98 rooms · levels 43–53
Sparkling, many-colored lights flitter about the room. A tiny underground stream gurgles across the south side of this cozy hovel. A conversation pit has been dug from the earth providing a place for company to sit and chat. The dirt floor is swept cleaner than one would have thought possible. The kitchen in the corner has an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables in the cupboards. A large bowl of organic granola sits on the table ready to be snacked on. A little wooden sign reads: 'Welcome Friends!'
An old wooden cart sits along the north side of the path. It is quite weathered, yet it still seems functional. To the east, the forest grows denser and the little path disappears into blackness. The sounds of strange beasts emanate from deep within The Black Woods.
The sky is hidden by the dense canopy of oaks. The path is rutted and little tufts of grass are attempting to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The forest smells like there is rain on its way. The dark oaks creak approvingly. The forest path continues west and east.
The sky is hidden by the dense canopy of oaks. The path is rutted and little tufts of grass are attempting to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The forest smells like there is rain on its way. The dark oaks creak approvingly. The forest path stretches west and south.
The sky is hidden by the dense canopy of oaks. The path is rutted and little tufts of grass are attempting to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The forest smells like there is rain on its way. The dark oaks creak approvingly. The forest path leads north and east.
The sky is hidden by a dense canopy of oaks. The path is rutted and little tufts of grass are attempting to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The forest smells like there is rain on its way. The dark oaks creak approvingly. The forest path leads west and south.
From the top of this incline you can clearly see the township of Nife and the Black Woods Keep. The treetops sway about dizzily, and large, black thunderheads march ominously closer. The tall oaks beckon, providing shelter from the coming storm.
The smell of rotting flesh permeates the interior of this stately oak. The thick walls of the trunk glow with a soft light, an arcane magic to imprison an ancient evil. The mystical aura is the only detectable light source. A small crawl way can be made out to the north, while the exit west leads back to Blackfall Ridge and safety.
Dark red blood streams across the floor here, forming small pools and leaving trails, almost like a hellish map. The soil appears to be a dense black mud, apparently from the abundance of blood it has soaked up. Strange bones litter the floor. Human skeletons, so old they have petrified, form horrific statues about the room. A black cloud of carrion insects obstructs the view upwards, and the only apparent escape is to the south.
Shelves and beakers line the walls, filled with items best left unexamined. A thaumaturgic triangle scribbled in blood marks the center of this chamber. The wooden cell walls glow brightly here, straining to contain this great evil. Vile, furry creatures nest in the roof, probably raised here as spell components. A makeshift workbench, carved from a bone-like material and stained deep red sits along the east wall. Various body parts are strewn across the table top, whether for a meal or for some diabolic spell it cannot be determined.
The great, black oaks encircle this glen, embracing it protectively. A chill wind swirls about, the direction of the source is unable to be determined. The sounds of creaking limbs are overcome by ominous thunder in the near distance. A rich, earthy smell arises from the forest floor, the ground here vibrates softly, the pulse like that of a heartbeat. A little used forest path leads north and east.
The ancient trees creak and moan, their leaves trembling from the strong gusts of wind that race through the forest. The sound of rushing water is audible close by, subdued by the swirling winds. A black squirrel stares at travelers from his perch safely in the treetops. The little path continues east and west.
This creaky bridge spans a rushing stream. The stream's source is visible to the north, where water gushes from a rocky cliff-face. Southwards, the stream plummets downward out of sight. Mist from the waterfall fills the air with tiny rainbows. The great forest looms nearby to the west, while the little dirt path leads eastwards towards the Black Forest Keep.
The water screams loudly as it plummets onto the large rocks. Mist swells upwards, and nothing can be heard except the crashing waterfall. The mist is pervasive, and the air is too saturated to breathe. The stream disappears into a hole in the ground, as if returning to its source.
A wooden cart sits here near the eastern end of an old, rickety bridge. The path is dusty and well traveled. The large wheel ruts scarring the road are evidence of that. Across the bridge to the west, the black oaks loom, keeping a silent vigil over the inhabitants of the woods. To the east, a high-walled keep reaches toward the sky.
