273 rooms · levels 15–50
The trail opens up into a small wooded area. Pines and cedars grow in the open grove, and old oak trees grow to the west. Wild blackberries cover the ground beneath the trees, and bits of cloth and animal fur are caught in their brambles. A closer look at the thorny vines reveals that a trail of cloth and fur leads off to the west, where the trees and brambles seem less thick. It might take a little work to hack through them. A well-worn path leads north. A small, inconspicuous sign graces the side of the road.
The vines grow thickly up the trunks of the trees. The oaks grow tall here, creating a leafy canopy. Some buttercups are crushed on the ground, and the trail leads off to the west where faint giggling and hushed whispers are heard. The leaves rustle as small creatures scurry through the underbrush to avoid your presence.
A group of young maidens are tying brightly-colored bows and ribbons to an ancient oak tree. The Tree seems to rustle its leaves with joy, showing off the baubles that adorn its branches. The maidens blush coyly and giggle. The Tree is a Promise Tree. Young girls come here to make offerings in hopes that the magic will get a particular young man to fall in love with them.
The oaks grow close together, and the animal tracks move through the forest following a faint trail. The fallen leaves muffle all sound from footsteps. A trickling, bubbling sound comes from the west, but it's hard to make out the source of the sound through the trees. A small deer-trail leads to the north.
A trickling spring wells up among mossy stones in this hidden glade, so well screened by old oaks that it cannot be seen from the trail a few steps to the east. The grass is short and soft, as though something large and gentle grazes here, and the air is still and sweet with clover. In the middle of the glade stands a gray granite altar inlaid with a vein of gold in the shape of a unicorn's head, the symbol of Mielikki. When Dominion leaves his sacred garden, it is here that he comes to rest, and no blade has ever been drawn in this place.
The smell of cedar and pine permeates the air. The path winds its way through the forest, intermittently crossing the stream back and forth. Ravens and blue jays screech in protest of the trespass through their sanctuary. Hoof prints and paw prints lead up to the stream. The path slowly descends between the hills and the stream follows its ancient path through a small, narrow gorge.
Dark-gray limestone comprises the tall, near-vertical walls in this narrow gorge. The stream cascades down its center, carving the rocks even further, adding its own designs and formations to the gorge. It is eerily silent, except for the water. Travellers through this region feel the backs of their necks start to prickle, as the feeling of being watched becomes almost overpowering.
A smooth limestone rock-face blocks the stream from going further east and redirects it north again. The bend in the stream has formed a clear, deep pool. Small trout lurk within the shadows, and other protective crevasses within the pool. The rocks in the stream are covered with moss.
The stream continues down the mountain, gaining momentum as it goes. Small pools are formed, only to give way to waterfalls, as the stream cascades over the limestone rocks on its way to the valley below.
The trail finally reaches the bottom of the hill. To the west, a small path leads into a grove of ash trees, and the scent of roasting rabbit that comes from that direction makes your mouth water. In the distance, to the north, you can make out some sort of building.
Mounds of fresh dirt are arranged here in piles. The dirt doesn't look like it comes from around here. A small shovel sticks out of one of the piles. An overturned pail looks like it was dropped in a hurry, its contents strewed out on the path. The smell of roast rabbit is stronger now. The woods are strangely quiet, in spite of this evidence of habitation.
The clearing is cluttered with gadgets and tinkerings. A metal barrel sits on a brick oven. Steam blows out of a spout, causing a flapped wheel to spin. A rope is attached to the wheel that loops around another wheel with grooves in it, which is attached to a contraption that is moving a long stick back and forth. The stick is attached to the spit and is turning a rabbit over some hot coals. A small house sets back against the rocks.
A fire springs to life in the hearth shortly after the door is opened. The front room looks like a struggle has recently taken place here. Gadgets and do-dads that may have a myriad of uses clutter the floor and the chairs. Dishes are piled up in the sink, and a sign on some metal handled gismo reads "Out of Order". The house itself is in a general state of disarray. On the kitchen table, are several pieces of paper that have been torn up. It looks like someone has been trying to piece them together, but the more important pieces are missing, making it hard to determine exactly what the map is showing. On the ground is a book with a piece of paper sticking out like a bookmark. Or maybe someone quickly stuffed it inside the book to hide it from intruding eyes.
The trees gradually get smaller and thinner, and the underbrush more thick as you approach the bottom of the mountain. The stream flows serenely into a lush, green meadow. Insects and birds fill the air with humming, buzzing and chirping sounds.
This is the south-west corner of a lush, green meadow. A light breeze rustles through the tall grass, making it ripple in tan and green waves; the grass grows about the height of a hobbit. The stream cuts a north-east swath through the meadow. Low grunting sounds come from the east. A gray stone building sits tucked into the woods a little off to the north, a narrow grassy trail leads west into rolling hills, and a hidden path drops south into the woods.
The tall grass rustles to the east, and you can clearly make out the sounds of some creature digging around in the grass. The tall grass still hides the beast, but the air is filled with snorts, grunts and even a guttural purring sound. Tall reeds hide the stream from view towards the north.
Cautiously parting the tall grass, you spy a tawny-colored beast with a long tail and auburn mane digging in the dirt with its cloven hoofs. Two curled tusks adorn its whisker-covered piggy face. As it senses you looking at it, the Boarlion growls at you, and goes back to digging in the dirt. It seems to be intent on catching a mouse-like creature with tiny antlers, desperately trying to dig its way to safety.
The tall grass rustles to the west, and you can clearly make out the sounds of some creature digging around in it. The air is filled with snorts and grunts. A well-traveled road follows the east side of the meadow, but a deep ditch full of brambles keeps anyone from crossing to it here. Further north, a felled tree bridges the ditch.
Flowing gently between the reeds and grass, is a small stream, that trickles its way to the northeast. Tiny fish and tadpoles living in the stream dart between the reeds, seeking a stray mosquito. Clover covers the ground, and poppies and dandelions cover the lush green field with dots of color. There is a gray-stone building nearby to the north.
The grassy meadow continues in all directions. A stream runs through most of this part, flowing from the south to the north. The bottom of the stream is muddy, and the far shore is covered with brightly-colored stones, worn smooth with time. Reeds grow on the south bank, providing cover for small animals coming to the stream to drink. A small mound rises to the east.
A small mound rises in the center of the grassy meadow. From atop the mound, it is easy to see the tall grass rustling in the wind. A flycatcher chases an insect into the grass, startling a number of other birds hiding beneath the protection of the field's cover. A well-travelled road, running north and south, lies to the east and occasionally a horse and cart, or wagon can be seen traveling its length to and from a small village to the northeast. To the northwest, sits a rather large gray-stone building. A stream runs from the hills to the southwest, through the center of the meadow, and off into the forest to the northeast. Grunting noises can be heard from the south.
Insects and birds fill the air with humming, buzzing and chirping. A deep ditch separates the meadow from the well-traveled road along its eastern edge. Just north of here, a felled tree crosses the ditch to the road. A small mound rises to the west.
A calm, serene feeling fills this corner of the meadow. The clover is green and lush. Manicured shrubs and bushes line a slate-covered walkway to a rather large, gray, stone building to the north. The outer walls are covered with vines and morning glories. A well, covered in flowers and vines, sits off to one side, and a small, rock-lined trail leads to the back of the building. A scent of roses fills the air, and you see the beginning of a rose garden to one side of the building. The doors of the temple seem very large, and the handles are the size of watermelons. The face of the doors bears scorch marks, as though something that had recently been hanging there was burned. The walls are carved from a dark-gray rock.
Grass sprouts up in the path of a well-worn foot-trail, indicating that no one has passed this way in some time. The trail runs east and west. To the west, the trail leads through a field of clover to a large, dark-gray stone building. This part of the meadow seems peculiarly silent.
A stream flows into a small pool here. A myriad of animal tracks cover the muddy banks where the inhabitants of this meadow have come here to drink. Large, flat stones have been arranged in the pool to create a crossing. Strange bubbles seem to be coming from beneath one of the stones.
This is the north-east corner of a small, grassy meadow. The forest stands thick along its northern edge and a large hill rises to the south; it seems a peaceful place to pass through. A trickling sound tells of the stream running through the grass. A large log has been set across a deep ditch to the east, making it simple to cross to the road on the other side. A small foot trail leads off into the grass to the west, and at the far north-west corner of the meadow sits a large gray stone building.
The road is dusty, and covered with wagon ruts and footprints leading north and south. Grass and wildflowers line the edge of the road, and blanket the dirt embankments on the western side. A light sprinkling of dust covers the weeds near the roadside. The forest is dense beyond the road, allowing for only north-south travel.
Humans nod in greeting as they pass by in their wagons or carts. Their hands never stray far from their weapons as they watch the road carefully. The road is wide enough for two loaded wagons to pass each other. A ditch has been dug on the west side of the road to catch the run-off from seasonal rains and to keep boulders on the embankment above from rolling onto the road. East of the road the trees grow thickly together into a dark forest.
The lushness and serenity of this area is astounding, and is in sharp contrast to the dusty road now hidden by a thick hedge. The light diffuses through the tree tops, giving this copse a surreal, ghostly glow. White-stemmed mushrooms with red, orange and yellow caps grow in clumps. Bits of dust and dander float through the air, glowing as they catch the light. A Pixie laughs in a dulcet tinkling sound as she tags a faerie and darts off between the trees. They are oblivious as they continue their game of tag, chasing each other across the path.
A beautiful faerie queen holds court in the center of a ring of mushrooms. A gray stone wall rises up to the north. The head of a horse with a horn growing from its forehead is carved into an oaken door in the wall's center. Two tall junipers grow on each side of the door, joining together at their tips to make a living arch on this side of it. A tuft of white fur hangs from the queen's belt. The secret path leads back east toward the road, and a dark and gloomy forest begins to the west.
The unlocked door opens into a secret garden. This is the Sacred Garden, home of Mielikki's unicorn, Dominion. Defender of all that is Honorable and Good, Dominion snorts at the intrusion from the outside realm, lowering his head to emphasize his Point. He sits atop a grassy mound, with a garland of roses hung about his neck. His golden horn and cloven hooves sparkle with an inner light. His goat-like tail flicks with agitation.
The main road runs north and south, while an overgrown trail leads off to the east. A signpost lies on the ground. It looks like a wagon ran into it, splintering the sign at its base. A wooden axle with part of the wheel still attached, lies off to the east side of the road, whitened by passage of time. A deep groove leads off to the east, following the older trail, though it's hard to make it out, as grass and weeds have grown over the cuts. The sign is old and decayed, and it's no longer possible to make out what it once said.
