Chapter 7: To Gravenhollow

You follow the basilisk forward and through a couple of winding tunnels, ending before a large pair of basalt doors, flanked by two huge stone statues. The basilisk pays the statues no heed and presses against the door, which opens easily at his touch.

Walking across the threshold of Gravenhollow is like stepping into another realm. The oppressive gloom of the Underdark is replaced by light and a sense of openness that bnngs back memories of the surface world.

The corridor beyond the gates is wide enough for ten people to walk side by side. and the ceiling's height reminds you of the great halls of Gauntlgrym. The corridor opens into a central well, with walkways crossing its span to the opposite side. You can barely see the ends of the level to your nght and left, with doors opening into so many rooms that you doubt you could explore them all in a single day.

The ceiling is bright, with rainbows trapped in hundreds of crystal formations combin1ng to create a warm and inviting illumination. Looking down is a dizzying experience. Staircases connect to different levels below, and you soon lose count of how far down they go.

A stout, rocky creature detaches from the perfectly smooth wall to your left, leaving an imprint of its body in the wall that quickly smooths out and fades from sight. "Trravelerrrrsss. I am Hourm. The masterrrsss arre occupied. Therre arre rroomsss forr all of you. Choose yourr own. The rresourrcesss of Grravenhollow arre at yourr disssposssal. You need only asssk."

Hunter recognizes this as the same type of creature that you encountered in Blingdenstone when you restored the menhir after defeating three earth elementals.

Hourm is happy to answer any of Mai'ngor's questions.History: "Gravenhollow has always been here and remembers all that has happened and all that will happen within its halls. The librarians keep track of all that happens in the Underdark and record it."

Function: "As you may have surmised, this is a library. An untold amount of knowledge is accumulated here in a number of forms; placed into crystals, carved into stone tablets, written in books..."

Inhabitants: "Aside from we assistants and any visitors, there are the librarians. Ulthar is the Keeper of the Past, Urmas is the Keeper of the Present, and Ustova is the Keeper of the Future. You will also find 'echoes' of past and future visitors wandering the halls, searching for knowledge. You may speak to them, and they are usually more than happy to talk to people."

Hourm's expression doesn't change that you can see, but you get the impression that he may be slightly insulted by the question, though he doesn't say that he is, "Why of course. No harm shall be done to anyone here. Fear not, you are under our protection."

Fisk and the others salute and then turn to Hourm for directions on where to go. With a wave of his hand, another rock-creature pulls out of the wall and leads them down the stairs.

Hourm nods, "I will take you to see them now," he says as he turns and begins walking away. Though he looks slow and bulky, the creature moves quickly and stops in front of a large door with innumerable images carved into its surface. He stops in front of it and places a hand on it, causing it to open of its own power.

The door opened, you see a large room ringed with a massive amount of bookshelves. A huge table dominates the center of the room, covered in books, scrolls, and various other trinkets. The smell of aged parchment is strong in this room. Seated at the table is a stone giant who wears flowing white robes. He looks up as you enter and waves you in.

"I am Ulthar, Keeper of the Past," he says in a deep, resonant voice, "Come in, please, and take a seat. I sense you must have many questions for me?"