This quiet, dusty road is barren of any travelers at the moment. The stomping of armored guards can be heard in the near distance, and a faint shout can be heard rising from the township of Nife nearby to the east. The quiet of the forest and the near silence of the Keep road tell the tale of a people in fear. The towering oaks to the west are doing their best to block a sharp, cold wind blowing in from the northwest.
The road intersects here with a short path leading south to the towering Black Woods Keep. Dust whips up from the road forming a blinding cloud. The township to the east would provide a roof and warm fire to weather out the coming storm, or the forest to the west would provide shelter beneath its dense canopy. The keep to the south has been locked down, and could probably be mistaken for a prison if one didn't know better.
The gray stone walls of the Black Woods Keep loom menacingly. An impenetrable set of gates destroy any hopes of gaining entrance. The baron is not welcoming visitors these days, quite contrary to popular opinion that he is a fair and compassionate ruler. The wind whistles loudly in anticipation of the coming storm.
This room serves as the storehouse for all the taxes collected throughout the barony. A stone table with a large scale sits against the eastern wall. The only exit is back into the mist.
A set of black gates bars this vaulted hallway of the keep from the outside world. The crest of the Black Woods Barony hangs lifelessly over the gates. The massive stone walls are covered with an assortment of tapestries and oil paintings. A large wooden door is to the east, and the grand hall continues southward.
A richly appointed wooden table sits in the middle of the room. Porcelain plates and silverware have been set out for the servants' next meal. The Baron's servants receive royal treatment which explains their undying loyalty to this great man. The kitchen lies just to the south, and a large door westward leads to the Grand Hall.
Although the fog has dissipated here, a fine mist fills the air floating down from above. This immense room looks strangely out of place inside the confines of the keep. Large stone archways provide passage to the north and south.
A polished, black oaken dining table sits firmly atop the flagstones of the Grand Hall. Many chairs have been pushed up to the table, enough for a good sized banquet. Three brilliant crystal chandeliers hang from the vaulted stone ceiling, their candles burnt low. A wooden statue of Baron Tramor stands proudly against the eastern wall. The Grand Hall continues to the north and south.
A giant, stone hearth takes up most of the southern wall. Above the hearth, a wide, wooden shelf holds a variety of cooking utensils. A preparation table used for arranging the different courses of the meal sits in the center of the room. The smell of freshly baked bread lingers in the air.
Silence fills this vast stone chamber, and yellow and green sparkles fill the air like some kind of magical dust. The stone walls of this room appear brand new, in contrast to the rest of the aging keep. A tiny bit of mist floats in from the north, but quickly dissipates on contact with the sparkling lights.
The thick, stone walls of the keep are inset with wood carvings depicting a variety of magical beasts, immortals, and great warriors. Along the east wall, a thick door hums with magical energies. The hallway stretches northward, and a magnificent staircase spirals upward.
The brisk air crackles with magical energy. A frosty, magical cold spell placed upon this room keeps all the foodstuffs fresh for weeks at a time. A large door to the west insulates this room from the warm air of the Black Hills Keep. A thick metal hatch fits seamlessly into the floor, practically invisible.
This bunk room houses a ranking officer in the elite guard. A large bed with tightly tucked in sheets appears to be most uncomfortable. The stone walls are bare, and the air is much cooler here than in the rest of the castle.
The stone corridor ends here at the foot of a steep staircase leading up. Stylish black, oaken rails provide a handhold up the precipitous stairs. Large doors separate the corridor from rooms to the east and west.
An oversized bed rests against the north wall. At the foot of the bed stands a small stool for the shining of boots. The wardrobe stands empty, the captain is out on patrol.
Foggy mist swirls about hiding any details in this room. The walls, floor, and ceiling are made invisible by the mist, assuming they even exist. No outside noises reach this room, nor do any leave.
Ancient, gray flagstones were used in the construction of this corridor. They muffle the outside noises and even those from the surrounding rooms. The silence is complete, the extremity of it unnerving. The corridor continues to the north and south.
The back of the barracks contains a number of beds arranged in an orderly fashion. A flickering globe hangs from the ceiling, its magical fire heating the air to just the perfect temperature. A large water basin rests against the north wall.
