A/N: Avernum (Exile) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software. I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: Clive, Hestia, Malville,the nameless witch, Mentta, Nixa, Eldin, Commander Novak, Dilbert, Mona, and Bohman; and places: Dharmon, Fort Saffron, and Fort Spire when I have finished my fun here.
Their direction of travel chosen, they continued along the roads, coming to a small network of very prosperous-looking farms around a spring. Most of the Great Cave had been just barely above subsistence, but here the mushrooms actually looked delicious, and the lizards looked fat and juicy.
"We've never stopped in Dharmon," said Duncan. "You want to stop there before we go into the Abyss?"
"And probably better not talk about those plans," said Jynx. "But, I think it's a good time to stop."
"All right," said Ansel, "let's stop in there, then."
Dharmon, as it turned out, was a hollowed out area within a huge stone mound, and within, cramped buildings, pale people going about their business, and carousing soldiers on leave in between episodes of slith-fighting.
"You want to go shopping?" said Duncan, eyeing the sign of "Clive's Fine Weaponry".
"Yeah, we can do that," said Ansel.
As they walked in, they saw a rather dispirited-looking man sharpening kitchen knives.
"Hello," said Ansel. "How's business?"
"Uhhh ... oh, I have weapons available for purchase, for what it's worth. And you can sell me your weapons, I suppose. And other things, if you want," said Clive. "Hell of a life, huh?"
"Doesn't seem so bad," said Rudel. "At least you're not dead."
He stared blankly at Rudel, and said bitterly, "I don't mind dying alone in this pit, my throat slit by bandits. Oh, no. I'm glad I got thrown down here for no reason. No reason at all! And I'll rot, and mushrooms will eat me ... I'm always cold, and I sit in this moldy shop. I love my life. It's wonderful. Now, buy something, or just go away."
"What got you thrown down here?" said Ansel.
"Bad mood," said Clive. "Mayor of our village demanded everyone be cheery. I just couldn't do it."
"Well, I could use some arrows," said Duncan.
"And I'd like some more darts," said Brynja.
"That, that I can help you with," said Clive, revealing a stock which looked like it had been made by someone who took much more care with his work than this shopkeeper.
As they finished their business and left, the aroma from the next shop made Jynx cry out, "Oh, let's go in there. I haven't tasted really good food in ever so long."
"All right," said Ansel. "Been even longer for me, as I was in the army before getting sent down here."
In this shop, a surprisingly voluptuous woman sat behind the counter, surrounded by jars of well-preserved meats and preserves, as she made a paté of some sort.
"Hello," said Ansel. "Everything smells so good in here. What's that you're making?"
"Delicious gourmet comestibles," replied Hestia. "You may purchase some if you like. Price might be higher than you're used to, but for the taste, it's well worth it. All this is just my little contribution."
"Contribution to what?" asked Ansel.
"To the life of Avernum! I was miserable when I first came down here," said Hestia. "But then I realized that I could make something down here just as well as up there. So I started looking for ways to make food better, and I think I've succeeded. Now my husband, Clive, he's still depressed about it. But what can you do?"
"Clive—you mean the shopkeeper next door?" asked Duncan.
"How is it possible to cook such good food down here?" asked Jynx.
"It's difficult. The ingredients are poor quality. Sickly cows, stringy lizards. Too many mushrooms. But the right flavors, the right marinades ... and a bit of work, and you can make things down here taste just as good as things up there."
"We'll take some," said Ansel.
Finishing their business, they once again were on the street, and noticed the sign of the Temple of the Vibrant Life.
"Services at sunrise?" said Ansel, looking at the sign. "I've never noticed that."
"I know," said Duncan. "Always seems about the same ... let's go see what that's about."
Walking into they temple, they saw a muscular man with raven-colored hair and a pointed beard, and a mace, who seemed to positively radiate confidence and power.
"Hello," said Ansel. "Are you the chief priest here?"
"I guard this place of peace and light in these troubled times," said Malville. "I welcome all who come with open hearts and peaceful intent here, and provide healing and information."
"Information is always valuable," said Ansel. "What can you tell us?"
Malville grinned. "Well, you seem new to the area, so I'll tell you what's nearby. To the north is the Abyss, home to the misfits of Avernum. Fort Remote was to the south. I have heard that the caves to its west contain a dragon, but I know little about it. Also, if purchasing spells interests you, I will sometimes help the more noble of the adventurers in our land."
