The death of [25 Reaver] Vhocks (Drider)

in A Dark Hidden Cave

from the perspective of [25 Reaver] Vhocks (Drider)

<worn on head>       a drow-made copper circlet
<worn on body>       a suit of spiked leather armor
<worn about body>    a soft skin cloak
<worn about waist>   an elfskin belt
<worn on belt buckle>a quill
<worn on arms>       a pair of studded leather sleeves
<worn around wrist>  a thick spiked leather bracer
<worn around wrist>  a thick spiked leather bracer
<worn on hands>      some thick leather gloves
<primary weapon>     a long steel sword

Zone: The Great Realm of Duris.
Room: A Small and Dark Tunnel
</map>
A Small and Dark Tunnel
   This small tunnel is pretty small and doesn't
seem to stretch very far. The walls are fairly
smooth, hinting that this is a place frequented
by the dangerous purple worm.
Obvious exits: -East  -Down 

< 326h/326H 220v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 220v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: The Great Realm of Duris.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A large niche has been formed in the water-filled cavern by
the ceasless trickle of water down the walls over the centuries.
A small stream of water flows down the walls of the cavern here;
the source of the water is lost up in the dark reaches of the
cavern's ceiling. A few fish swish around in the water here,
shedding an eerie luminescent glow. The cavern continues back to
the west.
Obvious exits: -West  -Up   

< 326h/326H 220v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 220v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A large niche has been formed in the water-filled cavern by
the ceaseless trickle of water down the walls over the centuries.
A small stream of water flows down the walls of the cavern here;
the source of the water is lost up in the dark reaches of the
cavern's ceiling.  A few fish swish around in the water here,
shedding an eerie luminescent glow.  The cavern continues back to
the west.
Obvious exits: -East  -Southwest
A glowing, translucent fish swims around in the water here.
A glowing, translucent fish swims around in the water here.

< 326h/326H 219v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A large niche has been formed in the water-filled cavern by
the ceaseless trickle of water down the walls over the centuries.
A small stream of water flows down the walls of the cavern here;
the source of the water is lost up in the dark reaches of the
cavern's ceiling.  A few fish swish around in the water here,
shedding an eerie luminescent glow.  The cavern continues back to
the west.
Obvious exits: -West  -Northeast

< 326h/326H 219v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A dozen feet of darkest blue water covers the ground of this
large cavern.  The telltale splashes and motion of many
underwater animals can be heard and felt; the water is teeming
with life of all kinds.  A soft eerie glow emenates from several
strange fishes in the water.  The cavern is nearly bisected by a
large wall of rock that rises a little to the north of here.  The
echo of dripping water resonates off the walls to the east, and
the cavern continues to the north and west.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -West 

< 326h/326H 217v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern is fulled with nearly a dozen of of midnight blue water;
the splashes of many underwater animals can be heard throughout
the cavern. A massive wall of rock rises neatly in the center of
the cavern nearly dividing it in two.  The only light in the
cavern comes from the eerie glow of many small fishes swimming in
the water. The cavern continues to the north and south.
Obvious exits: -North -South
A kuo-toa warily stands here, fishing into the lake.

< 326h/326H 216v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 217v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two. The
cavern continues to the west and south.
Obvious exits: -South -West 

< 326h/326H 215v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 216v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two.  A
mudslide has formed a small landing to the north; the cavern
continues to the east and south.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 215v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Muddy Landing
</map>
A Muddy Landing
   A massive pile of mud and rock has fallen down from the
tunnels above forming a small landing at the north edge of this
dark cavern.  Midnight blue water laps at the southern edge of
the mud which is the only spot of land in sight.  A few eerie
sparks of light can be seen moving in the water, the mark of some
strange Underdark fish.  The sound of dripping water echoes
incessantly throughout the cavern.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   

< 326h/326H 213v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 213v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 214v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Crumbling Ledge
</map>
A Crumbling Ledge
   A rock strewn tunnel turns into a muddy morass here.  The
tunnel ceiling has partially collapsed causing a tremendous
mudslide.  A few gleaming white bones can be seen buried beneath
the oppressive mass of sludge.  The mudslide seems to have
revealed a small entrance down into a dark cavern.  Splashes and
the incessant dropping of water can be heard echoing inside.  A
rock strewn tunnel heads off toward the east.
Obvious exits: -East  -Down 

