The wind howled with rage! It screamed down the wide streets, the narrow alleys. It clawed at anyone, at any thing caught outside. It threatens to peel off unpinned hats, unclasped cloaks, even the tightest of garments.
The cold was neigh the icy grip of death! It penetrated deep, sucking vitality, emotion, laughter and joy! it brings only misery and sadness. It dampens the will to live. It crawls through the tiniest gap, the thinnest flap, licking and caressing as only an undead lover can accomplish. Muscles cry out in agony, in pain as the cold freezes the blood, the tissue, even the marrow.
With the wind and cold comes the snow. Large, fat balls of snow fall upon the Realm's only metropolis, Waterdeep. The wind hurls icy wet balls into walls, the street, lamp posts, armor, and faces, all them and more. The snow clings to any and all, soaking building, barrel, and person alike. Lord and Lady, commoner and slave, elf or human, the snow, the cold, and the wind do not care who it affects. This weather simply is.
Lords and Ladies do not venture out of their large mansions, their miniature fortresses, their warm domiciles. For to venture out was to taste the chill of Death. Yet the commoner, the slave, those without, have no choice but to endure. For the only other option, is death. Snow, wind and cold haunt the streets, striking without warning, a serial killer stalking victims at whim. Those that must venture the streets, slip from building to building, seeking to avoid that which roams openly the roads and pathways of the large city. They flit about, moving with purpose, ignoring others, seeking that little bit of food, of item, to sustain them.
The Lords on high, the Lords of Waterdeep, dispatch messengers, missives to the masses. The message answers a few questions, but leaves more. It reads
Residents of Waterdeep,
Know that the court wizards have probed this storm for magical interference. The priests have divined the essence of this winter blizzard. These sages have conferred, and report that this storm is not the work of some magical entity. This storm is of nature herself.
A massive tropical storm has swept in off the Sea of Swords, and, as luck would have it, the cold north seems to have reached far to the south, far enough to plunge our fair city with it's icy grip! This cataclysm of natural events has writ large the effects upon our city fare!
The young woman struggles to raise her voice over the commotion within the common room of the Yawning Portal, her high pitch making the final sentence from the Lords sound terrifying instead of reassuring.
Yet, for as cold as it was outside, inside the Yawning portal, it was warm and thriving! travelers from near and far intermingled with residents of waterdeep. A place that normally held entertainment and enjoyment for all who came now provided much needed warmth (and food)! Men and Women, old and young, and those in between, Elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, aasimars and tieflings, they packed in, drinking warming liquids, eating the best that the Inn could offer. Games were held every where. Dice rolling, dart and knife throwing. On the stage set in the back, bards would try their hand at telling the tall tales.
And yet, for the Balanced Coin, time at the Yawning Portal Inn has not been one of idleness and comradery. Instead, it has been one of work. Hard work. Cold work.
The Yawning Portal is Waterdeep's most popular inn. And the most popular inn needs food. needs liquor. Needs firewood.
the storm has seriously hampered its ability to get fresh supplies.
The Balanced Coin had no sooner arrived at the inn than a rather portly house Mistress had pressed them into service.
The cold has either driven off or killed my runners. The inn needs provisions, otherwise the patrons will begin to die off. or worse, leave she had said.
the job was easy enough. go to point A, gather items, bring back to the Inn. Go back out, head to point B, bring back, repeat.
It was the cold, the snow, the wind, the desperate that was the hard part.
Cold froze the axles of the wagons. Snow drifts hampered movement, making easy routes difficult, or impossible to navigate. The wind threatened to topple the wagon and all of you. The desperate were the worst. You have a job to do, and unfortunately you cannot help everyone. And worse, Mistress Pol, knew exactly how much meat and mead, bread and beer, leeks and liquor, was ordered, and expected to be delivered. i do care about those less fortunate, but i care more about the fortunate that are here, now, and paying She broke no deviation.
For three days, you hauled in the cold, the wind, the snow. In return, you received free room and board. Your food was the hottest, your blankets the snuggest (though the rooms were nothing more than servant rooms).
However, today was different. today was your day off. or your job pause? youre not sure. Mistress Pol had said simply Go spend some time in the common room. enjoy yourself. If i need you, i shall call you
so now, you sit in the middle of the common room, the loudness of commotion as everyone tries to talk to everyone, trying to be louder than everyone else, resulting in a communal roar of noise. The fireplace burned hot, yet it was the press of the masses that provided the warmth. The wooden beams set into the walls, supporting the ceiling, gleamed a brilliant brown sheen from polish. Windows had been covered with rich red blankets, blocking out the harshest of the cold that creeps in through the windows.
overall, the atmosphere was cozy, given what was going on outside. For though the coldness of Death roams the roadways, the warmth of community was strong within the Yawning Portal.
