.
A thick, swirling mist completely covers the floor and rises slightly along the edges of the walls as it creeps into the small niches and crevices between the rocks. Deathly silence rules these tunnels, no living sounds disturbing the ultimate peace. Although no breeze is noticeable here, the vapors drift about the floor, as if with a life all their own. More of the dark, chilling tunnel continues to the east while the passage opens west.
The stone walls of the tunnel are freezing to the touch, so much that they seem to absorb the very heat out of anything near them. The chilly air of these tunnels is stagnant, no breeze of any kind blows through to ventilate them. Nevertheless, the thick mist blanketing the floor floats languidly about, on an undetectable current all its own. While only a few feet deep, the mists climb along the tunnel walls before thinning out, curling around the chill stone as if with a life all its own. Something falls off a nearby ledge, and before it disappears into the hungry vapors, the bloodless but still warm body of a lizard can be made out.
A heavy pall of death and silence entombs these tunnels, no sounds of life being present. A tunnel branches off to the north, but the walls appear rather unsteady and might collapse with the slightest provocation. The languid mists blanketing the tunnels' floor take on an unnerving red tinge here, becoming a deep crimson as it nears the dark and ominous cave to the east. In fact, the vapors extend from the cave like sinewy tendrils as they cover the expanse of the tunnels. The impenetrable blackness to the east is the blackness of death. Another tunnel branches off to the south, while the chill passage heads off to the west.
The deathly silent tunnel curves here, heading either east or north as it continues. An intense darkness, equal to the natural darkness of the Underdark a dozen times over, dominates the chilly tunnels, outdone only by the unbroken silence which blankets the tunnels like a burial shroud - heavy and impenetrable. Silken strands of spiders' webs drape across the passage, almost as ethereal as the wispy mist which floats lazily above the tunnel floor, obscuring the floor itself.
The stone walls of the tunnel radiate cold, draining the air and all things near of heat. The usually passive mists which blanket the entire tunnel network are oddly active and chaotic in this passage, moving in violent swirls despite the absence of any breeze. The focus of the activity lies within the mist itself, a good three feet thick at that point. A frozen arm, sword still brandished in its deathgrip, pokes through the mist like some obscene monument. A torso, a leg, a foot, all barely rise above the mist - and all drained of blood. With each step taken, a body is kicked or a helmet is almost tripped over. The chill tunnels silently continue east and west.
The chill stone of the passage curves west and north at this point, leading off into ominous darkness in both directions. Not a sound can be heard, and at this point even a scream would be a welcome break from the deceiving peace. Propped up against the southern wall like some broken marionette is the bloodless body of an imposing giant warrior, an unfortunate member of a doomed adventuring party who lived a little bit longer than her companions. The surprised look of sheer terror and utter helplessness have frozen her features, like a deathmask. The ethereal mist swirls about the body, lapping at it hungrily with its hazy tendrils.
The wispy tendrils of smoke curl in small vortices with each step, climbing the cold stone walls slightly as if seeking something within the many small crevices between the rocks of the walls. Gossamer webs hang from ceiling to floor throughout the passage, unbroken. To the north, the tunnel opens into an immense underground cavern, while this unsettling passage continues south, where it eventually curves. Despite the lack of any detectable breeze, the ethereal mist blanketing the floor swirls as if with a life all its own.
This is the southwestern edge of an enormous cavern deep in the Underdark, large enough to comfortably house an entire village. Stone formations of dark and eerie beauty have been molded within the cavern, stalagmites and stalactites the size of mansions honeycombing the open area of the cave. Far below and high above, the floor and ceiling of the cavern are hidden within the shadows, and a narrow path along the cavern wall meanders its way from this ledge downward to the east. A foreboding stalagmite, easily the size of a large tower, lies in the center of the cave, an aura of dark power surrounding it. Pale mist seeps in from the openings in the southern and western walls, blanketing the floor as it floats over the edge of the ledge overlooking the open cavern.
This narrow path slopes gently as it descends between immense stone pillars which riddle the large cavern area. The everpresent mist swirls in tiny vortices with each cautious step to ensure that no hole or other obstacle is concealed within the blanketing vapors. Northward, an imposing black stalagmite rises high above the others, the unnatural power surrounding it drawing all attention. Direct passage to the stalagmite is blocked by the massive columns, while the descending path weaves its way steadily west and east.
Wisps of ethereal vapor seep into the tunnel from the foreboding opening to the south, expanding from the cave like gossamer strands of a large web, the spider sitting at the center as it awaits its prey to become entrapped so it may feed. The stone walls of the tunnels are incredibly cold, so much so that to merely approach too close burns. Silence reigns in these tunnels, no living sounds reverberate through the passages, and who knows what lies concealed beneath the misty shroud which covers the uneven floor. The mists take on an ominous crimson tinge closer to the opening, as well as the distinct smell of fresh blood. To pass through the opening to the south would be to succumb to Death's teasing embrace. The chill tunnel continues east and west.
A billowing cloud of crimson vapors swirls at the heart of the cave, misty tendrils seeping out into the tunnels north and west as they seek warm blood upon which to feed. You feel increasingly light headed as wispy swirls of mist surround you hypnotically, caressing your flesh as would a devout lover. A small voice in your head screams at you, warning you to leave, but you are too mesmerized by the beauty of the Vampiric Mist to care, enthralled as the mists take on an even deeper crimson tinge and your pallor increases proportionally. So beautiful...so deadly...
The passage comes to an abrupt halt here, continuing only eastward. The vestiges of an opening lie crumbled in the southern wall, the tunnel there having just collapsed, the eerie mists still active and swirling around the newly fallen rocks. The silky webs which once were attached to the walls now hang in limp strands, waving ever so slightly on an undetectable breeze. In the floor an oddly shaped hole gapes downward into darkness, like a maw. The short stalagmites rising along its rim serve only to reinforce the image, and the mists pour over the edge only to be consumed by the unnatural darkness within.
All about, shades of darkness drift by and swirl in a multitude of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of virtue, certainty, and righteousness. Slowly, figures take shape, many of them sickly and diseased while a couple appear healthy and young, these few roaming among the ill to tend to their care and provide what comfort they can. As they do so, their health and youth melt away. Their bodies become diseased, frail, and decrepit until they are undistinguishable from the others. New shapes emerge to replace those sacrificed. Death makes no distinction.
All about, shades of darkness drift by and swirl in a multitude of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of selfishness, incompleteness, and greed. Slowly, an opulent room materializes replete with treasures, foods, trinkets of every kind imaginable. The windows are shuttered, the doors closed. A solitary figure lies immersed in the gold, famished and frail, unwilling to part with an iota of the wealth, unwilling to allow anyone near for he sees in others the covetness which lives only in himself. And he wastes away, consumed from within. The dead spare no luxury.
All about, shades of darkness drift by and swirl in a multitude of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of love, security, and resignation. Slowly, two shapes materialize, intertwining as if one body, locked in a passionate exchange. One caresses with loving fingers, while the other caresses with the cold point of a sharp dagger. Death makes no distinction between a friend or a foe.
Earthbound by recent disputes among the gods, Myrkul has established this shrine for himself where he can regain his power and plan for his descent as God of the Dead once more. An altar as grotesque as it is awesome has been built in the center of this chamber, constructed of the bones of mortals and mortared by the blood of billions. Instead of walls, ethereal mists surround the room, its violent currents visible only as shades of darkness against darkness. Forms replaying the infinite facets of death are conjured within the vapors, all to sustain the Fallen God.
All about, the shades of darkness drift and swirl in multitudes of currents. Behind the shifting darkness the solid stone of walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of uncertainty, righteousness, and justice. Slowly, the form of a man materializes, the blood of the dead dripping from his hands. The cries of the dead voiced by the executioners. The floor drops, the noose tauts, and another life is lost. Blood drips from the hands of the dangling corpse, the cries of the innocents are still on the lips of the executioners - still echoing in their heads and hearts. Death feeds on itself, and it is the only winner.
