Chapter 321: Journey to the Underdark
Luskan, the northernmost city on the entire west coast of Ferenc.
Since the original rulers, the Arcane Brotherhood, were uprooted and all pirates and criminals based here were purged on a large scale, this area has become the area with the fastest population and economic growth in the entire northern region. .
Due to Zuo Si’s previous forced immigration, as well as the massacre of orcs and the liberation of slaves, a city cluster with a total population of more than 300,000 was forcibly created on this land.
Although from the perspective of modern society on earth, this population can only be regarded as a slightly larger town at best.
But for Faerun, whose productivity is relatively backward, this scale can be regarded as a handful.
On the entire west coast, it is estimated that only Port Calim in the south, the capital of Amn, Askatra, the royal capital of Tethyr, Zazespor, and the famous Waterdeep City can rival it.
Of course, just having a large population is not enough to make Luskan prosperous in such a short period of time.
The fundamental reason is that these residents have been effectively organized, either working on farms outside the city, or tearing down and rebuilding the originally chaotic city, and obtaining stable wages through work.
In other words, they have money in their hands and can buy all kinds of daily necessities they need.
If there are people, money and demand, a stable market will naturally form.
Merchants have traveled thousands of miles from the south to transport food and various daily necessities here for sale. When they leave, they purchase the special furs, handicrafts, precious wood, furniture, rare herbs, Cold water pearls and more.
Due to the scale effect, specialties from other surrounding towns will also be transported to the market in Luskan via rivers and land for sale.
With a prosperous market and stable order, a city will naturally attract a steady stream of outsiders to settle there.
Whether it is adventurers who want to make a fortune or make a name for themselves, or ordinary people who come to make a living, they have brought unprecedented vitality to Luskan.
This is a new city, a city where hope can be seen every day, a city where anyone with ability and talent, regardless of origin, can become an official or even a noble.
Although in the eyes of some countries with a long history and ancient nobles, the "Kingdom of Nelanthel" that rules Luskan is just a new country established by whitewashed pirates, relying on the monopoly of maritime trade to maintain itself It's not certain how long a powerful army can last.
But the dark elf ranger Drizzt Do'Urden likes this place very much. He comes here to take a look almost every two months, enjoying the comfort of sitting in the tavern with a drink and listening to the surroundings. Other guests brag about their adventures.
Although dark skin and white hair may occasionally cause a little trouble, there is no need to worry about causing violent conflicts or being deported.
Because he is not the only dark elf in this city. There is also a team of dark elf mercenaries who fled to the surface from the underdark. They have also been hired by the Luskan city government and will be there at night. When he was in charge, he was responsible for patrolling the streets and catching suspicious spies or saboteurs with malicious intentions.
Although the residents of Luskan do not have any good impression of these drow elves who are known to do all kinds of evil in the legend, they even think that the people in the city hall and the wizard tower are crazy, otherwise why would they hire such a group of dangerous elements.
But Drizzt was somewhat happy to meet such a group of compatriots in the surface world.
Especially because the other party abandoned the twisted and pathological values in the dark elf society and chose to cooperate with the rulers of the surface cities to actively integrate this, which made him feel that his compatriots might not be so hopeless after all.
At least they can continue to survive in another way after leaving their hometown.
Just when the legendary ranger picked up the cup and took a sip of mead to moisten his throat, the closed door of the tavern was suddenly kicked open with a bang.
Followed by a dozen cloaked figures walked in from outside.
There are men and women among them. The only thing they have in common is that they all have dark skin and white hair.
There is no doubt that these people are the dark elf team hired to patrol the streets of Luskan at night.
The leader, a tall and strong woman, threw a money bag directly on the table and ordered the tavern owner: "Immediately serve my people the best wine and steaming stew. This The damn weather is almost freezing.”
“Wait a minute!”
The tavern owner opened the bag, took a look at the coins inside, and quickly gestured to the kitchen.
After a while, several steaming cauldrons were taken out and placed on the table.
In addition, there are several bottles of rum, a specialty of the Nelanser Islands.
After being outside for a long time in the cold wind, the dark elves, who had already been frozen to the point of stiff hands and feet, did not care about elegance at this moment and directly picked up spoons and buttered bread slices. He started to cook, and when he was thirsty, he took a sip of strong wine.
Looking at the lips of these compatriots who were slightly blue from the cold, Drizzt couldn't help but ask: "The first winter on the surface must have been difficult for you, right? ”
"It's more than unbearable. I feel that the biting cold wind and snowflakes outside can even freeze my ears alive. Compared with the warm underground world, the living environment here is really too harsh." Leader Zhuo The woman rolled her eyes angrily.
Drizzt couldn't help but smile and comforted: "Don't worry, the coldest days will be over soon. In a month or two at most, the weather will start to slowly get warmer. By then When the time comes, it will be much easier for you to patrol.”
“There will be at least another three months of freezing period. I have asked others that Luskan will not be there until April. The thaw begins, and during this period we all have to brave the cold wind and patrol the night! Damn! Sometimes I really want to spread my legs and hook up with the city directly with the hundreds of special skills I learned in the dark elf society. The real master won’t have to work so hard then.”