For three days, you hauled in the cold, the wind, the snow. In return, you received free room and board. Your food was the hottest, your blankets the snuggest (though the rooms were nothing more than servant rooms).
However, today was different. today was your day off. or your job pause? youre not sure. Mistress Pol had said simply, "go spend some time in the common room. Enjoy yourself. If I need you, I shall call you."
"Ah, good. This will give me a chance to practice AND hopefully make some more coin."
Vondel "Silvertongue' Goldbeard pulls out a beautiful gittern out of his shabby sack on his back, and begins to play, an empty bowl for people to put some cold coin in.
Ceirn sat with his mead and listened to the din of the room and wondered when the biting cold would end. After a bit he speaks to no one in particular, "I am not sure I trust that missive. It seems to me if there was a danger to the city, the lords would be just as willing to lie about it to stop the citizens from panicking."
Astrillith sits close to a window, opening the curtain now and then and looks out over the streets of Waterdeep. The cold almost barren landscape. Her green eyes almost glinting as she does so. Then slowly she closes it again, not wanting to be reprimanded by almost everyone present.
She turns to crowd and speaks, mostly to herself "This seems a good place to watch the hand of death reach across the city. It is good to see people realise that there is more and a miss step can take your comfort from you" her dry tone ever present as she thumbs her holy symbol
Sitting with Ceirn and Astrillith, Gaelden watched the godling perform. Despite his crass personality and unwelcome advances, she had to concede that the dwarf was quite proficient at...well, anything that came to performing. Regardless of his motivations, he brought cheer when the howling wind outside battled against his efforts. For what it was worth, she appreciated his efforts.
"Whether they are lying or not, this weather is an ill omen." She said. "A dragon or an eye tyrant? They can be fought with one's hands. But the weather?" She shook her head. "Just as many innocents can perish. And I dislike the feeling of helplessness that comes from a natural calamity."
The grimspawn slowly turns her head towards Gaelden, as she then begins to speak "Death does come for us all, even those who seek to avoid it. The cold outside is just a reminder that no matter how much we try, certain things will never be our to command." she tilts her head a bit to the side as she listens to the music being played "Though how we embrace the inevitable does speak to one's soul.
Her eyes stray to her companion, Pac "Do not worry my friend, your meal will come. Once we capture it. You prefer fresh meals when it can be obtained.
"You speak of helplessness, but we are never truly helpless." Kolaiah's deep voice, though hushed in the bustle of the common room, carried a quiet authority as she leaned forward slightly, the massive greatsword hanging over her shoulder swaying with the motion. Her large, muscular frame filled much of the space around her, and the warmth of the room did little to mask the fire in her golden eyes. She tilted her head slightly, her horns catching the light, the long, curled brown and white hair shifting with the motion.
"It is not the weather that causes helplessness, but the fear of the unknown. We cannot fight the cold, the snow, or the wind. But we can face them with strength... and with purpose." She paused, her strong hooves tapping the floor rhythmically, echoing her thoughts.
"There are worse things to face than the storm outside. I have faced labyrinths that threaten to swallow the soul, yet I would still choose them over the empty feeling that comes from inaction." Her hands, calloused and strong, wrapped around her greatsword's hilt as she briefly glanced out the window, her eyes narrowing as if focusing on a distant target.
"This city, this place, may be gripped by the cold, but those who brave the Yawning Portal are braver still. I have heard whispers of Undermountain." She tilted her head back, the gleaming metal of her plate armor catching the firelight. "A labyrinth of endless mystery. Treasure and danger in equal measure. What better place to prove one's mettle?" She grinned, a fierce but thoughtful expression on her face.
"I have wandered far and wide, seen cities, and faced dangers, but this place... Waterdeep, and its depths... they are a challenge worthy of the Balanced Coin." She stood up, her armor scraping slightly as she rose, before giving a firm nod to her companions.
"When the storm outside becomes too much to bear, let us seek adventure within. There, at least, we know what we face. And I do not believe we are helpless there."
"Underground? Out of this wind and snow and blasted...weather?
Jambreth sits as far away as possible from the window, hood pulled up and cloak drawn forward over his shoulders.