All about, the shades of darkness drift and swirl in multitudes of currents. Behind the shifting darkness the solid stone of walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of finitude, mortality, and continuation. Slowly, the form of a small infant materializes, full of curiosity, boundless energy, and a developing sense of purpose. The child matures in a matter of seconds, growing into adolescence and adulthood but never losing its sense of purpose. Finally, the child reaches old age, withered limbs with no strength and health faltering, yet contentment and accomplishment in smiling eyes - and death. Surrounded by sobbing loved ones, the corpse decays as quickly as the child grew. From the earth where the body lay a tiny form emerges, the curiosity of a newborn eagerly eating in the world. To live is to die, to die is to have lived.
All about, the shades of darkness drift by and swirl in multitudes of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of protectiveness, obsession, and despair. Slowly, the form of a raggedy beggar woman materializes. She is diseased, famished, and utterly alone. And yet she smiles as she grasps her last treasure close to her bosom, only to have it flitter away when she opens her palms for an innocent peek at what she has. She lifts her head and watches as it dissipates, her anguished cry echoing through the uncaring streets. Death need not claim a body to consume the soul.
All about, the shades of darkness drift by and swirl on a multitude of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of pity, duty, and kindness. Slowly, the dismembered body of a man seeps out his life, sobbing in pain and helplessness to end his suffering. From his cries a dark form materializes, and with a sharp skeletal finger severs the man's final restraint. Gratitude and peace replace pain and helplessness in those now dead eyes. Death can be kind.
All about, the shades of darkness drift by and swirl in a multitude of currents. Behind the shifting shades the solid stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling can be seen, but it is as if they are part of another world. The currents swirl into shapes, sounds, and smells, bringing to life a scene evoking feelings of naivete, loss, and bliss. Slowly, the form of a tiny child materializes, knife in hand, standing over the stabbed corpse of a soldier which is in turn lying atop the two bodies of the child's murdered parents. Revenge, satisfaction, and newfound power glimmer in the once bright eyes. The death of innocence is eternal, ultimate, and irrevocable - and certain.
A narrow tunnel which runs east and west through the Underdark. Verdant life flourishes everywhere, growing through every niche and cranny and nourished by the waters which drip down the sides of the stone walls. Carrion eaters and predators alike scurry through the tunnel, as the cycle of life plays out. The rhythmic dripping of water provides a soothing background, echoing along the length of the passage. A ways to the north, the tunnel floor gives way to an immense underground cavern large enough to comfortably house a city. A dark opening on the southern wall absorbs all light within it and nothing can be made out beyond. The soul-chilling touch of death emanates from the darkness, as if the world itself ended on the other side.
The tunnel floor gives way to the enormous expanse of one of the numerous Underdark caverns which are large enough to house entire populations. A forest of stalactites and stalagmites riddle the cavern, and nestled between them on a gentle slope sprawls a darkly beautiful city, the pinpoints of lights like so many stars in the darkness of the cavern. An impressive domed building is built atop the highest point of the cavern, and paved streets extend from the building like tentacles protecting the city in its embrace. Dominating the northeast portion of the city a flawless obsidian tower spirals high into the darkness of the cavern's ceiling, while south of it sprawls a massive one-story building. Domed homes are scattered about the city, housing the daily going-ons of everyday life. A tunnel opens to the south.
The narrow tunnel to the north gives way here and opens onto a path which weaves its way between boulders and columns of stone as it drops steeply down the cavern wall. Hand and footholds thankfully dot the path now and again, providing support in certain precarious areas where the rocks become loose or too narrow for proper balance. Below, the path winds down to the bottom of the cavern, where the gates of the city stand.
The tunnel comes to an abrupt end here, the openings between the rocks large enough for only a small animal. The monotonous dripping of water reverberates through the passage, a nearby water source dampening the tunnels and nourishing the Underdark plantlife. Tiny forms scitter through the molds and mushrooms, some even growing from a decaying and smelly corpse of a dark-dwarf leaning against the southern wall, four symmetrical puncture wounds swollen on its skull as empty eyesockets stare out at nothing. Squirming forms wiggle within the empty skull. An opening leads to a ledge north of here.
This ledge overlooks a sprawling city nestled within the depths of a massive underground cavern. Obsidian spires rise from paved streets and large domed buildings contain unknown treasures and dangers for those brave enough - or foolish. The unwavering points of magical light dot the cityscape as the inhabitants go about their lives. Figures too small to make out glide through the streets, and sounds of combat, cries of death, and shouts of victory rise from the low buildings in the city's southeast edge.
The stone of the cavern has been smoothed by magic many centuries ago by the first illithid wizards who settled in Heiraktazin, burrowing deep into the walls of the great cavern. Flickering torches set in metal holders line the hallway, throwing dancing shadows all about as the blue flames flicker while illuminating the depths of Phaenerakta. The looming silence of the place is broken only by the faint swishing of robes as illithids go about their magical research. The hallway comes to an end at a door of fogged quartz to the north, while an identical door is set along the western wall, beyond which intense flashes of light seep into the hallway.
This is a large, circular chamber as wide as it is tall. Small alcoves can be seen evenly spaced along the entire length of the wall, while the main archway is south leading to a small area of gardens between the buildings, where small paths weave their way between the vegetation like so many tentacles. Looking into the nearest alcove, a simple but comfortable looking bed can be seen, as well as a plain chest containing the few individual items each illithid citizen owns. Tapestries and art objects of dark beauty grace the chamber at regular intervals, reminders that illithids aren't just brain-eating monsters, but are also a people with a culture, and a history.
The arena's field stretches here to its eastern wall, the packed dirt churned to mud by countless clawed and hooved feet. Broken weapons and shattered shields lie half buried where they fell. Above, the illithids lean over the balcony rails, their tentacles twitching in anticipation as they watch for fresh entertainment. A wooden door is set in the northern wall, the door through which the illithids' captives are pushed onto the field, but it has no handle on this side and will not open. The main field lies to the west, where the arena's champion paces.
Chilly vapors spiral above and below, east and west, forming a disorienting tunnel of scintillating darkness and light. Currents whirl, eddies swirl, and nothing is solid. Far to the north, the walls become stone, the floor solid, and the sounds of life can be heard. Far to the south, a vortex of impenetrable ether billows turbulently, solidifying in some places to take on the forms of the dead and dying. Connecting the two domains of existence, this tunnel is made of substances from both, not really existing on its own.
The uneven stone walls of the tunnel are damp with moisture as water streams down the many cracks on their surfaces. Species of molds and fungi populate the passage, providing homes for the numerous scavengers that hide within the dark crevices of the rocks. A faint wind blows up between odd rocks in the floor, but the gap is far too tight to squeeze down through, small rodents and insects being the only ones able to come and go that way. Very dim sounds of activity come from somewhere as the passage bends south toward an opening in the cavern wall, while to the east it runs on toward the ledges overlooking the city.
The descending path levels out here at the bottom of the cavern, near the southwestern edge of Heiraktazin. Above, the path climbs back up the cavern wall towards an opening high overhead, leading to a dark network of narrow tunnels. Large lizards and rodents run across the path as they seek to get from one stone column to another, going about their predatory lives. Just to the east, massive gates wrought of slender bands of metal weaved in intricate and graceful designs lie open between two stone columns, granting entrance to Heiraktazin.
This passage rises sharply here, climbing almost straight up a chimney in the rock towards an odd grouping of stones far above. Sharp points of stone protrude from the walls, providing the hand and foot holds necessary to climb out and escape the deadly clutches of Heiraktazin. To the east, a long, low tunnel runs back beneath the city. How many have already benefited from this underground network of escaped slaves? However great that number, one thing is for sure: even more died for the enjoyment of the illithids.
Here the hallway meets a crude ramp of rough stone that plunges downward into the depths beneath the stalagmite. A chill feeling emanates from the darkness below, the chill of a crypt. North and south the hallway continues, with a door being faintly visible behind some cobwebs along the far south wall. The passage north is heavily shrouded in gossamer silk webs and seems to bend away eventually. A thick layer of undisturbed dust coats the smooth walls, ceiling, and floors of the tower.
