252 rooms · levels 29–53
Two large stone arches cover each exit leading out from this room. To the west is a smooth carved tunnel, the arch has a very large imposing spider carved into it. To the south is a damp hallway, its arch has a large tree carved into it.
The tunnel here is smooth to the touch, the walls, the floor and the high ceiling even look smooth. You think you can sense a small breeze that wafts through, you must not be too far from the surface.
The tunnel here splits off into several directions. Each direction looks the same, nothing to make you take one passage over the other. A cave-in blocks one more, and the ceiling over it looks very shaky, so try not to be too loud. A slight whispering sound tickles your ears for a brief moment, before completely fading.
The width of the tunnel shrinks down to about 5 handspans wide, making it a very tight fit. The walls look like they have been scuffed up as others have traversed here before. Other than a few pebbles on the floor the area is completely empty.
The passage twists and turns, confusing your directions as you follow it. Finally you come to a wider section where a few more passages lead off into the darkness.
The passage ends at a smooth stone wall, two new passages continue off what would be left and right. The darkness seems oppressive here, even the light source you use seems to darken a bit.
The passage finally empties into a large cavern, the walls look worked but the ceiling still has a rough look to it. Suddenly you get a whiff of a ghastly smell, WHEW! Something here must have died, you do your best to keep your last meal down.
The twisting passage blends into a corner with only two exits from here. In the northern corner a small puddle of water is forming, it looks like a small hole in the cavern ceiling drips water.
You trudge off into the darkness following the walls, the tunnel turns sharply. The walls here are a bit damp, the cool touch sends a shiver down your spine.
A slight breeze touches your face as you traverse this narrowing tunnel passage. The sounds of rock grinding against rock slowly break the silence for a brief moment.
The passage ends in a simple cavern, in the center of the cavern a sturdy wooden table sits surrounded by 4 chairs. Atop the table are a few cups and wooden plates. This looks like it could be a look-out post for some residents of the caverns.
The walls here are lined with a few torches, sending wavering yellow light across the walls. The passageway looks very well travelled. The tunnel continues on north into the darkness and south following the line of torches.
The tunnel finally widens out into a large cavern that has been made into a common area. Long wooden tables bordered with benches line the walls. Several large torches are set into the walls and light the room up with a yellowish light. Cups, plates, wooden spoons and an empty flask are some of the items on the tables. The cavern smells here seem to be more of a civilized nature and not the earthy, underground of the rest of the caves.
A small cooking pit has been set up at the back of this room. Several large pots and pans are stacked on a wooden table, along with a meat cleaver. Sacks of flour and other items used in cooking are stacked along the far wall.
This passage leads to some of the living quarters of the residents of the caverns. Stacked against the walls are piles of wood, probably used for cooking fires.
A Small cavern has been converted into living quarters for someone. A pile of grass and moss in the corner look to be a bed of sorts. Pieces of cloth and other sundries lie about the room.
Several exits lead off from this passageway, to the east the tunnel continues. Sounds of talking can be heard from several directions, you're not real sure what direction it comes from.
The smell of dirty clothes hits you as you arrive, then you see why. About fifty small grass and moss made beds line the walls in this cavern, and at the end of most all them lies some sort of dirty clothes or similar item.
Tapestries line the cave walls here, giving the room an almost house feeling. A fairly large wooden cot has been set up in the far end of the cavern, covered in warm looking furs. Near the entrance is a small table that is empty.
This room is quite simple, a grass and moss made bed against the south wall and a short table near the head of the bed. The room seems quite empty other than the mentioned items.
Piles of treasure hidden from would-be thieves lies stacked about in neat orderly piles. The secret exit to the north is almost invisible even from this side of the exit.
Stacks of wooden crates, barrels and sacks of every sort of supplies you can think of are here. There is even a supply of spears and other weapons near the back. A few large shields have been attached to the walls.
Above your head you can see a hole in the ceiling, and it looks like that is where all the trash strewn about the cavern came from. It appears this is a dump used by the residents of the upper caves. Rotten bones, hides, broken pieces of furniture and several unknown objects lie about. A short natural cavern exits from here into the darkness.
You manage to squeeze through the tight natural cavern, with only minor scrapes to yourself. The smell off to the east is not very nice at all, the air seems to clear up as you move east.
The cavern widens into a large open space. Large stalagmites and stalactites cover the ceiling and floor of this area, dripping water falls into a small stream. Several tunnels shoot off from here, they are all natural caverns and were probably made at one time when the now small stream was a roaring flood.
The walls and here are smooth from what used to be a tunnel filled with water, in the center of the cavern a small stream runs through, a small reminder of what used to be a river.
The smooth walls here give way to short off-shoots of other tunnels. The small stream follows the other tunnels off into the darkness.
The passage behind you narrows into a small hole, where a trickle of water disappears. Northwards the water seems to have cut a larger passage in the living stone.
The streams pour into one large stream, before splitting off each other into every direction, following the previous path of the old river. A dark path leads off into every direction.
The passage follows the small stream until it meets a rather large stalactite where it twists off left and right. Several large boulders are lying on the floor here, and look like they must have fallen within the last few centuries.
The tunnel you are following comes to a rather sharp turn, leading off to the west and south. A small stream trickles gently in the middle of the passage following an ancient path.
A small stream splits at a rather large boulder and T's off to the left and right, forming two new passages. Back to the south the stream disappears into the darkness and rock.
The walls here are smooth like most of the natural caves here, but the stream bed is dry. It seems this was the outer most edge of the older large river. It seems as though the river never managed to cut through the stone any farther than here.
A tight curve leads east and south from here, a small stream of water following the curve tightly. The walls bend making the passage almost round, and hard to traverse.
The walls in this cavern are completely smooth and round. You must follow the center of the path or lean against the walls to keep from falling down.
It appears that this was the main pathway of the ancient river, because the passageway widens out where ten people could walk abreast. The stream that runs through here follows the passage directly in the center of the tunnel. The soft trickling sounds relax your mind even in this dangerous area of the underworld.
The smooth walls here have been painted by someone. The pictures follow the stream path north and southward. Humanoid figures, more like sticks, are shown attacking other types of stick creatures. It would be almost impossible to determine what race or creatures the pictures depicted.
The small stream takes a sharp turn to the left, before it seems to disappear completely. The sounds of water finally stop, leaving you in complete silence.
The air is dry here, even begins to smell of earth and stone, and not moss and mold. A few stalagmites look to be large stone chairs, strangely there are no stalagmites at all here.
Strange glowing fungus clinging to the walls lights the caverns here, allowing you to see without a light source. Passages lead off west and east, both looking like they have been traveled in recently.
The strange fungus lights this area very well allowing you to see what lies to the west, a deep chasm. There appears to be a ledge over looking the chasm wide enough for several people.
The stone of the cavern floor leans out over the pitch black chasm. You can see that other adventurers have stood here at this magnificent place before you, leaving faint tracks in the coarse sand. Looking downwards into the chasm you cannot see the bottom. A light warm breeze touches your cheek lightly as you lean over to look.
You slip over the edge of the ledge, you try and grasp at a rocky outcropping as you realize it was a mistake to attempt to move down. You slip.... screaming you grasp at anything you can, images of yourself smashed atop a stone floor gives you the shivers before you suddenly meet up with the cold stone, your life blood flows out and you die.
The warm air continues to waft over the edge of the chasm keeping you and the rest of the party warm. The soft light from the glowing fungus lights the narrow ledge along the chasm. Small bits of stone lie in the passageway here and there.
You follow the ledge along the edge of the chasm, the sounds of eerie winds rises from the chasm beside the ledge. On the other side, the cavern walls are alight with the fungus that grows most all over here, it lights the narrow passage brightly here, giving off an eerie green light.
The deep chasm beside you seems to emit a black light, where the fungus along the cavern walls emit an eerie green light. Farther northwards you can see that a stone bridge has been built over the blackness of the chasm. From this side you can see two large pillars on either side of the bridge, atop each pillar a yellow flickering fire burns.
Two large stone pillars, made from pitch black stone, are placed on each side of the path leading to the bridge. Atop each pillar burns a small yellow fire. As you move nearer the pillars the flames roar up lighting the bridge completely in a wavering yellow light. The ledge following the chasm leads southwards.
The stone bridge looks to be made of one single stone. Clearly this bridge was made by the best stone masons. On the north and south edges of the bridge a short lip was made, to keep people from wandering over the edge and falling into the blackness.
Two large pillars stand on either side of the path onto the bridge. A small fire burns atop each lighting the passage way and the bridge. The bridge leads westwards over the gaping chasm below. Glowing fungus lights the tunnel passage that leads off to the west.
The tunnel here narrows a bit from the large cavern to the east. Glancing at the walls you can see someone or something has been chipping at the hard stone, probably mining. Bits of stone lie on the floor, but clearly the stones chipped from the walls were cleared away, somewhere else. The narrow tunnel continues on west and east.
The tunnel here seems to have been carved out of the stone, and not a natural occurrence. The passageway to the north seems to widen out, to the west the tunnel continues, you must dodge several stones lying on the floor.
The stone passage here seems to become natural again, the tunnelers must have broken through to a natural cavern once they began their mining to the south.
Several tunnels split off from here, plainly this is a mining area used by some mining race. The walls and floor here are very rough and covered with stone and earth. Here and there you can even catch the glimmer of some shiny objects in the stone walls.
The natural caves weave around and about but generally lead south and east from here. The rock here is sharp on the walls you must give wide berth to the walls or be cut.
The natural caves widen out to the north, you see what appears to be a dim purple light off in that direction. To the west the natural caves disappear into a weaving mass of stone. You begin to hear noises off to the north. The ground is uneven in this cave, many large rocks clutter the floor making passage through here hard.
A deep purple light emits from somewhere to the north, several sounds echo off the natural cavern walls. Some even sound like voices. You get the urge to be a bit more quiet not sure what lies ahead. The cavern to the south is silent.
Large gates demand your attention here, they glow with a deep purple, almost black light. The gates are made of a black metal that seems to absorb any light shed here. In the center of the gates a large spider creature has been worked in metal, if the gates were to open the large spiders maw would open wide to accept you. Where the eyes of the spider would be several gems have been inlayed into the metal. Plainly the gates are magical, and surely there are guards to protect what ever lies behind those evil looking eyes.
The passage ends at a large stone door. This cavern has been cleaned of all stone shards and dirt, near the wall to the west two chairs lean against the wall. There are no handles on the door on the east wall, it is probably opened from the other side only, to best protect someone or something. In a small alcove about waist high a lantern has been placed to light up the cavern.
There is a large stone door which blocks the passage west. It has been reinforced with iron bars which make a place to put the large steel padlock which lies on the floor. It is not immediately apparent why someone would go to such extreme measures to protect a passage, but then you see signs of the residents that live here. The markings on the tools and barrels suggest that dwarves live near. A few wheelbarrows and picks lie near the north wall. Along the south wall spears, hammers, spokes and other gear are stacked. These walls are roughly shaped and have some strange stones embedded in them.
This long passage leads west and east. Short torches line the walls about 1 meter above the ground lighting the tunnel. The length of the tunnel you would guess, would be about 100 yards. This would make a good place to stand should someone break past defenses.
This appears to be a main junction in the tunnels, several smaller tunnels split off in every direction. This area looks well travelled. A few supplies for mining are stacked along the walls, making use of all storage space.
Two short torches light this narrow, short tunnel. It leads north and south. Smells of burning coal or wood comes from the north along with a strong orange light.
This area in the caves has been organized into a common area with tables chairs, and even a small fire pit. The walls are lined with short burning torches keeping the area completely in light. To the south living quarters have been carved from the stone.
The short tunnel is lighted by two small torches in the wall. The passage continues on north and south.
Strong orange light keeps this area lighted completely, looking northwards you can see where the light comes from, a very LARGE forge. You can guess from the objects in the room that this is a forge area where metal weapons, tools and other things are made. A large anvil rests near the forge along with a large forming hammer. Hanging along the west wall are three leather aprons, slipped over small pins nailed into the stone wall.
You have found the secret store of precious metals that the forger uses in his work. Stacks of silver, steel and a few precious piles of mithril and adamantite are arranged in neat order. The gold value of just one single pile would make anyone a king, at least a lord!
Carved into the rock are several sleeping quarters. All along the walls small alcoves have been carefully organized allowing for the best possible arrangement. This area would probably sleep about fifty to sixty dwarves, with extra space for a few youngsters. In each alcove a moss bed has been made.
A large wooden table rests in the center of the room, surrounded with a dozen chairs. Atop the table are several scrolls and maps. The walls in this cavern are covered in maps of mines and the surrounding areas. A large fire pit has been built in the north wall.
TREASURE! You have found a stash of iron chests, bound with steel bands. Each chest has a large lock that looks to be impossible to break, much less pick open.
Here, behind the massive black gates is a small area. It could be a waiting area, or maybe a guard post.
The caverns expand well over your head and reach heights of about one thousand feet. A dim pale purplish light seems to emit from the stones lighting most of city. A rocky path has been carved into the floor of the cavern here, probably by the blood and sweat of slaves, that leads east and west. In every direction you see tall towers, stalagmites, that seem to be spotted with internal lights.