"Undermountain? Deadly dungeon full of the loot of earlier hapless individuals, plus whatever is buried there before? Count me in. Or, if there's a Winter Witch or cursed Baron or something we can take care of to nix this cold front, I'm in for that."
Wrapping his long fingers around the mug of warmed hard cider in front of him, he grins down the table.
"Always up for a little 'delving."
Vondal concentrates on his playing. The aasimar sighs inwardly, remembering that the sexy minotaur can be long-winded at times. The dwarf's handsome ears prick up when the elf speaks of delves.
"I guess underground is also a good place to hunt and to meet ones end. Saves me time to bury you" she states as if it was a fact and it was simply like saying water is wet
"Riches come and go. But I guess again that we will need to go find those riches"
She seems to look each of her companions up and down for a moment before she speaks again "What do you wish to do with your shares?"
Ignoring the gallows talk, Gaelden shrugged. ”It is somewhat early to count our gold, is it not?” She responded. Then, with a smile she added ”All that I carry belongs to Tyr. Whatever my shares, it will be used in his name. For the crusade is eternal.” Shaking her head, she added ”So as always, I must give you the same boring answer.”
"How would we even get to this Undermountain. I doubt the Lords of Waterdeep have an open path in and out of a dungeon with who knows what lurking inside. We would probably need to get one of them to send us down. Its probably some kind of racket from the doppelgangers in the government." Ceirn says with a nod of his head.
The grimspawn turns her head to look at Cairn, as she replies
"We could simply request? Doppelganger or not. It should be a simple matter to fill any any paperwork required or jump through any legalistic hoops. If it was such a secret place, I do not think mere adventurers as ourselves would know of its existence"
"We could ask around in here. I'm sure someone knows an entrance to this dungeon around here. Course, they might wait til we get back and rob us on the return."
”Well, it beats just sitting here and listening to the wind.” Gaelden replied. ”I believe that we’ve got some contacts from previous jobs. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a way in.”
"I do enjoy the whispers of death. It's soothing. Makes me want to go to sleep. Like a last lullaby" as she opens the curtain again to look outside
Vondal rolled his sapphire eyes. "Astrillith! 'Sad hands give no coin.' The dwarf snapped as he went back to concentrating on his playing.
"I would disagree, emotional responses often give more than simply listening to music. Though do not expect me to give you coin just yet. For that time has not yet come. Hopefully not any time soon. But we have no way of knowing, do we?" she closes the curtain with a sigh as she looks at her companions again. Pac lazily draped across her neck as he slithers up her arm
"You all speak of the cold, of the wind, and the dangers lurking in this city." Kolaiah's deep voice rang out, her hooves tapping rhythmically against the wooden floor as she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with purpose. "But do you not see? This is why I suggested Undermountain in the first place. We know it is there. We know it has stood for countless years, untouched by the weather that rages outside."
She gave a firm nod, the massive greatsword hanging over her shoulder creaking slightly as she moved. "Dungeons, caves, labyrinths – they are underground. They remain the same temperature all year round. No snow. No wind. No bitter cold. Only stone and mystery, waiting to be explored. That is why I wanted to go." She paused, her large hooves stomping the floor with a force that shook the table.
"The weather may try to freeze us, but beneath Waterdeep’s surface, the heart of adventure waits. I do not seek treasure or wealth, though that too is an offering. The labyrinth itself is the treasure. It is a challenge worthy of us." Her nostrils flared slightly as she glanced at each of her companions. "If we are to truly test our strength, our resolve, and our purpose, it is in the depths of Undermountain where we must go."
"So, yes," she added with a grin, showing a flash of sharp teeth, "I will follow the path to the dungeon, but not to escape this cold. We seek it because we know that the labyrinth always holds more than just danger. It holds truth, and it calls us."
Strang as it may be, your discussion makes all of you pause for a moment, realizing that this is indeed your first time in the great common room that is the Yawning Portal. Mistress Pol had been running the lot of you ragged the last three days, only allowing breaks for food and a quick pause by the kitchen fire (it is bigger than the one found within the commons).
The ceiling above your heads arcs high above before breaking into a vast openness. Two tiers of balconies provide extra seating for travelers and visitors to the Inn. However, access to the highest level is only accomplished with considerable gold changing hands. Mistress Pol has informed you that only the most delectable meals go to this floor, the most rare of drinks, the most special of evening companions. the first tier, the ones on the floor above you, men and women with a gristled look. Scars abound their faces, battle damage upon others. Missing eyes, teeth, hands, arms and legs only to be replaced with magical constructs, these are the hardened adventurers. The ones that have fought battles, have earned reputations of renown! The Blistered Barbs, Jade warriors, the Undertow, these groups and more hold court upon the tables that circle above the centerpiece upon the first floor where you all sit.
