Chapter 4: Neverlight Grove

The guard looks to you both. A temple of jellies and oozes? That is, what's the word you use? Umm. Disgusting. Yes, that's it. Disgusting. Blacksmiths? Yes, we have several. Though most won't talk with surfacers usually. Perhaps if you do us some measure of service here, you could convince them to do something? The gnome says.

As for a top down view, you do not have one. It is heavily obscured in many areas, and stretches further than you can see to what must be the opposite side of this cavernous space. The area you are in is dimly lit, those of you with darkvision can comfortably see about 100 feet out, beyond that it just fades into darkness. Those without, you can really only see about 30 feet, just enough to see the sheer drop on the right and the wall to your left.

Speak to those in the Trader's Grotto. They'll likely be the most willing to speak to outsiders. the guard says as you notice the ground begin to slope downwards.

Going to do a bit of DM handwaving to get through this little bit, hopefully get you to where you can do some more effective decision making.

As you have chatted and walked along, you find yourselves moving down slightly quicker. You round a bend in the pathway and see another gate similar to the one before. Two massive towers embedded in the cavern walls flank the large metal structure. You can see four deep gnomes peering out of the thin windows, glints of arrows evident. Your guard raises his weapon in a salute and a low grinding sound is heard. The gates slowly open and a single gnome runs out, a nasty frown on his face.

Clearly you lot are the ones bringing Dasco's load through. Let's go. Without another word, he turns and proceeds through the gates.

You follow the gnome through the door after exchanging looks between each other. You find yourselves in a dark tunnel, lit only by the glow of some strange gems set into the walls about halfway up the 30' tall walls. They are spaced just far enough apart to not have any area brightly lit, but also no areas in complete darkness.

In a relatively short time, only a few minutes, you find yourselves in front of a stone and adamantine door. With a push, the gnome easily opens. You leave the dark tunnel behind and step into what looks like another world. These aren't sinister drow caverns or harsh, bare stone, but a subterranean land of warm colors and welcoming smells. The deep gnomes you see going about their business glance up at you with suspicion, but you instinctively understand that you face no threat here. The guard escorting you drops his severe frown to give a deep nod as he prompts you past this final gate.

Welcome to Blingdenstone, travelers. My apologies for the gruff treatment, we are leery of those seeking entry, but you've a member of a trading tribe with you, and you bear a load from Pickshine.