Location The Shadowhall

[Gossamer]

The Shadowhall is a name known to few, and the few that know it know little of the place itself or of the importance of its existence. The true nature of the tunnel is known only to Akalak Elders and Drykas clan leaders, and even they prefer not to think of it unless necessary. The Sea of Grass is a dangerous place, and the worst threats do not come from the surface. Tucked away in an obscure corner of the City Council Chambers is a curtain. It is rich red and pleasing to the eye, and on the opposite corner is a curtain exactly the same. In fact, unless one is aware of the purpose one would simply think they were for decoration, admire the artful placement, and continue on their merry way. But a few select individuals know that behind the left curtain is a door, narrow and simple, unremarkable in every way save for the symbol on the handle: an arch towering over three gems. Nowhere else does this symbol appear, in the Council Chambers or the city of Riverfall, for those that claim the mark as their own do not associate with its denizens. The door leads into a tunnel, and even in the middle of the day light will quickly be swallowed up by darkness. It is wise to bring a torch, but keeping one's hand on the right wall and following it would suffice in a pinch. The tunnel heads straight into the cliff upon which Riverfall is built, and the tunnel is frigid no matter what season it is. The tunnel turns and twists, but after half an hour's brisk walk a light will be visible from roughly fifty yards ahead. Upon approaching the air will warm noticeably and the blackness lifts to reveal a hall of pillars stretching into the unknown. At the hall's threshold is a marble basin of water centered by a green pillar carved in the likeness of an upside-down face. The traveler must sit and wait here; the pillars are connected by powerful shields to create an invisible maze, and it is far too easy to become lost when it is impossible to see the walls. No one is quite sure who built this hall, for there was no record of it before the Valterrian. Some say that it is the work of the Underwatch, but others say that the mysterious organization would have no time to make such things. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that this hall is a barrier between those that live in the above and that which dwells in the below. To go beyond the faced pillar without permission is almost certain to spell death, either at the hands of angry members of the Underwatch, starvation in the invisible maze or at the claws of the monsters that live there, and most everyone that visits the Shadowhall feels the statue's eyes upon them, watching them. It can be hours, sometimes even days before the traveler is approached by one of three members of the Underwatch, and when they arrive they will expect the traveler to speak quickly; time is a luxury here.   NPCs Name: Feolan Race: Drykas DoB: Spring 495 AV PoB: Endrykas Title: Pathwarden of the Western Tunnels Skills: 46 Bladed staff, 15 Shuriken, 29 Navigation, 42 Running Gnosis: None Like all members of the Underwatch, Feolan has no surname nor claims ties to any clan or pavilion. Recently reaching his one-year mark, he knows the passages around the Shadowhall rather well, if he does say so himself. With a bit of an ego, he frowns on "abovers" but tolerates them when needed. He is always the first to approach a traveler, and if the situation his dire he will fetch his superior. Name: Sunder Race: Drykas DoB: Winter 492 AV PoB: Endrykas Title: Pathguardian of the Western Tunnels Skills: 67 Mace, 21 Dagger, 39 Wilderness Survival, 46 Running, 20 Observation Gnosis: 1 mark of Semele If Feolan cannot handle whatever situation arises then he will find Sunder. Born of a slave and a full Drykas, Sunder spent his life on the surface struggling to make his own status within his pavilion. Years passed without his effort bearing any real fruit, and his constant humiliation eventually convinced him to give up. He took to the Underpass, forsaking not only his last name but his first one as well and taking the name Sunder. His time underground has hardened him, and he will suffer no fool gladly. If his time it wasted, he may very well kill the messenger in annoyance. Name: Tensval Race: Akalak DoB: Fall 389 AV PoB: Riverfall Title: Pathmaster of the Western Tunnels Skills: 94 Symenestran lash, 31 Shortsword, 40 Navigation, 38 Wilderness Survival, 52 Leadership Gnosis: 1 mark of Semele, 1 mark of Akajia One of the few Akalak to join the Underwatch and the only one that currently survives, Tensval's presence is imposing. He knows the world beneath like he knows his own body, and he knows his own body extremely well. Over a decade of battling the threats beneath has made him a powerful man as is reflected in his well-built physique. His gaze is one of utter and complete calm, which can be more unnerving than anger. In this world, his word is law and he lives that responsibility as naturally as he eats or breathes. It is rare for him to personally be needed; allowing the population of Riverfall to take shelter in his tunnels was the first, and it would take nothing less of a disaster to earn a second audience with him. His other half, Jiensen, rarely if ever shows himself. Weak-willed, lethargic and greedy, it is always easy to spot him in place of his stronger and more disciplined personality. Centered around personal pleasure and a slave to his own wants and needs, his lack of mental strength make him rather easy for Tensval to suppress.   Access The existence of the Shadowhall is a closely guarded secret of the Council, and not all of the Council members know the door's location. This means that your PC cannot "hear rumors" of it and automatically know where it is and how to get there. A person wishing to join the Underwatch can speak to a Council member and possibly earn the information. * Location credit goes to Khasr