Chapter 4: Skullport

"The first thing we need is information," Tarna says, "and the best place to find information is where the people gather. We need a tavern." She snags a passerby and a quick request for directions later finds your company before what appears to be a big building titled The Dizzy Drake.

Tarna lays a hand on Airn's shoulder, sending healing energies through the young man. "Yes, we could all use a rest. If this turns out not to be an inn, we will find one that looks... reasonably safe. I shouldn't think that your age will present a problem here in Skullport, but just in case, try not to advertise too much." She opens the door to the tavern and enters, wincing as she does so at the overpowering smell of stale booze and body odor. She points to an empty table and indicates that you should sit down and wait for her. With purpose, she moves to the bar and asks to speak with the tavern keeper. The two converse in hushed tones for a few moments before she returns to gather everyone together.

"Come along, I've a lead on a place that might suit our needs. The barkeep was very cooperative with a little persuasion in the form of gold.

She leads you out and down the crowded, dingy street. About 50 to 75 feet above your heads, wooden catwalks and rope bridges crisscross the upper level between the buildings, and beyond this, another level of such is near the ceiling of the cavern, more than 100 feet above. Despite being the lowest level of the gigantic cavern, the streets are well-lit with both mundane and magical lights, making it quite bright (though not so much that creatures favoring the dark would be uncomfortable). The streets are very crowded with a bewildering variety of people. Half-orcs and halflings mingle with more exotic dark elves and bugbears, and even the occasional ogre or minotaur can be seen moving through the streets. Goblin messengers run hither and fro on business for their masters.

She stops outside a building bearing a sign that shows a fire blazing within a cavern entrance. It is in surprisingly good condition with a fresh coat of paint and well-washed windows. Inside, the place is elegantly but tastefully decorated, providing a quiet respite from the street outside. A well-dressed, attractive human woman greets you as you enter the place. "Welcome to the Deepfires," she says sweetly.