The Basement (el Sótano, L01) is the first level of the Ardis Vala mega-dungeon and its easiest entrance from the surface, via the Ruined City: the old cellars of a ruined Thothian administrative building, an initiatory floor with no controlling factions.
| Type | Place (mega-dungeon level) |
| World | Ardis Vala |
| Spanish entry | el Sótano |
Description
All Archontean construction. The level holds vermin (giant centipedes, giant rats, stirges), dangerously weakened masonry, and a few surprises for the cunning.
Notable areas
- The pillared hall (el Sótano): sixteen pillars, Thothian remains, the marble left leg of the colossal statue of Arden. Two recent corpses with signs of poisoning (one with an elixir of health intact).
- Giant Centipedes: a colony of twenty.
- Spider Closet: eight large spiders, a ruby (fifty gold coins), a scroll of Divine Breath of Thoth.
- Training Ground: an old training ground of the priests.
- Lankios the Hermit: a 280-year-old human paladin, kept alive by a curse and mad; repels vermin with a distilled vegetable paste; generous to visitors. The only figure on the level.
- Giant Constrictor Snake.
- Spiral Stair: descent to the Halls of Thoth.
Exits
The pillared hall leads to the Ruined City (surface); a chimney (1’ x 1’); the privy, which drops straight to the Obsidian Gates; the Spiral Stair.
Appearances
Probably the first entrance of the Seekers of Ardis Vala (to be verified); occasional later transit.