Several massive stalagmites rise above you across the road. As you look upon them you realize that within that black stone creatures move about, what you thought was light spots on the stalagmites is light coming from the purplish light sources inside. The smooth road leads east and west from here. To the west several more large houses tower above you and the rest of the houses.
You are closer to the center of the underground city, sounds of a normal city meet your ears, along with a few sounds no normal city should hear. Screams echo off in the distance, chilling you to the bone. The towering stalagmites converge together the farther you move west.
You're almost in the center of the glowing city, the purple glow seems to get brighter as you look westwards. Several stalagmites, used as houses for the black elves ring the outer most edges of here. Farther west you can see the largest house you have ever seen. To the east the houses thin out.
The Main Roadway continues on east and west. Northwards a smaller roadway splits off. You stand amidst the largest stalagmites in the dark elf city.
The smaller roadway leads north and south. The cobblestone road leading north, leads directly to what looks like a place of worship. The entrance to the worship place, a smaller stalagmite, you must get past the large black iron doorway.
The Entrance to the worship hall is small. Paintings hang on the walls, covering the black stone. The painting hanging depict several events, most of which involve blood.
This is a short hallway, the stone walls are covered in black cloth. Small pillars of black stone have been erected all along the hallway only stopping for exits east and west.
A short hallway leads off into a smaller cavern, to the west the main entrance hallway can be seen in the dim purple light.
The room's walls here are covered in a pitch black cloth covering the stone walls. In the center of the room a small stone object rests in the center of a cup, lighting the room. Near the cup a small carpet rests, probably for resting knees of a worshiper. The silence here is absolute making for a good place for contemplation.
Black cloth covers the stone walls in the hall. The short passage leads west into a small room, and east back to the main hallway.
The room's walls here are covered in a pitch black cloth covering the stone walls. In the center of the room a small stone object rests in the center of a cup, lighting the room. Near the cup a small carpet rests, probably for resting knees of a worshipper. The silence here is absolute making for a good place for contemplation.
The hallway is darker than other places, and silent. The black cloth covering the walls shifts in a light breeze.
The silence begins to get oppressive, utter silence. Exits lead off east and west but the hallway continues north and south.
This is a narrow hallway leading to a shadowy room to the east. Westwards lies the main hallway.
A dim pulsing red light lights the room, the light comes from an idol formed from a large piece of red quartz. Looking closer you can see that the idol is in the shape of a half woman, half spider creature. You shiver.
The short dark hallway leads into a small room. Back to the east you can see the dim main hallway.
The room is completely empty of anything, the only object in the room is a small glowing stone placed in the center of the cavern.
The passage widens out, and looks to widen out more to the north. Brighter light flashes now and then from the northern end of the hallway. Dark stone pillars line the walls.
Flickering lights greet you as you arrive. To the north you can see two large wooden doors, both banded with iron and carved with hideous scenes of murder and violence. Behind the doors an evil awaits, at least that is what you feel along the back of your neck.
You pass through the massive wooden doors to find a huge cavern converted to an evil worship hall. The walls have been covered in black cloth in some places and statues, paintings and carvings in other places. Low benches are lined west to east, about ten rows. Farther north on a raised dais a large chair rests, currently the chair looks empty, but you sense great evil at one time or another has used this place as a throne room.
The path you follow is small and narrow, almost forgotten. Very few adventurers have come this way, or left it seems. The path leads west and southwards.
Piles of trash have been left here. Tall walls of two large stalagmite houses meet here. A dark passage leads to the east and west.
The road you follow has been paved with smooth stones, all placed in together forming a nice roadway. Your steps sound a bit loud on the stone but you're sure that anyone that was here already knew you were about. Several stalagmites are scattered about, some looking like houses used by the evil residents living here. Pinholes of light spring out of a few here and there. The road curves northwards towards a large depression that you cannot see into from here.
The road passes very near a large depression in the cavern, farther down into the depression you can see an area that teems with movement. You can only guess what is going on in it. Looking past the area you can see a separated stalagmite house that is larger than most in this area, it stands tall behind the depression, looking very much the authority of this area.
As the road goes on into the darkness of the surrounding cavern, there is a large staircase leading up.
You follow a long stone stairway that leads into and out of the massive arena. From here you can look over the sandy floor at the center of the arena. Scattered across the area are several dark elves practicing the arts of combat. Some battle with short swords, some with strange looking hand held cross bows, and some with spiked maces and buckler shields. In the very center you see a small dais with a crowd of dark elves.
The sandy part of the arena begins from here and covers most of the open space of the arena. You glance up and see the blackness where you guess the ceiling of the cavern must be.
You continue your trek through these caverns, virtually surrounded by a myriad of sounds from combat. The chill breeze blows around this cave, and through your meager covering, chilling you to the bone. The fungus growing on the walls illuminates the few rocks lying on the sandy floor, and you sidestep them at the rat corpses as you continue your journey.
You wander through the black caverns here, the ground slightly sandy beneath your feet. The chill breeze is a minimum here, but the sounds of fighting are far more intense to the south, swords clashing with shields, screams of pain, and cries of the dying. The whole cavern is softly lit by the purple fungus growing on the walls.
The cavern widens a little here, to accommodate the passage entering from the north. The chill breeze continues to blow around you, and the cavern is only lit by the purple fungus growing on the walls. You hear the sounds of many crossbows discharging as you wander through, and you wonder who could be firing weapons in the area.
The screams of pain and the clashing of swords rings out as you enter this area but to your surprise you do not see any fighters around. Instead you are greeted by the soft light of Narbondel, the central time stalagmite. You carefully avoid the falling rocks that dislodge from the ceiling as you explore this area of the caverns. A couple of rats scurry away from you as you wander near their nests.
You continue through the dark and damp caverns, seeing only by your own light and that of the fungus growing on the walls. Wandering around the small rats' nests and the various piles of rubble, you work your way towards one of the exits to this tunnel.
You continue walking through the cold and dark caverns, the damp breeze swirling around you. From the light of the purple fungus, you see the exits lying on three sides of the room, as well as the small piles of rubble in the corners of this cavern. The sounds of swordplay ring throughout the cavern as you ponder your next move.
The soft light of the time stalagmite Narbondel fills this dark cavern as you wander up the slight slope. The breeze fills this cavern, and the bats on the ceiling flap about in discomfort. The hard rock floor feels firm beneath your feet, unlike the more sandy floors to the west.
You continue wandering through these dark, dank, black caverns as the chilly, damp breeze blows around you, circulating air through these caves. From the light of the purple fungus in the middle of the caves, you are able to avoid tripping on the rubble scattered throughout the caverns. You hear the sounds of swordplay in the distance, meaning that yet another battle has started in the area.
The cavern widens a little here as it branches out in three separate directions from where you stand. By the soft light of the purple fungus, you can see paths running to the east, north, and west. Over near the corner are a couple of small boulders, as well as some scraps left by the departing rats.