Towering pine trees now dominate the landscape. The wind roars as it rushes through the tree tops, causing loose pine cones to drop from the branches and plummet to the ground. Bright yellow flowers carpet the forest floor, and occasionally a magenta snow flower pokes its head up through the loam. The trail leads off into the forest to the east.
It looks like the trail abruptly ends here. A few rusted shovels and axes have been thrown to one side. An axe-blade sticks out of the trunk of an old tree. The bark of the tree has grown around the blade, so that only the hilt is showing. An animal trail leads off to the south.
A thin trail leads through the trees and the brush. A tuft of fur has caught on the side of a pine tree, where a deer passed by too closely. Closer examination of the trail reveals bent twigs, crushed grass and clumps of mud, indicating that something that wasn't a native animal passed by here recently. These tracks lead off to the east.
The pine trees grow less closely together, allowing for grass and shrubs to grow up between them. A patch of grass has been flattened, and dirt has been strewn about, indicating that a struggle occurred. Blood is splattered about the grass and trees, turning brown as it dries. Flies buzz by, fighting over the droplets. A sour stench fills the air, and it looks like whatever was injured or killed here was dragged north.
A gutted carcass of a stag is hanging from a tree. Flies are swarming around the gamy meat. The head of the stag has been discarded at the side of a clearing. Rocks have been gathered and set in a circle in the center of the clearing, and three large humanoids are looking to start a campfire. A fourth is standing at the edge of the clearing looking down into the valley below, observing a small village. A snort from behind, alerts the bugbears to the intruders to their camp.
Thick vines grow on the west side of the road, creating a hedge. Butterflies flit from flower to flower on the vines, which spill out from the hedge to the road and completely fill in the ditch. Trills and humming come from beyond the vines on the west. The forest grows so thick on the far side of the road that nothing can be seen beyond the first six feet of it. The road runs north toward a village and south into the hills.
The road climbs gently here between a deep, bramble-choked ditch on the west and a dark wall of forest on the east. Beyond the ditch, the tall grass of a meadow ripples in the wind. Butterflies drift over from a vine-covered hedge a little to the south, and somewhere north of here the road bends toward a village.
The world spins and passes through a rainbow of light. A nauseating, dizzying lurch rocks the ground, making the senses reel. Looking around, the senses indicate that the world, and reality as it was known, has shifted.
The road passes by a lush, green meadow to the west. Between the road and the meadow is a deep ditch, filled with thorny brambles and sharp-edged branches. A log has been felled and set across the ditch, providing a make-shift bridge. The meadow is framed to the south by a steep hillside, and by thick forest to the west and north. The road itself heads south up into the hills or east into a small village. A signpost by the road identifies the village as Meadow-Creek.
The road continues in an east-west direction. The village is immediately to the east and a meadow can be seen tucked between dense forests and the hills off to the west. A minstrel, dressed in blues and greens and wearing a large floppy hat sits by the roadside leading into the village, strumming on a mandolin. Several village girls are dancing around and flirting with the young man.
A wooden chapel, painted white, sits off the road to the south. White rocks line the path to the church. Yellow stained-glass windows line the sides of the building, and a copper-colored bell hangs in the belfry. A young boy sweeps off the front steps of the church. To the north are the Meadow-Creek Stables. A sign in the front office window of the stables indicates that there are horses for hire. A Paddock behind the building has a few ponies in it, and a quick glance shows even the poorest judge of horseflesh that these are mostly old work-horses. Immediately to the east is a large Village Square and the road leads out of the village to the west.
The village square is fairly large and elaborate for such a small town. At the center of the square, sitting within a large fountain, a bronze statue has been erected. Water magically sprays out a fine mist, giving the impression that the person who the statue is honoring is walking among the clouds. Carved stone benches surround the fountain. Intricate ironwork with delicate designs make up a fence to enclose the whole fountain area. Roses have been planted near the fence, giving the square a garden-like appearance. A paved road surrounds the garden in a circle with exits leading off in four directions. A road made of bricks leads off to Main Street on the east. A cobblestone road leads off to the south and a road made up of flagstones heads north. In the northeast corner of the square is an Inn. The Sheriff's office takes up the southeast corner. The chapel sits back off the street to the southwest, and the stables are to the northwest.
The local Sheriff sits on the front porch of his office to the south, keeping a close eye on all passersby. A longsword rests by his side. A tall, leggy blonde woman dressed in a black leather vest, leather pants and tight-fitting suede boots, lounges against the wall, occasionally whispering comments to the sheriff. To the north, the sidewalk passes under the eaves of a large, two-story building. Laughter spills out of an upstairs window and there is a sign in the downstairs window.
A store with a big bay window dominates the north side of the street. Rakes, hoes and a wheelbarrow are displayed in one side of the window, along with a variety of fabrics, and other home accessories. Some lanterns hang on a post just inside the door. A barrel of apples and some other produce is set up in a wooden display outside the store. To the south, a rhythmic clanging fills the air. Large barn-style doors are open wide and inside the building is a blacksmith hammering away as some metal. The fire of his forge glows red-hot. The street continues east and west.
Two young children have their faces glued to a window in the shoppe to the north. A confectioner is emptying a batch of taffy and has begun to knead the candy before it hardens. To the children's delight, the candy maker waves them inside, covers their hands with flour, shoves a load of the soft candy into their hands and teaches them to pull taffy. The sweet smell of sugar and baked goods fills the air. To the south sits a formidable brick building with a tightly-shut double door. Main Street ends here, and the road leaves the village to the east.
The cobblestone road is excessively smooth and straight. Street-sweepers keep the streets and sidewalks immaculate. The square lies a short walk to the north, past the back wall of the Sheriff's office; barred windows high in that wall give the inmates a clear view of the white chapel to the west. A dark alley leads off to the east behind the jail, and South Street continues south toward the finer houses of the town.
The cobblestone road passes by a very elaborately-built, elegant house. Steps lead from the street immediately up some low, flat stairs to the front door of the house. There is a porch to each side of the door, and the porch follows the house around the corner to the south. Four spiral pillars, comprised of interlaced black and white stone, which causes the spiral effect, support the second floor. White cast-iron furniture adorns the front porch, and is comfortably decorated with black and white pillows. A shiny black vase sits on a table between two chairs, filled to overflowing with bright red flowers. Green vines with tiny white flowers grow profusely up the lattice work and up to the second floor.
The cobblestone road curves north and east here. To the east, a number of elegant, well cared-for houses sit back away from the road. This is obviously the more affluent part of town. Immediately to the south, is a large house with a wooden-tiled roof. Brown cross beams zigzag over the white-painted second story. Yellow stained-glass windows make it difficult to see inside. Gardenias grow in a hedge, protecting the house from the road.
The road continues east and west, passing by the side of the elegant mansion to the north, where a plain kitchen door opens onto the street. To the south, sitting back from the road, is another large house. The cobblestone road is still excessively clean and well cared for. The hedge gives way here to a line of trees that separates the homes from the road.
The road continues east and west, passing by a number of elegant, well cared-for houses, which sit back away from the road. The cobblestone road is smooth and flat. Its surface is excessively clean and well-cared for. A low stone wall marks the beginning of the private property of the citizens, whose homes sit off to the north and the south.
The cobblestone road comes to an abrupt end. A large wooden fence closes off the end of the street and keeps the growth of the forest from encroaching onto it. A single-story ranch-style house sprawls on the estate to the south. A mountain-style chalet sits at the end of a pine-lined driveway, tucked privately behind some trees to the north. Both houses are protected from the street by stone walls topped with wrought iron grating. Blooming vines crawl along the length of the walls and up the iron, covering the hard surfaces with soft, green growth.
This road is made of slabs of shale and rock, and is fairly flat and smooth. A few small potholes and ruts cover its surface, and there is evidence that the road was repaired sometime in the past, though not recently. Hitching posts line the west side of the street, making an open area between the road and the stable barn in which to ready the horses. There is a sign in the window of the Meadow-Creek Lodge just to the east. The village square is south, and North Avenue continues north.
The road continues north and south past some quaint little houses. They cluster in closely to one-another off the side of the road. An occasional small orchard separates the houses. A large oak tree grows just east of the road. One end of a long rope with knotted and frayed ends swings near to the ground, while the other end is tied firmly to one of the top branches.
The village houses at the side of the road slowly give way to small farm houses. Off in the distance, small farms and houses are visible, with fertile fields growing between them, providing rich harvests for this little town. Small groups of laborers work the fields relentlessly. A small vegetable garden grows to one side of a small farmhouse, immediately to the west. The road continues north and south.
North Avenue abruptly ends, running into two identical farm houses. Between the houses grows a large, green cornfield. One house lies to the north of the end of the road, and the other sits off to the west. A dirt road in rather poor condition, leads off to the east. From the looks of the shacks and huts cluttering up the fields, it leads into the shabbier section of the town.
Litter and trash lines the sides of the road. The wind blows in gusts, and loose bits of paper and garbage flies by in the air, landing in growing piles along the sides of run-down shacks. Rusty pails and farm equipment lie abandoned in the street and the fields here have gone to seed. The hut immediately to the south seems a little more stable and taken care of than most of those around it. Two children dressed in rags are playing in the mud and filth outside of the northern hut.
A howl erupts from the grassy fields behind the hut to the north. A brief squeal followed by some snarling seems to indicate that something caught its dinner. The wind whistles through the cracks in the boards of the hut to the south. It seems like the hut isn't even habitable anymore. A blind man wrapped in a tattered blanket leans back in a chair outside the northern hut. His white, sightless eyes stare at things only the truest visionaries can see.
The road bends from the west to the south. Dried muddy-ruts make it easy to stumble here. Shadows furtively peer out of the window-openings at the lane from the northern hut. White smoke filters out of the roof of a lean-to to the west. A foul smell clings in the air.
A small cul-de-sac marks the end of this dirt road. Once, this might have been a nice neighborhood. Now all that is left amidst the rubble of fallen-down huts and homes and the accumulation of many moons worth of trash, is a tiny hovel. The hovel looks like it had once been a two-story home, but the upper floor has completely fallen in and sits precariously balanced on top of the lower level. Several rooms in the bottom level may still be usable for shelter, though it looks as though the entire roof-section could cave in any moment. A putrid smell rises from tepid puddles all around the hovel. A brown froth jiggles around the moss and scum within the puddles as though it were alive.