The hallway intersects here with another. To the north, the passage gently slopes downward into the cold depths. East and west, the hallway continues undisturbed, eventually making a sharp bend north to the west. A large spider scurries along a huge web draped over a wooden door to the south. Oddly, the door barely hangs from its hinges, as if someone - or something - violently tried to break the door open. Now, the weight of the door causes it to pendulate, the squeaky hinges thankfully piercing the tedious silence of these halls.
This room appears to have been the site for a vicious struggle years ago. Wall adornments hang in shreds, and furnishing lie strewn about the room, broken into unrecognizable pieces. Deep claw marks run down the lengths of the walls and the door, some grooves cutting 1" into the rock wall. Whatever ferocious beast left these marks, it was either mad - or very afraid. Dark red stains can be seen on every surface of the room, even high above on the ceiling. A door leads north to a dark hallway.
Walking along these halls, no other sound can be heard. Torch holders run along the length of the wall on both sides, empty. Strands of silky webbing run from floor to ceiling all along the passage, undisturbed and unbroken for who knows how long. The passage continues north into the silent darkness of the stalagmite, or continues east.
As quiet as a tomb, the stale air of the hallway is thick with dust. Any sound made is amplified hundredfold by the cold stone walls and the pall of silence which blankets the interior of the stalagmite. Ancient torch holders formed as grasping hands dot the walls at regular intervals, the torches themselves having extinguished long ago. Now, the holders are being taken advantage of by the local arachnid population to secure their gossamer traps. Continuing along the hallway southward, a sharp bend in the passage east can barely be made out in the darkness. Glancing north, the vague outline of stairs are revealed, leading upward into the stalagmite. Immediately west is a steel-bound door, the knob and keyhole fashioned in an odd skull-like design.
From here, the center of the stalagmite can be seen in all its glory. Completely hollow except for a few tunnels winding about its base, the interior of the stalagmite extends from here all the way to the peak, hidden within shadows high above. Stairs have been molded from the very rock of the stalagmite, spiraling their way upward along the wall and narrowing as they eventually end at a wide landing about 200' up. The stairs begin beyond an archway to the north, while the enclosed tunnels of the tower can be reached via the hallway to the south. Straight up, the empty hollow rises into darkness; only something that could fly would rise that way.
Once the mortal sanctum of Tlithzareen, this room has remained unused for centuries. Still neatly kept by the magical servant charged with the maintenance of the room, the dampness of the Underdark nonetheless has taken its toll on the upholstery of the chairs and the expensive cloth of the tapestries and curtains draped along the walls. Molds and fungal patches now grow on these, lending a pungent and damp odor to the stale air, locked in the chamber behind closed doors for centuries. A bed no longer slept in is pushed against the northern wall, made and ready to be used once again. A chest lies at the foot of the bed, clear of dust but seemingly forgotten. The door to the east leads back to a dark hallway.
The steps are so narrow here that they can only accommodate one person at any given time. Molded from the rock of the wall, the spiraling staircase begins its climb here, one side being completely open to the hollow interior while the other allows the security of the wall. Back to the south lies the base of the stairs and the network of tunnels which comprise the ground level of the tower, while above is only darkness as the steps wind steeply upward.
The steps are so narrow here that they can only accommodate one person at any given time. About 100' high now, thick darkness conceals the ground level of the tower completely, and a single misstep along these stairs would mean a fall of at least 100' and instant death. Bracing against the wall for safety, the steps climb steeply higher, or the security of solid ground can be regained by descending the stairs that wind down below.
Easily 150' high along the interior of the tower, the winding stairs spiral back down along the wall below, while the steps to the south widen to form a secure landing. The thick darkness of the hollowed interior looms ominously all around as the sound of a single pebble falling reverberates within the stalagmite, a reminder that a single misstep along these narrow steps could be fatal. A faint white glow filters across from the landing to the south.
About midway along the interior of the hollowed stalagmite, this wide landing is formed directly from the rock wall. Directly below, the darkness hides the base of the tower far beneath, while the winding stairs begin their descent from the north end of this landing, eventually circumventing the interior of the tower and leading to the tunnels below. To the east, an arch has been carved into the wall, framed by ornate sigils and glyphs of ancient magic. Inside the wall and beyond the arch a tightly spiraling staircase formed of freely floating steps leads further upward into the stalagmite. Flanking the arch and the staircase are two immobile figures.
This cylindrical chamber is about 10' across and is dominated by a set of spiraling steps which float independently of each other as they wind their way upward to an opening in the ceiling, 30' above. Intense flashes of light seep through the opening and momentarily illuminate the chamber, revealing hundreds of glyphs and sigils carved into the wall from floor to as high up as can be seen. To the west, an arched opening leads to a wide landing, with another set of glyphs and sigils framing the archway.
This is a bend in the hallway, leading west deeper into the stalagmite, or north where the darkness seems to lessen substantially. A single torch grasped in a metal fist is all that remains, its faint illumination almost extinguished. Other metal fists run along the length of the wall, empty. The smooth walls are cold to the touch, almost unnaturally so, reminiscent of a tomb or mausoleum. The air is stale and musky, but no sign of fungal growth can be seen. No signs of life other than vermin can be seen, in fact.
The largest in this area of the Underdark, this stalagmite was hollowed long ago by powerful magicks and converted to a stone tower. To the north and south, hallways lead deep into the stalagmite, while double stone doors reinforced with enchanted adamantite separate the inside of the stalagmite from the wilds of the Underdark to the east. Directly opposite the doors is a small alcove carved within the wall. A small glowing orb encased in stone rests within the alcove, pulsing softly. Below the orb, the stalagmite's guardian is called from its slumber by an unheard voice to defend the tower.
The hallway ends here at a rotten wooden door to the north, beyond which faint shuffling and scratching ensues. The musky air is near unbearable here, stagnating inside these tunnels for years, possibly even centuries if the amount of dust coating the walls and ceiling are any indication. Odd as it might be, there are small clawed imprints in the dust covering the floor. The torch holders are empty, the dim light here coming from an area south of here. The hallway continues off to the west, dense curtains of silky web criss-crossing between floor and ceiling, unbroken.
This small room lies off the main hallway running through the base of the hollowed stalagmite. Tiny scratch marks dot the walls, floor, and ceiling, as well as some punctures in the stone. Piles of filth and rotting clothes are scattered about, and a small trickle of water seeps through a crack in the wall to puddle in one of the corners. In an opposite corner, rags and debris has been gathered into a large pile, almost like a nest.
Hacking through foot upon foot of cobwebs, the hallway appears to make another bend here. Spiders and other less identifiable critters scurry about in turmoil, their placid home being disturbed for the first time. Millipedes unsuccessfully search the smooth walls for cracks, but finding none they opt for dark corners and metal torch holders instead. The webs seem to become less dense along the hallway eastward, while a strong smell of death and decay wafts in from the south, reminiscent of exhumed corpses.
This small crevice is barely large enough to fit one person as it narrows and winds its way between the numerous rock formations sculpted by the current of the river. The formations to the east look smooth, almost reflective, due to the incredible force of the water as it opens its way between the rocks. Given time, the current should erode enough rock to widen this passage, but due to the relative tightness of the passage now, it must be fairly new. The rock formations towards the north appear less weathered, and in fact no current whatsoever can be felt in that direction. A thick layer of slime covers most of the surfaces here, becoming more abundant on the rocks near the small opening to the north, beyond which not much can be seen but a filmy haze. A faint current can still be felt coming from the passage to the east.
The underground river comes to an abrupt end here, the force of the current from the water rushing in from above making swimming near impossible as eddies of water pull and push in every direction like so many small whirlpools caught in too small an area. The river has been unnaturally stopped here by a recent cave-in, indicated by the collapsed walls on every side but one; most likely they were eroded and weakened by the water. With no place to flow, the water is slowly opening a narrow passage to the west, now barely large enough for one person to squeeze through. Given time, the current will most likely widen the passage more. The surface of the rocks here is smooth to the touch, yet a slight film covers the rocks along the western end. No algae or other life can be seen here, the strength of the waters making this area uninhabitable.