< 326h/326H 212v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 213v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 213v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 214v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Muddy Landing
</map>
A Muddy Landing
   A massive pile of mud and rock has fallen down from the
tunnels above forming a small landing at the north edge of this
dark cavern.  Midnight blue water laps at the southern edge of
the mud which is the only spot of land in sight.  A few eerie
sparks of light can be seen moving in the water, the mark of some
strange Underdark fish.  The sound of dripping water echoes
incessantly throughout the cavern.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   

< 326h/326H 212v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two.  A
mudslide has formed a small landing to the north; the cavern
continues to the east and south.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 212v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 212v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern is fulled with nearly a dozen of of midnight blue water;
the splashes of many underwater animals can be heard throughout
the cavern. A massive wall of rock rises neatly in the center of
the cavern nearly dividing it in two.  The only light in the
cavern comes from the eerie glow of many small fishes swimming in
the water. The cavern continues to the north and south.
Obvious exits: -North -South

< 326h/326H 211v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 212v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A dozen feet of darkest blue water covers the ground of this
large cavern.  The telltale splashes and motion of many
underwater animals can be heard and felt; the water is teeming
with life of all kinds.  A soft eerie glow emenates from several
strange fishes in the water.  The cavern is nearly bisected by a
large wall of rock that rises a little to the north of here. A
collection of large rocks juts out of the water directly to the
west; the cavern continues to the north and east.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South -West 

< 326h/326H 210v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern is fulled with nearly a dozen of of midnight blue water;
the splashes of many underwater animals can be heard throughout
the cavern. A massive wall of rock rises neatly in the center of
the cavern nearly dividing it in two.  The only light in the
cavern comes from the eerie glow of many small fishes swimming in
the water. The cavern continues to the north and south.
Obvious exits: -North -South

< 326h/326H 209v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two.  A
mudslide has formed a small landing to the north; the cavern
continues to the east and south.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 207v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern is fulled with nearly a dozen of of midnight blue water;
the splashes of many underwater animals can be heard throughout
the cavern. A massive wall of rock rises neatly in the center of
the cavern nearly dividing it in two.  The only light in the
cavern comes from the eerie glow of many small fishes swimming in
the water. The cavern continues to the north and south.
Obvious exits: -North -South

< 326h/326H 207v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 207v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two.  A
mudslide has formed a small landing to the north; the cavern
continues to the east and south.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 206v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two. The
cavern continues to the west and south.
Obvious exits: -South -West 

< 326h/326H 205v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 205v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Large Water-Filled Cavern
</map>
A Large Water-Filled Cavern
   A massive cavern stretches upward into total darkness.  The
cavern floor is filled with nearly a dozen feet of midnight blue
water.  Currents and waves form in the water from the motion of
numerous small animals; the glowing form of some odd fishes can
be seen moving about.  The center of the cavern is occupied by a
giant wall of rock that nearly splits the cavern in two.  A
mudslide has formed a small landing to the north; the cavern
continues to the east and south.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 204v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Muddy Landing
</map>
A Muddy Landing
   A massive pile of mud and rock has fallen down from the
tunnels above forming a small landing at the north edge of this
dark cavern.  Midnight blue water laps at the southern edge of
the mud which is the only spot of land in sight.  A few eerie
sparks of light can be seen moving in the water, the mark of some
strange Underdark fish.  The sound of dripping water echoes
incessantly throughout the cavern.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   

< 326h/326H 202v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 203v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Crumbling Ledge
</map>
A Crumbling Ledge
   A rock strewn tunnel turns into a muddy morass here.  The
tunnel ceiling has partially collapsed causing a tremendous
mudslide.  A few gleaming white bones can be seen buried beneath
the oppressive mass of sludge.  The mudslide seems to have
revealed a small entrance down into a dark cavern.  Splashes and
the incessant dropping of water can be heard echoing inside.  A
rock strewn tunnel heads off toward the east.
Obvious exits: -East  -Down 