The inside of the stable is quiet and calm. High wooden rafters hold up the solid roof. A row of stalls lines the west side of a hallway to the north. Occasionally a chestnut-colored horse pokes its nose out of the bars, sniffing at the air. A small area is set aside where the horses are groomed. To the northwest, a door leads into a small tackroom. The smells of hay, leather and horse mingle together, giving the air a tangy scent. A paddock sits off to the west, filled with a few horses nickering at one another.
Bright stained-glass windows let in an abundance of light. The windows are made of yellow panes of glass of many sizes, fixed together into a mosaic of golden color. Pews line up on each side of a center aisle. A simple altar, covered in a white cloth trimmed with gold, sits at the front of the pews. To one side is a pulpit; on the other is a sectioned-off area of empty chairs where the choir sits. The chapel bears no symbol of any particular god, goddess or religion. A door is set unobtrusively in the western wall. The white-rock path leads north to the road, and a side door opens east onto South Street.
The entrance to the lodge reflects the ample and overbearing tastes of its owner, The Widow Emma. The front room has several overstuffed sofas in front of a roaring fire, which is perfect for guests to lounge about in. Above the fireplace is a painting, showing The Widow in her younger days with a handsome husband and about a dozen children. Blue and white gingham curtains frame the windows of the lodge. Dark wood planks make up the sturdy floor. A set of stairs leads up from the center of the main entrance to the cozy rooms upstairs. The smell of good home cooking wafts in from the east.
The low ceiling is supported with light pine beams. The walls are painted white. A desk and cabinet are set over in one corner. An archway to the south leads to the deputy's station, and the actual jail. On the wall is a large wanted poster showing a scruffy-looking disheveled man in robes, and a pretty young girl dressed in green and brown leather.
A spicy, somewhat earthy smell overwhelms the senses upon entering the well-lit market. Drying herbs and produce hang from the rafters. Bolts of fabric are propped up next to other home accessories along the east wall. Barrels filled to the brim with ripe, delicious fruit and vegetables are set up in the center of the store. A very large crate, filled with large, yellow ears of corn has a sign on it. On the counter, cute little corn-husk dolls are set up in a display. Rakes, hoes and a wheelbarrow are propped up in front of a huge bay window that overlooks the street to the south. Lanterns and other adventuring accessories sit on some shelves behind the counter. The proprietor looks up expectantly upon your entrance.
The very air inside the blacksmith's shop is hot and tepid. The heat from the fiery forge is almost overwhelming. A huge man dressed in black overalls hammers away at a long piece of glowing metal. Big burly arms wield an immense hammer as the smith channels his brute force to delicately hone a blade and form a point on a new sword. Beads of sweat drop down the forehead and nose of the smith, and sizzle on the heated metal. In the corner, another large man, not quite the size of the smith, hammers away, making some horseshoes. A sparking ember shoots out from the forge and lands on the forearm of the smith, who doesn't seem to notice the irritation.
A little bell tinkles inside the shoppe when the door is opened. Two small children are laughing and giggling as they are pulling on a gob of golden-colored taffy in the corner. White flour covers their hands and faces. Breads and other baked goods sit cooling on racks, giving off sweet, mouth-watering aromas. A very plump man pulls out a batch of fresh sugar cookies. He burns his hand as he samples one of the batch. Hard rock-sugar candies and sweet chews sit above a counter, away from the reach of little hands.
The inside of the well-protected warehouse is dark and silent. Crates and boxes line the walls and the center of the building, creating a maze of aisles and walkways between them. A sharp squeal sounds as the front doors are opened. This is followed by some faint squeaking, which suddenly stops upon entering the building. A thick, heavy blanket of darkness envelops the back of the building completely... except for glowing, iridescent red and green dots glaring out of the darkness.
The front door opens into an elegant, white-tiled entrance hall. Exquisitely carved rosewood furniture adorns the room. White curtains with red and black sashes frame the windows. A large circular staircase winds up to the upper floor. The banister is made of smoothly polished dark wood and the steps are painted white. A large portrait of a man who also resembles the statue in the village fountain hangs from one wall. The dining room is to the south. A library and study are to the north, and the front door opens west onto South Street.
The two-story home is nicely decorated. Brown curtains hang over the yellow, stained glass windows that overlook the hedge of gardenias in the front of the house. Small figurines of little children in kerchiefs and leder-hosen are set on display around the house.
The house is quite large and the rooms are well spread out. White, tan and yellow rugs cover the clay tiles on the floor. Wicker baskets hang decoratively on the walls.
The home is clean and well taken care of. A nice pinewood table takes up most of the dining room. A basket of fruit sits on top of the table. A loom and spinning wheel is situated in a back room, and someone is weaving a colorful pattern into a rug.
Beams and rafters support the ceiling of this house. Rustic wooden furniture, covered with thick, white cushions is sparsely situated about the house. In the back, mounted on wooden plaques, are the heads of several monsters and animals, staring vacantly out into the air. A large, cat-like creature is mounted on a wooden stump. On another wall of the trophy room, a variety of bows and slings are displayed.
The inside of this house is quaint and cozy. Large furniture, covered with fluffy cushions, line the walls. Shelves are covered with dried flower arrangements. A canvas and some paints are set up in a room overlooking the front yard.
A large fireplace dominates the front room of the chalet. Bookcases line the walls of an upstairs study. A roomy kitchen has a copper kettle heating water for tea. A thick bearskin rug sits in front of the couch by the fire. Pine trees scrape the windows as the wind blows, but the inside of the house is cozy and warm.
The inside of this small home is like many of the others in this section of town. A comfortable front room faces the morning sun. The kitchen is off to one side of a tiny dining room. The afternoon sun warms the several cozy bedrooms in the back of the house. The yard has an area for children to play in, and there is a garden to one side of the house.
The inside of this small home is like many of the others in this section of town. A comfortable front room faces the morning sun. The kitchen is off to one side of a tiny dining room. The afternoon sun warms the several cozy bedrooms in the back of the house. The yard has an area for children to play in, and there is a garden to one side of the house.
The inside of this small home is like many of the others in this section of town. A comfortable front room faces the morning sun. The kitchen is off to one side of a tiny dining room. The afternoon sun warms the several cozy bedrooms in the back of the house. The yard has an area for children to play in, and there is a garden to one side of the house.
The houses are more run-down on this end of town. The insides of the abode is bare. Rough, wooden furniture with large splinters sticking out sit on a hard, rock floor. Cloth-covered bales of hay make up some beds in a room to one side. The top of the table and counter in the kitchen is covered with dirt and grease.
The houses are more rundown on this end of town. The walls of the house are bare. Rough, wooden furniture with large splinters sticking out sit on a hard, rock floor. Cloth-covered bales of hay make up some beds in a room to one side. The top of the table and counter in the kitchen is covered with dirt and grease.
The houses are more rundown on this end of town. The windows are dirty and the walls are bare. Rough, wooden furniture with large splinters sticking out sit on a hard, rock floor. Cloth-covered bales of hay make up some beds in a room to one side. The top of the table and counter in the kitchen is covered with dirt and grease.
The houses are more rundown on this end of town. The windows are dirty and the walls are bare. Rough, wooden furniture with large splinters sticking out sit on a hard, rock floor. Cloth-covered bales of hay make up some beds in a room to one side. The top of the table and counter in the kitchen is covered with dirt and grease.
This shack is pretty open to bombardment from the elements. The dirt floor has some damp areas from where the rain leaked through the roof. A cold draft whistles through the wall boards. A few, flea-infested mattresses sit on the floor in the shack's only room. The only source of heat is a small stove, made from rocks and heated with wood.
This shack is pretty open to bombardment from the elements. The dirt floor has some damp areas from where the rain leaked through the roof. A cold draft whistles through the wall boards. A few, flea-infested mattresses sit on the floor in the shack's only room. The only source of heat is a small stove, made from rocks and heated with wood.
The inside of this house is deceptively large, clean and nice compared to what it looks like on the outside. Soft, light music plays in the background from a large, mystical box. Muddy footprints that have been tracked in are mysteriously disappearing before they stain the elegant wood tiles in the front hall. A hallway leads east to another room. A pair of hands appear ready to take any hats or cloaks from visitors to the house.
The inside of the room is very large, seemingly much larger than one would have thought from the size of the outside of the temple. The yellow -and-white tiled floor is interwoven with colorful tiled mosaics of flowers of all kinds. At the front of the room, a rather large piece of driftwood, bleached white, is adorned with moss and flowers. A piece of glass sits within its branches, creating a unique and beautiful altar. The walls seem to be alive. Stark, barren trees repeatedly sprout buds, then bloom, and then grow complete foliage in a matter of seconds. Behind the altar is a rock waterfall. Ferns and other strange plants grow within the lava rock. The sounds of trilling of birds is softly heard in the background.
This part of the hall appears unfinished. The walls are in the process of being tiled over in mosaics. The pictures underneath show crude drawings of giants and trolls invading a local village, and murdering its citizens. In the background, there is a drawing of a temple, that looks similar to the one you were in. On the floor, buckets of small, multicolored tile chips sit to one side of a small painting. It is clear that when completed, the wall will show how the monsters were defeated by the hands of the followers of Mielikki. A large wooden door to the west is carved with flowers and birds.
The entrance opens up into a Main Hall. To the east is a large, wooden door carved with pictures of the harvest. Richly-woven tapestries line the walls of the temple. On the left side, the tapestry depicts a great battle. A large black dragon, flanked by troops of trolls, giants, demons and other minions of evil, is being engaged in a battle to the death by the forces of good. At the forefront, a single ranger with bright red hair and wearing the symbol of Mielikki emblazoned upon her tunic, shoots a glowing arrow at the heart of the great beast. At her side, a gigantic lion roars. The tapestry on the right shows the aftermath of the battle. Amidst the blood and gore, the red-haired ranger is being crowned in front of a cheering crowd.
The air smells crisp and clean, with just a tinge of apples. The floor is carpeted with leaves, stained red, orange and yellow and dark green. The leaves seem to fall at intervals from the ceiling. The walls are paneled with brown bark. At the front of the room, a giant cornucopia is filled with offerings from the harvest. Bales of hay, covered with white cloth, and laden down with apples, pumpkins, squash, onions, and other fruits and vegetables make up an altar. A circle of stones surrounds a shallow pit that is filled with cold ashes.
The vastness and depth of this dome-shaped room is dizzying. Soft, green carpet seems to go on for miles, and feels like sweet grass to the touch. The walls are painted light blue, and at the center of the ceiling is some yellowish-white light source. In the distance, a white, square-shaped rock contrasts sharply with the green carpet. The altar quickly comes into view when moving towards it. The altar protects a hidden, purified spring that bubbles beneath it. A warm, tepid breeze lazes gently throughout the room, with barely enough energy to move a blade of grass.