You walk through the cool, dark cavern, examining things by the light that the purple fungus gives off. A breeze runs through the cavern as you wander, and some rats scurry away from your path. Sounds of sword fighting can be heard off in the distance to the north.
The floor starts to become sandy towards the northern section of this cavern as you approach the drow training arena. The cavern you stand in is mostly dim, however some fungus gives off a faint purple light so that there is something to see by. A couple of piles of small rubble lie over by one of the walls where some rock crumbled. You hear a scream of pain from the arena as you stand here and listen.
You approach this end of the cool, dark, damp cavern and turn around to look down on what you have seen so far. A scream of pain rings out throughout this cave complex as someone nearby must have been wounded in fierce fighting. The whole area is lit by the combination of fungus and the central time pillar of the city. The rats slip to the edge of the cave as you approach, and the bats overhead screech as they move away from your activity.
You approach this corner of the cavern shivering from the breeze running through this section of the caves. The whole area is softly lit from the moss and fungus that grows on the walls. You hear the sounds of combat off in the distance as you walk, and the floor here feels a little sandy beneath your feet.
This area of the arena has been set up as a practicing area for all types of melee. Stuffed humanoid figures have been staked into the sand as standing figures. A few stone rings have been set up to make for practicing circles for fighting dark elves.
In all directions you can see battling dark elves, practicing with every known melee weapon. The skills that the elves show is astonishing, quickness only a feline should have. To the east you can see a small wooden dais.
Atop the small wooden dais several dark elves stand, watching two very well trained elves battle. They seem to flow as one in the darkness a mass of swirling blades and bodies. The dark elves in the circle watching are as amazed as you are at the feats of the two battling. The area ends at a large stone wall beyond, where several items of battle are stacked for use in practice.
This area has been set up as a dueling area. Several stone circles have been set up as rings for the dueling dark elves. The elves practicing fight with short swords in each hand, using one as a parrying weapon and the other as an offensive weapon, then they switch and sometimes they are used as both.
Several dark elves are involved in intense swordplay here, using a dark bladed longsword in one hand and a small dagger in the other. Each dark elf seems better than you could ever think to be, even the youngest seems better than anyone you have ever seen. They seem to be one with their weapons, attached at the hands they could slice the heart of anyone they saw fit.
Dark elves circle each other here, daggers in each hand. Jumping at each other as their commander orders, trying to get that killing blow on their opponent. Now and then a wrist flicks and a dagger flies at an unprotected body part.
Several elves wrestle here, slamming each other on the soft sands trying to get the upper hand on the other. Each is being taught by a commander a special move, neck holds, special techniques to slip from holds and attack moves that will down most creatures instantly.
The clash of shields on armor rings as you arrive. Dark elves armed with maces and buckler shields practice here, smashing at each other with wild abandon. Now and then sparks fly off as a buckler and mace meet with a scrap.
Small targets of stuffed clothes have been staked into the arena sands in an upright position. Several dark elves stand at the other end of the area holding small crossbows, held in a single hand. They fire at the targets with a soft 'click' and a bolt appears in the stuffed figures.
Before you sits House Baenre, first house of Menzoberranzan. This massive complex is formed of a roughly oval ring of stalagmites connected at their bases by what appears to be a silvery spider's web. Twenty feet high, with strands thick as a drow's arm, the web is a formidable barrier to those who would test the strength of this great house. Before you, to the north, between the largest pair of stalagmites, is a magnificent gate. To either side, sits a statue of a giant black spider.
You stand within the massive courtyard of the great compound. To the north lies a fantastic dome glowing with a soft purple hue. East is a somewhat unimpressive stalagmite, while to the west lies a more spectacular one. Positioned directly above you is a fortified stalactite, guards man both the fortifications, and levitate in the air beside it. To the south of course, is the gate leading in.
This is the guards' barracks. It has only the barest of furniture in order to house the most dark elven guards. There are rows upon rows of bunk beds going up the walls of this room. There are ladders for the guards to climb to their bunks.
To either side of the path sit skillfully carved statues depicting various drow and spiders in an incredible variety of poses, ranging from the simple to the psychotic. Further, faerie fire spells have been used to create intricate designs wreathing the statues and adding to the exotic appeal of the artwork.
While not exactly a slum, the overall appeal of this building is at best nonexistent. Male drow sit about here in various stages of relaxation.
You have entered the staggeringly immense temple of House Baenre. Your eyes instantly lock on the awesome illusion floating possessively in the air above the altar. It depicts the dark goddess Lloth shifting slowly from a black spider, whose limbs twitch in an almost hypnotic pattern that makes you desire to walk into her dark embrace, to the most beautiful and terrible female drow you have ever seen. The room itself is so big you get the feeling that it could house every living being in the whole city if it needed to. Rows of seats circle the chamber and descend level by level to a great open floor in the very center of the building. In the middle of the floor rises a great altar to Lloth. A low chanting fills the room, then stops as a figure on the altar raises her hands as if in prayer.
This is the way down to the altar itself. The female standing here is leading her follows in prayers and chant to the spider goddess Lloth.
Statuary lines line path showing drow and spiders engaged in unspeakable acts . . . often with each other. The faerie fire flickering about them somehow just enhances the horrifying statuary. To the west an exquisitely designed stalagmite rises almost to the ceiling. The faerie fire designs are more incredible than anything you have seen up to this point anywhere in the city. The path continues on to the north.
All about you female drow lie in opulent luxury. Powerfully built women stand about heavily armed and very dangerous, while others lie about on soft pillows, gazing at you seductively while licking their lips. Images of Lloth adorn the walls, next to these are others showing everything from spiders to unbelievable sexual practices that make your blood run cold. .
Yet more statuary and faerie fire decorations lay before you as you continue your trek into the heart of the complex. Ahead of you the most impressive structure yet sits in quiet dignity. Every square inch has been carved or decorated with flawless skill. Precious metals and priceless gems are strategically placed about it to enhance its appearance to the highest degree possible. Yet you feel the weight of impending danger creep up on you . . .
This lowest level appears to be only a place for those beings living here who don't have the powers of levitation to enter the higher levels without taking the stairs. All about you drow soldiers sit about sharpening weapons and readying armor.
Smoke, powders, braziers, wands, books, herbs, arcane symbols, and benches are all around this room. It is clear that this is a workshop of a dark elf mage.
This room is dedicated in totality to the worship of Lloth. Her priestesses are everywhere, bowing and praying.
This is a small room, greatly contrasting the ones before. It is not much more than a landing on the stairway really. Doors lie in all four compass, each with strange and ominous looking runes on each door. Above you, the stairway widens and turns into a grand platform leading to a massive adamantine door. The symbol of Lloth sits above the symbol of House Baenre, and to either side of these sits a matched pair of the symbols of Matron Baenre.