A strange oddity it is. Set into the center of the large room is a ring of stones mortared together into a wall, no more than waist height upon a human male. The ring itself is massive, measuring around 40 feet in diameter, it dominates the room and the building proper.
Special access? a small voice suddenly chimes in, shouting to be heard. You look down and see a smaller than average halfling standing before the table, red hair a horrible mess, a face covered in soot and grime. Clothing is subdued in color, greys and browns. It looks like a butcher sewn the material together rather than a seamstress. To the Underground? You lot not from around here are you? I'll tell ya all about the Undermountain, if it's worth my while.
"Aye, we’ve heard the stories of the Undermountain. But we do not need the whispers of others to know what lies beneath this city." Kolaiah’s voice echoed in the room, her gaze turning to the halfling with a mixture of curiosity and confidence. "We’ve come to seek it out ourselves. The labyrinth calls, and we will answer, as it always demands."
She leaned forward, the massive greatsword over her shoulder making a soft clink. "But, if you know of any safe passage or hidden ways into its depths, then yes, perhaps it will be worth your while to share. We are not ones to sit idle when there are challenges waiting."
With a firm stomp of her hooves, Kolaiah added, "We seek more than treasure. We seek to conquer the labyrinth itself."
Jambreth sidles over to the newcomers side, placing 5 cold coins in a stack under his palm while drawing his knife under the table.
"As you can tell, we're new to this spot, and information would be most appreciated. "
Ceirn looks over the halfling and says, "Are you saying you have been down to the Undermountain?"
The halfling snaps out a hand, scooping up the gold coins. He smirks a devilish smirk, then nods his head over his back towards the round wall in the center of the room. As you said, its underground.
He scampers away....
Ceirn laughs as the halfling pulls his con and starts running. He then checks his own pouch.
"Perhaps our little bird did tell us how to get there" she comments as she points towards the round wall
"Secret passage?"
Jambreth grins as the little man scores his free coin.
"Should've guessed that'd go sideways. Oh well, a handful of coins to gauge his mettle was a cheap enough price. So...over that wall is in?"
Jambreth wanders over to get a better look down, and at the edges of the opening.
With a small annoyed sigh, Vondal stops playing to put his instrument away, then joins the others at the opening.
Astrillith turns to look at the dwarf, "Oh. You have stopped playing your music. Did you not get the recognition you saught? That's okay. One day we all will stand to be judged by our lives here. Then you will receive what you did not get" she then turns to face the wall again, as if searching, though she had no idea what to look for, so she simply stares
”Maybe.” Gaelden said with some thought. ”Given his father, perhaps not?” She was serious in her question. ”What is death to a God? I believe Bhaal died and came back numerous times. I would not be surprised to find that their children operate under their own set of rules as well.”
Vondal shrugs with a nod. "My mom died in childbirth with me. Luckily my family was able to corporate her spirit. So my mother and father raised me in Dwarfhome", the godling smiled.
"Both my parents have already passed. Time caught up with them. They lived full lives. I keep them close to me at all time" she nods at Vondal
"Keep your folks and their memories with you too. While you still can see them"
Kolaiah huffs loudly, her frustration rising as she watches the others continue to debate. With a grunt, she stands up from her seat, her massive form drawing attention as her hooves stomp heavily on the wooden floor, echoing through the room.
"Enough with the endless talk!" she growls, her voice like a deep rumble. "There is action to be taken. Labyrinths don’t wait for you to decide when you’re ready." Her large horns sway with the movement of her head as she makes her way toward the center of the room, scanning the area intently.
"I’ll find it," she mutters under her breath, eyes narrowing as she inspects the walls and the space around the strange ring of stones. "A place like this is bound to have some secret way in." Her hooves stamp with purpose as she moves, methodically searching for hidden doors, loose stones, or any sign of a concealed passage that could lead them closer to Undermountain.
Her hands brush over the stone, her fingers moving with surprising delicacy for someone of her size and strength, testing every crevice and shadowed corner. "A maze calls to me," she murmurs, her voice low but fierce. "This city may hide its entrance, but I will find it. Labyrinths have no place for hesitation. Only those who move with purpose shall succeed."