White and gold tiles cover the floor of the northern section of the large main hall. Here, at the north-western corner, a large staircase leads up to a landing, and then further up into the darkness above. A sparkling, crystal chandelier lights the area well. The candles burning on the hanging light seem to never diminish in size or brilliance. The stairs are carpeted with plush red velvet. Muddy footprints soil the center of the stairs. A door, carved with a brilliant starburst representing the sun leads off to the west. The main hall stretches out to the east and the south.
Alternating gold and white tiles cover the floor. A large, plain-looking archway rests within the wall to the north. A white drape, which hangs from an iron rod by golden rings, has been pulled aside to reveal a hallway leading off into the temple. To the northwest, a large set of stairs lead to an upper level. A white wooden door, carved with snowflakes and crystals, sits immediately to the east. On the wall next to the arch, is another woven tapestry. This one shows the four seasons, and the rituals and color of garb that the followers of Mielikki follow for each season.
Upon entering the room, the temperature suddenly drops to where even the softest of breaths forms a misty cloud. White gravel crunches beneath footsteps on the floor. The walls seem to be carved within a gigantic ice cave, and seem to glow from within. Patches of yellow, blue and purple create an iridescent display of light within the ice. A frozen waterfall sparkles beneath a hidden light source at the front of the room. An altar of snowflakes and crystals, made of sculpted ice sits at the base of the waterfall.
The walls of the hallway are built from the same dark gray rock that makes up the outside of the temple. The floor shines with bright new tile. A few scuff marks from boots mark up the clean, white surface. The hallway continues to the east, and a large glass door to the north leads to an area filled with plants. The Main Hall is to the south.
The air is moist and tepid within this plant sanctuary. Butterflies, insects, frogs and other wildlife help keep this contained atrium alive and thriving. The plants rustle a bit when the glass door is opened, and continue to move about even as the door closes. As things settle down, a chorus of croaks and chirps build in intensity, and crescendo to an ear-splitting pitch.
The walls of the hallway are built from the same dark gray rock that makes up the outside of the temple. The floor shines with bright new tile. A few scuff marks from boots mark up the clean, white surface. The hallway continues to the east. To the west the hallway leads to the main hall, and a large glass door which leads to the atrium.
The hallway continues to the north and back to the great hall to the west. A recessed door, the same color as the walls, is closed just to the east. The hallway to the north is dimly-lit.
The door opens into a small, dark closet. Pails are lined up on one side, next to several mops. Brooms are stacked in the corner. Many white polishing cloths are stacked up on a shelf. Several bottles of cleaning fluid sit on another shelf. The floor shimmers with a sticky, oily substance.
The door opens into a bright, clean dormitory. The beds are meticulously made. Everything is white. Colorful accents decorate the room, changing according to the season. In the spring, yellow flowers, pillows and rugs are added. During the summer, cool light blues are added to the room. Fall sees an abundance of orange and brown. Reds, dark blues and holly greens decorate the room during the winter. There are about a dozen beds, each with a desk and footlocker.
The glowing ball of light recessed in the ceiling seems to dim and flicker as if the magic spell is wearing thin. Doors lead off to the left and right. The east door is painted with a picture of a maiden sitting in a field of flowers. A dainty unicorn lays its head in her lap. The door to the west has a painting of a male unicorn doing battle against the forces of evil. The hallway continues to the north and south.
The room is decorated in browns and tans. A dozen beds, each with a desk and footlocker line the walls of the room. Subtle color changes can be seen throughout the year as the season changes, but for the most part, the room remains the same. A large rug covers the center of the floor.
The tile in this room has been meticulously scrubbed clean. Basins for washing are filled with tepid water. Soap, washcloths and towels are perched upon some shelves at the entrance. In the back is a steam room. Rocks that are magically heated and then doused with water provide the steam that draws the evil essences of man forth from the body. Several privies are located in private stalls at one side of the room. Muted clanking noises and gurgling can be heard from the drain.
The glowing ball of light recessed in the ceiling seems to dim and flicker as if the magic spell is wearing thin. Doors lead off to the left and right. The door to the east is unmarked. To the west, the door is marked with a crescent moon. The hallway continues north and south.
Only three beds are situated in this private bedroom. Next to each bed is a closet, and a large, locked chest is set below each bed. The closets reveal a number of robes, arranged in order of the color of the seasons. Matching boots and shoes are neatly laid upon the floor of the closets.
This room is in sharp contrast to the austere simplicity of the rest of the living areas. A thick, plush rug carpets the floor. A fireplace is set into one wall, and exquisite ornamental carvings are displayed upon the mantel. Beautiful paintings cover the walls, and a large bed is nestled in a corner. The closet is twice as large as the others in the other rooms. A number of elegant clothes hang inside, in addition to the standard colored robes of Mielikki. A large desk is cluttered with sheaves of papers. Two cats lounge about the room.
The dimly-lit hallway ends here. There is a door to the east and west. The door to the west has a shiny new lock on the door. The hallway leads back the south.
Only three beds are situated in this private bedroom. Next to each bed is a closet, and a large, locked chest is set below each bed. The closets reveal a number of robes, arranged in order of the color of the seasons. Matching boots and shoes are neatly laid upon the floor of the closets.
From here, the entire floor of the main hall of the temple can be seen. The new white and gold tiles make up a picture of several dancing unicorns surrounding a large unicorn located in the center. The far south-west corner is still under construction, and the tiles are slowly covering the dull-gray floor. The stairs are covered with red velvet, and acolytes are working hard to get the scratches and burn marks out of the solid wood railing. The whole temple seems quite large, but that is to be expected from a dwelling that once housed giants, bugbears and goblins. The very air shimmers, as if the entire building was enhanced by magic.
The stairs continue down to a landing and to the west is a wide corridor. The Corridor is brightly lit, and there are sounds of bustling and activity. Apparently, this is the wing where the inner workings of the temple are conducted.
The corridor continues east and west. To the south, large double wooden doors open up to another room. The smell of good-cooked food lingers in the area. The corridor itself has been freshly painted white, and the floor is made up of oak wood. It looks as though the floor was recently cleaned, but the dirt of ages still shows through. Several acolytes are busy scrubbing and polishing, trying to get the wood to look like new.
Several long wooden tables are placed about this hall. Cupboards on the side walls hold metal dishes, cups and eating utensils. A board on the wall lists names of the acolytes and clerics that have serving duty today. Alongside each table is a long wooden bench. At the far end of the room, a small table is surrounded by comfortable, padded chairs. Apparently the high-ranking officials tend to prefer the finer things in life.
The kitchen is immaculately clean and orderly. Each section of the kitchen has been set aside for a certain task. The wheat, flour and dry goods have their own cupboard, away from the milk, cheese and meat. The fruits and vegetables have been washed and set aside in bowls for use in the next meal.
The corridor turns to the north here, and also runs to the east. A wooden door, painted white like the walls, sits to the south. Some enterprising artist has doodled a picture of a cook, cracking a whip over some poor unfortunate student trying to peel a potato. The wood floor has several deep grease stains.
The corridor runs north and south here. Glowing balls of light hang from the ceiling, lighting the hallway very well. Muted conversations flow through the hallway, but it seems to be quieter to the north. A slightly acrid smell fills the hallway. The walls are tacky to the touch. A window in the western wall is open, and overlooks the rose garden outside the temple.
The corridor bends to the east and south. The walls are still gray. A bucket and brush sit in the corner, waiting for someone to come along and finish the job. The floor is covered with cloth, so that the paint won't damage the floor any more than it already is.
The corridor narrows into a small hallway. The walls are dusty wood, and the floor is very scuffed. A window in the north wall overlooks the forest at the rear of the temple. A door to the south is unmarked; a sign is posted beside it. The hallway runs on to the east and back to the west.
The room looks like it used to be the former room for battle planning. Maps with troop information still line the walls. At the front of the room, the maps have been taken down and rolled up for reference. Several students sit at small desks, taking notes. A grizzled old ranger is rambling on about the last adventure he was on. A slate board has been hung on the wall, and there are marks and prints representing different animals and beings. A student is trying to guess what each of them is.
The narrow hallway runs east and west here. The walls are dusty wood, and the floor is very scuffed. A window in the north wall overlooks the forest at the rear of the temple, but it is dirty and lets in very little light. It is very quiet. To the east, the hallway leads into a room through an arch.
This is Shandara's pride and joy. The large room is filled with book-shelves and is overflowing with books. All sorts of information is stored here. The smell of leather and paper is overwhelming. Several students are rummaging through the books, and helping the librarian catalog everything. Diffused light shines in through the windows, and the place is unusually quiet.
Maps and charts hang on the walls of the study area. Several small tables with wooden chairs stand about the room. Each table has a lamp, and glowing lights overhead keep the area well lit. Students are furiously working on various reports. Books on breeding and animal husbandry are spread about the tables. The library is north, and a door in the west wall is marked "PRIVATE".
The office is crowded and cluttered. Charts and graphs are hung up on one wall. There are drawings of animals with lines between them. One is of a lion and a boar. Another is of a turtle and an alligator. Question marks are written above the lines between each. A rumpled throw rug is casually tossed on the floor. More books and papers cover a desk.
The inside of the hovel does not even come close to what it resembled from the outside. Plush, roomy furnishings decorate the large, very well-built room. It begins to look like the wizard that lives here doesn't want anyone to know how well off he really is. A cloth works furiously, polishing the banister of the set of stairs leading up to what looks to be a laboratory, and down into a lower level of the house. To the west is the front room of the house. Behind a red couch is a large pile of expensive artwork. Elegant vases line the shelves along one wall. Plush, thick rugs carpet the floor. It gives one an odd feeling to be in the center of this luxury based on the outside looks of the house.
This is the wizard's laboratory. Rows of glass, beakers and vials line the shelves. A long table has several vials of different colored liquids. A distillate is being pressed out of some odd-looking plant and a blackish liquid drips into a small beaker. A table has several powders that have been ground out of other substances. An eerie feeling starts to creep up your skin as you feel like this is a place you probably shouldn't be.
The stairs lead down into a large, cool cellar. Furniture, costumes and other items are stored here. More items and paintings are stacked to one side. Ornate statues are standing amid thick rolled-up tapestries. A well-worn trap door is set into the ground.