The Stojanow River continues to cut its way through the Dragonspine Mountains, descending even further into the dark depths of the Underdark. The force of the river's current has eroded the rock formations within the mountains, revealing natural veins of metal ores and deposits of rare crystals. Given enough time, the river will slowly weather these as well as it continues its descent. The dark waters flow in from the east, pulling everything down with it as it winds its way downward.
The Stojanow River makes a sudden drop here, pulling everything into itself as it burrows its way into the Dragonspine Mountains, ever deeper. Completely submerged now in the chill waters, surrounded by smooth rock and algae, the river runs westward beneath the mountains. Schools of deep water fish swim by, as do bits and pieces of debris discarded into the river by some majestic waterfall far upstream, beyond the collapsed rock that closes this end of the channel. The life here is eerily translucent, never having seen the light and warmth of the sun.
This is a cramped, damp room littered with corpses in various stages of mutilation. Barely recognizable are corpses of drow, duergar, svirfneblin, and humans, all of which share a single similarity - their skulls are hollow. Even a few myconoid and peck corpses can be made out underneath the pile of bodies. The nauseous air here is toxic, and staying in this cell for any extended period would most likely result in joining these pitiful wretches. Suddenly, one of the bodies moans, and an arm shifts from somewhere within the pile...
Now immediately between the base of the tower and the wide landing above, the dim outline of a staircase can be seen as it winds its way slowly upward along the inside walls of this hollowed stalagmite. The landing above can be reached by flying another 50' or so, while the echoes of a dislodged pebble bounce off the walls as it tumbles into the darkness shrouding the base of the tower below, and the security of solid ground.
A thick, almost tangible blackness permeates this room, with an unshakable chill all around. The stone walls are rough and natural-looking, with patches of discoloration here and there indicating mineral deposits. Clashing with the cavernous appearance of this room is a metal door set in the northern wall. Approaching the door, a shambling noise and a muffled word or two can be heard now and again. A rough ramp ascends to a smoothed hallway above, which is covered in layers of dust.
The laboratory is dominated by a single stone slab used as a table which has been magically molded from the stone of the floor. Atop the table are numerous vials and flasks, within which an odd assortment of items used by the illithid wizards as components for their research can be seen. The laboratory is bereft of adornments or books, the magic being studied here at times volatile in the extreme, the air even now thick with magical energy. It is only the power of the illithid's magic that keeps this room intact, and prevents the entire cavern of Heiraktazin from being consumed in mystic flames when some research goes awry. A few instruments of magic and scrolls lie strewn about the table, as if used recently.
Beyond the door, the hallway abruptly widens here to form an oval room about 20' at its widest point. Dozens of small alcoves have been formed within the stone walls, inside which is enough room for a simple bed and a small chest. An oval table rests in the immediate center of the room, with dozens of chairs evenly spaced along its rim. The walls between the alcoves are shelved with books and objects of dark beauty, whose purposes are known only to their owners. Small balls of light serenely spin above head, illuminating the room in a soft blue glow. A door of fogged quartz leads south to a long hallway.
Walking towards the Sphere maybe wasn't such a hot idea, you realize. Too bad this only occurred to you when your body and soul have been utterly annihilated by the Sphere of Annihilation. First, your body ceases to exist, then you feel consciousness slipping away, until finally your spirit is extinguished...
Carefully navigating around mounds of melted rock and puddles of glass, the devastation so far is nothing compared to the wreckage of this laboratory. The surrounding walls having been vitrified by the intense heat of some explosion, only the immense magical nature of the remaining objects saved them from complete destruction; even so, they are now nothing more than charred remnants. Various tools of magic lie scattered and under piles of melted rock, drained of any power they might have once possessed. A cracked crystal globe still rests atop its melted metal stand off in the northwestern corner of the room, while a spherical mass of utter darkness rests against the northern wall, leading to annihilation. A pit has been blasted in the center of the room, and the broken remains of a staff can be seen within. A hallway can be accessed through a door on the southern wall.
This is a vast and barren chamber carved within the rock wall of the stalagmite ages ago to serve some unknown purpose. Now, a single ball of light floats above in a feeble attempt to drive away the palpable blackness threatening to swallow the room. Etched all along the walls, ceiling, and floor are diagrams and symbols of protection from the netherealms as well as conduits of arcane power drawn from the various elemental and energy planes. In the center of the floor amidst all the other symbols is a large summoning diagram. Sprouting up from the stone floor in the center of the design is a slender, waist high column, atop which rests a large tome of ancient mysteries. A tall figure in purple robes stands before the book, chanting, and a rift in space suddenly appears a few feet away from it.
Tall shelves cover the walls, lining the room from ceiling to floor. Tomes of ancient lore lie in heaps across the chamber, tossed off the shelves in a frantic search. There is little left of furnishings here, small pile of wood and fabric being all that remains of chairs and tables. The bookcase along the southern wall seems to have been turned slightly away from the wall, but repeated attempts could not move the bookcase any further. A miniature statue of Lathander, the Morninglord rests on the third shelf of the bookcase, miraculously untouched. However, the statue seems incomplete, the small outline of a disk being faint on its chest. A mass of ebony tentacles writhe in the center of the study, summoned by powerful magicks to keep intruders away from this room until their master returns. The writhing increases as the tentacles sense the presence of intruders, and all eight tentacles lash out in unison.
A charred door barely hangs from a hinge, no longer sufficient to separate this room from the hallway to the east. A sheet of ice covers the walls, ceiling, and floor, making walking risky at best. A plush bed rests against the eastern wall, while an overstuffed chair is comfortably set in the southeastern corner of the room, both of which are covered in the same deadly ice. A large, gilded chest lies at the foot of the bed, while blue velvet curtains are draped over all four walls, once added warmth and comfort to the room. Eerily, all furnishings here are in perfect condition, preserved by the numbing ice created by someone's - or something's - magic. The damage in this room isn't as great as in the other chambers, but it is plain to see that nothing living could last long in the chilly darkness of this once warm and inviting bedroom.
The smooth walls of this hallway are covered with a layer of grime and soot, blackened by some intense fire some time ago. The distinct smell of sulfur is faint here, but becomes stronger in the room beyond the archway to the south. Small pedestals atop which stand broken and charred statuettes are placed evenly along the length of the wall; each one once a great masterpiece of craftsmanship before whatever chaos was visited here. Off to the west, a burnt door hangs precariously from its last hinge, beyond which another darkened room can be seen. The hallway continues east, eventually leading to a second archway and opening into a spacious, dimly lit room. Ominous silence reverberates off the smoothed walls, the minimal light from the eastern chamber captured and racing along the lengths of the mineral veins natural to these rocks.
The hallway continues east here, eventually leading to an archway beyond which a dim light can be seen. The scent of death is strong here, reinforced by the stains of blood on the floor and along the walls. Suddenly, the south wall shifts and animates, the veins of minerals and stains of blood taking on the shape of a mouth. In a chill voice, the mouth speaks. "'Ware, foes of Tlithzareen, for the same fate which befell this fool Addaran shall be visited upon all who oppose me! Not even Death herself can conquer me!" The magic mouth emits a gurgling laugh, then continues, "I know of you, and know that I will squelch your miserable souls..." The mouth reforms into the smooth face of the wall, leaving no trace of the spell. A door covered in claw marks but still intact is slightly ajar, leading to another chamber to the north, from which the sounds of shuffling and breaking glass can be heard.