"Dragon? You mean the chasm drake?" said Ansel.
"Oh no," said Malville. "Not many people have been in those tunnels to the southwest. But one group went into them and went north. There, they found a small cave, and in it they saw a dragon, much bigger than a drake. Then they fled. That's all I know, and they might have made it up."
"What priest spells can you sell?" asked Rudel.
"Ah, you are a noble group," said Malville, "I have heard much about you." He then led Rudel and Brother Theo off to teach them more spells.
"Do you know how to raise the dead?" asked Brother Theo.
"Yes, I do. I learned the ability from a distant monastery of healing monks, all of them attuned to the healing arts. Perhaps they might teach you, too. They live north of Fort Dranlon," replied Malville. "I hear tell that, around the river in that region, you can also find the rarest of healing herbs: graymold. But that may just be a rumor."
"We were wondering—about the sunrise thing?" said Rudel.
"Ah, well, it's just a saying," said Malville. "Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have sunrise or sunset. But it helps keep spirits up."
"Well, thank you for your time here," said Ansel.
As they continued through the city, they came to an alchemist shop, and stepped inside.
"Hello," said Brother Theo. "I'm Brother Theo, might I ask your name?"
"Names have power, my child. But I will tell you that I am an alchemist. Many are my potions, and strange are their powers. I have a secret, one which may be interesting to you. Only a hundred gold," she replied. "And I have recipes, as well."
"Ok, we'll bite," said Ansel, drawing out the coins. "What is your secret?"
"To the east, far to the east, is a cave of lava and steam. To the north of it, not far, is a secret cavern. In it is the best source of herbs. Use them well," replied the witch.
"Thank you. What recipes can I learn?" asked Brother Theo. "For I'd like to buy some of your recipes."
"I have rare and powerful recipes, using the most powerful ingredients. Even mandrake," replied the witch. "In my generosity, I will let you buy these recipes from me."
After gaining the recipes, Brother Theo said, "Where might we find mandrake?"
"I would tell you. Gladly. All I require is a minor payment," replied the witch. "Five hundred coins."
"That's quite a bit," said Ansel, and he glanced at Brother Theo. "But we'll pay."
"I would not share this secret, but I see greatness in your eyes. Look near the castle of the giants, and you will find a wooded grove. Inside, you will find a good source of that rarest of ingredients," she answered.
"Is there anything else we can do for you?" asked Ansel. "Any quests?"
The witch looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. "Actually, I have been looking for a copy of the Valorim Beastiary. It describes several rare creatures that are—well, were—on the surface. I think there is a copy in the Tower of Magi library. Go look and let me know if it's there."
"We will surely do that next time we are in that area," said Ansel.
Walking out of the alchemist's shop, they ran into a man with a rusted sword and ragged clothes. "Spare a copper?" he asked.
"What are you doing out here, begging?" said Ansel.
"I don't beg, I work!" said Mentta. "I sell things."
"Right," said Ansel, eyeing the man skeptically. "What do you sell?"
"Information," replied Mentta. "Ten gold, I'll share a bit with you."
"Oh, all right," said Ansel. "Spill it."
"Well, there are a lot of bandits to the north, and they fence their goods here! Though I don't know how they get them in," said Mentta. "Now, for a hunnerd gold ... a modest fee, I'll tell you something about the jail."
"A hundred? This better be good," said Ansel. "What do you know about the jail?"
"They got a guy in there, name's Eldin. I heard him bragging about stealing some valuable jewelry, but it got taken from him, then he got taken," said Mentta. "I don't know how you'd get in to see him, but the thing he had was real precious!"
"Interesting," said Ansel.
As they continued, Jynx looked hard, and murmured, "Ansel, there's a boat over on the north side. Figure we could leave town and come at it from the north?"
"Sure, we can do that," said Ansel. "But first, let's go to the inn and get something to eat."
They entered the inn where a dark-haired woman with a most impressive bosom was tending the bar. Ansel positively gaped until Jynx stepped hard on his instep.
"Hello, I'm Nixa," she said. "What can I get you?"
"What's on tap?" asked Ansel.