The trapdoor opens to reveal a sturdy wooden staircase leading down some stairs. The tops of the stairs have been covered with a plush red material. A smooth wooden banister is attached to each wall, providing support on the descent into the darkness below. Torch light flickers on some strange paintings on the wall which depict animals and monsters that have not been seen before in the realm.
At the bottom of the stairs there is a narrow area before the passage turns south. In the wall beside it is a small window covered with vertical bars, with a small rectangular opening beneath the bars at elbow height. Behind the window is a small alcove with a chair inside. The booth is empty, and a closed door is obviously the only way in or out of it. A sign carved in ivory-colored wood hangs straight above the window. The tunnel heads south past the booth, and the stairs climb back up.
The tunnel floor has been ground smooth, giving it a finished look. Wooden planks line the walls, squaring off the sides of the tunnel, and sconces light the way. Every few steps there is a black-wood framed sign; red letters painted on their white backgrounds announce the fantastic animals and amazing features of the Zoo. The tunnel is long: it runs north to the stairs up to the wizard's house, and west into a great cavern.
The tunnel leads into a large chamber with gray fitted stone walls and a polished granite floor. The ceiling is covered with stalactites. The south-eastern corner of the room hosts a number of stalagmites growing out of the floor. The tops of these have been ground flat to about knee level, making them look like seats. To the west is a large fireplace surrounded by some tables. There is a counter set within the north wall, and there are doorways leading off to the north and west. Immediately to the south, a rough, natural-looking doorway is set into the wall. Above the arch of the doorway is a relief carving, embedded with white stones, depicting something that looks like a sea serpent.
Four pinewood tables are arranged here with a long wooden bench on each side. A fireplace sits in the corner. Large flagstones make up the mantle and the base. The fireplace looks unused, and there are no ashes under an iron grate. Cobwebs dust the inside. A plain-looking wooden door leads off to the west.
Against the northern wall is a counter with two ale taps built into it. A small oven is recessed into the wall behind the counter. A sign propped on the counter displays a limited menu. A doorway opens up to the west, and there is a sign framed next to the opening.
This seems to be a meeting area within the giant cavern. A sign on the wall notes that tours depart every hour. The doorway to the north leads off into a tunnel, and above the door is a relief carving outlined in bright green stones of a miniature lion.
The door opens into a small hallway which dead ends here. There are two doors on the southern wall. The door immediately to the south is decorated with the silhouette of a well-proportioned woman in a long, flowing gown.
The short hallway dead ends here. The door to the south is emblazoned with the silhouette of a barbarian warrior holding an axe. Someone has chalked a message on the far wall.
A mirror dominates one wall in this small room. A wash bowl sits in the corner, and a white, folded cloth sits on a kelly-green tiled shelf, along with a potted fern. A wooden seat with an opening in the center sits on a raised platform. There is a hole in the platform beneath the opening. A small jar of potpourri permeates the room with its rose-scented perfume.
The mirror in this room is cracked, and the blue-tiled walls are blackened from soot. The water basin lies tipped over on the floor next to a pile of ashes. There is no sign of a wooden seat on the platform, and four glowing embers can be seen within the dark hole. A grumbling and sloshing can be heard from within the septic tank and a mental note is made not to eat the chili. Suddenly, two large serpentine heads poke out of the hole, breathing flames as they smell fresh meat.
The door opens to reveal a hollowed out cavern not unlike the main cavern, but considerably smaller. A plaque to the west behind the roped-off section reads "Tour B", and to the north is another roped-off area with a sign that reads "Tour A". It is obvious that Shandara and Elmo anticipated a large number of visitors to their zoo. The cavern is lit by glowing balls of light. Both tunnels leading away from the cavern are dark.
A tunnel has been carved out of the granite rock and runs east and west here. To the west, the tunnel opens up into a room from which glows a violet-colored light. The tunnel to the east leads to a well-lit cavern.
This bizarre chamber looks as if it's been tilted on its side. Stalagmites and stalactites are growing horizontally from the far wall. A section has been roped off. The rope looks like it has been singed. A soot-covered plaque sits to one side. Small rock growths spouting steam are beginning to grow on the remaining walls of the cavern.
The tunnel runs to the north and south. A red marker points to the north. The floor is flat, and the sides and top of the tunnel are rounded, forming an archway.
A sign is posted in the floor of the intersection. A dark room is off to the west. A lighted room is off to the east. A tunnel leads off to the south.
The center of the chamber has been cleared of all natural rock formations. The entire area is well-lit. The sides of the cavern are rough and irregular, and the natural outcroppings cast irregular shadows along the cavern wall. Occasionally, movement can be sensed in the shadows, and a dark globe will float across the pock-marked floor of the chamber.
The tunnel curves west and south. The wall is recessed slightly to the east. The passage continues to the west, and there is a small chamber to the south.
A passage slopes down to the north into another chamber. The tunnel leads back to the east. The air is a bit dank and musty; ventilation seems to be a problem in this part of the tunnels.
In the center of this room is a pit, covered by an iron grate. Shining a light down into the pit, a number of giant, slug-like creatures can be seen moving slowly about. They are brightly colored, and continue to glow in the dark after the light has been taken away.
The tunnel continues east and west. Sconces line the wall, lighting the way. On the far east wall, just before the next room, is a painting of a small dog with the head of a bull.
The room is fairly large and dry. Against the far wall is a cage. The bars have been bent back and the cage is now empty and straw litters the floor. A trough is full of over-ripe fruit and vegetables. Some of them have a few bite marks, but for the most part, the food looks untouched. A small ditch separates the cage from the main room, acting as a sort of a barrier. Small, pawprints lead off to the corridor to the south.
A number of giant slug-like creatures mill about in the pit beneath the grate. Two eyestalks wave about at one end of their bodies, and recoil in direct light. A sharp rock falls from above, hitting one of the creatures cutting its soft skin. It bleeds a phosphorous substance that continues to glow brightly. The creatures seem otherwise docile.
The tunnel bends around from the north to the east here. The walls to the south and west are slightly recessed. The walls seem to have a more natural feel. Bits of dirt and small stones are mixed in the rock that makes up the tunnel. A sprinkling of dust covers the floor, and tiny footprints lead off to the east.
The tunnel slopes slightly down here to the south from the west. Every few feet is a small step, indicating that the incline isn't that steep. A wooden door marked "PRIVATE" is immediately to the north.
The tunnel slopes down to the south from the north. Small steps are carved into the floor every few feet, making it an easy walk up and down the tunnel. Sconces line the walls of the tunnel at each step. Several are not lit, making it a little hard to see.
The passage leads into a dark, dank room. A bridge connects the exits from the north to the east. It spans a large shallow pool that fills the center of the room. In the center of the pool is an island. The pool is fairly shallow. Three large gray-colored creatures swim in the pool, and another lounges on the island. A feeding trough is half full, and sits to one side of the island. The three gray shapes start to circle under the bridge.
The tunnel bends to the north from the west. Wooden beams help support the rock ceiling. The timbers look strong and secure. Small globes of light hang from the ceiling, lighting the corridor.
The tunnel bends to the east from the south. A large room is off to the east. A wooden beam near the center of this section seems to have cracked, and a number of other beams and supports have been brought into place. In spite of this, the tunnel seems stable enough.
Two glass cases line the north and east walls. One case displays a number of bags, pots and sacks of grains, grasses and berries. Small tags label each and tell which of the zoo's exhibits eats this diet, and how much is consumed in a year. The other case has been broken into, and its contents are being rummaged through and devoured by several small man-bull creatures. The meat and bones had been magically kept in stasis behind the glass to show the diets of the carnivores.
The tunnel continues north and south. The walls are supported by big wooden beams. A well-lighted room is immediately to the north, and another chamber sits to the south.
The tunnel opens up into a large, unusual chamber. The walkway between the north door and the west door is very narrow. Most of the cavern is filled with many-colored rock formations that grow from both the ceiling and the floor. A small stream of water, lit from beneath, flows through the bottom of the chamber, and several long, rope-like creatures swim in it.
The tunnel starts sloping up into the solid granite bedrock to the west. Small steps have been carved every few feet to make travel easier. Beams support the walls and small globes of light hang from the ceiling.
The tunnel is slightly inclined here, leading up to the west and down to the east. Small steps have been carved every few feet to make travel easier. Small globes of light hang between supporting beams from the ceiling.
The tunnel enters a small, well-kept room. Crates and boxes are artistically arranged in one corner. The names of many exotic areas in the region and some unknown locales are painted on them. A few posters are hung on the walls explaining the purpose of the zoo, and where the animals come from. A large box with a lock on it sits in the center of the room. In big letters painted on the box is the word, DONATIONS. The ground beneath the box is very dark.
The tunnel leads north and south between two rooms. The walls are unusually smooth and don't look hand-carved. The floor is flat and walking is easy. Sconces line the walls, lighting the way.
The tunnel opens up into a small cavern. Small knickknacks and souvenirs are displayed in glass cases, with a reminder to visit the gift shop at the end of the tour. To one side, in a small alcove, perched upon a small red cushion is a miniature lion. Above his bed is an ornate sign. The lion starts to purr as soon as someone enters the room.
The tunnel bends to the east from the south. A small cavern is off to the east. The walls are painted with a number of odd looking creatures, and are designed to create excitement to seeing these unusual beasts.
A tunnel has been carved out of the granite rock and runs north and south here. To the north, the tunnel continues on around a bend. The tunnel to the south leads to a well-lit cavern.
The tunnel leads down to a small landing that looks out into a large cavern. Giant Mushrooms grow tall and in abundance. Phosphorescent tendrils hang down from beneath the caps of some of them, and they sway gently, as if in a breeze. The caps of the mushrooms range from yellow-green to orangish-brown.
The office is cluttered and untidy. A large desk sits against the far wall. A nameplate reading "Elmo" is propped on top of it. A table covered with stacks of papers and books strewn about the top and underneath is located on one side of the office. A large glass bottle filled with water is propped up on the other side. A few paper cups are stacked on top of it. On the bulletin board above the desk is a large note. A large book, entitled, The Trouble With Crettins is propped open and some passages are underlined.
The hallway leads north, back into the main cavern, and to the south. The walls are painted a medium blue, and the ceiling is painted a light blue. Strands of seaweed are painted on the sides near the north door. The impression is that the further down the hallway you travel, the deeper underwater you go. Starfish, crabs and lobster are painted on the floor.
The room is painted a brilliant blue. Suspended from the ceiling are stuffed replicas of dolphin. A sign talks about the life cycle of the mammals, what they eat, and their habits. Other oceanic marine life are painted on the walls, giving the impression that this room is deep under the ocean. Wide low stairs lead down into a darkened room below.