< 326h/326H 201v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 202v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 202v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Rocky Tunnel
</map>
A Rocky Tunnel
   Rocks and boulders of all sizes lay strewn about the ground of
this naturally formed tunnel.  A thick layer of dust has settled
about the place, showing how little traveled these tunnels are.
The dirt of the walls and grounds feels faintly damp and the air
is particularly humid here. Faint sounds of dripping water and
larger splashes can be heard off in the distance. The tunnel
continues to the east and west.
Obvious exits: -East  -West 

< 326h/326H 200v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 201v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 201v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Rocky Tunnel
</map>
A Rocky Tunnel
   Rocks and boulders of all sizes lay strewn about the ground of
this naturally formed tunnel.  A thick layer of dust has settled
about the place, showing how little traveled these tunnels are.
The dirt of the walls and grounds feels faintly damp and the air
is particularly humid here.  The tunnel bends here, and continues
to the north and west.
Obvious exits: -North -West 

< 326h/326H 200v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Rocky Tunnel
</map>
A Rocky Tunnel
   Boulders lay strewn about the ground of this narrow tunnel
making passage difficult.  One boulder seems to have fallen from
the tunnel above, crushing some creature beneath its mass.
Clumps of dirt flake easily off the tunnels walls and seem
exceptionally poor in any type of ores.  The tunnel rises up
steeply here and also continues to the south.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   

< 326h/326H 198v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 198v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 199v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Rocky Tunnel
</map>
A Rocky Tunnel
   Flecks of rock and dust lie strewn about the ground of this
small tunnel.  A few large boulders sit haphazardly about the
tunnel making movement somewhat difficult.  The chitter of some
unknown animals seem to come from throughout the tunnel but the
source can not be pinpointed.  The tunnel joins up with a small
cavern to the north, and makes a gentle downgrade here.
Obvious exits: -North -Down 

< 326h/326H 197v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Small Sandstone Cavern
</map>
A Small Sandstone Cavern
   The sandstone walls of this small cavern seem perpetually on
the state of collapse.  Jagged cracks run wildly throughout the
walls; thick chunks of rock look about to flake off at any
moment.  The crumbling of the rock has exposed many side tunnels
ajoining the cavern; a rocky tunnel leads south, and a large
crack in the northern wall seems to lead into an impossibly large
cavern.  A very narrow passage, barely a few feet high, leads
into the western wall.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 195v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Crack in the Wall
</map>
A Crack in the Wall
   The moving and shifting of rock over time has torn a great
crack into this thick rock wall.  The soft sandstone on the
southern side gives way to a harder, more durable bedrock on the
northern.  The ground feels slightly unstable, as if it too could
be torn asunder at any moment.  The crack appears to have been
torn into the side of a gorge that winds its way through an
immense cavern; the ceiling is lost in utter darkness.  A small
cavern hollowed out of the sandstone is to the south.
Obvious exits: -North -South

< 326h/326H 194v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Narrow Winding Gorge
</map>
A Narrow Winding Gorge
   Thick bedrock walls have been torn asunder by some past
geologic upheaval; the great scar forms a narrow gorge which
winds its way through the bottom of the caverns of Ixarkon.
Flecks of dust and rock flake off from the walls littering the
gorge with rubble and dust.  Great cracks run like lightning up
the stiff walls, the legacy of the great quakes that produced the
gorge eons past. A great gash has been ripped in the southern
wall of the gorge; a great force tore the wall asunder like so
much flimsy paper. Through the gash can be seen a small cavern of
soft sandstone. The gorge bends here and continues to the north
and east.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South

< 326h/326H 192v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 193v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Narrow Winding Gorge
</map>
A Narrow Winding Gorge
   Thick bedrock walls have been torn asunder by some past
geologic upheaval; the great scar forms a narrow gorge which
winds its way through the bottom of the caverns of Ixarkon.
Flecks of dust and rock flake off from the walls littering the
gorge with rubble and dust.  Great cracks run like lightning up
the stiff walls, the legacy of the great quakes that produced the
gorge eons past.  The gorge continues to the south; a narrow
scramble upward leads to a trail above.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   