Nixa smiled, and leaned against the bar, her bodice moving around a great deal, such that her breasts continually threatened to jump out of the bodice. "Well, honey, I have a room for you, only five gold, and a view of the lake. Or a tankard of mead. Well cave mead. Can't get honey here, so we use moss. Try it, it's good! Only three gold."
"OK, we'll try the mead," said Ansel.
The mugs she delivered still had bits of moss floating atop the liquid, but they had to admit that it was quite tasty. After enjoying the meal, they slipped out of the inn, and made their way directly out of town, circling around to the north. At first, it seemed to be nothing more than the trash heap of Dharmon, but within the refuse, Brynja spotted a few recent footprints. Searching carefully, they came to a hidden door, and passing through there, to a docks with the boat Jynx had spotted.
"To the jail or the other way?" asked Ansel.
"Let's try the jail first, and hope we don't get stuck there," said Duncan.
Quietly rowing over, they made their way to the jail, peering in through the window of one cell where a grimy man paced back and forth.
"Nice cell," said Ansel.
"Oh, you think so?" said Eldin. "Why don't you try one for awhile."
"What were you imprisoned for?" asked Duncan.
"Look. I didn't steal anything. And I don't have to answer any of your questions. So bugger off," said Eldin. "You have no evidence."
"Look, we aren't guards, honest," said Ansel. "Whatcha in for?"
"That stupid brooch. Bertrand stole it, and I got the blame! But I don't got it, because that weasel Bertrand took it from me and high-tailed it east. So go bother him!" said Eldin. "And leave me alone!"
"Where is Bertrand?" asked Rudel.
"I don't know. I keep saying that. I don't know. I think he said he was going to hide in Mertis, but I'm not sure," replied Eldin. "OK? Leave me alone now."
"Fine. Thanks for talking to us," said Ansel, and he led the way back to the boat.
"Well, that was useful," said Brynja, sounding disgusted.
"We'll get back over that way and check it out," said Ansel. "You never know."
Rowing in the opposite direction, they came to a blood-stained shore.
"This doesn't look so good," said Ansel. "Keep lively here."
"There's a trap on this door," said Brynja. "Big surprise, huh? Give me a minute. And the door's locked ... Oh shit!"
The door's lock had sprung open under Brynja's work, to reveal demons within the chamber.
"I knew it," said Ansel, and the fight was joined.
Once the fight was over, it was quite clear that brigands had been stashing their loot here.
"Illegally gotten, they can't complain if we take it," said Duncan.
"So true," said Ansel, and they helped themselves to the best of the things that were there, before departing for the Abyss.
At the narrow gap, there was a fort plugging the way, and they confidently walked into Fort Saffron. Fort Saffron turned out to be bisected by a long passage, with glyphs carved into the floor. Even though the companions were not hostile, they faintly radiated heat, and it seemed likely that anyone hostile would get even worse from the glyphs.
Walking into the passage, they saw a weary-appearing man dressed in the traditional robes of a mage sitting at a table, and they stepped into the room.
"Hello, travellers," he said. "I am Commander Novak. How can I be of assistance?"
"Can you tell us about this fort?" asked Ansel. "It's not like the others we've seen."
"Welcome to Fort Saffron, then," he said with a sigh. "I'm in charge here. Here at Saffron, we work hard, day and night, to keep Avernum safe from brigands." He rolled his eyes and added, "I think I'm going insane."
"Are brigands a major problem out here?" asked Duncan.
"Yeah, but I've tried to keep the pass as safe as possible, of course, given we haven't been given any reinforcements, any new weapons, any acknowledgment we exist for months!" said Commander Novak. "They say keeping this pass safe should be simple. Simple! Hah!"
"Your situation sounds frustrating," said Jynx.
"This pass is the only halfway decent path known from the brigand-ridden caves to the north and the Great Cave. You'd think they could never get through, but they get by somehow!" said Commander Novak. "I don't understand it! They must be invisible!"
"How could brigands find a way to become invisible?" asked Ansel.
"Hey, that's the only explanation I can come up with," said Commander Novak. "We'll see them. They approach the fort from the north, laugh at us and disappear. Then we hear about raids to the south, and I catch hell from my bosses. But we can't do anything about it without resources!"
"You must have some resources," said Ansel.
"People, mainly. And another mage for scrying. It takes all my energy to keep the wards up," replied Commander Novak.
"What wards?" asked Duncan.
