Yawning Portal

The Yawning Portal inn, built in 1306 DR by the later Lord of Waterdeep Durnan on the ruins of Halaster Blackcloak's old tower, has gained most of its renown for being the primary open route to the Undermountain. A well within its walls leads down into the first dungeon of Undermountain.

Location
The Yawning Portal is located on Rainrun Street in Waterdeep's Castle Ward between Waterdeep Castle and Snail Street.

Patronage
The clientele consists mostly of adventurers eager to enter the depths of Undermountain. The Called, as they are sometimes known, listen to Waterdhavians, who are only too keen on sharing rumours and stories about the dungeon. As Durnan, despite his old age, is still a brawny man, who keeps his old greatsword among the racks and asks any troublemakers to leave the inn, the Yawning Portal remains safe from toughs and brawlers.

Architecture and decor
A stone building with a slate roof, the Yawning Portal offers guest rooms on the three upper floors. Well-worn boards cover the floor, but the main impression is of comfort. Rich blue tapestries decorate the wood panelled walls of the common room consisting of a bar and tables of stout wood. A signboard that simply reads "The Yawning Portal", hanging on chains from a black iron pole above the front door, announces the entry to the inn.

The room is dominated by the Entry Well, measuring 40 feet in diameter and descending 140 feet underground, the access to Undermountain.

Management and Staff
The Yawning Portal is run by its builder, Durnan, and his wife Mhaere Dryndilstann with the aid of their daughter Tamsil Dryndilstann. The staff consists of the waitresses and kitchen maids Luranla Dreer and Marrauda Belaskurth. Jarandur Tallstand and Parth Melander are the senior and junior cook respectively. The rest of the staff is made up of Tarlgarth Vathar, the stablemaster, his two hostlers and four hard-working chambermaids.

Prices

 * Entrance down the Entry Well to Undermountain costs 1gp/person
 * The fee for getting hoisted up again is 1gp/person

Appearances

 * Novels:
 * Waterdeep
 * Escape from Undermountain
 * Downshadow


 * Adventures:
 * Expedition to Undermountain


 * Computer games:
 * Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark