Durnan Hill
For untold years, the secrets of Undermountain remained hidden from the surface world. Everyone who entered its halls failed to return. Its reputation as a death trap grew to the point that criminals in Waterdeep who were sentenced to die were forcibly escorted into the dungeon and left to fend for themselves. All of that changed with the arrival of a pair of individuals, a warrior named Durnan and his wife named Mirth. The duo were the first adventurers to return from Undermountain, laden with riches and magic treasures. Durnan and Mirth retired from adventuring and purchased the land on which sat the deep, broad well that was the only known entrance to the dungeon. Around this well they built a tavern and inn that caters to adventurers and those who seek their services, and they called it the Yawning Portal. Some of the magic Durnan and Mirth looted on their successful foray into Undermountain granted them a life span that exceeds even that of an elf. And for decades Durnan left delving into Undermountain to younger folk. Yet one day, something drew him back and he ventured once more with his wife and a new companion, Garner. Days of waiting for their triumphant return from the dungeon turned to months and then years. For nearly a century, citizens of Waterdeep thought them dead. But one night, a voice called up from the well. Few at first believed it could be Durnan, but folk as long-lived as he vouched it so. Alas his wife was not with him and he refused to speak of it. Garner bought back the Yawning Portal from their ancestors, having returned with enough riches for them to quietly retire. Durnan took his customary place behind the bar, raised a toast to his own safe return, and then began serving customers as if he'd never left.
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