The smell of sulfur becomes unbearable upon entering this room, a thick coat of soot and rubble blanketing the entire chamber. The scorched remains of once plush furnishings lie strewn about, as if unbelievably strong gales laid waste here. A hole has been blasted into the western wall, the lack of debris attesting to the force of the blow. Tapestries and paintings hang in blackened shreds upon the wall, their illustrations purposely desecrated. Despite the passage of time, the distinct feeling left by the powerful magic which caused this destruction still tingles in the air. A darkened archway can be seen to the north, leading deeper into the cavern. To the south, the transparent illusory wall concealing this home from the rest of the tunnels flickers slightly as the powerful magicks interfere with its disguise.
An oval shaped alcove approximately 12' at its longest, this shrine was the place where Addaran would come and praise the glory of his deity, Lathander. With his powerful magicks, Addaran shaped this naturally rough cavern to smooth perfection as veins of mithril and gold weave chaotic patterns within the stone walls. Pictures painted by the devout of Lathander lean along the perimeter of the shrine, depicting scenes of praise and glory to the god, as well as the destruction of hordes of undead - the antithesis of all Lathander represents. A modest marble altar stands in the center of the shrine, barren except for an ornate, leather bound book. Behind the altar stands a majestic statue of the Morninglord himself, a beautiful talisman hanging from his neck, bathing the chamber with its radiance. Draped across the statue's shoulders is a flaming cape, while a delicate crystal earring in the design of a sunburst dangles from its right ear. The statue's left hand is extended in a gesture of blessing, the seeds contained within enveloping the hand in flames.
This small cavern remains isolated from the network of tunnels here in the Underdark, the perfect hide out for someone wanting to escape detection. Formed long ago by a cave in, the evidence of which still abounds in the form of debris on all sides but north. Someone has made a rough sleeping area off to one side by piling the hides of various beasts together, and the relatively fresh edibles and water near the bed indicate that whoever lives here was here not three hours ago.
This small ledge was formed during a cave in which loosened the rocks someone - or something - used to build a wall here. The narrow ledge is about 2' wide, fortunately it is dry enough to cross if careful. Several feet below, a small tunnel has caved in, and the sounds of whipping can be heard from that direction. The ledge continues south towards a widening area which eventually leads to a cavern. Mindful of loose pebbles, the wall could be scaled to the area below.
The waters of this underground lake lie below, the stagnant waters so dark that nothing below can be seen. No current interrupts the still perfection of the lake - it's almost eerie. The roof of the cavern rises almost 30' above, and the stalactites are so large that a few threaten to dip below the water, wrecking the dark beauty of the place. A few natural stone formations jut their pinnacles above the surface, like so many spines. In the center of the lake is one such formation, nearly flattened, forming a small island. The shore of the lake lies to the east, the rest of the cavern being submerged.
Just below the surface of the underground lake, the water here is thick with slime and mucous. Slime covers the few areas of cavernous walls that can be seen, as well as floats by in thick globs barely discernible as slight discolorations in the water. Deep below, intriguing formations of the natural rock of the cavern can faintly be seen before vanishing in the darkness. To the sides the walls of the cavern can be seen far off. Suddenly, a jelly-like mass floats near by; the shape of the mass undeniably that of a humanoid skull! Whatever makes its lair here seems to be able to jellify its prey for consumption, leaving the remains as amorphous masses. Now, the true nature of the slime and mucous floating about and covering the walls is known! Immediately above the surface of the lake can be reached, leading back to the network of caverns and its denizens.
Currents of slime and mucous can be seen floating by in almost invisible strands through the tepid waters of this underground lake, discernible only as slight discolorations in the water. Odd, since the lake itself has no current, and yet these strands seem to flow from somewhere off to the east. The surrounding cavern walls are smooth and covered with a thick film of slime, while interesting rock formations can barely be seen in the dark depths below; a good hiding place for some foul denizen of the lake. Unlikely though that something is down there, since not even algae and other common underground lake life can be found here, probably killed off by the slime - or whatever is the source of the slime. Rock formations also hang from what would pass as the ceiling of the cavern. Nestled within a cluster of formations is a small hole through hazy light filters from a chamber above. A narrow opening can be seen to the south, just wide enough for one person to go through.
This roughly circular cavern is about 30' in diameter and serves as the lair for the Necromancer during his centuries of banishment by Elminster. Rich tapestries salvaged during his flight adorn the smooth walls, illustrating various scenes of death, war, and blight. In the far corner of the chamber is a desk atop which dozens of beakers, tubes, and containers are neatly arranged, tools of the Necromancer in his vile research. The walls around the desk are lined with shelf upon shelf of magical tomes, each one more evil than the first, all containing mystic formulas and theories concerning death and the dead. The chamber itself is kept dry and lit by a dozen motes of light floating overhead, and a luxurious mound of pillows are tossed in a pile upon which the Necromancer sleeps every year. In the center of the chamber lies a pool of water, its foul reek due to the slime and mucous that can be seen glistening below the surface.
Once a passage between two portions of the Underdark, this small tunnel has recently been caved in due to the ill luck of a member of some drow scouting party. Large boulders litter the floor, easily the size of an adult dwarf in diameter. Above, several more boulders have been loosened by the cave in, and look as if they might fall at any moment. It seems that whoever caused this cave in was attempting to scale the cavern wall to access something above. A faint draft can be felt emanating from somewhere nearby, while the still stable portion of the tunnel continues north.
Suddenly, an illithid enters the room intent upon checking on the prisoners. Finding unmastered slaves, it acts quickly and sends out a massive wave of psionic energy. Head exploding in painful whites and reds, you barely feel yourself being carried off for a short while and dumped without ceremony on a pile of something filthy. Darkness overcomes you as consciousness slips...
Descending into a small room, a large hole filled with some indeterminable fluid can be seen in its center. Taking a closer look, a large mass of flesh lying just below the surface of the ochre fluid can be seen. Small tadpole-like creatures the size of a thumb swim about in the substance, every so often one even breaking the surface and diving back in with a dull splash. Three robed figures surround the pool, seemingly lost in a deep trance. A couple of charmed slaves go about caring for the Elder Brain, massaging it with blank faces and glazed expressions.
This huge building consists of a single domed ceiling supported by a dozen marble columns. Several motes of light conjured by the priests of Ilsensine gently spin above head, bathing the interior of this building in a soft red glow. Illithids float in and out of the building from every direction, passing between the marble columns with ease, all accompanied by their individual pets, of course. Most descend a wide spiral staircase located directly in the center of the building, silently gliding by their fellow illithids ascending the stairs. Through the columns, the slave pens can be seen to the south, a regal courtyard belonging to some important illithid to the east, and the clustered dwellings belonging to most of the illithid community to the north. A single illithid, guarded by his two hulking pets remains immobile, guarding whatever lies below with a fanatical glint in its milky, pupilless eyes.
Directly to the south lies a massive circular building, around which the entire city of Heiraktazin seems to have been built. Illithids and their pets can be seen entering and exiting the domed structure quite regularly, giving the impression that someone - or something - important resides within. The building's sides are open between its marble columns, so the way around to the rest of the city passes through the building itself, while to the north lie the dwellings of most of the citizens of Heiraktazin.
Directly to the west lies the huge open-aired domed structure situated in the center of Heiraktazin. Accompanied by their pets, illithids can be seen traveling into and out of the building frequently, the most impressive of whom come from the east. The way around the building passes through its open colonnade, while to the east lies one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin, beyond which an impressive courtyard can be seen.
Directly to the north lies an open-air building whose domed roof rests atop several huge marble columns. Traffic into and out of this building is frequent, and it appears as if this place is the center of Heiraktazin activity. The only way around the circular structure is through its open colonnade, while to the south lies one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin.
Directly east lies a large marble building, its domed ceiling resting atop huge, intricate columns. The only way around the building is through its open colonnade, while to the west lies one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin. Silently floating in and out of the massive building are illithids accompanied by their ever-present slaves. The entire city of Heiraktazin seems to have been built around this building, and based on the traffic, something important must reside within.