She continues her search, stomping over to the next wall with a determined air. "We may have to deal with all the noise and confusion, but I’ll be the one to uncover the truth. The labyrinth is waiting, and we should not waste another moment."
Rising to her feet, Gaelden said ”You heard her.” She knew when it was pointless to argue and this was one such situation.
"Believe it!" The godling agreed, as he quickly ran upstairs to get his gear. "Be right back! Don't go without me!!"
Everyone approaches the short wall, and the lot of you are surprised to see a gaping hole that descends down, down, further down still. You can just glimpse the bottom of the large shaft, a circle of light illuminating a room. The distance is great, nigh 200 feet down, but it is a continuous shaft. no side branches appear to originate off of this shaft.
The shaft itself is wide, wider than expected. from when you came into the room, whether it was the press of people, or a design of the innkeeper, you couldnt observe just how wide this shaft was. Easily measuring 40 feet across, a large group of people could descend this shaft shoulder to shoulder.
But its a 200 foot drop? How? you cannot help but think as you look for some means of reaching the bottom of the shaft.
As you look down, you spot movement. First one person, then a second appear. the both of them wave their arms above their heads, and their mouths open. a moment later, you hear shouts and demands for help.
A reed slender of a man steps up next to the lot of you. The man's features are that of a sharp intensity. Cheek bones sharp enough to cut highlight the mans boney facial features. He grimaces once, but shouts below
a long pause lingers in the air as the crowd in the common room behind you begin to quiet, eager to listen to the exchange you are witness to.
Aye. One gold we can pay.
mummers rise from the crowd, but quickly are shushed.
your heart begins to beat faster in your chest.
We- all of us cannot pay that debt. we have but 2 gold. however! My man here, he can pay with his- his sword
Falserth! It's Falserth
The man nods, the gesture lost on those down below.
a flurry of activity kicks off! Several men rush to a corner, and a rope is unlimbered from its shackle. the men grunt and groan. Patrons push forward to the wall, pressing eagerly forward to watch.
you hear a creak and a groan from above. looking up, you see the ceiling descending down upon you! You blink, and blink again, and finally figure out that instead of a ceiling, a wooden platform is being lowered from above the third story. Slowly and steadily it drops, and as it passes yo begin to pick up on conversations from the patrons.
Who is the group?
what happened to them?
I think its the silver skins
No, the deep dwellers.
nooo, not them. they were all dwarves looking for a new way home.
Bah! such idiots. could have-
the crowd chatters on as the platform descends. when it reaches bottom, a figure is laid upon the platform, while three others climb atop.
with slowness, the platform ascends.
the crowd grows silent, watching. hoping to catch a glimpse of identity.
Oh geez. a voice suddenly says it's the Moaning Nymphs
the crowd groans in annoyance.
A strange white mark had been painted upon the shaft wall, looking to be around the five foot mark. as the platform reaches this point, the man standing next to you lifts his hand in a fist. the platform stops.
the crowd goes silent.
Payment the man intones Payment, or you drop
Astrillith calmly stands next to the shouting man and produces enough coins for the ones on the lift.
"As much as I would like to hear how deep they can fall, it would surely make our trip much more difficult if I did not make some friends along the way" as she hands over the coins
She turns to look at Pac "I have my reasons, stop pestering me about such things. I already told you when you can get it"
Pac seems to hiss in defiance but goes back to relaxing across her shoulders and arm
Kolaiah crosses her arms as she watches Astrillith hand over the gold coins. She takes a slow step forward, her eyes narrowing with concern as she speaks.
"I must admit, I'm not so certain this is the wisest course of action." Kolaiah snorts lightly, a glint of unease in her eyes. "Paying for another’s toll without proper consultation? That could easily be seen as a violation of some unspoken adventurer’s code—or worse, a local law we’ve yet to learn. Who knows what sort of dealings the authorities here have with these 'toll collectors'? We should have inquired about the local policies before making such an exchange."
She shifts her weight from one hoof to the other, her large form taking up more space as she speaks. "Not every city is as... open-minded as others. Best to know the rules before we’re caught in something we don’t understand." She pauses, looking at the others, and then gives a low, rumbling snort. "Then again, what's done is done. But if things go wrong, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
"Well, that certainly answers some questions, and raises a few more. Definitely good to know, keep a Crown per head stashed on the way back out. I was tempted to offer their passage as well, but I was thinking the same as Kolaiah; might be a bad idea to show off as new marks in such a place."
Jambreth peers down and lightly touches the pommel of his knife, grinning fiercely.
"So they come up, we go down, and get to delving, eh?"