< 326h/326H 192v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 192v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Narrow Trail Around The Great Spire
</map>
A Narrow Trail Around The Great Spire
   A narrow dirt trail winds its way around the base of the great
towering central spire of rock in Ixarkon.  The windows of many
dwellings can be seen high up in the spire but there are no
visible way to get to them.  The spire's base is hundreds of
feet across, and the spire seems to stretch hundreds of feet up
into the air.  This narrow trail closely follows the base the
spire and is used by many of the inhabitants of Ixarkon to travel
around the spire; many use it to reach the bustling markets of
the city from their homes.  The trail continues to the north and
south here; a view of the markets to the north can barely be made
out. A short scramble leads down here into a narrow rocky gorge.
Obvious exits: -North -South -Down 

< 326h/326H 190v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: Outskirts of the Ixarkon Markets
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: Outskirts of the Ixarkon Markets
</map>
Outskirts of the Ixarkon Markets
   This slightly elevated piece of ground affords an excellent
view of the sprawling markets to the north.  The bustling markets
are a beehive of activity as merchants of all sorts vie for the
attention of the finely dressed illithids wandering through
followed by their slave retinues.  Casting its deep shadow upon
the markets is the massive Rockspire, the enormous ziggurat
fortress of the cities elders, home of the Elder Brain.  Rising
to the south is another spire of rock, honeycombed with
numerous dwellings, a few windows of which can be seen in the
rock above. The outskirts continue to the west; the sprawling
markets can be entered to the north.  A trail leads around the
spire of stone to the south.
Obvious exits: -North -South -West 
A duergar slave stands here, being led to the slave markets.

< 326h/326H 189v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>
The Markets of Ixarkon
   A wide cavern flows over with abundant commercial activity in
the middle of the widespread settlement of Ixarkon. Illithids
from all parts of the city converge in this central cavern to
trade and barter among the merchants stalls and to participate in
the great slave auctions held in the center of the markets to the
north.  Slaves of all races mingle with their illithid masters,
some being led to the blocks, some being led off to provide work
or food for their new masters.  At the northern end of the
markets a great ziggurat dominates the city; the Rockspire is the
home of the settlement's Elder Brain and the meeting place for
the city's elders and the few illithid priests.  The crowd thins
a bit to the south; the market continues in all directions.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South -West 
A well-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A poorly-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.

< 326h/326H 187v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Great Auction Blocks of Ixarkon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Great Auction Blocks of Ixarkon
</map>
The Great Auction Blocks of Ixarkon
   The gathering throng of illithids concentrates around the
large stone platform set in the middle of the great market
district of the city. Slaves of innumerable races are led up a
short series of steps atop the platform, and silently bid on by
the surrounding throng.  A few of the slaves are then led off by
their new owners, whether for hard labor or a light snack is
unknown.  The few slaves that aren't bid on are either led back
to the city's plantations or sold to some of the city's food
merchants in private auctions.  The markets of the city surround
the auction block in all directions; to the north a crowd of
illithids seem to be wagering on a contest of some sorts.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South -West 
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.
An illithid auctioneer oversees the slave markets.

< 326h/326H 186v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Small Arena In The Markets
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Small Arena In The Markets
</map>
A Small Arena In The Markets
   A small sandy pit has been hastily cleared in the middle of
the busy markets of Ixarkon.  The pit is ringed by many
illithids, all who seem intently engaged on the activities within
the ring.  Two slaves fight rabidly at each other within the
confines of the ring, no doubt under the compulsion of one of the
nearby illithids.  These impromptu fights seem to be a popular
pastime in the city, with many of the illithids trekking to the
markets to place their wagers.  The bustling markets of the city
stretch in all directions; a busy slave block is to the south, to
the north numerous cages house the wares of some merchant.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South -West 
A well-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A well-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A burly slave fights under control of the illithids
A burly slave fights under control of the illithids