Four large beds sit at opposite corners of this room. Large, white, fluffy pillows rest by the headboards of each bed. A green marble wash basin has been built into the western wall. Warm, heated air flows from a tiny ventilation shaft between some flagstones.
This corridor lacks the majestic carvings of the Grand Hall below, but the thick, stone walls serve their purposes well. Atop this staircase landing, black oaken doors provide exits to the east and to the west. The corridor continues north.
The front of the barracks contains a large number of plain looking beds lined up orderly against the stone walls. Warm air floats in from the north, heating the room to a comfortable temperature. The path between the foot of the beds continues to the north towards the back of the barracks.
Two small beds sit opposite each other against the thick, stone walls. A small wooden desk has been placed by each of the beds. An open wardrobe sits against the western wall. A small window beside the wardrobe provides a view of the world outside the keep.
A thin layer of dust forms over the cold flagstones in this corridor. A stairway leads down to the servants level. To the east and west stand heavily constructed doors made from the hearty black oaks of the region. The corridor stretches southward.
A stone table with a number of odd spell components dominates the center of the room. Smaller wooden desks and tables line the surrounding walls. Three stools have been pushed up to the edge of the stone table. Various charts and tables hang from the walls. This fully functional magical laboratory astounds even the most experienced of mages.
Foggy mist swirls about hiding any details in this room. The walls, floor, and ceiling are made invisible by the mist, assuming they even exist. No outside noises reach this room, nor do any leave.
The cold, flagstone walls on this topmost level of the keep are bare of any decor. A thick layer of dust has formed on the floor, and the lack of footprints signifies it has been awhile since anyone walked this length of corridor. The corridor runs north and south.
Gray marble tiles cover the flagstones on the floor and the walls of this room. A large rug sewn from the skin of what must have been several foxes protects bare feet from the cold marble. A large polished steel tub sits underneath a metal pipe extending from some sort of pump mounted on the wall. Water drip-drops from the pipe into the steel basin. An open doorway to the south leads back to the living area.
This cozy study contains a massive library. Bookshelves carved from the finest black oak stretch to the ceiling. A plush leather chair has been pulled up next to the fireplace. The fire would provide a great light to read by and the ornate marble mantle surrounding it serves as a good place to keep the current reading materials.
The corridor ends here, just outside Baron Tramor's private chambers. Majestic doors carved from strong oak separate the rooms to the east and the west. A window in the southern wall provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The smell of rain rides the light breeze that blows in from the window.
A leather sofa covered with exotic animal skins sits underneath a large open window along the eastern wall. A large, brown bearskin rug covers the cold flagstones, and a warm, glowing fire burns brightly in a stone hearth on the southern wall. An open doorway to the north leads to the bath chamber, and a staircase carved from a tall, black oak leads up into the Baron's bedchamber.
A majestic bed carved from what must have been the tallest and mightiest of oak trees floats a few feet off the ground near the north wall. A dangerous looking field of electrical energies crackles wildly, surrounding the bed with a protective shield. Baron Tramor has called upon his strongest of magics to create this ward that guards him from any would be assassins. Furthermore, all his valuables must have been moved elsewhere for safekeeping should the assassins have thieving tendencies as well.
A bubbling fountain shoots out from the ground, splashing water across the room. This is the fountain of life and creation, providing inspiration for Danlis in time of need. All is quiet except for the monotone burbling of the fountain.
The darkness of the forest almost makes walking along this path unbearable. Hoots, hisses and other forest sounds echo in the forest trees. A cool wind blows fallen leaves and dried grass along and about the trees and path. To the east a bit of light shines and one can almost make out a cart.
A large pothole serves as the only distinguishing feature on this section of the road. The large, sturdy buildings of Nife provide a welcome sight to weary travelers. From atop the watchtower to the south, eyes survey all traffic on this road.
A small sapling in the middle of the road attempts to grow in spite of all the passing carts. Apparently, it has not been run over recently and has even begun to sprout green leafy branches. The road continues to the east and to the west.