Off in the distance to the west a huge domed building can be seen, from which many illithids can be seen entering and exiting. Obviously, whatever lies to the west is the center of Heiraktazin community life. Far off to the south a low, sprawling structure can be seen from which faint sounds of battle can be heard. Immediately to the east lies a luxurious garden, beyond which an ornate building can be seen. Every so often, an illithid in deep blue robes exits off to the east, heading towards the structure. To the north, above the roof line of the buildings, an immense tower with elaborate spires and perches can be seen, reaching heights rivaling the tallest stalagmites, with its pinnacle barely touching the ceiling of the huge cavern housing Heiraktazin.
The eastern causeway ends here before a huge obsidian tower. To the south lies an intersection, beyond which a sprawling one-story building can be seen. Commotion reminiscent of battle can be heard from the building, leading one to wonder what is going on inside. East of the intersection a path branches off to a luxurious courtyard belonging to some prominent illithid citizens, while to the west of the intersection a path slopes gently upwards, probably to the large domed structure which appears to be located immediately in the center of Heiraktazin. Movement directly east and west is blocked by various buildings, while to the north lies an immense obsidian tower rising defiantly into the darkness cloaking the ceiling of the cavern, hundreds of feet above. The creation of some twisted architect, with its elaborate spirals and carvings, the tower is the epitome of illithid philosophy; supreme, darkly beautiful in its order and logic, blatantly deadly. A double-doored portal covered with intricate runes and carvings leads into the windowless tower, the most common etching being that of a large floating brain with two tentacles, probably the symbol of some dark illithid god long forgotten by surface dwellers.
Directly to the south lies a sprawling, one-story building from which the sounds of fierce combat emanate. Like most all the buildings in the city which have been encountered so far, the one south has no apparent locks on the doors, the illithids believing themselves supreme. To the north lies an intersection, its heavy illithid traffic turning westward toward the dome. Movement immediately east or west is blocked by the sides of various buildings of Heiraktazin.
This is the intersection of the northern causeway with a road sloping up towards a large domed building to the south, and sloping down towards a cluster of buildings to the north, housing most of the illithids population and their favorite slaves. There is heavy traffic flow to the south, giving the impression that whatever resides within the domed building is of some vital import to the illithid community. To the east, a large obsidian tower can be seen far off in the distance, rising high above the tallest of buildings, soaring into the darkness which hides the cavern's ceiling hundreds of feet above. Heading west leads beyond the dwellings to a juncture with the western causeway.
Several paths weave their way through the gardens, all merging at this point, forming a small plaza where some illithids enjoy visiting with friends and trying to impress others with their current pets. The ceiling of the immense cavern housing the city of Heiraktazin is hidden by tops of huge mushroom-like fungi, each as tall as a tree. By the base of each is a small patch of moss, their glows combining to illuminate the plaza with a pleasant, shifting prism of colors. Several illithids in plain black robes, as well as a few in blue, can be seen scattered about, mingling with their common brethren. A wide path branches off to the west, leading to another enclosed garden, beyond which a rather close communal building can be reached. To the south, a small trail leads to one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin, running east-west through the city. The plaza continues to the east, and through the canopy of fungi the top of a large obsidian tower can be seen in that direction.
This small clearing borders a plaza nestled between the communes of the illithids. Large, circular buildings can be seen in most every direction, while to the southeast a tall obsidian tower can be seen through the bare patches in the canopy overhead formed by the tree-sized mushrooms which surround the clearing. To the south, a causeway can be reached by taking a paved path, while to the west the main plaza of the communes can be accessed. From that direction, the dull stomps of pets can be heard as they tend to the needs of their masters.
To the west the causeway continues past an intersection and towards a juncture with the western causeway of Heiraktazin, while to the north a small path leads into the cluster of buildings housing most of the illithid population of the city. Immediately to the east an ornate obsidian tower rises into the darkness hiding the cavernous ceiling of Heiraktazin, hundreds of feet above. This darkly beautiful structure, with its pointed spires, twisted architecture, and intricate carvings in the obsidian surface lend it the appearance of a structure from some nightmare realm. A huge, double-door portal covered with intricate runes and carvings leads into the windowless tower, the most common of etchings being that of a large floating brain with two tentacles, probably the symbol of some dark, long lost illithid god.
Like the outside of the tower, the walls of this chamber are of polished obsidian, the sheen so perfect that the dimensions of this circular room are near impossible to tell due to the constant reflection of images. The floors themselves are also of polished obsidian, merging seamlessly with the walls, creating a continuous effect that, coupled with the reflective nature of the walls, is quite disorienting. Complete and utter silence permeates the inside of the tower; not even the near-silent swishing of robes against rock so noticeable in the city proper can be heard. A wide staircase is formed against the wall, circumventing the chamber as it winds its way upwards to another level of the tower. To the southwest lies a huge, double-doored portal completely covered with engraved runes and glyphs, the most common one being of a floating brain with two tentacles - a motif that is also repeated throughout the chamber in the form of etchings on the walls wrought in platinum. The room is completely devoid of material objects.
Like the tower itself, the walls of this room are of seamless, polished obsidian. Indeed, the entire chamber gives one the feeling of floating in a black void, and the small platinum etchings of a two-tentacled brain in the walls might even be stars - possibly signifying the illithids origins as well as their ideology of supremacy and conquest. However, a slight imperfection in the reflective obsidian surface can be seen on the eastern end of the room, almost in the shape of a door. No material objects adorn the walls or ceiling, such trifles not being worthy of Ilsensine's subjects. A wide spiraling staircase circumvents the chamber as it winds its way upwards against the face of the wall, leading to the entry level below or another chamber above.
Like the tower itself, this room is made of polished obsidian, the floor and walls merging seamlessly with each other. Symbols of a two-tentacled brain are etched in the walls, wrought in pure platinum. Spaced evenly on the floor in circular formation are the large cushions upon which the black-robed priests of Ilsensine sleep. In the center of the circle formed by the cushions stands a 3' marble pillar, atop which rests a pulsing red jewel signifying the beating heart of Hieraktazin. The only other feature of note in this chamber is a slight irregularity in the reflective surface of the north wall, roughly the size and shape of a door.
A sparsely furnished room, containing a simple cushion as a bed and a small chest to store the few material possessions of the room's inhabitant. The black obsidian walls create an illusion of an immense chamber, while in reality the room seems to be no more than 10' in diameter with its ceiling rising to a sharp point, as this room is contained within one of the large spires that can be seen jutting from the tower outside. The faint outline of a door can be seen to the south, nothing else of interest being in this room.
This chamber is located at the very top of the Obsidian Tower, dedicated to the veneration of Ilsensine, the Great Creator. As most all the rooms within the tower, the walls of this round chamber are seamless polished obsidian, creating the impression of an infinitely vast space. Unlike the other rooms, immense marble pillars stand in circular formation, within which are arranged twelve cushions of depthless black velvet, sharply contrasting the stark white of the columns. The Chamber of the Mind is used by the highest priests of Ilsensine to beseech communion with the god for the aid and betterment of the illithid people and their aims. A wide staircase is the only exit, spiraling downward into the darkness of the tower.
This is the main chamber of Phaenerakta, home of the blue-robed illithid wizards of Heiraktazin. Immediately to the south lies a prominent door with a crystal lock, while a hallway leads off to the north, going deeper into Phaenerakta where the private chambers of the wizards lie. Windows on the western wall provide a clear view of the cityscape, allowing the wizards a clear view of the domed central building as well as the obsidian tower to the northwest. A door to the west leads off to the courtyard of the building, beyond which lies one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin. A huge, glowing Orb is mounted on a bejeweled stand in the center of the chamber, allowing the mages to keep an eye on the potential problem areas in the city - and beyond. Rich tapestries hang from the walls, depicting Heiraktazin in its glory as blue and black robed figures stand together in defense of the city from its foes.
A small clearing in the garden with benches arranged in a roughly circular formation. Behind the benches, large tree-sized mushrooms provide a natural canopy overhead, offering the illusion of privacy. Small motes of light gently spin above in complex patterns, providing enough illumination to read by. Chirps, rattles, and clicks from somewhere deep in the garden provide a pleasant backdrop for the clearing, soothing in its alienness. Most likely, this clearing is used by the residents of the building to the northeast for peaceful meditation, reading, and discussion. The garden path leads back north.