She turns her whole body to look at both Kolaiah and Jambreth
"I would advise against challenging us in any form of hostility. I simply hoped to show that we are to be seen at very least helpful to others like us. Would you not wish to have help saving one of ours?"
Pac slithers down her arm and hisses and snaps at both of them, but quickly retreats as Astrillith glares at him
"And if there were rules. They would have mentioned it early." she turns to the man again, waiting to see if he will accept her payment
"A few coins might get some of the story from these Moaning Nymphs. If there is a trap they could warn us about, it might make our trip a little smoother." Ceirn says with a shrug.
The dwarf aasimar frowns, but has faith in his companions to get him out of this mess.
The man who is in command of the lift looks at Astrillith and her offered coin. he groans in displeasure. Charity.
He steps back and speaks louder for all to hear.
a long pause fills the air. those men upon the platform grow pale, cringing slightly.
boo! a person shouts. BOOOOOO! BOOOOO! the crowd begins to shout and bellow. bits of food and scraps of whatever begin to arch overhead and land amongst the lot of you.
but, amidst the deluge of sound and food, you notice gold and silver flash from hand to hand, and up on the higher balconies coin bags are exchanged.
a large ball of fat falls and impacts the waist high wall that you stand next to, splattering wide, the grease discoloring your clothing.
One of the Moaning Nymphs is rapidly nodding his head up and down. The man at the wall motions to the men manning the rope, and the lift begins to rise again. He then looks at Astrillith and growls for her ears alone
She calmly looks the man up and down before whispers back, seemingly ignoring her spoiled clothing
Her voice cold, her eyes almost drinking in the light around her, Pac closing in from her arm to him (aid) as she leans in close to his face
"This is a very unwise choice to try and take advantage of me, throwing you into the hole next to them will be the quick way out in comparison what I can do to you. You will will scream and beg for a release that will never come. I suggest you back out while you can"
(+4 from Feats)
She leans back again, the same dry expression on her face as before as she waits for his reply
"Really? A big old glob of congealed fat? That's the kind of establishment here? Okay, I guess its a bit rougher than I'd guessed."
Jambreth moves away from the wall area, keeping his knife in hand but tucked up behind his sleeve and concealed for the time being.
"So we pay a bit of charity and garner some ill will, why do you lot hate people surviving that much?"
The elf moves towards the bushy haired man as surreptitiously as possible, keeping a friendly smile on his face.
When the booing starts, the frowning dwarf unhooks Gloryhewner from his weapon's belt, and thumbs it's sharp edge.
Kolaiah lets out a loud, deep snort of disgust, a low rumble that vibrates through her chest. She stamps a hoof and shakes her head, clearly appalled by the shower of food and filth. "Ugh, this is beneath us. To be showered in such... offal!" she growls, her nostrils flaring in distaste as she backs away from the wall. "This is not the kind of place I want to be tangled up in. These are the actions of desperate, uncivilized sorts!" She takes another step away, her large form making her movement even more imposing.
"If they want to throw their scraps at us, they can keep them!" She huffs, her eyes scanning the room as she looks for a cleaner spot to stand, trying to distance herself from the mess. Her gaze falls on the crowd above, glaring with a mix of anger and incredulity. "I have no time for this nonsense." She mutters, shaking her head again as she moves further away from the taunting crowd.
"Alright. That's it. You've made me angry."
:)
Vondal climbs the walls toward the angry crowd.
The man takes a step back from astrillith, his face growing pale, his eyes wide. I- I- Im sorry, Mistress. Thats the rule! It was not I who made it, but Durnan, the Owner.
several people fall back from Vondal's intimidating use of his battleaxe. however, the press of the crowd around the well prevents them from moving far. More jeers and boos come from the folk behind those in the front. People begin to shove back and forth, those attempting to flee with those attempting to move forward.
Vondal climbs the wall, a glare upon his face. He plants his feet with his back to the open maw that leads down, down to the undermountain below. His feet slip however, catching some grease on the bottom of his boot
A brunette woman, middle aged, with brown eyes and several wicked scars across her cheeks and nose replies to Jambreths rhetorical question.
Because it's Undermountain. we dont merely adventure in it. We Survive it. Yes we explore it. yes, we plunder it. But, Undermountain is alive. It is worse than the sea. A sea doesnt care about it. It merely exists. Undermountain works against you. Sure there are creatures down below, some of the worst of the worst, but when you enter Undermountain, it isnt the monsters you go up against. It is the Dungeon.