Grossettgrottell

An industrious community of gnome miners and foragers lives in this network of hewn tunnels and natural caverns. The gnomes trade gemstones and rare fungi in exchange for help repelling monsters from the Underdark.

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The Hidden Warren of the Gnomes

Deep beneath the rocky slopes of the Cairn Hills , Grossettgrottell is not a single settlement but a vast network of interconnected underground villages. Linked by winding tunnels, natural caverns, and overland trails, the warren serves as the heart of gnomish society in the region. Five primary gnomish enclaves make up this subterranean stronghold, each one a self-sufficient hub of industry, trade, and defense.

The Gnomes: Industrious, Cunning, and Watchful

The gnomes of Grossettgrottell are a shrewd and self-reliant folk, fiercely protective of their home. They mine the depths for precious gems, defend their hidden frontiers, and conduct careful trade with Greyhawk and beyond. While not inherently hostile, gnomes are neither overly generous nor naive—aid is given with the expectation of fair compensation. Conversely, those who assist the gnomes in times of need will find their kindness repaid in full.

The Secret Warren: A Labyrinth Below the Hills

All gnome dwellings lie safely underground, accessible only through five concealed entrances, each hidden behind natural cave mouths and camouflaged with brush. Finding an entrance requires the same effort as locating a well-hidden secret door.

The tunnels are narrow but traversable for humans—most average two to three feet wide and five to six feet in height, forcing taller beings to stoop. Each entrance is heavily guarded by gnome patrols, hidden in shadowy alcoves along the tunnel walls. These sentries remain silent and unseen, though there is always a small chance (25%) that a sneeze, a muttered curse, or a whispered conversation will give away their presence to an attentive traveler.

The Underground Villages: Gnome Life Below the Earth

Each of the five villages houses roughly 150 gnomes, half of whom are adults skilled in mining, craftsmanship, or defense. These settlements are built within large, naturally formed caverns, expanded over generations into comfortable subterranean homes. Each dwelling consists of several connected rooms, accessible through a single, well-guarded entrance leading into the central cavern.

• Gnomish Taverns & Inns: Each village contains at least one inn, known for its low ceilings, warm hearths, and a surprising variety of food and drink. While cramped by human standards, visitors determined to enjoy gnomish hospitality will always find a way to fit.
• The Mayor’s Hall: The village mayor, often an elder of considerable wisdom, resides in an elaborate cavern complex containing up to 20 rooms, running water piped through stone-carved channels, and even a decorative fountain in the gathering hall.
• The Militia: Each village maintains a well-trained militia of roughly 50 fighters (levels 1-3), supplemented by 2d4 gnomes of other classes—especially illusionists and thieves (levels 1-4).
• Craftsmen & Industry: While many gnomes patrol the tunnels or work the mines, each village supports smithies, gemcutters, toolmakers, and stonecarvers.

The Great Hall: Heart of Grossettgrottell

At the warren’s core lies The Great Hall, a massive cavern capable of holding all 800+ residents without feeling crowded. Slender stalactites descend from the vaulted ceiling, glowing with an eerie green phosphorescence that bathes the chamber in a soft, mystical light.

At the center of the hall, a pristine pool of crystalline water reflects this light in dazzling hues. Legends claim this sacred pool can grant a wish—but only to those pure of heart and free of selfish desire.

The Great Hall also houses Grossettgrottell’s Grand Vault, where cut and uncut gems are stored before trade. A double guard contingent watches over the vault at all times, led by a 5th-level fighter/illusionist. The vault itself can only be opened when all five mayors turn their keys simultaneously. At any given time, it holds 2d20 × 1,000 gold pieces worth of gems and is typically only accessed once per week.

The Mines: Rich Veins and Dark Secrets

The three mining sites of Grossettgrottell follow rich veins of precious stones, yielding an abundance of emeralds, diamonds, jade, and amethysts. However, the most valuable—and most feared—mine is the Deep Mine, which descends more than a mile into the earth.

While it produces the richest hauls, gnomes fear to work there, even with substantial pay incentives. Accidents are unnaturally frequent, and miners who labor too long in the depths begin to suffer strange bouts of paranoia and madness. Whispered rumors speak of a dark presence lurking just beyond the Deep Mine’s lowest tunnels, something ancient, patient, and malevolent.

Few dare to investigate what truly lies beneath...