The Under-levels

The Under-Levels of Lalenth are as great a feat of engineering as the Great Halls and the Star Chamber. Beneath street level runs labyrinthine network of sewers tunnels. They remove the waste inevitably produced by 25,000 inhabitants. Very few of the population appreciate the skill of the masons and architects that built and designed these lower levels. Down there you can find as many vaulted ceilings, arches and flying buttresses as you can on the surface, all supporting the streets above. For the most part this work was undertaken by House Untermason (who were ennobled in recognition of their work). As well as continuing to maintain the labyrinthine network, until recently House Untermason also took full responsibility for the security and patrolling of the Under-Levels.

Their vigilance is crucial; so complex is the network, that it has been known for fleeing criminals to take refuge there and not be discovered for months if at all. Rumour would tell you that a whole underground community of wanted felons live down there to escape the eyes of the militia but it that is true, no clear evidence has been found as yet. Sadly, another danger lurks in the sewers from time to time - one for which there is more evidence than could ever be wished. Occasionally a Nightmare will breach one of the protected culverts in the walls of Lalenth and prowl beneath the streets. Tragically, one such beast recently broke through into the Sixth Arch and killed dozens of men.

In the Under-Levels, the barriers of rank are removed. One can walk from the outer wall right into Lalenth's second ring without so much as raising an eyebrow. The only place that is not easily accessible via the sewer network is the innermost circle. This is mainly due to security; no-one is prepared to risk a Nightmare reaching the Star Chamber undetected. As such, only a select few know how to reach this part of Lalenth via the Under-Levels. Most will just come up against dead end after dead end.