"The symbols on the floor out in the passage. They're harmless now, but I can make them incinerate anyone who touches them, if the fort gets attacked," said Commander Novak. "And it might."
"So what's causing you to go insane?" asked Rudel.
"I was drafted, plain and simple! They needed mages, so they grabbed them. And me!" said Commander Novak. "A promising alchemist!"
"So, you're an alchemist," said Brother Theo. "Did you work on anything interesting?"
"Personally, no, but I was making a pretty penny. One of my colleagues, a fellow named Hodgson, was a better alchemist than me! Ask him about it." Commander Novak leaned closer to the group, and whispered, "He was going to try some experiments with graymold. But then he had to go into the army. They got us both. He's at one of the Great Cave forts now. Fort Emerald, I think. Big waste."
"I see," said Ansel. "Is there somewhere we could rest?"
"Sure, there's an unused room at the southwest corner of the fort," replied Commander Novak. "Help yourselves."
Before getting to the mentioned room, they ran into a muttering bean-pole of a mage.
"Um, are you ok?" asked Rudel.
He turned to talk to them, and the extensive burn scars on his face were apparent. "Do I look ok?" said Dilbert. "I volunteered to maintain this fort. I look after the wards, mostly. Safer than some things I could be doing." Self consciously, his fingers ran over the scars.
"How'd you get those burn scars?" asked Brynja.
"I've been adventuring," replied Dilbert.
"Doesn't look like it went well," observed Duncan.
He grimaced. "I suppose, but that's because I was with the merriest band of incompetents you'd ever want to avoid meeting. We were trying to help ourselves to some of the Chasm Drake's loot. Unfortunately, we found its lair."
"Unfortunately?" said Ansel. "How would you expect to find the loot otherwise?"
"It was unfortunate that we found it, because only Sabrina and I got out. I don't really want to talk about it. Ask her about the drake! I'm sure she'd love to relive it," said Dilbert. "And she deserved to get burned instead of me. The whole mess was her fault. If she hadn't tripped that trap ..."
"A nasty trap?" asked Brynja.
"The drake set magical traps everywhere. If you ever go there, be prepared to take it, and take it hard," said Dilbert. "One of those runes gave me these scars."
"That's a shame," said Jynx. "Thanks for talking with us, and you take care now."
They moved into the kitchen, and saw beyond a jail cell with a woman with her arm in a sling and a grimace on her face.
"Whatcha in for?" asked Ansel.
"You aren't a soldier, I ain't gotta answer you," she said. "Piss off, vole."
"Why'd you call us voles?" asked Jynx.
"I'm from the Abyss. You aren't. You're a vole," she replied. "Now let me out of here, and get me my scimitar back."
"Right," said Jynx. "Enjoy."
Edging away, she said, "Let's go get some shut eye before we head north. Doesn't sound like the folk in the Abyss will be too friendly to us for some reason."
They made their way to the bedroom, hearing a few odd noises while they rested, and then after a good sleep, Brynja began searching, finding another concealed door.
"Check this out," she whispered.
"Bears looking into," said Ansel, looking into the unfinished cave.
They made their way down and found a sign reading, "Say password and advance. Be quiet."
"Maybe this is the way for those bandits," said Ansel. "Let's check it out, and don't expect friendlies."
They turned the other way, finding a room, and within, a number of bandits. One mage had been barking orders, suggesting that he was the leader of the band, but after the fight that broke out, he would never engage in another crime again. After thoroughly exploring, they discovered that the caves ended in concealed doors at both ends of the fort, so that the brigands could by-pass the fort.
"Bet Commander Novak will be interested in this," said Jynx.
"And their loot is our reward?" said Ansel.
"Why shouldn't it be?" said Duncan.
Returning to the bedroom, they then left and found Commander Novak.
"We heard some noises in there, and went to investigate," said Ansel. "There was a hidden passage, and brigands hidden in there. We killed them."
"You did?" said Commander Novak, his face brightening. "Excellent! Thank you for your help. That's the first bit of good news I've gotten in weeks. That explains why the brigands have been able to slip by Fort Saffron so easily."
Finding that the loot had been all the tangible reward they were going to get, Ansel led his companions north out of Fort Saffron. The large cavern had a few sparse patches of mold and mushrooms, but mostly, it was a barren sort of no-man's-land of rubble and bare stone dividing the Great Cave from the regions to the north.