The stairs lead down into a large, long, darkened room. To the south of this long room are three large aquarium tanks. The tank immediately to the south is lit by a violet purple light. A giant monster, shaped like a torpedo with tentacles is swimming motionless inside. The tentacles glow a fluorescent green. The room continues to the east, and some stairs lead up to a lighted room above. A large black eye on one side of the body stares emotionless out the glass. A plaque is mounted below the tank.
The large, long, dark room stretches out to the east and west here. To the south is another tank. Yellowish light filters in from the top. A large, shelled creature that looks like the soles of a giant's foot, opens and closes its mouth here. In the back of its mouth as it opens, a large pearl is exposed. The ragged edges of the shell are undulated, making the creature look like it's in a constantly bad mood. A plaque is mounted below the tank.
The large, long, dark room stretches out to the west. Stairs lead down to another area. The stairs are lighted from beneath magically with a deep violet light, so that they can be navigated safely. Immediately to the south is a large tank, lighted with an orange light. Inside the tank is a large, flat-bodied creature that is resting on six legs. Two large arms tipped with giant claws rest on the ground in front of the glass. Two stalks topped with black eyes wave in the water and observe those who watch. A plaque is mounted below the tank.
The hallway stretches out to the east here. The bottom half of the walls are painted purple, and the top half are light blue. A dark blue stripe is painted between them. The floor is tiled with purple-gray slate. A long, wide set of stairs lead up into a darkened room.
The hallway stretches out east and west here. The bottom half of the walls are painted purple, and the top half are light blue. A dark blue stripe is painted between them. The floor is tiled with purple-gray slate. Posters cover the walls with unusual monsters and hype what visitors will see on the tour ahead. A sign to the east, just before a bridge, mentions that visitors should have their tickets ready.
The platform leads onto a small bridge, which spans an underground river here. The river seeps through a crack in the rock and slips away beneath the bridge into the dark. Far to the east is a large cavern. Somewhere beyond it, something is splashing about in a pool. A large, green, hairy humanoid creature stands in the center of the bridge and blocks the way east.
The pool hall is a large, rectangular shaped room. The ceilings are squared off, and everything is painted white. The room is magically lit from above. Far to the east is a small chamber. A little to the east and north is a large pool. Something seems to be splashing about within it. Immediately to the south is a tunnel that seems to lead into another cavern.
To the north is a large pool. A trickle of water flows on the ground coming from the north. The water trickles each time something splashes in the pool. Immediately to the east is a brightly-lit room. The pool hall stretches out to the north and west.
Set in the north wall of the brightly-lit exhibit room are several small glass fish tanks, filled with a variety of normal, everyday fish. Well, normal if one lived in the tropics, so it is a treat for visitors just to see these specimens. In the far corner stands a large cage whose door swings on its hinges. In the south-western corner of the room, a few miserable creatures are huddled. At the entrance of visitors, they try to sneak out, but they have a hard time moving and seem simply to float in place.
The pool hall is a large, rectangular room. Magical lights hang from the ceiling lighting the entire area. To the east is a large pool. Something is jumping and splashing about within the pool. The floor is grooved with sweeping, circular patterns, in order to keep guests from slipping and hurting themselves.
The pool seems to be natural, and fills most of the area here in the pool hall. The bottom of the pool is littered with coins, mostly copper in color, along with a few silver coins. Floating just above the coins is a spherical creature with one large eye in the center of its body. A small tail helps it keep its balance, and it has two thin arms. Its body is covered with a dark, lustrous fur that doesn't seem to get wet as the creature splashes about. As visitors approach, the creature swims up, gathering momentum, clears the water and splashes down again. It frolics about, picking up some coins, tossing them and tries to catch them again.
This is the north-western corner of the pool hall. The hall continues to the east and the south. A little to the south and east is a large pool. Every once in a while something splashes up out of it. Sounds resonate in the pool hall and seem to echo loudest in this corner.
This is the north-eastern corner of the pool hall. Immediately to the south is a large pool with something frolicking about within it. A sign is hung on the eastern wall. A caricature of a dolphin is painted on the wall pointing north. Immediately to the north is a smaller section of the pool hall that is designed to funnel people into another area.
The main section of the pool hall is to the south. To the north, the hall opens up into another cavern through a small door. Yellow globes of light hang from the ceiling, lighting this area.
A small river flows underground here to the south within the small cavern. To the east is a walkway and there is a small ladder that is climbable up to the walkway. There is an island to the south-east. It's covered with grass and a few small bushes. A vent in the ceiling keeps air circulating here. A soft, white light bathes the inside of this cavern.
A large hand carved tunnel leads from the pool hall to the north into a small, underground cavern to the south. An underground river flows gently to the west. A path leads south into the cavern. A ladder leads down into the river to the west.
A small river flows underground north and south here within the small cavern. To the east is a trail that leads around the island to the south-east. The island is covered with grass and a few small bushes. A vent in the ceiling keeps air circulating here. A soft, white light bathes the inside of this cavern.
The path continues inside the cavern, suspended over the underground river. The river forks here and flows around a small island lying just beyond the path. Further on, the path covers most of the river, so that visitors may overlook whatever is exhibited on the grassy island. The main stream of the river sits to the west, where a ladder leads down into it; the path goes on to the east, and back north to the tunnel. The atmosphere inside this cavern is calm and peaceful, and unusually quiet.
The path continues south towards a small island and west back to the cavern entrance. Something rustles in the grass on the island, but it is difficult to see past the bushes from this corner of the path. A vent in the ceiling keeps air circulating here. A soft, white light bathes the inside of this cavern. Other than the gentle lapping of the river and an occasional rustle from the grass on the island, the cavern is unusually quiet.
A small river flows underground north and south here within the small cavern. To the east is a grass-covered island. It's covered with grass and a few small bushes. Some moss-covered rocks surround the island, along with some low spiked sticks. Something rustles in the grass on the island.
The island is covered with thin, salt grass. Nestled between some bushes are a pair of odd-looking ducks. One is sitting on a nest of grass, leaves and feathers. The other is standing guard. The birds are white, and about the size of swans. They have a long, pointed golden beak. They gaze solemnly at the intrusion on their privacy. The uniducks are surrounded by an aura of purity and goodness.
The trail continues north and south, and the island exhibit is to the west. A plaque is set on a post to one side. To the south, something has gathered sticks, leaves, moss and feathers and has built a little nest.
The river flows from the north to the east here. A vent in the ceiling keeps air circulating. A soft, white light bathes the inside of this cavern.
A small river flows underground here within the small cavern, before it disappears through some tiny cracks in the rock. A small ladder climbs from the water up to a walkway to the east, beside a little nest built of sticks, leaves, moss and feathers. The grass-covered island lies just beyond the river's north bank, and the river runs back west.
In this south-eastern corner of the cavern, in the far corner of the trail, two uniducks have gathered sticks, moss, grass and feathers to build a nesting area. Within the nest are a pair of odd-looking ducks. One is sitting on a nest of grass, leaves and feathers. The other is standing guard. The birds are white, and about the size of swans. They have a long, pointed golden beak.
The bleachers in this section are painted blue to match the blue hoop that is suspended over the western side of the large pool below. The rows of seats are cut out of the natural stone of the cavern wall. The far wall is fairly smooth and cool to the touch. The upper tier runs east, and the seats step down toward the water.
The room opens up into another large, rectangular chamber. On either side of the door are bleachers, cut into the natural stone of the cavern wall. Below them, stretching out east and west, is another tier of bleachers. They descend to the edge of a deep, large pool filled with cool, clear water. The bleachers here are painted bright orange, and they match an orange hoop that is suspended over the center of the pool. The pool hall is back through the door to the south.
The bleachers in this section are painted green to match the green hoop that is suspended over the eastern side of the large pool below. The rows of seats are cut out of the natural stone of the cavern wall. The upper tier runs back west, and the seats step down toward the water.
The next tier of bleachers matches the color of the ones above them. Here, blue seats are carved right down to the front of the pool. Just the most minimal of walkways separates the pool from the seats. The cavern walls are lit by sconces, and the pool itself glows bright blue. The walls of the pool are lined with a brilliant blue fungus that emits the glowing blue light. The water reflects off the walls. Looking out over the pool, a gray, streamlined shape swims the circumference of the pool, leaps out of the water and through the blue hoop.
This tier of bleachers matches the color of the ones above them. Here, orange seats are carved right down to the front of the pool. Just the most minimal of walkways separates the pool from the seats. The cavern walls are lit by sconces, and the pool itself glows bright blue. The walls of the pool are lined with a brilliant blue fungus that emits the glowing blue light. The water reflects off the walls. Looking out over the pool, a gray, streamlined shape swims the circumference of the pool, leaps out of the water and through the orange hoop.
The next tier of bleachers matches the color of the ones above them. Here, green seats are carved right down to the front of the pool. Just the most minimal of walkways separates the pool from the seats. The cavern walls are lit by sconces, and the pool itself glows bright blue. The walls of the pool are lined with a brilliant blue fungus that emits the glowing blue light. The water reflects off the walls. Looking out over the pool, a gray, streamlined shape swims the circumference of the pool, leaps out of the water and through the green hoop.
The bottom of the pool is covered with silver coins. The water is deep enough to cover even the tallest of giants. A brilliant blue fungus lights the sides of the pool and casts strange reflections onto the cavern walls. Playful gray shapes swim by with rapid speed and agility. A large blue hoop is suspended above the water here. The pool continues east, and the blue bleachers rise up to the south.
The bottom of the pool is covered with silver coins. The water is deep enough to cover even the tallest of giants. Elmo had entertained the idea of letting guests swim with the dolphins, but after the mysterious disappearance of several of his dolphin trainers, he is having second thoughts. A large orange hoop is suspended above the water, and a dolphin circles under it, treading water on its back fins. The pool continues east and west, and the orange bleachers rise up to the south.
The bottom of the pool is covered with silver coins. The water is deep enough to cover even the tallest of giants. A brilliant blue fungus lights the sides of the pool and casts strange reflections onto the cavern walls. A large green hoop is suspended above the water, and a dolphin swims beneath it, jumping with flips and somersaults. The pool continues west, and the green bleachers rise up to the south.
The water magically stays inside the aquarium even when the tank has been opened. The glowing tentacles of the giant squid on display start flailing about when it senses that its water has been disturbed. An inky-black substance is squirted out from its hind end as it feels threatened by predators, making it impossible to see inside the tank.