This room is simply adorned, especially in contrast to the rest of the rooms in the mound. In one corner sits a cot, seemingly ill designed for a drow body. Laid on it is a robe also ill designed for a drow form. Finally you see a strange shape moving out of the shadows. It is roughly humanoid up to the shoulders, but then it has a squid's head. It has very pale white eyes with no pupil.
This room is obviously the living quarters of a powerful mage. This is easily discerned by gazing about the room at the powerful magical tools that sit carefully in their place. A large bone desk dominates the room on one side, and a large summoning pentagram sits across from it on the other.
This is the room of a fighting man. Superbly crafted weapons adorn the walls, a simple sleeping mat lies in a corner on the floor. Most of the room is simply open area, perfect for a warrior to practice skills or spar. Everything about this room speaks of a cool efficiency, and obvious confidence.
A fair sized, well ordered room, tastefully furnished and richly appointed. A small altar to Lloth dominates the center of the wall opposite the door. It appears you have entered the quarters of Triel Baenre, Matron Mistress of Arach-Tinilith, the Academy.
This is the room of Matron Mother Baenre herself. Dominating this room is a fantastic throne carved entirely of black sapphire. Within the throne can be seen shadowy shapes twisting and churning within the throne itself, and if you listen, you can almost hear the screams of tortured souls. At the end of each of the chair's arms, a diamond of incredible size is embedded. Resting in this throne is a drow so ancient and withered that she seems almost corpselike, but the power of her gaze leaves no doubt that she is an awesome foe to be dealt with. About her stand her personal attendants and guards, though you find it doubtful that she needs protection from anyone.
The wealth of House Baenre! Magical items lay tossed about amidst great piles of gold and gems. It's all yours for the taking, but standing guard are 2 extremely large creatures.
Shadowy formed curtains hang all around the room. Large soft black pillows lie about the floor. There is incense burning in one corner, slowly and softly whispering up. A magical ball of blue light hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the room. An icy cool breeze passes across the room.
You are standing in front of a huge iron gate. The gate is attached to a wall that seems to be surrounding this enormous stalagmite. The gate has intricate carvings of spiders eating humanoid creatures in it, if that doesn't say welcome I don't know what does! In the center of the gate is a gargoyle's head. The mouth of the gargoyle is open as if he was screaming. You consider climbing over the wall but that is when you notice the sharp spikes on top of it, climbing over them would be impossible. A pathway lies to the south through the gate towards the stalagmite.
As you stand in front of the stalagmite you open your mouth in awe. This stalagmite is bigger than any stalagmite you have ever seen before. The stalagmite is made of stone and seems to be like any other colossal sized stalagmite except for the door standing before you. The door is as smooth as glass, it must be made of obsidian. The door is totally black except for a crystal symbol of a spider in the top center of it. A huge gate attached to the wall surrounding the stalagmite lies to the north.
This seems to be a house in the middle of the stalagmite, what type of creature would want to live in such an abode? You stand in the middle of a large hallway, a large chamber lies to the south, and there are smaller chambers to the east and west.
A chill runs up your spine as you see the racks of various blood encrusted weapons along the walls. There seems to be enough weapons in this room for an entire army, you realize that war must be a great part of the drow's lifestyle.
This room smells very clean. There are several rows of bunks in this room with small chests at the foot of them. The whole room is neat and free of any sort of dirt or dust. A few beds are full of sleeping elves.
You are standing in what appears to be the middle of the stalagmite. The ceiling is a grand vaulted one that seems to be very high. A fountain lies in the center of this room, a strange red liquid is flowing from it, and it is giving off an awful stench. Glancing again at the ceiling you notice there are more levels of the house up there, but you don't see any stairs to reach them.
White satin tapestries are all around this room. Ornate golden designs are carved into the ceiling. Along the sides are huge beds with pink silk sheets. Total elegance is the impression you get from this room. However, once you get over the opulence of it all you notice some desks scattered about. The women seem to do most of the work in this society.
Small bunk beds are aligned in rows in this room. They look very uncomfortable, but functional. There are some weapon sharpening tools hanging along the wall. It's obvious that the men do all the physical labor, intelligent work seems to be beyond them.
A delicious aroma floats throughout this room. A large brick oven lies in the center of the room, its heat radiates outward towards you. There are three small fireplaces along one wall, it's obvious that this room was built to prepare grand feasts. There is a very rotund dark elf cooking here.
This is a small room full of dusty shelves. Tons of knickknacks and useless items fill the shelves. Even if something in here was actually useful, you have no idea how you would begin to search for it. There is one large shelf in the center of the room that seems to catch your eye. It seems as if it could topple over any second.
You are floating in the air towards a large vaulted ceiling. There are actually exits in the walls up here, one in each direction. Making these rooms accessible to flying individuals only is a great way to keep out all the lowly drow commoners, since only the drow nobles can fly.
Religious chants are echoing throughout the room. A black statue of a spider around 5 feet tall hangs over a small altar. A drow priestess is here sacrificing small animals for Lloth, the drow god. She snarls at you angrily for disturbing her ceremony.
There are four long, black candles sitting in each corner of the room, their flame glowing brightly. There are many potions and scrolls left in this room. This must be the room of a mage.
Tons of books are stacked in bookshelves on all the walls in this room. Huge scrolls and maps lie on a table on the eastern side of the room. On the table is also a dim lamp, an inkwell, a writing tablet, and the seal of the matron. A woman is sitting on a chair sleeping by the table, she must be the drow scholar of the house, the person who does all the official business for the Matron, the dealings with other houses and writing of drow history.
Very little is in this room except weapons of all types. There are a few dark elves here practicing their skills. There is a member of this noble house here acting as an instructor.
You are floating about high above the floor close to the ceiling. An ominous glow is coming from the north. A chill runs through your body as you think of going that way. An exit also lies to the south which looks very grandiose. You sure hope your means of flying doesn't wear off, for it is a LONG drop down.
A sense of foreboding overcomes you as you enter this room. You have the feeling that you really shouldn't be in here. Various statues of spiders are along the walls, and you can see a very large one to the north. Small black candles are burning in crevices along the walls. This is the place where the occupants of the house come to worship Lloth, there are no chairs here, all must kneel before the great spider god.
You decide, against your better judgment, to go towards the altar. A humongous statue of a spider is above the altar. Red rubies are where the eyes on the spider should be, the statue seems to be peering at you as if it was alive. A marble slab is in front of you under the statue. There are 4 chains on the slab, one at each corner, located in such a manner as if to hold some creature down for sacrifice. Some dry, encrusted blood is still on the altar, you better get out of here before you become the next victim.
