Muiral's Gauntlet

Muiral's Gauntlet was the 10 level of Undermountain, one of the sub-levels of the Twisted Caverns. It was claimed by Muiral the Misshapen after he chased out the drow forces that once called the domain their home. As of the Year of Three Ships Sailing, 1492 DR, the level was left neglected in a state of disrepair.

Description
Upon first glance, the halls of the Gauntlet resembled the winding, labyrinthine style that was quite popular among the drow of the Underdark. However, Muiral reshaped them to a rather grand scale, with corridors that often spanned 20' (6.1 m) wide and 20' tall. Many portions of the Gauntlet were enchanted by permanent versions of the guards and wards spell, to the confusion and ire of anyone trapped within.

Despite Muiral's changes, many examples of drow culture continued to line the Gauntlet's halls. Many of its walls were still decorated with carvings and mosaics that dated back to its dark elf founders. These passageways were all dimly lit, save for the original faerie fire enchantments that provided limited illumination.

Entrances

 * Prior to the Spellplague, the main entrance into the Gauntlet was by means of a gate created by Muiral himself. This passageway could be projected onto any reflective surface, such as polished stone, metal or mirrors.

Notable Locations

 * Cleric's quarters:


 * Communal baths:


 * Foyer:
 * Just east of the hall of mirrors was a large registration that visitors had to pass through before they came into the rest of the drow academy. Anyone entering the school was required to speak the name of the individual they came to see, lest they be shocked my a form of magical protection. Within this room hung portraits of several of the drow who had graduated from the establishment, dressed in the same plain tunics.


 * God-watched gates:


 * Hall of heroes:


 * Hall of mirrors:
 * This maze-like chamber was located in the northwest region of the Gauntlet. Its walls were lined, floor to ceiling, with an array of mirrors that made it appear as if hundreds of individuals stood within. It was well-let by a series of continual light spells that were further enhanced by reflection of the seemingly-endless mirrors. The effect was quite disorienting and left travelers feeling extremely dizzy.


 * Halls of Selvetarm:


 * Muiral's Lab:
 * Just west of the drow temple was a small room that Muiral had repurposed as his arcane laboratory.


 * Temple of the Dark Seldarine:
 * Beyond the registration room was a large temple-chamber dedicated to Lolth and other deities of the drow. Just outside the chamber were two, 20' (6.1 m) tall statues of the Queen of Spiders, on either side of its entrance.


 * The temple itself featured a vaulted, 30' (9.1 m) high ceiling that was draped in cobwebs and a massive stone alter that was encircled by floor-to-ceiling columns and flanked by a pair of large of spider-shaped braziers. Despite the purple flames that continuously burning within the fire pits, the room whole room felt unnervingly cold. The alter itself was crafted carved stone that resembled a mass of webs and radiated an aura of conjuration magic. Any being that touched the alter released eight separate swarms of spiders that overran any intruders who dared to defile the sacred chamber of Lolth.

Exits
As of the late 15 century DR, the following paths could be used to exit Muiral's Gauntlet:
 * A large hole in the ceiling in a chamber in the north part of the level.
 * A set of stairs in the north-west part of the level.
 * A mirror gate in Muiral's Laboratory leading to level 6, the Lost Level.
 * A mirror gate in a graveyard to level 1, the Dungeon Level.
 * A mirror gate in a drow apartment, leading to level 7, Maddgoth's Castle.
 * A mirror gate in a palace dedicated to a demon lady, leading to level 12, the Maze Level.
 * A mirror gate in House Auvryndar military stronghold, leading to level 8, Slitherswamp.

Inhabitants
The following peoples inhabited this level as of 1492 DR:
 * Muiral: The former bodyguard of Halaster Blackcloak was turned into a half-scorpion by means of his studies of magic.
 * House Auvryndar: These drow used this floor as a stronghold.
 * Vionwelv Auvryndar: The head priestess of House Auvryndar was a diplomat to the core.
 * Zress Orlezzir: The champion of House Auvryndar never left the side of Vionwelv. He was known to wear mithral armor.
 * Gorzil: Gorzil and his gang were all slaves to House Auvryndar. They were trained to wear breastplate armor and wield longswords.

The drow temple was home to the ghost of its former High Priestess, haunting the sanctuary she was was dedicated to in life. The spectral servitor was accompanied by a number of banshees, the undead forms of priestesses Charinidia, Grazthrae and T'riizlin, who were turned by Lolth due to their excessive vanity. A single banshee lived beyond the temple in some dark, cloistered room. It was unknown if they were the spectral form of yet another priestess of Lolth.

Wrath spiders.

History
Before it was taken over by Muiral, centuries before the Time of Troubles, this domain served as a living quarters and academy for a colony of drow that lived beneath Mount Waterdeep. For some unknown reason, they were forced to abandon their home here, leaving behind significant evidence of their society that since fell to decay.

When Muiral discovered the remnants of the drow realm, he reshaped it to his will. Somewhat ironically, he repurposed much of the hated dark elves' dwellings towards his own designs. Throughout the years Muiral filled the Gauntlet with monstrous creatures that amused him and trained them to remain within their respective regions and not interfere with the level's other beings.