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>
The Markets of Ixarkon
   These bustling markets serve as the lifeblood for the thriving
settlment of Ixarkon.  Here illithids of all wealth and rank mix
among each other haggling and selling innumerable wares.  Many
leads slaves off to the great auction blocks at the center of the
great markets, where virtually any type of being the illithids
have enslaved can be bought for a price.  A few of the merchants
sell embroidered robes and fancily woven clothing, others sell
trinkets or works of art for the illithids to display in their
homes.  The markets to the south and to the west an impromptu
slave fight seems to be being wagered upon.  A narrow trail leads
north away from the markets here, headed toward the Rockspire,
the ziggurat which houses the Elder Brain.
Obvious exits: -North -South -West 
A poorly-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Narrow Trail Leading Toward the Rockspire
</map>
A Narrow Trail Leading Toward the Rockspire
   A narrow dusty trail breaks off from the northern edge of the
bustling market district of Ixarkon and heads northward.  The
trail lies in the shadow of the massive Rockspire, a tremendous
stone ziggurat which houses the Elder Brain of the city as well
as many other important inhabitants such as the high priest of
Ilsensine.  The trail seems relatively well-used; the few
illithid travelers seem to be ones of higher rank in the city.
Occasionally a brain golem lumbers out of the Rockspire to watch
over the illithid's domain in the caverns below. The trail
scrambles upward here toward the front gate of the Rockspire, and
southward lie the markets of the city.
Obvious exits: -South -Up   
[10] A small bandage rests upon the ground here.
[2] A sturdy looking wooden club has been left here.
[2] A stout cudgel carved from oak wood lies here.
[2] A gnoby piece of wood, perhaps a small mace, lies here.
[2] A steel long sword has been left here.
[2] A steel short sword lies discarded here.
[2] A long steel sword is here in the dirt.
[2] A steel dagger about a foot in length lies here.
[2] A steel dagger has been tossed aside here.
[2] A durable looking footman's flail lies discarded here.
[2] A large black leather whip lies coiled here.
[2] A warhammer with a sturdy-looking steel head lies here.
[2] A large two-handed sword has been left here.
[2] A large two-handed sword has been left here.
[2] A great flail has been carelessly left here.

< 326h/326H 182v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>
The Markets of Ixarkon
   These bustling markets serve as the lifeblood for the thriving
settlment of Ixarkon.  Here illithids of all wealth and rank mix
among each other haggling and selling innumerable wares.  Many
leads slaves off to the great auction blocks at the center of the
great markets, where virtually any type of being the illithids
have enslaved can be bought for a price.  A few of the merchants
sell embroidered robes and fancily woven clothing, others sell
trinkets or works of art for the illithids to display in their
homes.  The markets to the south and to the west an impromptu
slave fight seems to be being wagered upon.  A narrow trail leads
north away from the markets here, headed toward the Rockspire,
the ziggurat which houses the Elder Brain.
Obvious exits: -North -South -West 
A poorly-dressed illithid commoner travels the city.
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 184v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: The Markets of Ixarkon
</map>
The Markets of Ixarkon
   Illithid commoners and wealthy merchants comingle in the
sprawling bazaar that is the market of Ixarkon.  Exotic wares
captured in far off raids sell alongside more mundane goods such
as food and clothing.  Nearly as numerous in the markets as the
illithids are slaves from nearly every race imaginable; a few
drow and ogre slaves can be seen being led through the crowd not
to mention the more common goblin slaves.  More terrifying than
the powerful illithids, massive brain golems police the markets
ensuring that nothing goes amiss.  These brute constructs of the
illithid's are extremely powerful, and as a consequence nothing
much ever goes wrong in Ixarkon.  To the north, south and west
the sprawling markets continue; to the east crowd dies down it.
Obvious exits: -North -East  -South -West 
A richly dressed illithid browses the market.
A drow slave stands here, being led to the slave markets.

< 326h/326H 183v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: Outskirts of the Markets of Ixarkon
</map>
Outskirts of the Markets of Ixarkon
   A few finely dressed illithids trickle into the bustling
markets of the city of Ixarkon.  The mercantile activity here
isn't as great as in the markets itself, but still a few greedy
entrepeneurs have tried to set up shop here.  Catering primarily
to the wealthy denizens of the city who pass by from the classier
areas of town to the east, they sell primarily gaudy trinkets and
clothing of all sorts.  The bustling markets of the city are to
the west, and to the south an illithid merchant has taken up a
portion of the cavern with his wares.
Obvious exits: -East  -South -West 