A red carpet flows from the entrance to the room in the north, to an elegant throne on the south wall of the room. The throne is made of the skeletal remains of various humanoid type races. Each arm rest is made of a skeletal arm, with the hand grasping a large sapphire, which sparkles in the light. This is the throne room of the matron mother, great paintings of the lineage of this mother and the battles she has fought line the walls. Very few humans have been to this room and lived to tell about it.
This is the bedroom of the matron mother. Black is by far the most abundant color in this room. Black tapestries hang from the wall, black sheets and blankets are on the bed, which looks very comfortable. A huge mirror is on the south wall, it seems to be warped a bit to make a person look skinnier than they actually are. There is a closet full of the matron's clothes, very tacky and nothing of value.
YOU HAVE HIT THE MOTHER LODE! All of the house's riches are stored in this room, there seems to be a huge amount of gold stored here, this must be a very rich house. It's all yours for the taking! Oh, and you also notice a few guards in this room, eh, so they are 10 feet tall and look very mean. Nothing is going to stand between you and your gold!
The dark caverns and the arena fall away behind you to the west, and the sounds of swordplay grow ever more faint. Rising above you is the imposing structure of House Do'Urden, radiating power in all its majesty. The guards you notice are much more numerous up ahead, and the security is tighter too, all as you approach a mighty seat of power.
You approach the gate of House Do'Urden and pass through the adamantite gates and into the cave of the ancient family Daermon N'a'shezbaernon. Glares from the guards follow your every move, as if they were planning to stick their swords in your backs at their earliest convenience. Down leads to the family's arena and to the east lies the main part of the house.
You walk through the rocky floor of the cave that House Do'Urden rests in. The house looms to the east of you, and the commoners and slaves walk around handling the various tasks of upkeep and devotion on the house. To the north and south lie low mounds housing the slaves of the household. The gate to the city lies west, and to the east is the House structure itself.
Goblin and bugbear slaves live in here under the most deplorable of conditions when they are not working. Slaves are mashed together, sleeping on top of each other and their waste products. This place smells like a pigsty, does not look much better, and you could imagine how much fun the slaves have in here.
Goblin and bugbear slaves live in here under the most deplorable of conditions when they are not working. Slaves are mashed together, sleeping on top of each other and their waste products. This place smells like a pigsty, does not look much better, and you could imagine how much fun the slaves have in here.
You enter the lavish surroundings of House Do'Urden. Do not let the luxury be a trap, however, since the most deadly of the underground races, the drow, are still residents of this area. To your west is the courtyard of this mighty house and further is the gate and the arena. To the east is the Grand Temple where all the drow go to pray on festival days and days of battle. To the north and south are soldiers' barracks.
These barracks are sparsely furnished, with only bedding and some small space for each soldier to use for his personal belongings. Obviously these barracks are designed for the housing of the maximum number of soldiers in the minimum amount of space. Some soldiers are here lost in private thoughts or quietly talking to one another.
These barracks are sparsely furnished, with only bedding and some small space for each soldier to use for his personal belongings. Obviously these barracks are designed for the housing of the maximum number of soldiers in the minimum amount of space. Some soldiers are here lost in private thoughts or quietly talking to one another.
This room practically hums with power and dedication to the Spider Queen as you walk through the double doors. This room must belong to Matron Malice Do'Urden who herself is in the highest graces of the Spider Queen. You see a large double bed in the shape of a gigantic spider in one corner of the room, large enough to sleep at least two people. Sitting on the bed and pondering his miserable fate in life is the family's patron, Rizzen Do'Urden.
You enter the mighty temple of House Do'Urden, under the watchful stares of numerous statues. The statues all represent Lloth in some way, either as spiders or as beautiful and naked drow females. These statues are spotlessly clean as well. Rows of pews fill the room, all facing the front of the room where the altar stands. This room looks like it could hold all the drow of this house and then some. Looking up into the cavernous ceiling, you see an opening from the noble's level, obviously from where Matron Malice makes her grand appearance to lead prayers and hymns of praise to Lloth. There is an exit to the main complex to the west and a small doorway off to the east, from which you hear constant prayers.
This hallway is virtually deserted as you wander from one end to the other. You have arrived in the upper hallways of House Do'Urden, a place where only the building's nobles tread, and then even lightly in fear of the awesome power that the house's mother commands. You quickly come to a decision and move on your way.
You stand on the balcony of House Do'Urden, shivering in the chill breeze that extends up this far in the cave. Immediately in front of you are the grounds of the house, bustling with activity as the commoners go about their daily business. In the distance, you can see the whole of the city of Menzoberranzan and the various schools of the Academy. Lit by Narbondel, the time pillar that illuminates the city and serves as a clock, you can make out the structures of Arach-Tinilith, Melee-Magthere, and Sorcere. You also see the great mushroom grove and the powerful houses within, including mighty Baenre and the seat of the ultimate power in the city. The myriad of lights throughout the city seem to twinkle on and off at random.
This room is sparsely furnished, with only a chest of drawers, a bed, and a small table within the walls of this spacious abode. However, most of this chamber is filled with idols and paintings and illuminations of the Spider Queen that Briza worships along with the rest of her people. On the wall opposite you hangs a deadly spiked adamantite mace that is definitely NOT for show.
You enter a lavishly decorated room that proves a noble child of Menzoberranzan lives in here. From the various idols, paintings, and unholy symbols of the drow Spider Queen Lloth, you can tell that this must be the chamber of a high priestess.
You continue to wander the halls of House Do'Urden's noble floor. This hallway is also deserted as it runs from east to west. To the north and south are doors leading to private chambers of the Do'Urden nobles. You hear a low humming noise to the north, east and west, but you dismiss it out of hand as some of the strange drow magic that is present everywhere you go.
You enter this room sparsely decorated. It appears that the occupant of the chamber does not spend much time here, although there are enough personal effects that the person who sleeps here is never without them. There is a large portrait of Lloth on the wall behind the bed, and you see a figure in supple silvery armor kneeling before it saying his daily prayers.
This spartan chamber is adorned only by Maya Do'Urden's personal effects and what room she needs to be able to store clothing. A small onyx idol of a spider with the face of a female drow stands on the counter to one side of the room, and Maya kneels in front of it reverently, the High Priestess of Lloth offering up her prayers to her wicked deity until she realizes that you are standing there.
You approach the end of the upper hallway here in House Do'Urden. Private chambers appear to be to the north and south, while the hallway starts west from here. To the east are a large set of double doors, leading into some important room within the household. You are careful to keep to the shadows to avoid detection while deciding on your next move.
