Out of the Abyss

131

few of Mantol-Derith's denizens arc permanent

residents. Even the chief negotiators of each e nclave

return to their centers of power periodically, leaving

representatives to conduct business. Eve ryone in

Mantol-Derith is there to trade, negotiate, and, of course,

spy on their counte rparts in 1 he other enclaves.

The arrival of Fra z-Urb'luu has upset the balance of

power in Mamoi-Derith (see '·Fraz-Urb"luu's Gem"),

resulling in open conflict between the duergar and

svirfneblin. The drow are poised to eliminate both,

thus reducing by two the number of enclaves in Mantol-

Derith. The drow arc simultaneously hoping to preserve

the truce with their Zhcntarim neighbors. However, a

delusional draw assassin threatens to turn the d row and

Zhentarim enclaves against one another.

The location of Mantoi-Derith is a well-guarded

secret, and the influence and power merchants gain

from access toil isn't something they want to share.

Normally, life in Mantoi-Derith is regulated by threl"

simple covenants: no stealing of goods from fellow

merchants, no disguising of goods by any means, and

no use of magic during negotiations and haggling.

The punishment for breaking any covenant is equally

straightforward: the violator is wrapped in c hains and

tossed into the Darklake. Recent events in Manroi-

Derilh have rendered these rules moot.

CHA.PTI::R 9 I M.A:'IITOL-DERITII

IMPORTANT NPCs

The following NPCs have key roles in this chapter of tht·

adventure.

MANTOL-DERITH NPCs

Sladis Vadir

Rystia Zav

Peebles

Zilchyn Q'Leptin

Yantha Coaxrock

Flink Thunderbonk

Gabble Dripskillet

Ghuldur Flagonfist

Sirak Mazelor

Kinyel Druu'giir

Ghazrim Duloc

Lorthuun

High elf druid of t he

Emerald Enclave

Human spy for the Harpers

Svirfneblin spy working for Xazax

the Eyemonger

Drow mage and kleptomamac

Svirfneblin mage and leader of the

Stoneheart Enclave

Yantha's svirfneblin apprentice

Svirfneblin chief negotiator

Duergar and chief negotiator

from Gracklstugh

Drow and chief negotiator from

Menzoberranzan

Drew assassin

The characters' contact and chief

negotiator of the Zhentarim

Maimed beholder