This causeway runs east-west through Heiraktazin, north of the central domed building. To the west is the junction of this causeway with the western one, while to the east is an intersection, branching to the north and south, the southern route being the most used as illithids branch off to the southern path quite regularly. Immediately to the north is a small path which leads to the communal homes of the illithids, as well as their current favorites. All other pets being kept somewhere else in the city, most likely somewhere less pleasant.
This is a winding path between some of the buildings housing most of the illithid population of Heiraktazin. Several other similar trails branch off in other directions, weaving their ways through small patches of underground vegetation cultivated and neatly tended by the illithids. Mushroom-like things as large as the tallest half-giant grow everywhere, their tops forming a nice canopy, and moss of every color imaginable abound, their combined glows illuminating the area under the canopy. Surprisingly, small alien creatures native to the Underdark scitter across the paths between the gardens. A fairly wide path branches off to the west, leading to a round communal building exactly like the ones surrounding these canopied gardens. Another, equally wide path branches east, leading to what appears to be a small plaza between the buildings, where the quiet swishing of robes against rock indicates a substantial number of illithids gliding by, most likely accompanied by their current pets. To the south, a causeway running east-west through Heiraktazin can be reached.
This is the place where the causeways running west and north of the central domed structure meet. To the north, the buildings housing most of the illithids of Heiraktazin can be seen, while to the south a narrowing of the causeway runs between some other buildings. Looking south, a sense of imminent danger arises when thoughts of heading in that direction come forth. The northern causeway continues east of here, at the far end of which lies a gigantic obsidian tower, spiraling to the very top of the cavern housing Heiraktazin. The many, pointed spires and intricate carvings decorating the tower give the impression that it is one of the main buildings of the city. Immediately to the east a path can be seen which leads to the homes of the illithids and their current pets.
This is a large, circular chamber as wide as it is tall. Small alcoves can be seen evenly spaced along the entire length of the wall, while the main archway is east leading out to a small area of gardens between the buildings, the paths between them weaving their ways between the vegetations like so many tentacles. Looking into the nearest alcove, a simple but comfortable-looking bed can be seen, as well as a plain chest containing the few individual belongings of each illithid citizen. Immediately in the center of the building is a large communal living area, complete with chairs, tables, and even some moss and fungi, their glow being sufficient enough for the illithids to read by if they so desire. Off to the sides, partitioned cubicles can be seen containing tomes and small stools, probably for the few illithids who wish to study away from their brethren. Tapestries and art objects of dark beauty grace the chamber at regular intervals, reminders that illithids aren't just brain-eating monsters, but are also a people with a culture, and a history. While all of the residents aren't at home currently, a select few chose to remain behind, probably hungry for a snack.
This narrow portion of the causeway runs between tall buildings that crowd it on either side. Like other areas of Heiraktazin, this area is completely quiet, ominously so in fact. A sixth sense warns that something is very wrong here, but it is impossible to pinpoint exactly what. To the north, the clustered dwellings of the communal illithids can be seen, while directly south there is an intersection, its heavy traffic turning eastward up toward the dome.
This is one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin, running north-south through the city. Immediately east a path can be seen sloping gently up towards a large domed building which many illithids and their pets travel to and from. The causeway continues south between the buildings, and farther along in that direction the city gates can be seen. Looking north, another narrow area between buildings can be seen, and some sixth sense urges caution in the direction. Farther to the north, the dwellings of the illithids can be seen clustered together, lending support to the rumor that the illithids live in an extremely communal society, some even hypothesize they possess a shared consciousness.
This is where the causeway due west of the central dome begins, running north-south through Heiraktazin. Immediately to the south the gates of the city can be seen, while to the north is an intersection of roads. Many illithids can be seen heading east of the intersection, always accompanied by their various slaves, of course. Movement east and west is blocked by the sides of various buildings, housing the daily going-ons of city life.
Passing through the gates of Heiraktazin, the entire city of the illithids lies nestled in an immense underground cavern. Heiraktazin has been built atop a gently sloping mound, with these gates being at the lowest elevation on its southwestern end. Far off to the northeast lies an unusual looking domed building, situated at the highest point of the cavern overlooking the city sprawled around it, its numerous roads spreading out from the dome like so many tentacles. Further off to the northeast, rising above the dome, is a huge spiraling tower carved of pure obsidian, its pinnacle seeming to scrape the very top of the cavern housing Heiraktazin. Paved causeways lead off to the east, ending abruptly at a large one story building resembling some type of coliseum or arena, as well as to the north towards a dense concentration of circular buildings. The depths of the Underdark can be returned to by exiting through the intricate gates to the west.
This is the beginning of one of the main causeways of Heiraktazin, which passes along the southern side of a large domed building around which all other structures in the city have been built. Immediately to the west lie the city gates, while the causeway continues off to the east towards a large, one-story building.
A damp, stinking room with piles of fetid waste lining the walls. Trays of molding mushrooms rest in the center, along with a bucket of stagnant water. Dozens of corpses litter the room, their stench nearly overpowering; they were the lucky ones who died before the illithids got to them. The cell's exit is to the east, no door being needed since these wretches are too weak to even contemplate escape. The slaves look up in fear, unable to see in the thick darkness, thinking that their time has come and the guard is selecting one of them for its illithid masters. They huddle against the walls in terror.
Upon entering this small square building, the most noticeable of its features is a damp, pungent odor. The smell of unclean bodies, stale air, and waste is strong from the south, where an open archway leads into the pen. A crude wooden door with a stone knob is set in the east wall, while in the far corner of the room is a raggedy cot. A slave assigned to guard and care for its fellows lies asleep on the cot, oblivious to everything - even the call of its masters. Gripped tightly in the guard's huge hand is a small stone key.
The road continues east and west, while to the north some type of large domed structure can be seen. There seems to be an unusually high number of illithids heading towards and from the north, which appears to be the center of Heiraktazin community life. Farther to the west the city gates can be seen, while to the east a large commotion of some kind can be heard - it almost sounds like fighting. To the south lie the pens where the illithids tend to keep their spent slaves for culinary purposes, as well as the "farm" where they breed the choice specimens for offspring.
Directly to the east lies a sprawling, one-story building from which all the noise of Heiraktazin seems to be emanating. Like most all the buildings in Heiraktazin, this one has no apparent locks on the doors, the illithids having little to fear from each other, their slaves, or the other denizens of the Underdark. To the west the causeway continues, while movement north and south is blocked by the sides of various buildings.
Immediately ahead lies the outside walls of a large, sprawling building which rests on the southeastern slope of Heiraktazin. Wide staircases can be seen off to the sides, carrying the illithids up to the balconies where they can better watch the entertainment of the arena, while a few illithids lead their respective pets through the huge wooden doors leading south and east from which the sounds of fierce combat ensue. Between the doors and the staircases, large alcoves have been built into the smooth outside walls of the arena, within which statues can be seen. A few of the statues are of humanoid beetle-like creatures with hooked forearms and vulture heads. Here and there the statue of some demihuman or human who found favor in the eyes of the illithid spectators can be seen. The largest of the alcoves contains the replica of the largest and deadliest umber hulk ever seen, standing a towering 15' with each mandible the length of a human's arm. The eastern causeway leads off to the north, while the southern causeway can be followed off to the west.
This is a small hallway under the western balcony of the Arena. Above, the shuffling of Illithids as they socialize and place their bets on an arena match can be heard. A door to the north leads to the city, while the hallway continues south. The entire eastern wall is open, giving a clear view of the battlefield. A large, two-headed troll can be seen battling a minotaur. Suddenly, the minotaur lunges at the troll and pins it to the ground while pounding one of the heads. In desperate fury, the troll gouges the minotaur's right eye. The minotaur howls in blind rage as the troll quickly stands, its left head a bloody pulp. All claws and teeth, the troll tackles its foe, a lucky strike ripping the minotaur's throat and ends its life in a gurgled howl. Excited shuffling can be heard above, as Illithids collect their winnings. An illithid emerges from under the northern balcony and leads its victorious pet from the field, the loser's corpse remaining in the dirt with a half-dozen others.
