#32300 Entry into the Darkness~ A cold rush of air rushes up from the depths of the caverns, one that could chill a frost giant. The uncompromising, black granite walls reflect the flickering light back in a thousand ways, making this place seem surreal, almost otherwordly. A steep slope heads east, downward into darkness. There are no sounds of movement or voices at all, only the steady, quiet drip of the caverns' moist walls. ~ 323 afg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32301 E credits info~ *Caverns of the Pale Man *Written by Kaan for Dibrova Level: 25 - 50 100 rooms 23 mobs 45 objs Connector Zones: The Plains of Blood These are a sytem of caverns made of black rock which catacomb for many miles. There are a number of cavernous mobs, all of them relatively high level - even the bats kick some ass. This zone is mainly intended to be a zone for high level players to gain good exp and find some good eq. ~ S #32301 Descending Into the Depths~ The air gets markedly colder the farther to the east that is traveled. The floor slopes gently at first, then with more vigor as it continues. Soon anyone trying to negotiate east would have to lean back as they walk just so that they might keep their balance. ~ 323 adf 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32302 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32300 S #32302 The Air Gets Cold~ It is no longer getting cold, it IS cold. The air has dropped dwon near freezing, the steady breeze that blows through the caves making it seem all the more cold. The floor continues to slope downward to the east, the darkness as complete as darkness can be. Any sounds made in this dark, lonely place echo back a thousand fold - making the isolation complete. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32303 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32301 S #32303 Deeper and Deeper~ The steady depth at which the cavern angles toward is enough to make ears pop and eyes water. A faint pinpoint of light is all that can be seen of the entrance far west and above this locale. Oddly, there seems to be no change in the color or makeup of the rock walls that this tunnel runs through. They are a solid, gleaming black which seems to both reflect the light and soak it up all at once - it is unnerving. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32304 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32302 S #32304 Hundreds of Feet Below the Surface~ The surface, the open air - it is all now just a memory. It is easy to lose track of time down in places such as these with no light and no other human contact. The steady drip of the walls is still all that comes back from this dreary place as you make your way through. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32305 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32303 S #32305 The Floor Levels~ The tunnel bends to the south, heading level and straight in that direction. To the west the cavern begins its steep ascent toward the exit and open air. Somewhere - perhaps far away, perhaps close nearby - the sound of steady breathing can be heard, or at least that is what it sounds like. ~ 323 adfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32306 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32304 S #32306 A Smooth Passage~ The walls of the cave are still made of the same rock as the rest of the caverns, however here the walls and floor are unnaturally smooth, almost like black marble. The sound of the breathing comes a bit louder now, a steady rasping breath that almost sounds like a heavy smoker asleep. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32305 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32309 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32307 S #32307 A Secret Chamber~ This is no more than a small area in the smooth walls, which was somehow hidden on the outside by the rock's smooth, reflective surface. The sound of the breathing is no doubt coming from a small opening just to the west, a place that gives a certain aura of dread. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32306 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32308 S #32308 Chamber of Fear~ This chamber is aptly named, aptly indeed. The creature which occupies this small space is a feyr, pronounced *fear*, a creature made and created by the terrible fears of men and beast in the area. A feyr is said to rest during daylight hours in places such as this and terrorize the ones who unknowingly created it during the night hours. It is said only very powerful magic can destroy or even harm a creature such as this one. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32307 S #32309 A Curve in the Passage~ The walls are not as smooth here as they are to the north, however they are still quite smooth to the touch. Certainly there are no sharp points to these walls. Somewhere - perhaps far away, perhaps close nearby - the sound of steady breathing can be heard, or at least that is what it sounds like. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32306 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32310 S #32310 Near an Alcove~ To the east the cave widens, opening into what appears to be a very large, open area. The feel of the breeze which runs through the caves seems to come from that direction. To the west, the cave makes a curve to the north, heading into darkness. These two directions are interesting enough by themselves, but the real interest at this juncture is the alcove just north and what lies within. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32311 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32312 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32309 S #32311 An Alcove~ Some old straw has been strewn about the floor, heaps of stinking waste and droppings lie scattered in the hay. It appears that the creature which occupies this space feels no need to stay clean and tidy. It also appears that the creature eats well from the number of skeletons and loose bones scattered through the hay and wastes. ~ 323 adfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32310 S #32312 The Passage Widens~ The cave widens, opening east into an enormous subterranean cavern. The sound of running water comes from somewhere in that cavern, however exactly where is hard to tell, since everything here echoes. To the west is a passage quite the same as the one you now stand within. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32313 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32310 S #32313 An Enormous Cavern~ This is a huge cavern, the ceiling lost in darkness at the highest point, sloping high and away from the walls. The southeast wall glimmers and shimmers, this being the source of the running water, as the entire wall is covered in a cascade of clear water which runs down through a crack in the ceiling. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32314 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32316 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32317 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32312 S #32314 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern is huge and glistening, large enough to hold an army and all its cavalry and then some. The ceiling is so tall that at its peak it cannot be seen, so lost it is in the darkness. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32315 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32313 S #32315 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern is huge and glistening, large enough to hold an army and all its cavalry and then some. The ceiling is so tall that at its peak it cannot be seen, so lost it is in the darkness. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32328 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32321 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32316 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32314 S #32316 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern is huge and glistening, large enough to hold an army and all its cavalry and then some. The ceiling is so tall that at its peak it cannot be seen, so lost it is in the darkness. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32315 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32320 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32318 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32313 S #32317 An Enormous Cavern~ The southwest corner of the room curves around, not really making a right angle, but making a corner nonetheless. To the south is a small fissure in the rock, just wide enough for one man to squeeze through. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32313 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32318 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32325 S #32318 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern's southern wall is a mass of moldy growth, the fungus growing wild along the wall. Just east on the wall is a cascade of water, running from an unknown source out of a crack in the ceiling and disappearing into another crack in the floor. The cavern itself looms ever large, the black walls glistening in the faint light. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32316 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32319 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32317 S #32319 An Enormous Cavern~ The water cascades over the south wall, making it look almost as if it had a pane of glass over the rock in constant movement. The water looks to be clear and clean, its fresh scent a nice change from the dreary stuffiness of the caverns. To the east there is an opening in the ceiling above the cascade, it looks like you might fit up there. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32320 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32324 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32318 S #32320 An Enormous Cavern~ Your footsteps echo back you a thousand times, the cavern's black walls sending all sounds back to you in a chorus of clicks and scrapes. The open air above your head whistles through unknown cracks and openings unseen high at the ceiling of the cavern. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32321 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32323 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32319 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32316 S #32321 An Enormous Cavern~ Looking up into the darkness, you can see nothing except the occassional creak of a bat's wings ro the drip of the water on the south wall. The darkness surrounding you is now not only just dark, but wide open. That is almost worse than clautrophobia. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32327 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32322 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32320 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32315 S #32322 An Enormous Cavern~ A strangely shaped hall runs east from this side of the cavern, its shape vaulted at the top. The cavern opens up wide and unvitingly to the west and south. The sound of the water is very loud here. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32370 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32323 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32321 S #32323 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern opens up large and mysterious, its heights up higher than the naked eye can make out from the floor. A hall runs off the east wall just north of here, leading farther, deeper into caverns. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32322 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32324 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32320 S #32324 An Enormous Cavern~ You stand before the cascade, an opening above it appearing to lead further up into darkness. The cavern opens out large and dark to the north and west. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32323 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32319 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32352 S #32325 Narrow Crack in the Walls~ Squeezing through this narrow fissure is no small feat, the walls are about a foot and a half from each other, forcing a sideways entry. The crack makes a corner and opens to the west into small room. It is completely dark in the room, but a sound can be heard - almost like someone clicking their nails loud enough for it to echo. ~ 323 adfgi 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32317 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32326 S #32326 Horror Chamber~ The clicking noise must have come from the gruesome thing that dwells within this place. The stench is beyond description, the walls scratched and nicked in many places. It is not a comfortable place. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32325 S #32327 An Enormous Cavern~ The cavern north wall prohibits any more travel in that direction, east is much the same. To the west is an opening in the north wall, a wide tunnel heading off into darkness. The cavern spreads out to the south. ~ 323 adfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32321 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32328 S #32328 An Enormous Cavern~ This part of the cavern appears very well used, very well travelled. There is a great deal of dirt and grime about the floor, the mark of many many footprints having passed this way. There is a wide passageway to the north, it apparently the path that is most commonly taken by whoever makes these tracks - the tracks lead straight north. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32329 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32327 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32315 S #32329 A Wide Passage~ The passage runs north toward some sort of light source which undiscernable from here. A passage runs off east just to the north, the sound of many voices coming from that direction. Many, many voices. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32330 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32328 S #32330 Three-Way Split~ The passage continues to the north and south, but also heads off to the east, also fairly wide and open in that direction. The sound of the voices is extremely loud here, the noise rose to a crascendo as soon as you rounded the corner of the passage. ~ 323 acdfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32338 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32331 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32329 S #32331 Noisy Tunnel~ This grubby section of the caves is the home of a large family of gibberlings, a small and filthy humanoid creature which always fights in large numbers. They must sleep and eat and fornicate about anywhere as all the floors and walls are covered in grease and grime and the Gods only know what else. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32332 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32330 S #32332 A Thousand Small Voices~ The voices are enough to drive any calm adventurer straight to Hell. That coupled with the fact that these little buggers love raw human meat is a pretty disturbing fact. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32333 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32331 S #32333 An Enormous Din~ The noise only increases with every step further into the home of these vile creatures. The grease and slime underfoot makes it tough to negotiate, but negotiate you do as you work your way through their homes. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32335 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32334 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32332 S #32334 A Private Chamber~ This chamber is even dirtier than those in the main hall to the north, if that is possible. The clatter and din of the gibberlings makes thought all but impossible, keeping you on the verge of madness at a constant. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32333 S #32335 Loud as Hell~ The noise is now deafening, maddening. To think that any creature would spend its entire existance like this is an atrocity. The gibberlings take their delight in the mental anguish they cause their prey, watching it squirm and writhe just before they attack. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32337 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32336 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32333 S #32336 A Large Room~ This must be the main living area for the gibberling tribe - the place where they make their last stands against bugbear invasions. Bones are strewn about, not in an eerie way, just sloppy. Everything is coated with the same grime and goo found all over this area. ~ 323 adfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32335 S #32337 A Private Chamber~ This chamber is even dirtier than those in the main hall to the south, if that is possible. The clatter and din of the gibberlings makes thought all but impossible, keeping you on the verge of madness at a constant. ~ 323 adfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32335 S #32338 A Wide Passage~ The noise begins to taper off a bit as you get further from the eastern tunnel. To the north is some sort of habitation - there is a light source of some sort. It is no longer only light where your light shines, it light to north. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32339 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32330 S #32339 A Wide Passage~ Just to the north is a curve in the passage where two torches can be seen burning in sconces. Guttural sounds can be heard, rumbling voices of some sort of creature. There is also the sound of movement by a number of feet. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32340 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32338 S #32340 Entrance to the Dens~ The light shines upon a den of bugbears, their lair opening up to the east and spreading out for quite some area in these caverns. It does not appear that they will venture forth into the cavern proper, although within their own domain they will certainly show no fear. ~ 323 cdfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32341 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32339 S #32341 Den of the Bugbears~ This is the fringe of the bugbear territory in these caverns. Their deep, guttural language can be heard in snatches and rumblings from afar. Every now again a heavy huff or thump can be heard over the voices, sometimes even the clang of metal on metal. Tread lightly. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32342 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32340 S #32342 Den of the Bugbears~ The bugbear clan does not enjoy intrusion in any way. They are very protective of what little area the Pale Man allows them to occupy here and will fight to the death to keep it for their own. The large stewpot to the north in the main room gives testament to that fact. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32343 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32341 S #32343 Den of the Bugbears~ The bugbear clan does not enjoy intrusion in any way. They are very protective of what little area the Pale Man allows them to occupy here and will fight to the death to keep it for their own. The large stewpot to the north in the main room gives testament to that fact. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32344 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32342 S #32344 Main Room in the Den~ This is the social gathering room for the clan. Rites of religion and cerimony are held here, as well as feasts of an ugly nature. This is considered sacred ground by the clan - your life is forfeit. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32347 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32345 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32343 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32349 S #32345 Den of the Bugbears~ The bugbear clan does not enjoy intrusion in any way. They are very protective of what little area the Pale Man allows them to occupy here and will fight to the death to keep it for their own. The large waiting stewpot to the west gives testament to the fact that the bugbears mean business. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32346 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32344 S #32346 Den of the Bugbears~ The bugbear clan does not enjoy intrusion in any way. They are very protective of what little area the Pale Man allows them to occupy here and will fight to the death to keep it for their own. Trespassers will be prosecuted. ~ 323 dfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32345 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32347 S #32347 Den of the Bugbears~ The bugbear clan does not enjoy intrusion in any way. They are very protective of what little area the Pale Man allows them to occupy here and will fight to the death to keep it for their own. The large waiting stewpot to the south gives testament to the fact that the bugbears mean business. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32346 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32344 S #32348 Den of the Bugbears~ This is the lair of the bugbear shaman. He is the one who administers the word of the Gods among his clansmen, sharing with them the will of the Gods and keeping the clan from spiritual danger. Usually, the word from the Gods is that the clan should go out and slay as many of the neighboring gibberlings as possible, as the shaman is quite fond of gibebrling meat. ~ 323 dfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32349 S #32349 Den of the Bugbears~ The clan keeps a very efficient den, having certain areas sectioned off for persons of import and other, larger areas available for the general clansmen. Some of the more prestigious dwellings of bugbear clansmen lie to the north, south and west. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32348 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32344 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32351 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32350 S #32350 Den of the Bugbears~ This is the home of the clan's leader. This is the one who takes the clan out on raids, always at the front of the battle. If there is ever any discipline in the ranks that needs doled out, it is this bugbear who does the doling. Being that he also leads most raids, the leader is often replaced out of need - bugbears are not stupid, but neither are they all that smart. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32349 S #32351 Den of the Bugbears~ This is the private den of the bugbear chief. All matters pertaining to the clan end at this one. If the leader or shaman wish to impose their will upon the clan, they first must get the support of the chief. If the chief disagrees, then it ends there. A chief can only be replaced through a direct challenge from another of the clansmen, therefore the chief always remains a young, robust bugbear with great physical prowess. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32349 S #32352 A Steep Climb~ This has turned out to be some sort of shaft or chimney which leads far up into the rock above. The water does not flow from this place, it is completely dry here and hand holds abound, making the climb relatively easy. ~ 323 adfg 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32353 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32324 S #32353 Up Toward a Fresh Scent~ The breeze wafting down from above carries the same fresh smell of the water below. Could the source of the cascade be somewhere above? The scent energizes you, giving you fresh vigor for the climb. ~ 323 adfg 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32354 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32352 S #32354 Small Cavernway~ This is the top of the chimney, the dark shaft leading back down into the main cavern below. This cavernway leads off to the east and west, following along the shore of an underground lake which looks to be quite deep indeed. The lake is close enough that you could stick your toe in it - the ledge you stand upon must drop off quite immediately into the water. To the west, the ledge curves around the 'shore' of the lake, plus a small cave leads away from the lake's edge even farther west. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32355 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32360 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32353 S #32355 Along the Tributary~ The lake begins to taper down into a smooth, flowing river which along side this walkway. It appears that the water flows east into the lake, which must then leak somewhere underneath down along the wall of the cavern below, cascading past the cavern down deeper into the earth. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32356 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32354 S #32356 Along the Tributary~ Ahead, a stone wall prohibits any further progress east. The water flows from an opening which is not large enough to accomodate your girth. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32357 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32355 S #32357 The Water Flows Under~ The source of the water may never be known, at least not at this point as the water comes from some place past this wall which keeps any further travel east impossible. There is a narrow passage to the north, a barely noticeable thing leading away from the tributary's shore. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32358 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32356 S #32358 A Tiny Crack~ A strange quiet pervades this small area. One that is completely unsettling and certainly not natural. Every warning bell in your being is going off, telling you that this is not the place of a being that either kind nor honorable. A slight chill runs through your spine. ~ 323 adfgi 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32359 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32357 S #32359 Death's Kiss~ The room has a strange chill to it, an unholy chill which comes not from the stone around it, but from the thing which dwells within it. The small crack to the south looks almost inviting in comparison to the feeling of horror which pervades this room. ~ 323 dfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32358 S #32360 The Lake's Edge~ A passage runs west away from the lake. The ledge that borderd the lake runs south around it for a short space and then terminates at the cavern wall. Small ripples dance across the surface of the lake - otherwise, it is dead calm. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32354 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32368 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32361 S #32361 Moldy Passage~ A strange mold grows over the walls and floor of this cavern, probably from the moister of the nearby lake. The mold glows slightly with a strange luminescence. It is really quite comforting after being the complete darkness for so long. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32360 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32362 S #32362 Moldy Passage~ The mold on the floor and walls continues unabated, making it feel as if you were walking upon a thick carpet. As indeed in a sense you are. A fairly large room opens up to the south, its walls and floor covered just the same. ~ 323 cdfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32361 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32363 S #32363 Mold Cavern~ This small cavern is a mass of fungi and mold, every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling are covered in the glowing growth. The sounds that you became so accustomed to in the caves outside - the echoes, the wide open sound of the air blowing through - all of that is gone here, replaced by a deep penetrating silence. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32362 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32367 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32364 S #32364 Mold Cavern~ This small cavern is a mass of fungi and mold, every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling are covered in the glowing growth. The sounds that you became so accustomed to in the caves outside - the echoes, the wide open sound of the air blowing through - all of that is gone here, replaced by a deep penetrating silence. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32363 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32366 S #32365 Cold Storage~ This chamber is covered in the mold on the walls and floor, but it is easily thrity degrees cooler here than just a few feet to the east. You begin to feel the heat drain from your body and suddenly realize what the thing on the floor is! ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32366 S #32366 Mold Cavern~ This small cavern is a mass of fungi and mold, every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling are covered in the glowing growth. The sounds that you became so accustomed to in the caves outside - the echoes, the wide open sound of the air blowing through - all of that is gone here, replaced by a deep penetrating silence. To the west is a small chamber, one which appears to hold a mass of something on the floor. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32364 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32367 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32365 S #32367 Mold Cavern~ This small cavern is a mass of fungi and mold, every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling are covered in the glowing growth. The sounds that you became so accustomed to in the caves outside - the echoes, the wide open sound of the air blowing through - all of that is gone here, replaced by a deep penetrating silence. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32363 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32366 S #32368 The Lake's Edge~ With your back against a wall to the west and a deep subterrainean lake to the east, you may either go north or south along this ledge. You see a pile of... Something just south of here heaped against the south wall on the ground. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32360 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32369 S #32369 The Lake's Edge~ The ledge has reached the southern wall of the cavern, ended any further progress on the ledge. Something smells quite dreadful here, very much like dead, decayed fish - but maginified many times over. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32368 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32399 S #32370 Vaulted Chamber~ The cave here is very wide and very tall, the black rock looking as if it were carved by the hands of man - or something like man. The top of the cave comes to a point, the ceiling sloping down in two perfectly even archs to reach the walls, making this almost seem like a holy walkway - one that might lead to a holy man of some sort. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32371 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32322 S #32371 Vaulted Chamber~ The chamber ends just east of here at a giant hole in the center of the floor. The ceiling and walls do not stray from their shape or form that began at the entrance to the main cavern, indeed they hold their shape right up to the point where they meet the far eastern wall on the other side of the hole. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32372 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32370 S #32372 Top of the Shaft~ The gigantic hole on the floor turns out that it is a huge circular shaft which down deeper into the rock. This was most definitely man-made as it is completely smooth walled with a set of rungs built into one side, made for easy climbing. ~ 323 adfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32371 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32373 S #32373 In the Shaft~ You are about midway through the shaft now. The ceiling of the chamber above can be seen from here as can the floor of a chamber below. Both seem about as promising as a night on the iron maiden. ~ 323 adfg 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32372 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32374 S #32374 Bottom of the Shaft~ The shaft rises high above you, black rock rungs climbing up one side of the wall of the shaft. A vaulted passage runs off to the east, much like the one above. In fact, it is exactly like the one above. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32375 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32373 S #32375 Vaulted Chamber~ You notice for the first time that the grime and filth of the caverns above does no seem to extend down into this section of the caves. The floors are free of litter, indeed they are free of dirt, as it appears they are swept or scrubbed regularly. The passageway continues east for a short distance further then turns north, the vaulted ceiling turning with the rest of the cavern. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32376 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32374 S #32376 Archway~ The vaulting of the ceiling runs off to the north through a very well-crafted archway. The archway boasts two statues on either side of the entrance north, both of short, bald men who hold their hands over their hearts and stare resolutely into space in front of them. To the east the cavern continues, however the walls and ceiling become rough, no longer carved in that direction. The way east gains width as it runs in that direction, getting more and more wide with every foot east. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32377 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32388 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32375 S #32377 Wide Carpeted Caveway~ Oddly enough, the floor of this caveway is carpeted with a fine black rug, making the way north quite enjoyable. Ahead are torches in ornate sconces, burning strongly, lighting the whole way. You can see that the caveway runs north for quite some distance before turning east. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32378 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32376 S #32378 Wide Carpeted Caveway~ The caveway runs north to south, the ceiling still vaulted and the walls smooth and clean as any palace. The denizens of this place seem especially proud of their home. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32379 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32377 S #32379 Wide Carpeted Caveway~ The caveway makes its turn just north from here, the carpet following along. To the south is the way back to the vaulted caves which lead back into the main cavern. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32380 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32378 S #32380 Before the Chamber~ The view to the east is nothing short of astonishing! A large black rock throne lies against the far east wall, quite some distance from here, small alcoves hold waiting attendants the length of the hall. The black carpeting runs straight to the throne. ~ 323 cdfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32383 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32379 S #32381 Waiting Chamber~ All manner of cave dwellers have waited in this place. Waited on the pleasure of the Pale Man, who it is said holds the power of the Underdark. Legends told of the Pale Man say that he has lived for a thousand years and will live for a thousand more. No one disputes them, as the Pale Man kills any being foolhearty enough to make an attempt on his life, even in thought. ~ 323 dfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32383 S #32382 Side Chamber~ All manner of cave dwellers have waited in this place. Waited on the pleasure of the Pale Man, who it is said holds the power of the Underdark. Legends told of the Pale Man say that he has lived for a thousand years and will live for a thousand more. No one disputes them, as the Pale Man kills any being foolhearty enough to make an attempt on his life, even in thought. ~ 323 dfg 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32384 S #32383 Entering the Chamber~ The hall runs east toward the throne, to the north and south are small alcoves. The alcoves are where beings wait for their chance to speak to or make a request of the Pale Man. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32381 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32384 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32386 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32380 S #32384 Chamber of the Pale Man~ The hall runs east toward the throne, to the north and south are small alcoves. The alcoves are where beings wait for their chance to speak to or make a request of the Pale Man. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32382 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32385 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32387 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32383 S #32385 Throne Room~ The walls are all worked in glorious carvings, all of them of the likeness of the Pale Man. Many fine underworld carvers have paid tribute to the Pale Man over the millenia in donating some of their talent to beautifying his abode. All these walls pale, however, in comparison to the huge black throne which stands tall and proud on its dias against the far east wall. ~ 323 dfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32384 S #32386 Waiting Chamber~ All manner of cave dwellers have waited in this place. Waited on the pleasure of the Pale Man, who it is said holds the power of the Underdark. Legends told of the Pale Man say that he has lived for a thousand years and will live for a thousand more. No one disputes them, as the Pale Man kills any being foolhearty enough to make an attempt on his life, even in thought. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32383 S #32387 Side Chamber~ All manner of cave dwellers have waited in this place. Waited on the pleasure of the Pale Man, who it is said holds the power of the Underdark. Legends told of the Pale Man say that he has lived for a thousand years and will live for a thousand more. No one disputes them, as the Pale Man kills any being foolhearty enough to make an attempt on his life, even in thought. ~ 323 dfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32384 S #32388 The Cavern Widens~ And widen it does, indeed. It continues to widen until it reaches a huge circular well just to the east. A small chamber to the south looks particularly uninviting, however it may warrant a quick look. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32390 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32389 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32376 S #32389 A Grim Chamber~ Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to get that quick look. The dreadful creature which makes its home in this place is not at all what one might call a good host, and if it not here now, chances are that it will be back very quickly. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32388 S #32390 Deep Well~ Looking down into the depths of this thing, you cannot see bottom. That does not mean that there isn't one, though - never fear. Dropping a pebble down into it you hear... Nothing. That does not mean it didn't land, though - do not be afraid. It appears that the rocky interior of the well would be suitable for climbing. ~ 323 adfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32388 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32391 S #32391 In the Well~ The handholds turn out to be quite stable, allowing access to both the top and bottom of the well. The bottom of the well can be seen now, bone dry. ~ 323 adfg 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32390 D5 ~ ~ 0 0 32392 S #32392 Well's Base~ The well ascends above you into the wide chamber. It turns out there is yet another wide chamber leading east from down here as well. It also seems much warmer down here than it did above. ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32393 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32391 S #32393 Crosschamber~ The cavern splits here, one chamber heading off south, the other continuing east. It is much wider to the east, however the heat that you feel seems to radiate from that direction - a sign, perhaps? ~ 323 adfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32394 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32396 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32392 S #32394 Near a Glow~ A strange maroon glow comes from the eastern chamber, some sort of maroon draping or mound lies in that room. The glow shimmers and dazzles as it shines. The heat now has become nearly unbearable, you can feel your face and hands burning slightly, turning red. ~ 323 dfg 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32395 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32393 S #32395 The Dragon's Hoarde~ Ahh, so it was the glow of all that money and treasure gleaming on a huge dragon's scales - that's all it was. Maybe it would have been better had you stayed in Jareth, maybe tossed a couple of beers down at the Goat and called it a night... ~ 323 dfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32394 S #32396 Side Tunnel~ This tunnel is certainly more narrow than the one to the north. However, that does not help to ease the uneasy feeling you get from this small tunnel. Something, someone lies to the south and it is not something good. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32393 D2 ~ ~ 0 0 32397 S #32397 Side Tunnel~ The tunnel makes a curve, heading into a small chamber filled with heaps of coins! Maybe that bad feeling was just that you weren't sure how you were going to carry all this gold back to the bank. ~ 323 adfg 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 0 32396 D1 ~ ~ 0 0 32398 S #32398 Deep Room~ You realize with a sinking feeling that the heaps you thought were gold were actually the sides of the Deepspawn inhabiting this place. Somewhere, somehow back just west of Jareth, you feel you must have taken a wrong turn. ~ 323 adfg 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 0 32397 S #32399 The Aboleth's Lair~ So this is why the aboleth attacked so suddenly on the ledge! She was protecting her babies. Not to mention a considerable treasure... ~ 323 afg 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 0 32369 S $~