While saying this, the drow woman lifted up her cloak to reveal her plump and bumpy figure, which attracted many people in the tavern. The male guests all swallowed their saliva subconsciously.
"I advise you not to do that. Because the real master of this city may even be more dangerous than the matrons who hold power in the dark elf city." Drizzt said seriously. warned.
"Oh? So you know the real owner here?"
The eyes of the drow woman instantly shone, and her body leaned forward slightly, with a curious look on her face.
Because she has noticed that in the city of Luskan, the nominal supreme ruler, King Eric, actually does not have much power.
Although the Municipal Assembly has executive and judicial powers, it does not control the army.
Due to her sensitivity to the ownership of power, this female drow has long realized that the real power of Luskan and the kingdom of Nelanthel is actually held tightly by an invisible huge black hand. Take control.
But she had no idea who the owner of this black hand was.
Just as Drizzt was about to educate his fellow dark elf on some relevant information, a twisted black shadow suddenly appeared out of thin air and said in an extremely low and hoarse voice: "Drizzt Du'er "Deng, the master is in the mage tower in Luskan right now. He wants to see you."
"Now?"
The ranger looked at the high-level shadow that appeared in front of him. A very surprised expression appeared on his face.
He knew that all the shadow creatures in the area around Luskan were controlled by Yelnia, the King of Shadows.
There is only one person who can be called the master of these terrifying creatures, and that is the real master of the west coast of Faerun Continent—Zuo Si.
"Yes, it is now. In addition, these drow compatriots of yours can also come together, the master may need them."
After that, the high-level shadow creatures instantly transformed A shadow disappears into the darkness.
There is no doubt that this sudden scene made the drow woman seem to realize something, and she immediately narrowed her eyes and asked: "Is the master that the monster just mentioned is the real ruler of this city? ?”
“Do you really want to know?” Drizzt asked meaningfully.
"Of course! Every dark elf woman has been pursuing strength and power from the moment she was born, and I am no exception. What's more, even if I escape to the Landmark World, I don't want to be like this endlessly for the rest of my life. Spend time on patrol." The drow woman raised her chin slightly, showing an ambitious expression.
"In that case, then come with me. But I hope you won't regret it."
After saying this, Drizzt stood up and tightened his cloak. , walked straight out of the tavern and disappeared into the dark street.
The drow woman and her two most trusted men followed closely behind.
The two sides kept a distance of about ten meters, one after the other, and soon arrived at the location of the mage tower.
Since the previous war almost leveled the island where the main tower of the Arcane Brotherhood is located, the rivers on both sides of the place have been completely filled in and turned into a raised hill.
The original somewhat twisted and weird tree-shaped mage tower has become its current umbrella shape after several renovations and expansions.
On weekdays, there are more than two hundred mages and at least four hundred apprentices living here for a long time. It is the third largest gathering of arcane spell casters in the entire North after Waterdeep City and Silvermoon City. land.
Of course, one of the reasons why so many people can be gathered is the massive magic knowledge and spell reserves, as well as the strong support of the Church of the Goddess of Magic.
Many wild mages in remote villages heard the recommendation from the church pastor, so they came all the way to find out.
As a result, when they saw the astonishing amount of books in the library, these mages all expressed that they could not walk. Due to the influence of his father Zaknavan in his early years, Drizzt's attitude towards arcane magic has always been complicated. He has awe of this powerful power, but also the coldness, ruthlessness, cruelty and wanton behavior of mages. Very impressed.
In his opinion, mages are a group of extremely dangerous and selfish people.
If possible, it is best to avoid dealing with them.
Especially the huge mage tower in front of him always reminded him of the days when he lived in Menzoberranzan.
"Dark Elf, please indicate your identity and purpose of coming."
The golem guarding the door suddenly stretched out its thick arm and blocked the ranger's way.
"I am Drizzt Do'Urden, and I am here at the invitation of the owner of this place." Drizzt said his name calmly.
He didn't pay attention to the strange looks from the people around him, or he was already used to it.
"Drizzt Do'Urden? Ah! Please come in, the master has been waiting for you in the parlor for a long time."
After confirming the identity of the visitor in front of him, the golem immediately made way for him and made a gesture of invitation.
"Thank you very much."
The ranger responded politely, and then walked into the mage tower with several compatriots following him.
The moment he stepped onto the stairs, he suddenly felt like the world was spinning in front of him.
The next second...
The whole person appeared directly in a warm reception room, and the red fire was even burning in the fireplace nearby, giving people an indescribable warmth and comfort.
On the table were placed a pot of hot tea and a few high-end-looking snacks.
A very young looking human is sitting on the sofa teasing a fat and strong orange cat in a very comfortable posture.
If it were another place, Drizzt would probably think that a rich young man was playing with his pet when he saw this scene.
But he knew very well that the young man with black hair and black eyes in front of him was the double elect of the goddess of magic and the goddess of poison and disease, a tyrant who dared to order a purge of the entire Luskan. A terrifying plaguebringer who can almost wipe out the orcs in the North with just a few moves.
But it was also under the other's rule that Luskan ended its history as a city of pirates, crime and exile and ushered in a new life.
Prosperous trade, stable situation, safe environment, clean administrative agencies, relatively fair and just laws, and even the thieves guilds that are very common in other cities in Faerûn are completely gone here. exist.
Drizzt had privately compared himself to the rulers he knew.
Among them, Alustriel Silverhand is undoubtedly the most outstanding and charismatic. Under her rule, Silvermoon City has always been famous for its prosperity and wealth.
The next in line was naturally Zuo Si, who had risen rapidly on the west coast in recent years and controlled ocean trade.
Although strictly speaking, he himself has never stepped onto the stage, but only hid behind the scenes to control the situation.
It is an indisputable fact that all cities and villages under his rule have escaped poverty and become rich in a short period of time.
Compared with the above two people, my friend Bruno, the dwarf king, is really far behind.
While Drizzt was silently sizing up Zuo Si, Zuo Si was also sizing up the most famous dark elf in Faerûn.
I have to say that "Cui Sanye"'s height and weight are really not worthy of his record.
Because this legendary ranger is only just over 1.6 meters tall and weighs only about 60 kilograms. He is a typical dexterous warrior.
Especially the two slender arms, which are probably unable to swing even slightly heavier weapons.
Zuo Si could not imagine how someone like this could kill monsters like giants and demons whose strength attributes exceeded twenty points in melee combat.
In fact, in terms of personal basic attributes, Drizzt should actually be more suitable to be a mage or priest, rather than a warrior.
Because his intelligence and perception attributes are as high as seventeen points, while his strength attribute is only thirteen points.
Yes!
You read that right!
A genius with seventeen points of perception and intelligence attributes was forcibly trained to become a warrior.
Thinking of this, Zuo Si couldn't help but ask in a slightly regretful tone: "Have you ever thought about what it would be like today if you had chosen the path of magic?"
" The path of magic? Then I might become like other dark elves, insidious and cunning, and not even aware of the evil of my own race, let alone escape from the Underdark to live on the surface." Drizzt smiled and shrugged. He responded with a shrug of his shoulders.
"That's true. Nice to meet you, Drizzt Do'Urden." Zuo Si took the initiative to extend his right hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Lord Soth."
The Dark Elf Ranger also extended his right hand.
After a simple handshake, the two sat down on the sofa in the living room again.
Zuo Si poured the other party a cup of hot tea, then asked with a smile: "You should know why I called you here today, right?"
Drizzt nodded quickly: "Of course. Your men said when they last met with me that you wanted a map leading to Menzoberranzan and the Underdark."
" So what’s your answer?”
Zuo Si raised his head and stared into the eyes of the dark elf ranger.
"I want to know, what are you going to do after you get this map?" Drizzt probed cautiously.
“Originally, I had no special plans. I was simply interested in the social form of the dark elves and the unique environment of the Underdark, and wanted to take some time to take a look. But now, I need to go to the Fungus Forest to find a A druid named Angel Poison Core”
Zuo Si did not hide anything and openly stated his purpose of going to the Dark Territory.
Because only by successfully capturing this great druid or even the legendary druid can he go to the Deep Well of Souls to start his own god-making plan.
“Looking for someone?”
Drizzt was slightly stunned.
Zuo Si nodded with a smile: "Yes. This druid was once a believer in Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, but later abandoned his faith and chose to worship the fungus lady Zugmoi. He is engaged in some very dangerous and terrifying research. My duty is to find and crush his conspiracy. Of course, it would be better if you are willing to lead the way."
Drizzt quickly recalled the surrounding terrain in his mind, touched his chin and explained: "As far as I know, the Fungus Forest is south of Menzoberranzan and is part of the Northern Underdark. I want to get there. It's not an easy task."
"You mean, we have to go through your hometown of Menzoberranzan?" A trace of imperceptible amusement flashed in Zuo Si's eyes.
"Yes. In the Underdark, there is nothing more dangerous than approaching and passing through a dark elf city. Especially since my identity is so sensitive, it can easily cause additional trouble." Drizzt smiled bitterly and mocked himself.
But Zuo Si spread his hands indifferently: "It doesn't matter! If you are willing to lead the way, I will be very happy to solve all the troubles that may be encountered along the way. And I promise to perfectly play the role of a sinister and cunning person. And the evil dark elf will never reveal any flaws."
"Do I still have the right to refuse now?" Drizzt couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
"Of course not. You'd better hurry up and draw a simple map now. I'm going to go downstairs to talk to your compatriots. It's best to collectively disguise yourself as a small mercenary group. In this way, even if you enter Menzoberranzan can also travel among the major families as mercenaries."
After that, Zuo Si stood up and handed over a quill, a box of ink, and several pieces of parchment. In front of the dark elf ranger.
Although the latter seemed a little resistant, he did not refuse in the end. He picked up a pen and paper and began to outline the intricate tunnels...
(End of this chapter)