Blackfall road stretches to the west, leading to the Baron's keep and the forest beyond. The township of Nife lies immediately southwards down Green Briar Road. Voices of villagers can be heard occasionally, and the sounds of a bazaar can be heard to the southeast.
The smell of exotic spices, rich wines, and flavorful foods fills the air. The bazaar of Nife provides the main source of income for the citizens of this small town. Its shops never close, and its proprietors never sleep. This town bustles 24 hours a day, and provides plenty of anonymity for anyone wishing to hide from the rest of the world. A stone wall to the east separates the road from the bazaar, but there is an entrance nearby to the south.
The road here is littered with trash and broken glass. Someone has used this part of the road to dump their garbage. The entrance to the bazaar is immediately to the east. The road continues south past the bazaar, and the tall Black Keep walls tower nearby to the west.
Numerous canopies and tables stand here, providing a place for merchants to display their wares. Magical lights have been strewn across the tops of the canopies, ablaze with all the colors of the rainbow. The scents of sandalwood and jasmine float about on a light breeze, keeping the less desirable smells of the nearby city street at bay.
Green Briar Road ends nearby to the south. A large temple is now visible nearby to the south, it appears to be quite new and looks like it must have cost a fortune to build. The bazaar rages out of control just to the east, and the Keep walls protect the baron nearby to the west.
A large display of fine liquors and tobacco products has been set up along the west wall of the bazaar. Imported from across the realms, these items fetch a nice price from the other merchants and visitors to the bazaar. Along the southern wall, a many colored carpet stretches across the dirt. Incense, glassware, and other trinkets catch the attention and hopefully the gold of passersby.
Green Briar and Temple Road meet here, just southwest of the bazaar. To the southeast, a beautiful temple's steeple reaches for the sky. Temple Road continues eastwards leading past the southern end of the bazaar.
A huge, ornately carved oaken door provides entrance to the New Church of Nife. A donation box sits just outside the door. A stone wall blocks the view of the bazaar, but many sounds and exotic smells still permeate the air here. The road runs to the east and west, just skirting the stone wall.
The decor of this church gleams and sparkles as if all the gold in the realms was used in its construction. Large gems and precious stones adorn the ends of the black oaken pews. Gold and platinum statues of different deities line the walls. Some faint music is barely audible, but the source of it is unclear. A large, golden, gem-encrusted altar stands nearby to the south.
This dazzling altar is surrounded by donations and gifts to the Church. The materials used to construct this altar must have consisted of no less than a king's treasury. A glowing incense pot burns here, sending smoky tendrils across the front of the altar and up towards the roof. A small pedestal supports a silver bowl of holy water, and a velvet lined podium holds a large, bound text. The worship music is very faint, with no apparent source.
A large pool of water has formed on the floor of this hidden room inside the temple. The purpose of this room is unclear, all remnants of its previous contents having been looted or cleared away. Beneath the surface of the forming pool a large hole in the floor is visible.
This little road runs just south of the bazaar. A medium sized wall blocks the view of the bazaar and a thick clump of trees prevents travel to the south. The road stretches to the east and west. Churches are visible in both directions. The one to the west looks clean and new, while the one to the east might even be deserted.
Two roads intersect in front of an old run-down church. The front door of the church swings in the wind, its rusty hinges creaking loudly. A small sign is posted in the grass next to the door. Temple road stretches to the west, and Blackridge road runs north.
Although a fresh breeze blows through the cracks in the wooden walls, the air still smells musty. The pews stand covered with a thick layer of dust, an obvious sign they have not been used in some time. A large oaken altar withstands the elements, its sturdy black wood unchanged by the passing of time. Despite its lack of aesthetics, the old church radiates an air of pureness, unspoiled by the greed and wealth just outside the door.
This well traveled street runs along the eastern perimeter of the bazaar. A large sign hangs over the door of the small building to the east. The road continues to the north, turning into a busy intersection. Southwards, the road appears less traveled as it approaches an old run down church building.
Flowers and lace decorate the room. A number of young ladies and young men seem to be having some very in depth conversations. The sweet smell of perfume lingers in the air here, floating about intoxicating the visitors with desire.