This hallway lies below the balcony along the northern end of the arena building. Chairs and tables furnish this hallway, as the owners of the current arena combatants eagerly watch their pets in battle through the open wall to the south. The hallway continues east, at the end of which a barred door can be seen; looking south, the fighting figures of an umber hulk and a deformed giant can be seen in bloody combat. The giant has the umber hulk in a crushing bear hug, until it foolishly looks down to gloat at its opponent. In doing so, the giant's gaze is caught by the umber hulk's colorful faceted eyes, and is lost within them - mesmerized. In short order, the umber hulk frees itself, and with a swift strike gets the giant's neck between its mandibles and decapitates its helpless foe. Head and body fall to the ground, to lie among the corpses of the other losers as the umber hulk is led from the field by its pleased illithid master.
This large room lies at the southwestern corner of the Arena, used to prepare the awaiting combatants for their challenges. Wooden benches line the southern and western walls, while an archway leads to the hallway running north. To the east, a closed metal door leads to the Arena itself, and the sound of fierce battle can faintly be heard, exciting the already eager pets. Fortunately, the Illithids' control over their pets is absolute, preventing the bloodthirsty monsters from killing each other right here!
This is the deadly Arena of Heiraktazin, where the Illithids bring their pets to fight and satisfy their perverse sense of entertainment. Located immediately in the center of a large, flat building in Heiraktazin's southeast corner, the darkness hiding the ceiling of Heiraktazin hundreds of feet above can be seen. On all sides are balconies, where the Illithids enjoy the spectacle and place wagers on the Arena's winner. Below the balconies, long hallways open to the Arena field can be seen. All about, maimed and decapitated corpses litter the floor, some lying in pools of still-fresh blood. Footprints of numerous beasts can be seen in the dirt, layer upon layer, the sporadic patterns evidence of the dozens of battles which have just recently taken place here. A gigantic basilisk, the arena's current champion, awaits its opponent, pacing to and fro.
This small, dirty cell is about 7'x 7', barely enough room to lie down if tired. This barren room contains no cot, no tray with food and water. However, a stinky pile of rotten cloth is nestled in the corner, presumably to sleep upon. A barred door lies to the west, beyond which a long hallway can be seen. To the south, a wooden door rests slightly ajar, and the sounds of fierce battle can be heard from beyond the door. Oddly, barely discernible above the cries and roars of fighting, muffled conversation can be heard coming from somewhere other than from the south or west.
This is the room where the illithids tend to keep their prisoners before and during interrogations. The room's sole occupant is a wasted reptilian humanoid creature huddled in a corner as it wrings its hands in obsessive glee. The only thing of interest in this windowless cell is a makeshift cot pushed against the eastern wall, next to which rests a cup of water and some bread. A rotting layer of some rough cloth barely covers the floor, the majority of it being greedily hogged by the lizardman. There is a door to the north, and a faint white glow escapes from the room beyond.
This beautiful garden lies off the eastern causeway of Heiraktazin. Large trees, mushrooms, flowers, and moss of every variety can be found in this garden, from the exotic to the mundane; their mingled scents near intoxicating. Small creatures native to the Underdark can be seen scurrying about through the foliage, as well as some bird species - obviously kept alive here through some magical means. A wide dirt path leads off to the south, while a paved path leads east to a large, gilded door covered with arcane runes and symbols, set in the wall of a building styled after the dwellings favored by surface dwellers. Westward, the garden opens onto the causeway.
This chamber is where the illithids keep the prospective pairs they have found worthy to breed, for whatever reason. Four piles of hay lie in each of the corners of the room, and a large bucket of water as well as a tray of mushrooms and fungi have been set in the center.
Suddenly, shimmering portals appear before you and several illithids in blue, stiff-necked robes step out of the portal before they vanish. It's a trap! Apparently, the illithids weren't so oblivious to your presence after all! Before you have time to react, your head explodes in painful whites and reds as the illithids blast you with focused psionic energy. Barely conscious, you are dimly aware of several hulking forms dragging you off the ground and throwing you over massive shoulders as you are carried off. Then, consciousness slips out of your struggling grasps, and all is black...
Bones crunch underfoot at the southern end of the arena, where the losers of a hundred bouts have been left to rot in the dirt. A heavy metal door is set in the western wall, through which combatants are led out from the preparation room, but it is barred on the other side and opens only for the illithids' pets. Above, the shuffling of the spectators on the southern balcony rises and falls with every blow struck on the field to the north.
The narrow tunnel hidden below the cell leads to a small, square shaped cavern. Somehow having escaped illithid notice, this dimly lit cavern is about 10'x 10', with the ceiling being a cramped 6' off the floor. A small, tired svirfneblin stands off to one side in quiet conversation with a young human female. Noticing "guests", he makes a gesture to the woman. Nodding, she takes off running down the narrow corridor to the north.
A narrow tunnel leads out from the small cavern just to the south, beneath the cells of Heiraktazin. Dim light emanating from the various species of fungi illuminates the tunnel, which appears to be fairly well used if the worn floor is any indication. Overhead, a rotting layer of cloth stretched over boards covers a hole into one of the cells above. Small vermin scurry about, seeking to hide within the numerous niches and crannies which crisscross the tunnel walls, frightened by the sound of passage. A faint light and the sound of voices come from the cavern to the south, while the tunnel runs a long way west beneath the city.
You have entered a luxurious bedroom, decorated in shades of deep reds, indigos, and black. Intricate tapestries hang from the walls of this circular room, depicting scenes from places alien and long forgotten. Complex, abstract sculptures by artists of various races grace the chamber, adding to the exotic taste of the owner. Immediately in the center of the room is a shallow, circular pit about 10' in diameter, within which are strewn numerous pillows atop a plush mattress. Thick, inviting quilts lay tossed aside comfortably, beckoning you to snuggle in their warmth. It is obvious that whomever makes this room theirs, enjoys a life of comfort and luxury. A door of polished obsidian leads west to a cozy-looking study.
Currents of swirling colors glitter and merge all about, taking on forms both hideous and beautiful before they disperse. All sense of direction is gone, and your concept of time has no meaning in the swirling chaos. Floating in this vortex, you realize that the forms and shapes that you see forming before you are being shaped by your imagination, dissolving before they are created, with neither an end nor a beginning. Tomorrow already was, Yesterday has yet to be.
You are in a cozy, dimly lit room whose only illumination is coming from a large crystal Orb mounted on a bejeweled stand in the center of this circular chamber. Looking through the Orb, you see shifting scenes of various locations throughout the planes; one moment you behold the Commons of Daleville, only to have the scene shift to a gigantic stone Watcher alone in some forgotten desert; only to shift again. Scattered about the floor are plush pillows of deep indigos, burgundies, and rich blacks, inviting you to lie among them and relax. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with shelf upon shelf of books, both ancient and modern, covering every topic imaginable. Off to the side you see a large comfortable chair, next to which floats a small mote of light. Resting atop the seat cushion is a tome dealing with the various arguments for and against the existence of gods. A spiral staircase continues up to a portal in the ceiling of the study, and a soft blue glow escapes from the room above. A polished obsidian door leads to a room to the east, while a door of fogged crystal leads west.
You have reached the top of Aryllin Tower, which houses the fabled Matrix of the Planes. It is rumored that with this artifact, one can traverse the planes of existence at will. Indeed, the Matrix pulses with an inner light, its sapphire radiance lending this otherwise barren room an unearthly blue hue as it slowly floats and spins in the air. Suddenly, the Matrix flares, and four lances of blinding blue light shoot out in the cardinal directions. Momentarily blinded, as your vision returns you see four shimmering portals surrounding you, enticing you to enter. Where do they lead, you wonder...