< 326h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Long Twisting Canyon
   A long shallow canyon twists and winds its way through the
vast cavern housing the illithid city of Ixarkon. Speckled
throughout the cavern lie many immense illithid mansions,
constructed by some of the upper echelon of the city.  This
portion of the caverns seems relatively devoid of traffic, except
for the occasional illithid traveling to the markets to the west
or on business to the Rockspire.  A few slaves can be seen
tending to the upkeep of the mansions, one of which lies to the
north here.  The canyon continues downward here, and flattens out
into the broad plain housing the markets of the city to the west.
Obvious exits: -North -West  -Down 
A humanoid slave attends to the palatial mansions here.

< 326h/326H 179v/226V Pos: standing >
Alas, you cannot go that way. . . .

< 326h/326H 179v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Long Twisting Canyon
   A long somewhat narrow canyon winds its way through the
eastern parts of the illithid city of Ixarkon.  The high walls of
the canyon shelter the numerous mansions that dot the cavern.
The massive mansions house the upper echelon of the cities
merchantry as well as some of the elders who run the city in
accordance with the Elder Brain.  Slaves attend to the lavish
mansion in the otherwise peaceful canyon; there is none of the
bustling activity of the markets or herdlands near these
bastions of wealth.  The canyon continues to the east and heads
upward here as well.  An archway leads into one of the mansions
just south of here.
Obvious exits: -East  -South -Up   
A humanoid slave attends to the palatial mansions here.

< 326h/326H 179v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Long Twisting Canyon
   A long shallow canyon twists and winds its way through the
vast cavern housing the illithid city of Ixarkon. Speckled
throughout the cavern lie many immense illithid mansions,
constructed by some of the upper echelon of the city.  This
portion of the caverns seems relatively devoid of traffic, except
for the occasional illithid traveling to the markets to the west
or on business to the Rockspire.  A few slaves can be seen
tending to the upkeep of the mansions, some attend to the gardens
of the mansion while others see to the buildings themself. The
canyon bends here, heading off to the west and to the south.  A
large metal gate bars entrance to a large circular mansion just
north of here.
Obvious exits: -North# -South -West 

< 326h/326H 178v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Long Twisting Canyon
   A long twisting canyon snakes its way through the eastern
portion of the caverns housing the thriving illithid settlement
of Ixarkon. Flanked by walls nearly a hundred feet high, the
canyon is relatively isolated from the rest of the city.
Impressive mansions constructed by many of the city's elite dot
the canyon; many are surrounded by impressive gardens, some by
deadly looking gates.  The canyon is relatively free of traffic
except for the slaves that can be seen tending to the estates,
and the occasional illithid making his way westward to the heart
of the city.  The canyon bends here, continuing to the north and
east.
Obvious exits: -North -East 
A humanoid slave attends to the palatial mansions here.

< 326h/326H 177v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Long Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Long Twisting Canyon
   A long somewhat narrow canyon winds its way through the
eastern parts of the illithid city of Ixarkon.  The high walls of
the canyon shelter the numerous mansions that dot the cavern; the
number of estates seems to trickle down this far east, with none
visible east of here.  The massive mansions house the upper
echelon of the cities merchantry as well as some of the elders
who run the city in accordance with the Elder Brain.  Slaves
attend to the lavish mansion in the otherwise peaceful canyon;
there is none of the bustling activity of the markets or
herdlands near these bastions of wealth.  The canyon continues to
the west and east here, and one of the mansions lies open to the
south.
Obvious exits: -East  -South -West 
A humanoid slave attends to the palatial mansions here.

< 326h/326H 175v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Broad Twisting Canyon
</map>
A Broad Twisting Canyon
   A long narrow cavern heading out of the caverns of Ixarkon
flattens out slightly and becomes much broader here.  The steep
high walls of canyon still shelter the canyon from the rest of
the immense cavern, hiding from sight the impressive illithid
city.  The canyon wall south of here has crumble away slightly,
revealing a small cave.  A few illithid look furtively around and
enter the cave; other than these travelers the canyon here is
relatively deserted as none of the fabulous mansions of the city
can be found this far east.  The canyon continues to the east and
west here.
Obvious exits: -East  -South -West 

< 326h/326H 174v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Small Dark Cave
</map>
A Small Dark Cave
   A small cave has been revealed by past geologic forces; the
canyon walls have crumbled and laid bare this small hollow in the
walls.  Cracks run like jagged lightning bolts all around the
walls of the confined cave, one peculiar set of bolts vaguely
resembles the shape of a small door.  An occasional illithid
furtively ducks its head into the small cave and seems to
disappear into its murky depths.  The only apparent exit is back
out to the canyon north of here.
Obvious exits: -North

< 326h/326H 172v/226V Pos: standing >
You find a secret entrance!