The shadows here grow taller, and the bright lights of the bazaar barely penetrate this remote corner. The people here walk quickly and hold their coin purses tightly. A large wooden rack displays sharp swords, deadly daggers, and other instruments of death. A small patch of what could only be dried blood stains the ground.
A large fire blazes here, licking at some turkey legs. Many varieties of food tempt visitors to the bazaar. A large keg flows freely, apparently in an effort to loosen the purse strings of the shoppers. Sweetmeats, fresh fish, and delicious desserts line the shelves and tabletops.
Two roads intersect here, a busy one running north-south and a less traveled one stretches eastwards. The entrance to the bazaar of Nife is nearby to the north from where loud shouts and crowds of people emerge. The cool breeze cannot penetrate the close quarters here, and the humidity of the air assaults the senses.
A variety of stones lie closely together, creating a somewhat dry path over a patch of muddy dirt. The spaces between the stones are just wide enough to twist an ankle should one be careless enough to not watch their step. The wooden walls of two buildings border the path to the north and to the south. The path stretches east and west.
The road ends here just outside the eastern entrance to the bazaar. The small wooden building to the north has a small sign hanging over the door. The sign is faded by the sunlight but it appears to have a compass on it. To the east, another building has a sign hanging above the door. This sign is freshly painted and displays a coin purse. A merchant beckons people to come visit his shop just to the west inside the bazaar. Blackridge road stretches southwards.
Everything in this room is arranged in an orderly fashion, from the countertop right down to the clean, swept dirt floor. A large safe is visible behind the counter, but it does not seem to have any type of door on it. Whatever is in there was not meant for the customers. With all the people around it would not be wise to mess with the safe.
Brightly colored tents and canopies belonging to traveling merchants provide the main attraction in the township of Nife. The bazaar draws travelers from across the realm due to the wide variety of goods and services available here. People mill about looking for bargains or just that special something they've been searching for. The bazaar continues to the south and a city street lies just to the east.
Loose papers flutter about chaotically. This room is clearly in a state of disarray. Strange, the maps hanging on the walls depict a very accurate portrait of the realms. A counter divides the room, and behind it rests a large desk with a wide variety of writing utensils and stencils.
A sharp rock pokes out from the dirt, a hazard to visiting travelers not paying attention to their footing. The front of a large tavern is visible nearby to the east; its wall borders the north side of this road. A dense grove of trees blocks passage to the south, and the noises from the town to the west are not so audible here.
A large sign mounted over the thick oaken door swings about in the gusty breeze. Stone steps lead up to the door and a cloaked figure passes a lighted window just to the west. This is the eastern end of Devlin road. The loud noises from the town can no longer be heard. Silence permeates the air like a dark shadow.
A solid table made of oaken planks sits in the center of the room. A Dragon Chess board placed in the middle provides the main source of entertainment for the patrons. The hearty smell of fresh ale saturates the air, and gray-green pipeweed smoke gathers in a niche in the ceiling. Long shadows dance merrily about on the walls, a product of the flickering lamplight. There are doors to the east and west, as well as a door exiting the tavern to the south. An open door frame to the north provides entrance to a back room.
This lavishly decorated room contrasts the rest of the tavern. A large bronze bed with white silk sheets and a quilt spun with threads of gold rests pretentiously against the north wall. Several oil paintings hang about the room, and an open wardrobe displays a large array of fine clothes.
This modest room has no furnishings other than a dark green pallet resting in the middle of the room. Bows, arrows, knives and other hunting equipment are arranged neatly about the room. Muddy boot prints stop at the doorway to the west.
The lamplight from the front room provides the only light source here. A steep staircase leads upward into the darkness. Sturdy doors block the exits to the east and west.
Large shelves line the walls of this dingy room. Vials, decanters, and other bottles are arranged in an orderly fashion on the shelves. A work table sits along the east wall, and a small bed has been pushed up against the south wall. The harsh smell of chemicals pervades the room.
A splintery wooden table surrounded by seven chairs occupies the center of the room. The dusty floor is marked with numerous footprints both leaving and coming into the room. The walls and table are bare, someone has cleaned up recently.
