Marstoli Gem Mine

Built in the sands of the Aarasyl Desert, the Marstoli Gem Mine was originally conceived by Giovanni Russo, and the potential realized by his heirs. Giovanni believed that the deserts held secrets and wealth, protected from traders and treasure hunters by the hot sands and blistering winds. He organized a series of explorations and excavations into the Aarasyl over the course of his rule, though the results during his lifetime were disappointing.
Popularity for the expeditions quickly waned, and it became the single stain on the public opinion of Giovanni Russo. When his son decided to continue the enterprise, he was met with a concerted resistance from a large portion of the population who claimed that the resources and manpower were wasted in a fool's quest. A compromise was struck: if no substantial wealth was found within five years time, the quest would be abandoned.
Four years into the compromise, one of the expedition teams had a breakthrough discover: a natural rock formation with a small opening, almost too small for a grown man to fit through. Inside connected to a labyrinth of caves and natural tunnels, and even from first contact the signs of expensive, precious metals were already immanent. Public opinion immediately reversed, and large amounts of tools and manpower were sent into the desert for excavation.
By the end of his term, Giovanni's son put restrictions in place on the mining. This was done partially to avoid flooding the market and lowering the value of the gems and precious metals discovered, and partially due to the increasing number of attacks from strange, unidentified creatures who's territory was suddenly being intruded on. Rather than send military battalions into a hostile and unknown environment to destroy everything, the decision was made to allow contracted entry to treasure hunters, monster slayers, and other small groups who wished to risk their lives for a small fortune. The decision was popular and soon boasted a fairly regular income of individuals and parties looking to test themselves against the creatures of the underground for wealth.
Currently the mines are open for exploration at a fee of 100 silver per person. While the potential for wealth is large, the trip is dangerous, and treasures that were once readily available near the mouth of the cave have been picked clean far into its depths.

Type

Mine