You walk into a small room subdivided into three sections. Zaknafein's private quarters take up a small corner of the room, and another corner is reserved as a war/tactics room for planning attacks on the other houses. The rest of the room appears to be a floor for training with weapons. This room looks to be much used, and there is even another bedroll in the corner, probably that of Drizzt Do'Urden, Secondboy of House Do'Urden. Neither one is present though, meaning that they are taking care of other activities elsewhere.
You stand in the throne room of Malice Do'Urden, great Matron of the Ninth House of Menzoberranzan. A large spidery throne stands along the center of one wall of this chamber, apparently used by Matron Malice when she presides over her family, dictating Lloth's and her will to them. Other than the throne, you notice nothing else in particular about the room besides the various references to Lloth the Spider Queen. In one corner is a hole in the floor, leading down to the commoner's level.
You stand in a small chapel east of the grand temple of House Do'Urden. In the center of the room is a small table, upon which sits an onyx statue of a mighty spider. This must be an idol of Lloth, and you must be standing in a small chapel of some sorts.
There is a strange glowing fungus all along the walls, giving off a strange glow. The cavern narrows down into a tunnel of natural rock.
The surrounding tunnel twists and turns in many directions. The walls are rough and sharp. You would need to be very careful to avoid being cut and bruised.
This tunnel has become very narrow through here making movement very difficult and slow. The walls are rough and appear very old. There is a thin layer of slime along the floor.
You can't see much through the dark and murky waters. A shadowy form wisps by. There is no way to tell what it was.
The ceiling is very low here due to the many stalactites hanging down. They almost touch the lake surface. There is a bit of strange glowing fungus here casting an eerie glow on the surface of the water.
Here the wall and stone floor are smoother than the rest of this area. There is a drain-like slope to a great sinkhole which might suggest that water flowed through here once.
This cavern seems to have a bit more moisture than the others in these underground tunnels. To the east and the west are tunnels that have been carved out by time.
This natural tunnel twists and turns but generally goes in the north direction. The walls are rough and dank. There is a slimy moisture along the floor.
This tunnel narrows as it continues to the north. The walls are very rough and someone could scrape themselves if not extra careful. There are a few dark spots along the walls.
There are many stalactites and stalagmites that almost connect causing the cavern to be a maze. Very hard to see around them but there is a cave to the east.
There is a strange glowing fungus along the walls. The walls are rough and a bit dusty. There is an eerie feeling emanating from here.
The walls are coated with moisture and the floor has a thin layer of mud. The moisture has an uncanny hue. It appears to have some oil in it.
There is a very large lake here. There is a strange fungus growing on the roof to the cavern giving off a bit of light. The water is very dark and still. Every once in a while there is a strange moving glow out in the depths of the lake.
The water is very dark and there seems to be no end to its depth. Down in the depths are moving glowing shapes.
The underground lake seems to end. This cavern is much smaller than the others. There are many stalactites hanging overhead. Moisture drips off the stalactites and creates ripples in the lake. The strange glowing fungus gives off enough light to see these eerie surroundings.
This room is very dusty and there is a skeleton amid the dust. It seems as if there has been no one here for a very long time.
This is the largest structure in Menzoberranzan. The broad stone stairway leads up to Tier Breche, The Academy. The stairs are intricately carved with various magical symbols and spiders, which have been interlaced along the length of the stairs.
At the top of the stairs there is a large cave entrance. The intricately detailed stone pathway continues north and west.
The stone pathway leads to a spiral tower. There are no windows, just the door to the west. The tower fades as it goes up into the cavern. The whole tower appears to be shrouded in mists and shadows.
The floor has a large six sided star carved into it. The room is clouded with mist and burning incense, making the doors a dim awareness. The stairs spiraling up are also obscured.
There are dozens of black and red candles along the wall. The light from the candles mixing with the burning incense creates an atmosphere of disorientation. There are long tables covered with books, papers, beakers, vials and other such things.
There are bookshelves along all the walls in this room. The bit of light here comes from black candles on the only table in this room. The shelves are lined with old and dusty books, many of which are in a very old forgotten language. There are oversized stuffed pillows on the floor. The ever present mist and incense filter in here also.
There are many tables and chairs here. The tables have books and writing instruments on them. There are a few bookshelves along the walls full of books and scrolls. There are beakers, bottles and jars full of many different kinds of items, some of which may not be dead. There is a small raised platform and podium at one end giving the impression that this is some kind of classroom. There are unlit black and red candles on the tables. This room has a swirling and opaque mist giving it a shifting around appearance.
This corridor has three doors. The walls are carved with many magical symbols and lots of spider images. On the floor is a large spider carved into the wood. This mist has become thicker and harder to see through. There is no way to get a sense of direction.
This room has lots of candles burning all along the wall. The light through the mists cause the room to become a dizzy blur. There are a few bookshelves full of books and other mystical items. There is a large mirror attached to the far wall. It gives off a bluish glow. In one corner stands a large statue of a giant spider attacking a humanoid form. Its eyes are bright ruby gems.
This is a hidden stash of magical components hidden here. There are many vials, bottles, jars, and beakers. Some of which have something in them. There are scrolls and strange magical symbols. most of the symbols are spider shaped and are of many different shapes and sizes.
This room is obviously the abode of a master. It is lavishly decorated with many items to make life more comfortable. The room has many shelves full of books, scrolls and magical items. The roof is black and smoke rises up from the many braziers that sit in the corners of the room.
The intricate stone pathway continues here, and on both sides are dark and ominous statues of Lloth the Spider Goddess. The pathway goes north on to Arach-Tinilith and east to Melee-Magthere.
This building is shaped like a giant spider. The only door is straight through the jaws. It is a huge building that is cloaked in a veil of darkness and murky shadows.
The hallway continues north and there are doors to the east and west. Along the wall there is burning incense and lit candles. The incense has a strong sweet odor. The floor and roof are pitch black, the walls have been painted with the likeness of Lloth. There are many images of worship and sacrifice to the spider goddess Lloth.
Along the wall there is burning incense and a few light candles. The strong sweet odor is present here also. The walls have been painted with various images of worship and sacrifices to Lloth.
This room is circular in shape. The wall and roof are draped with black cloth. On the floor are many huge pillows. In the center of the room a fire burns in an eight-legged brazier, which resembles a spider. All around the room are many statues of spiders, female dark elves and other humanoid figures in various types of sexual activities. Not a sight for the weak.
This is a small room with only a spider shaped brazier in the center. The walls have been painted black with splashes of dark red. There is a statue of Lloth in a corner, she is biting the head off an humanoid figure.
This is a semi circular room, toward the back is a large spider shaped chair which has been covered with a supple black cloth. The walls have been carved with images of Lloth devouring many humanoid forms. In the center of the room is a small pillow. Next to the pillow is a brazier and a single candle. The incense is very thick and obscuring.