A large, unfurnished loft above the inn groans loudly as strong winds assault the roof. The dusty floor shows the only footprints in the room lead from the stairway to a plain looking door along the west wall. The old floorboards creak below, doing their best to keep the loft separate from the rooms below. A heavy brass door knob on the western door is this room's only distinguishing feature.
The assassins of the Darkdawn are paid quite handsomely for the assassinations they perform. This must be where the fees are stored. A number of articles from different royal houses are scattered about. Apparently, the assassins lift souvenirs from the houses of both their victims and employers! Aside from the loot, there is nothing else of interest in this room.
An unmade bed with books scattered across it rests against the north wall. A large window provides a panoramic view westward. The bookcase to the south stands empty, all the books apparently in use elsewhere. An open coat closet next to the door contains a variety of clothes.
The black oaks grasp outwards, getting closer and closer together. The darkness seems to devour all light sources. There is no sign of the little path that was the only indication one was not hopelessly lost.
Dirty water swirls about in no particular direction. Someone has dug a passageway beneath the ground, apparently unaware of the underground stream nearby. The passageway stretches to the west, and visibility beyond a few feet is nonexistent.
The water seeps through the dirt walls and into the passageway at an alarming rate. The unstable walls could give out at any time, creating a huge, muddy mess. The passage twists to the north and to the east.
Many wildflowers grow along the path here, taking full advantage of the sunlight that can penetrate the treetops overhead. A brilliant blue flower stands out from the rest, it is a wonder that no one has picked it. Some loose pebbles and stones lie scattered across the path, one might be wise to watch their step here.
Many make-shift canopies stretch across the glade here, it is clear that the Grugarch enjoy the outdoors. There are no walls to be seen, just some shelter from the occasional thunder storm. The voices have quieted to a whisper, someone must have detected visitors. The camp extends to the east and to the south.
Wide strips of grass serve as an archery range. The tiny targets speak highly of the elves' skill with their bows. Innumerable holes dot the bright red bulls eyes and a scoreboard mounted on a tree tells the story of a perfect match. There is a large canopy to the east, and the entrance of the camp is nearby to the north.
A small bed of glowing coals, encircled by rocks, boils a pot of stew. Various vegetables roast on a small grill placed to one side of the fire. The sight is nothing less than mouthwatering, and the smell is incredibly tantalizing. A large canopy covers a shady area of grass to the south, A smaller canopy dyed brilliant violets and golds covers a patch of grass to the east, and the entrance to the camp lies to the west.
A massive wooden structure looms to the east. The stockade has a large, heavy lock on the door, and the walls must be at least 3' thick. Underneath this awning several mats lie about. This serves as the sleeping quarters for the grugarch not out roaming and protecting the forest. A campfire burns nearby to the north, the clearing extends to the west, and tall dark oaks block any passage to the south.
A comfortable wooden stool rests here, it serves as the throne for the king of the grugarch elves. A large rack contains various hunting weapons and quivers. In the corner lies a plush pile of violet and gold bedding. The breeze blows the smells of the cooking fire in from the west, the only exit from the royal tent. A large wall made from huge oak timbers blocks the way south, and the oaks to the north and east grow too closely to allow travel in those directions.
The wooden walls stretch upwards to the height of a full grown oak. The sky is visible overhead, but only a small sliver of light penetrates the shadows of the great walls. An oily substance coats the wood, ruining any hopes of climbing over the walls to freedom. One would surely slip and fall to their death. The only exit is the heavy door to the west.
The dirt walls are loosening, and the muddy water grows murkier by the second. Overhead, a small hatch provides what seems to be a way out. The flooded passageway continues to the south.
A grassy mound has been constructed beneath the canopy of oaks. The trees cast shadows across it, and while the crest of the mound makes a good watch post, behind the mound makes an even better defense post. A flock of blackbirds rests in the treetops, attempting in vain to sing a song.
Much care was taken to disguise this trail. The trees here grow farther apart, and the sky is visible above. The faint smell of a cooking fire floats in from the east, and elven voices sing merrily. A lone fiery-red butterfly flutters across the path, showing off its bright, vivid reds and oranges.