Signs warned to beware of bandits, and as they explored the tunnel they met a band of Avernum soldiers.
The commander gestured for quiet, and whispered, "Be quiet. We're setting an ambush for a group of bandits. They often travel down this path. You're adventurers, right? We have a tough fight ahead. We could use some assistance. How about it?"
"We'll do it," said Ansel. "We've been dealing with bandits for a bit since we got here."
They waited with the soldiers for several hours, sharing stale bread and discussing local politics. Their suspicion was that the bandits were working from the Abyss to the north, stealing goods from the hard-working Avernites. Then, as promised, the bandits approached from the east, and it was soon apparent that the brigands had numbers on their side.
After the victory, despite the death of one of the soldiers and the grievous wounds of others, they thanked Ansel, Duncan, Brynja, Jynx, Rudel, and Brother Theo, and charted their course quickly back to Fort Spire.
"Betcha there's more bandits where they came from," said Ansel. "Want to check it out?"
"Let's," said Duncan.
They continued to the east, and soon found a cave which was filled with brigands. Fighting their way through, they came to a hidden chamber guarded by slimes, and within was a book which had unreadable pages due to the moisture, but a few of the pieces of correspondence tucked within were legible. The letters were from someone named Meena, giving instructions to the thieves who had lived in this lair to raid as many supplies as they could and bring them north into the Abyss, and while they were to avoid taking lives, it wouldn't be a big deal if someone got killed.
"Interesting," said Ansel. "I'm sure we'll find someone else who'll be interested."
They left the lair, and continued north. Here, the huge cavern was dominated by a chasm, miles long and extremely deep. The roar of rushing water could be heard from far below, while a moist, icy wind blew up from the pt. A narrow stone bridge, apparently naturally, impossibly long, arced over the chasm. It was securely supported by a number of pillars. Halfway across, someone had built a tower.
Crossing the bridge, they found they were in a place called Fort Spire, with a sign warning to check in before going across.
Walking to the door directly ahead, they saw a man with long curly hair, wearing a sash of office, sitting behind a counter.
"Are you mayor here?" said Ansel, surprised, as this seemed more like a fort.
"Hello. I'm Bohman, and actually I'm liaison for the Tower of the Spire. That's a fancy way of saying I greet visitors. This outpost is too small to have a mayor or a captain."
"Who do you usually greet?" asked Ansel.
"There are two sorts of visitors. Prisoners headed for the Abyss, and adventurers crossing on some fool's errand," replied Bohman. "We send all violent misfits up there. I greet them, tell them what to expect, and brief them before they get sent on their way."
"So, is it safe for us to go up there?" asked Ansel.
"Not really," said Bohman. "The residents of the Abyss are not fond of Avernites. 'Voles' they call us. They'll deal with you, but they can be very dangerous."
"So they get banished to Avernum, and then Avernum banishes them there?" said Brynja.
"Ironic, isn't it? But necessary. Sometimes, the Empire sends down a few hard cases to make our lives interesting. Murderers, pirates. Worse. Criminals we don't need to execute get sent to the Abyss," said Bohman. "We don't have the resources to imprison them."
"I see," said Ansel. "Do many adventurers go this way?"
"Yes. Lord knows why anyone would want to go up there, but some do, and it's not my job to stop them," said Bohman. "Anyway I give them information, make sure they aren't smuggling anything, and check them in."
"Smuggling? What might people smuggle?" asked Duncan.
"Stolen goods and dangerous magic items, mainly," replied Bohman. "Nobody has yet made any dangerous drugs down here, thank goodness, but a lot of stolen items end up finding their way north."
"So, what can you tell us about the Abyss?" said Jynx.
"Hmm. Well, the people are awful. There are giants. Lots of bandits," said Bohman. "Very unpleasant. That pretty much sums it up."
"We'll need to check in," said Ansel.
Bohman took their names, writing them in a ledger with descriptions, and finally said, "Excellent. Now, when you want to pass by, just walk right up to the gate to the east. A guard will let you through."
"Thank you," said Ansel, and they headed for this gate.
Telling their names to the guard on the other side of a narrow, barred window, the portcullis soon opened, giving them access to the Abyss.
"Some place," said Duncan, looking around as they came to a sign which read "Welcome to the Abyss. You are on your own. Spire—25 miles north."