< 326h/326H 174v/226V Pos: standing >
Ok.

< 326h/326H 178v/226V Pos: standing >

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Dark Hidden Cave
</map>

<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Dark Hidden Cave
</map>
A Dark Hidden Cave
   A small dark cave lies hidden from the majority of Ixarkon
behind a cleverly concealed hidden door.  The cave is neatly
decorated with a few icons of drow art which appeal to the caves
inhabitant, a slightly aging drow.  While many of the illithid
may pretend to not know of his existence, he is allowed freedom
from slavery for the important service he provides, namely
serving as a banker for the community's merchants.  Perhaps not
trusting one of their own, they turn to the only free thinking
non-illithid of the city to handle their monetary transactions.
A few tools of his trade such as weighing scales sit on top of
his small desk.  A cleverly concealed door leads north to a
somewhat larger cave.
Obvious exits: -North
A large wooden counter is here, with a sign posted on it.
(Q)An aged drow inhabits this small cave.

< 326h/326H 177v/226V Pos: standing >

The escort says 'You have 34 items, which costs you 1 gold, and 3 copper'
  ... but you don't have the money not even in your bank account!  GET OUT!


<map>
Zone: Ixarkon.
Room: A Dark Hidden Cave
</map>
A Dark Hidden Cave
   A small dark cave lies hidden from the majority of Ixarkon
behind a cleverly concealed hidden door.  The cave is neatly
decorated with a few icons of drow art which appeal to the caves
inhabitant, a slightly aging drow.  While many of the illithid
may pretend to not know of his existence, he is allowed freedom
from slavery for the important service he provides, namely
serving as a banker for the community's merchants.  Perhaps not
trusting one of their own, they turn to the only free thinking
non-illithid of the city to handle their monetary transactions.
A few tools of his trade such as weighing scales sit on top of
his small desk.  A cleverly concealed door leads north to a
somewhat larger cave.
Obvious exits: -North
A large wooden counter is here, with a sign posted on it.
(Q)An aged drow inhabits this small cave.

< 326h/326H 178v/226V Pos: standing >
A Barbarian snaps into visibility.
Out of nowhere, a Barbarian stabs you in the back.
OUCH!  That really did HURT!

< 265h/326H 180v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: small wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 A Barbarian dodges your futile attack.

< 265h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: small wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 Someone closes the cracks.

< 265h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: small wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 Everything is blurry after a Barbarian's head came crashing into your skull.
OUCH!  That really did HURT!

< 210h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: few wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 A Gnome snaps into visibility.

< 210h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: few wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 A Gnome completes his spell...
A Gnome utters the words 'saxzf xafe nose'
Suddenly, the world goes black!
You have been blinded!

< 210h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: someone TP: sta TC: few wounds E: someone sta EP: excellent >
 Someone's impressive crush strikes you.
Someone's mighty slash seriously wounds you.
OUCH!  That really did HURT!
Someone's crush strikes you.

< 150h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: someone TP: sta TC: nasty wounds E: someone sta EP: excellent >
 Someone dodges your futile attack.
You miss someone.
You miss someone.

< 150h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: someone TP: sta TC: nasty wounds E: someone sta EP: excellent >
 You feel a cloak of blindness dissolve.

< 150h/326H 181v/226V Pos: standing >
< T: Vhocks TP: sta TC: nasty wounds E: A Barbarian sta EP: excellent >
 A Gnome completes his spell...
A Gnome utters the words 'bigbys clenched fist'
A Gnome's mighty magic fist slams into you!
Your steel long sword was completely destroyed by the massive blow!