This is a semi-circular room, toward the back of the room is a large black spider shaped chair which is covered with a supple black cloth. The walls are dark and have been carved with images of Lloth devouring lesser creatures. In the center is a small platform, just large enough for someone to stand on. Next to it on the floor is a single candle and a stained silver goblet. The misty incense is very thick and obscuring.
This is a small room with only a spider shaped brazier in the center. There is no other furniture here. The walls have been painted black and are splashed with a dark reddish paint. From the roof hangs an image of Lloth.
The intricate stone pathway continues on here to the east. To the east is the dark elves fighter school they call Melee-Magthere.
Here stands a starkly-simple enormous pyramid shaped fortress. This place has no windows and only one entrance or exit, which is to the east .
A very long hallway with scenes of battles carved into the walls. They show many dark elven victories against many over-powering foes. There are openings to the north, south and east. Attached to the ceiling are magical balls of light giving off a soft glow.
This is an enormous chamber. It is completely bare except for the many weapons hanging on the walls. There are pole weapons swords, axes, whips and daggers. There are candles along the wall also.
This is a closet which has a few broken weapons. Some towels are also folded on a shelf. There are also some cloaks and black boots neatly stacked on the shelving.
This is an enormous chamber. It is completely bare except for all the weapons hanging along the wall. There are many pole weapons different types of swords, and a few axes. There are candles hanging from the wall. They are unlit.
This room is lit with magical balls of light. They give off a dim bluish glow. The room is circular and has a high vaulted ceiling. There are rows and rows of chairs nicely arranged in a circle around a platform in the middle of the room. Hanging from the ceiling are many banners bearing the symbols of the noble elven houses. The wall is adorned with many stuffed animals and beast trophies.
There are many types of weapons and armor here. Many of them hang neatly arranged on the walls. Some weapons are stacked on the floor. There are a few dark elves here repairing, polishing and maintaining the armor and weapons. Opposite the door a chain curtain hangs over an opening in the wall.
Decorating the walls all around here are weapons and images of battles. There are private rooms to the north, south and to the east.
This room is very richly decorated. Many lavish paintings hang upon the walls. There is a table scattered with books and maps. A closer look shows that they are very old. There is a brazier standing on eight legs in the corner of the room. It appears unlit.
This is a small room without furnishings except for a small pillow on the floor. The room is filled with a smoky and sweet fragrance. The smoke comes from the three braziers hanging from the ceiling. It floats down in a whispering way.
The room is plainly furnished. It has all the comforts one would need. A carved wooden bed, matching chest, and a table. On the table is a small black statue of Lloth, along with a few weapons. There is a dual edged sword and large metal shield hanging on the wall.
This is a very large room with rows upon rows of beds. At the foot of each bed is a wooden chest carved with the likeness of the great spider goddess Lloth. There are weapons arranged neatly along the walls.
The water that covers the floor of this hallway has been here for a long time. It has bits of mold and fungus growing on its smelly surface. There are many dangling roots that hang down from the ceiling of this hallway. Many spiders make webs along the walls, ceiling and the doorway. The hallway goes back north to the archway or south.
To the north is a hallway which is overgrown with roots and crawling with spiders. A large ancient tree's roots have taken claim to this part of the hallway. The tree has been hollowed out and a make shift ladder has been carved into the inside of the tree. There is a smelly wetness that drips down the inside of the tree, forming a puddle at the base of the tree, which overflows out and down the hallway.
As the hand carved ladder heads up the inside of the tree, its roots grow downward clogging the path. Signs of hacking away these roots is obvious. There are pieces of glowing fungus hanging in various places giving the inside of the tree an eerie glow. Spiders make their webs all along the inside of the tree, and these webs are in perfect condition.
The tree ladder ends here at the top of the tree. There are signs of guards and watches. There are bits of arrows, armor and old torches. There are sounds of animals and birds to the west. There is an odd shaped piece of bark on the west side of the tree.
There are many barrels, jars and jugs of food and drink. There are dried mushrooms, dried fish, dried fruits and vegetables. There are kitchen utensils used to scoop and pour these items into the plates and goblets stacked here.
This hallway is dark, there are some unlit candles along the walls. There are many scurrying little creatures crawling along the floor and walls. The hallway continues to the east. It is very dusty and dank.
The hallway is dark, dusty and dank. Small creatures scurry around your feet. Along the walls are unlit candles. The hallway goes further to the east. To the north and south are cell doors with large rusty locks.
The hallway continues further to the east. Again there are cell doors bolted with large locks to the north and south. There are small creatures crawling along the floor and walls. From the ceiling hangs a very large spider. There is a very wet musky odor all around here.
The hallway comes to an end here. More cell doors to the north and south. Just ahead to the east are a set of metal doors without a lock. Each door has a large round metal handle. On the door is the image of a giant spider with a screaming humanoid figure in its fangs.
This room is filled with a smoky haze. All around the room are various equipment of torture. Along the wall hang whips, chains, pokers and other metal instruments. The purpose of these items horrifies your imagination. There are a few creatures attached to different wooden tables scattered around the room. Some of them are not alive and others will not survive much longer. In the corner is a pit with burning embers.
This is a four by four cell. There is an offensive odor which assaults the senses. There are piles of dried and not so dried animal and humanoid waste. In one corner is a bed of straw and rags. A closer look shows old blood stains and bone, which have been gnawed on.
This is another four by four cell which has not been occupied in a while. It is the cleanest of the lot, if you could call it clean. There is just a bit of straw and some animal droppings. There are also some stains on the floor. It is a bit dusty here.
This is a four by four cell. There is a smell coming from here that is indescribable. There is nothing else of any interest here.
There is another four by four cell here. It is also empty except for the partially decayed body. What there is left has dried and there is a very large rat chewing on part of it.
This is a four by four cell. There is a very offensive odor coming from here. There are small spiders and rats hiding in a pile of straw and rags tossed in to a corner.
This is a four by four cell. There has been some straw tossed into a corner. It is very musty in this cell. There are some bugs crawling around on the floor. Not a pleasant place.
The mouth of the cave is overgrown with vines and just a hint of light makes its way here. There is a musky smell and the ground of the cave is littered with garbage. The remains of an old campfire and spit is seen in the far corner. A tunnel leads south into the depths of the mountain. To the north is the vine covered entrance.
The tunnel descends into the mountain towards the south, and to the north is the cave entrance. The tunnel is slightly wet and has a musky smell. It gets very small and tight the further south it goes. The walls are scuffed and pebbles litter the floor.
Mist swirls about never forming into any form, just nothingness.
The ceiling in this large cavern is well over 200 feet above. The stalagmites are scattered around the floor broken and crushed knocked down as if by a large hand. Among the stone bits you see the glitter of some shiny objects. The smell of sulfur scents the air. Beyond them a large mound of gold, gems and other treasures catch your eye.