The water magically stays inside the aquarium even when the tank has been opened. As soon as it feels movement in the water, the giant clam shuts its shells tightly. In long time intervals, it opens its shell a crack, and tiny cilia test the water. Sensing danger, it clamps back shut again.
The water magically stays inside the aquarium even when the tank has been opened. The giant crab scuttles from side to side trying to evade its predators. Its reddish-brown, mottled shell body blends in with the rocks on the tank bottom, but the crab is too large to hide itself effectively. When it senses that it can't hide, it takes an aggressive stance and menacingly waves its claws in front of it.
Through the door is a long, wide corridor. To the east, is the main cavern. Large, smooth-cut stairs lead down the corridor. The walls of the corridor are painted in oranges and browns. A large sign is posted on the wall.
The stairs continue down into the bowels of the earth, and up into the corridor above. The oranges give way to red colors, mixed in with darker brown. The impression is like descending deep into the earth. Another large sign is posted on the wall.
The long, wide corridor stops going down and heads west at this point. A long set of stairs lead up. The corridor is lighted with small yellow lights. The ceiling is painted blue, and the walls are painted like a large savanna. The floor is covered with dried grass and wood chips. The impression is like traveling into another world under the surface of the earth. A few boulders that have been flattened on the top line the walls, and serve as seats for tired visitors. A rather large sign graces the wall near the west exit.
The long, wide corridor makes a turn to the south here, and also leads back to the east. White lights are suspended from the ceiling, which is painted blue, like the sky. Hoofed animals are painted on the wall, creating the illusion that this is a world, instead of a corridor. Stuffed birds are suspended from the ceiling. Small plaques describe what the birds are and what they do for this ecosystem. Another large sign graces the wall near the south exit.
The long, wide corridor turns to the west and also leads north. A large drinking hole is painted on the wall, and it is surrounded by many painted animals that have come to the water to drink. A realistic touch has been added. In front of the mural, several stuffed animals are crouched, looking in at the scene. Small plaques identify the animals and discuss what they are doing. A rather large sign is posted just outside the door to the west.
This chamber is by far the largest underground room in the zoo. Seven giants standing on each other's shoulders could easily fit inside. Dominating the center of this circular chamber is a large, cone-shaped steel bar cage surrounded by a small moat. The door to the cage lies bent and twisted near the far wall. On the floor of the cage, is the leg bone of a large beast, still with some bloody meat on it. The air in this chamber is thick, and smells like animal fur and animal droppings. A vague roaring can be heard coming from the north. A sign lies dislodged from the cage on the floor.
The corridor continues north and south. The air is a bit stale. The walls are lit with sconces. A soft roaring can be heard coming from the north.
The corridor continues north and south. The air is a bit stale. The walls are lit with sconces. The noise coming from the north starts to get louder, and it sounds like a steady roar. To the east is a small door, recessed into the wall. The door is closed and marked PRIVATE, NO ADMITTANCE.
The door opens into a small dark room. A shimmering curtain covers the door on this side, and as you step through it, you feel a gentle tingling on your skin and a prickling sensation behind your neck. The curtain disappears, revealing a cluttered office.
The corridor continues north and south. The air starts to flow a bit, but the smell of animals tends to cling to the walls here. The noise coming from the north starts to get louder, and it sounds more and more like a steady roar. To the west is a small door, recessed into the wall. The door is closed and marked PRIVATE, NO ADMITTANCE.
A shimmering curtain is directly to the south in this tiny, dark corridor. A few booted prints, about the size of a small woman lead into the curtain. No footprints lead out. A small desk sits against the north wall. A cork bulletin board with several messages posted on it is hung on the wall above the desk.
The door opens into a small dark room. A shimmering curtain covers the door on this side, and as you step through it, you feel a gentle tingling on your skin and a prickling sensation behind your neck. The curtain disappears, revealing an office cluttered with papers, books and reports.
The corridor continues north and south, and to the east is a small door, recessed into the wall. The door is closed and marked PRIVATE, EMPLOYEE'S ONLY. The roar has increased in volume and sounds very much like rushing water. The ground even trembles a bit, as if something is hitting the walls with force. A sign on the wall points north and says: This Way to the Herbivore Exhibit.
The door opens into a private corridor. Brooms and mops are stacked in the corner, along with a wooden pail. Several rags are neatly folded on a shelf next to some polish. A large board on the far wall is marked with employee names, duties, times and a box to check when the chores are done. A door leads south, and a small wooden door leads back west.
The door leads into a small storeroom. Sacks of grain are piled up on the floor. Some medicines and books on animal care are propped up on a shelf, next to some medical paraphernalia. A small black rat gnaws on the corner of one of the sacks of grain. This is perhaps the only normal animal in this dungeon. It scampers over to a hole in the wall and out of sight as soon as the door is opened.
The grass grows a bit sparse in this corner, and the area smells intensely of fertilizer. The walls of the cavern are sheer and smooth. Animal droppings have been piled up in the corner, and a broken rake is discarded to one side. Under some bushes against the wall lies the carcass of a large herbivore. The cavern goes on to the north and east.
The corridor ends abruptly into a balcony overlooking a large stone chamber. The chamber seems to be a natural underground oasis, complete with savanna grass, scrub oak and brush. A rather beautiful waterfall splashes from near the ceiling to the east, cascades to the cavern floor and flows off to the north west. At the far side, some hoofed animals hover, and try to make themselves inconspicuous. Roaming the cavern floor is a large giant-type creature with two heads. The sides of the balcony have been pressed outward until they have bent down to the floor, making it easy to walk into the cavern below.
A roaring ribbon of water spills out of the top of the rock wall beside you and cascades down to the cavern floor. A shallow pool has formed along the foot of the wall, and the stream flows away to the northwest. Broad-leafed green plants surround the pool. A small sandy area leads north, covered with hoof tracks, where the animals come in to drink. The cavern stretches out to the north and east. To the west is the balcony.
Moss and lichen cover the south wall here and are watered by the fine mist that blows from the waterfall to the west. The ground is a bit soft and damp. Grass grows thick and lush. It would be an ideal place for a mother deer to have her fawns.
The grass grows tall here. The soft breeze generated by the waterfall to the southeast ripples softly through the blades of grass. An area has been trampled, and some tufts of fur have been lost. The cavern continues to the north and south. To the east is the small stream that flows from the waterfall.
A small stream flows from the south to the northeast here. The stream bed is made from natural rock. Very few pebbles or rocks lie strewn about. A shallow area rises near the center of the stream. Tracks on each side of the stream show that the animals that live here probably cross the stream here.
Tall, thick grass covers the chamber floor to the north and east. A small dirt trail leads south to the waterfall. A shallow stream flows to the west and north. Some of the grass has been flattened, as though a struggle took place. The remains of a small hoofed mammal lie hidden in the grass.
A salt lick sits in the grass next to a small trough. This is where any special dietary additions are given to the herd. The trough is empty, except for a few stray seeds of grain. Tall, thick grass covers the chamber to the north and west. To the south, the soil seems more damp, and a few bushes sprout up.
The small stream flows in from the south-east and disappears under a small opening in the rock wall of the cavern. A large tree grows here. All of its lower branches have been stripped of leaves, and tufts of fur hang from the rough bark where animals have rubbed against it to relieve their itchy skin in the shedding season. The cavern goes on to the east and south.
The grass grows tall here. The soft breeze generated by the waterfall to the southeast ripples softly through the blades of grass. An area has been trampled, and some tufts of fur have been lost. The cavern continues to the east and west. To the south and west is the small stream that flows from the waterfall.
Tall, thick grass covers the chamber floor. The cavern stretches out to the south, west and east. Some of the grass has been flattened, as though a struggle took place. The remains of a small hoofed mammal lie hidden in the grass. There is also a large shadow in the northern face of the cavern. Closer inspection reveals a dark tunnel that recedes into the rock.
Stalagmites are growing up from the floor of the chamber here. They are still covered by the tall grass, but they make great places to hide behind or jump around for the herbivores. The cavern stretches out to the south and west. Far to the south, a ribbon of water slices out from the rocks near the chamber ceiling and falls down to the cavern floor.
Just off from the faerie queen's court is a dark and gloomy forest. The wind blows through the trees and the air is full of forest sounds.
The forest becomes dark and strange along here. The trees are huge and loom overhead, blocking out all sunshine and light.
The packed-dirt floor is covered with hoof prints leading up and down the aisle. The west side of the aisle has a number of small, individual stalls. The east side is completely walled off, blocking any view of the road. The aisle is wide enough to lead a horse down its length without having to worry about horses in the other stalls taking a bite at either the horse or the groom. Immediately to the west, a very large chestnut horse is pacing its stall. It gazes out with very intelligent, brown eyes, and whickers for a carrot or apple.
The stall is a small, square area. The floor is covered with cut hay and straw. A single trough holds clear water. A dented bucket lies on its side; its contents of oats having been eaten. Upon entering the stall, the large, chestnut-colored thoroughbred snorts and flattens its ears back against its head.
A saddle is hung on a bar outside the tackroom to the north. Draped over the saddle is an oily cloth, and a bottle of leather oil rests on the ground. A single horseshoe, hung upside down, is nailed over the door to the tackroom. Immediately to the west, some ponies mill about in a small paddock.
The sharp smell of leather and oil assaults the nostrils upon entering the enclosed room. Mounted above the dusty floor on bars and shelves are an assortment of saddles, saddle blankets, harnesses and other tack. A variety of bridles and halters hang suspended from the back wall. A bucket of old, rusty horseshoes sits to one side of the door. Immediately inside the door, are the various grooming tools for the horses, including a hoofpick and hairbrush.
Several horses mill about the paddock. Their movements are quite slow and deliberate. They gaze at the road with dull eyes. Some have a far-away look, as if they were remembering bygone days. Although they have been well taken care of and immaculately groomed, even the most poor judge of horseflesh can tell that these are mostly old work-horses.
The door opens up into a small room that serves as the office to the pastor. Along one wall is a cabinet, filled with bottles, vials and flasks of various liquids. One of the bottles has a label on it. A tall, blond, bearded man with piercing blue eyes sits at the desk, counting the coins in the donation box. He looks extremely healthy and fit.
Tall, round wooden tables are scattered about the place. Lining the east wall is a long bar. A huge painting of a pretty woman draped in a diaphanous gown hangs above the center of the bar. Long mirrors flank the painting each side. Thick-stemmed glassware is set up on shelves in front of the mirror. A large oaken wine cask with a small spigot sits in the wall in one side of the bar. Several small casks of ale sit atop the bar, and most likely take up most of the space behind it. A young man, obviously one of Widow Emma's sons, patiently wipes the bar as he listens to an old man's tale of woe. The old man pauses only to sip from a tankard of ale. A low partition separates the bar from a dining area to the north.
