Skull Pool

Skull Pool
Geography
Type	Estuary
Region	Skullport

Skull Pool was an estuary located in Skullport.

Description

Skull Pool was an estuarine basin that received a mixture of relatively fresh water from the River Sargauth and saltwater from the South Seacaves, creating a dynamic aquatic environment. It was located within a large dome-shaped cavern with a height of 120 feet (37 meters). Despite its modest surface area, the pool was notably deep and contained subterranean connections to the Underdark. Beings such as aboleths and kuo-toa occasionally emerged from its turbid depths to engage in trade at the Port of Shadow before retreating to their subterranean aquatic tunnels.

The pool's waters were in constant motion due to tidal influences, the inflow from the Sargauth, and runoff from a nearby waterfall that connected to the magical locks and the South Seacaves. This motion intensified when a vessel arrived from the South Seacaves, as it brought with it thousands of gallons of water into the pool.

The basin floor comprised cracked stone, sand, and muddy silt deposited from the northern Underhalls. Scattered throughout the pool were the remnants of vessels, either washed in from the Sea Caves or carried downriver by the Sargauth. Predatory species, including sharks, occasionally inhabited the area, alongside merrow, scrags, and other dangerous creatures from the Underdark seas.

The waters themselves were highly polluted, contaminated by salt and sewage discharged from the northern Port ward, rendering them unsuitable for drinking. Wounds exposed to the water were at risk of infection, leading to illness that resembled the effects of a cause disease spell.

The Murkspan Bridge crossed Skull Pool. It connected Skull Island with the Lower Port.

Geography

The water levels of Skull Pool fluctuated in response to tidal patterns, with low tide occurring between midnight and dawn and high tide between noon and dusk. Seasonal changes also influenced the tides, with late winter and early spring bringing violent surges of seawater and ice through the South Seacaves. These obstacles were removed by the Keepers, primarily using merrow labor and fire magic. A network of caves were found beneath the water's surface at the base of the island, providing lairs for marine creatures, including a small tribe of scrags that were controlled by the Iron Ring through force and magical influence. These scrags patrolled the shallow waters, targeting both escaped slaves from Skull Island and the unwary.

Every day, between midnight and daybreak, the waters of Skull Pool receded, exposing a muddy strip of silt and rock along the southern edge of the Lower Port ward. This brief period of low tide provided an opportunity for scavengers to search the shallow waters and sludge for clams and ghost shrimp, both of which could grow to impressive sizes. However, the area was not without danger, as predators from the Underdark occasionally hid beneath the thick sludge. Giant crayfish, crabs, and even immature mottled worms have been known to prey on unsuspecting scavengers.

During low tide, two hidden entrances to the sewers were revealed along this exposed strip. Each entrance was large enough to accommodate a halfling or a stooping dwarf. These openings allowed water from the River Sargauth to flow into the sewers during high tide, aiding in the process of flushing sewage out of the city. The presence of these entrances, while known to some, remained a secret to most residents of Skullport.

Inhabitants

• The black dragon Vulharindauloth lived in the caverns below Skull Pool.

Rumors & Legends

The lairs of the scrags who lived within Skull Pool were rumored to contain valuable treasure salvaged from shipwrecks, alongside the bones of their unfortunate victims.