Delicious smells of home cooked meals linger in the air. Several tables are arranged around the dining room, covered in blue and white checkered tablecloths. A light blue vase filled with bright yellow flowers decorates each table. Two young girls in bright blue dresses and yellow bows in their silky blonde hair wait on tables and exchange local gossip as they pass one another. At one corner, a small stage has been set up for performers. The lodge is always eager to exchange food and room for an evening's worth of entertainment.
At the top of the stairs is a small reception area. Guests wait here for a nice, clean room for the evening. A young girl giggles as she leads a strong, good-looking adventurer down the hall to his room. The slip of a girl is obviously the youngest of Emma's children, and quite possibly the prettiest. Rosi is chaperoned by one of her older brothers. He observes all with one clear, blue eye. The other eye is covered with a black patch. Even the thick brown beard which covers his face, and a dark cloak cannot hide the warrior's demeanor. He reclines back in a chair, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, and the other resting against a safe in which patrons can store their valuables.
Along the far west wall is a desk. The deputy's desk is clean and organized. It is positioned so that a deputy can look out the window, into the jail cell, and through the arch to the front entrance. Over the desk on the south wall, a cork board with black and red circles painted on it is hung on the wall. The jail cell to the east looks extremely well-built and reinforced.
The cell is very small and very secure. A small cot sits to one side, and a basin with a bucket bolted into the ground is on the other side. The cell is fairly clean. Not even a rat could find enough crumbs to survive here.
Large, floor-to-ceiling bookcases line the walls of the library. The shelves are completely filled with books and small knickknacks. A comfortable chair sits by the back window, which overlooks the garden wall and the dark alley beyond it. A small table set next to the chair holds a pretty white oil lamp. A large desk dominates the north wall of the room. The entrance hall is to the south.
White and yellow flowers are arranged in a bright red vase sitting on a dark dining table. Sheer white curtains are draped over the tops of the floor-to-ceiling bay windows that overlook the front garden and road beyond. Little statues of red dragons and griffins sit atop a border-shelf near the ceiling. A door leads off to the east, and the entrance to the large mansion is to the north.
The kitchen of the mansion is immaculate. Pounded copper pots hang from the eaves above a large grill in the center of the kitchen. An oven is wedged between the counters on the far wall. The counters have no crumbs, and the floor looks freshly cleaned and swept. A side door leads out to the street.
The stairs lead up from the entrance of the mansion to a landing. Two doors lead off from the landing, one to the east, and one to the north. An ornately woven rug with reds, yellows, black and white colors covers the floor.
This room is in sharp contrast to the rest of the mansion. A few dirty clothes are tossed about the floor. A nightstand is cluttered with a dozen or so vials and bottles, not all of which are standing upright. A vase lies on its side and a bunch of violets have spilled out and are wilting on the stand. An antique closet takes up most of the north wall. Flimsy pieces of clothing and unmentionables have exploded out of the drawers and drape over the cabinet in an intimate array of color. A large fluffy bed rests against the east wall. Its coverlet is wrinkled and crumpled. A few pillows have fallen to the floor.
The room is orderly and neat, indicating a very organized and military mind of its resident. A small bed rests against the north wall, and almost looks like it has never been slept in. Several books are lined up according to height on the nightstand. Several shoes are lined up neatly in the closet to the east.
The door opens to reveal a secret passage to and from the Mayor's closet. Steps lead down, run beneath the garden wall at the back of the mansion, and climb again on the other side. The passageway is well worn, and padded to muffle any sound of travel through it. The Mayor's closet is to the west, and another closet door is to the east.
This bedroom is decorated lavishly, yet is functional as well. Most of the room is taken up with a large four-poster bed, covered with a bright-red comforter. Next to the room's single window, papers are arranged in neat stacks atop a roll-top desk. A closer look reveals that Honey has significant influence in the affairs of this small town. Her information sources seem to aid the Mayor in keeping his prominent position. A file labeled 'Shandara and Elmo' sits on top, with a note marked URGENT on it. A closet is built into the west wall.
The hallway leads to a series of bedrooms. Immediately to the east is one such bedroom, where Honey's girls conduct business. To the south is a door marked private. The other rooms seem to be magically off-limits to non-paying customers. Stairs lead down to the reception.
The room is decorated with plush, velvet chairs, and an oversized bed. A large wooden chest containing many surprises sits in one corner. When opened it reveals a number of costumes and props, much like any actress would have in her room. Apparently this is a private entertainment room.
The reception of the bordello is quaint and cozy, and designed to put people at ease. Warm lighting and soft furniture line the room. Paintings of people hunting on horseback with hunting dogs cover the walls. Plush rugs cover the floor. A sturdy wooden staircase leads to an upper floor; a single velvet rope hangs across the foot of the stairs. A door leads west into the alley, and a front room opens to the east.
Several musical instruments are set on a small dais in the corner of the room. Chairs, lounges and couches stand against the walls, keeping the center open for dancing couples. A table in another corner holds a few board games. This seems to be a nice room for people to get acquainted in. The reception is back to the west.
A small alley winds its way between the high fence of the Mayor's garden and the back of the jail. A gutter down the center collects water, giving the area a slightly tepid smell. At the east end of the alley, a wooden door leads into a discreet building, and South Street is back to the west.
The tunnel leads to a small antechamber, a natural cavern beneath the surface of the earth. A cave-in has blocked any further travel in the tunnel, and the only way out is back south. A snort and grunt gets your attention as a large, two-headed shape steps out of the shadows and advances.
The tunnel continues underground in an east-west direction. There is no evidence of any work being done in this area, as there had been in the other sections of Shandara's and Elmo's Underground Zoo. It seems that whatever broke loose from the cage stumbled into an unexplored tunnel system beneath Meadowcreek.
The crack widens into a natural underground tunnel. It seems to lead further underground to the east and up to a larger well-lit cavern to the south. A dark, sour smell fills the tunnel. A dark dust covers the floor.
The wall of the cavern has been subject to a terrible force, and a large crack has formed. The break leads into a dark recess and seems to go further underground. Large tracks lead in that direction.
Off to the side of the reception area, a chair leans against the wall. This is the perfect place in which to observe the reception area and keep an eye on the tenants of the Meadow Creek Lodge.
Surrounded on all sides by thick, tall pines, a magical footpath winds its way around the alps. To leave its safety is certain death. The enchantment keeps travellers safe and warm. The only direction the path leads is north, leading to a small and distant light. By day, the path is cool, and the sun beams through the trees in shafts of golden light. By night, the air is fresh and warm. There always seems to be a full moon or golden sun in the heavens above this part of the world.
The footpath winds along the frosty mountain peaks, upon which no mortal has gazed, unless assisted by either magic or godly intervention. From this vantage point, the path overlooks a large, snowy glacial peak. Sometimes the weight of the snow is too much for the mountain to bear. He shrugs his shoulders, and the snow slides in graceless abandon, carving scars in the ancient face of the mountain. High above an eagle soars. The path curves around the peak to the south. All is silent.
The path turns again to the north, and a light can be seen coming from a small cabin nestled in the shelter of the alps. It sits in a green valley, a bright splash of color in this white winter world. The air to the east shimmers and waves like a curtain in the breeze. A dead tree stands on the cliff edge nearby, and a pair of eagles have built their nest within it. The path also winds back west around the peak.
Stepping behind the curtain, one experiences an acute sense of vertigo. A small stone balcony affords little support when compared to the vastness that expands from its edge. Above, the sky hangs like deep blue velvet. Stars adorn its fabric like diamonds. Marble benches allow for seating right up at the railing of the balcony. Beyond the balcony, the entire realm of Daleville is spread out like a living tapestry. Sometimes a mortal is selected, and his actions become highlighted -- turning into a mini vignette in the play of life for all to see. Beyond the realm lies the past and the future, connecting all parts of the tapestry in an interchangeable and interwoven design.
The path leads down into a lush, green alpine meadow. Tiny white star-like flowers with yellow centers dot the hillside. The edelweiss bloom here all year round. It is said its fragrance lightens the heart and eases the mind. Up ahead to the north is the front porch of a cabin. A warm glow surrounds the cabin, and a tendril of smoke curls lazily from the chimney. Beyond the protected meadow and cabin, the mountains are covered with snow. While snow may fall all around, none dares to fall on the valley.
The path leads up to a large front porch in front of the cabin. A cozy porch swing with big soft cushions sits at one side, and seems the perfect place to watch sunsets from. Mountain lilacs have been planted around the front of the porch, and their scent sweetens the air. To the south, a golden magical path leads through a lush green meadow, into the alps beyond. To the north, is a large wooded door.
The front door opens into a luxurious and roomy room. It is deceiving, since the whole cabin didn't seem this large from the outside. To the west, is a large glass door framed by big bay windows, that leads out into a lush garden. At the center of the room, is a gray-stone hearth, in which a fire is blazing merrily away. Large, soft sofas and chairs are arranged around the room. It looks like a great place to be comfortable and to relax. Several large floor-to-ceiling bookcases, crammed full with books line the walls by the front door to the south, and an archway leads to another room to the east.
Sitting atop a small, wooden desk is a strange box, made out of a hard gray material. Atop the box is another, larger box, upon which moving colored pictures move across its face. Another table is cluttered with maps, and notes, and several books lie scattered about. Shelves line the walls, and there is a long section marked, reference material. A sign that reads Making a Cool Zone hangs on the wall. A plaque hangs on the wall near the door. There seems to be an important piece of paper on the desk.
A large trellis hangs over the top of part of the garden, shading a small picnic area. It grows thick and green and lush with grape vines. A white, wrought-iron table with a glass top is in the middle of the shelter. Several wine glasses are placed around the table, and a few buckets are chilling fine wine nearby. Further into the garden, hundreds of rose bushes have been planted, and they grow in hedges, bringing forth a bounty of color to the area. To another side, tucked behind a grassy hill, is a field of wildflowers. In a private place, a small love seat has been placed.
The room opens up to reveal a large bedroom. Decorated with sturdy oaken furniture, it has a comfortable feel. A large bed dominates one side, covered with a thick white comforter and fluffy feather pillows. A small table sits to one side. In the center sits a vase filled with a bunch of fragrant wildflowers. A large bay window looks out over the snowy peaks.