Karai Ara — The Water That Rises Upwards
Hidden deep within the first level of the Underdark, Karai Ara resembles an insect hive wrapped around massive stone columns. Its name translates roughly from Goblin as “water that rises upwards,” and fittingly so: west of the settlement rise towering columns of water, defying gravity itself. These columns writhe and pulse, coalescing into a vast, mirror-like lake suspended from the cavern ceiling. Occasionally, this inverted lake sends gentle rains down upon Karai Ara, as if bestowing blessings from a world turned upside down.
The cavern sheltering the city extends over 400 feet in height. Due to perpetual humidity and subtle magical currents, dense underground jungles flourish to the west—thick, luminescent growths filled with rustling, whispering life, crawling with creatures best left unnamed. Gigantic spiders, human-sized centipedes, enormous cockroaches, and scaled worms lurk in this otherworldly wilderness.
The population of Karai Ara numbers in the hundreds of goblins, thriving not through brute force but cunning, resourcefulness, and relentless ambition. Their homes—built from timber and bones—stand high on stilts, reaching toward stalactites, allowing easy access for domesticated spiders. Streets here are networks of hanging bridges, ladders, and taut ropes, while transportation is chiefly provided by trained giant spiders.
Goblins in Karai Ara make their living through three main trades:
- Foraging — Rare plants, including poisonous, medicinal, and bioluminescent varieties, are harvested from the jungles and traded in cities like Dergorai or even Menzoberranzan.
- Spider-handling — Spiders are domesticated, trained, and sold for various purposes: as mounts, pack animals, or even combat beasts. Special stables near the market allow customers to choose spiders, ranging from swift jumpers to armored warriors.
- Road Control — To the east lies the ancient Stone Road, built by another civilization, connecting the region to the drow capital of Menzoberranzan. Goblins collect tolls from travelers and engage extensively in smuggling—potions, poisons, magical plants, slaves, and artifacts.
Key Locations and Personalities of Karai Ara
- The Spider’s Gulp Tavern — Perhaps the only place where patrons can relax without fear of being bitten. Built from the chitin of a fallen giant spider, the tavern glows green due to algae-covered walls. Its specialties include roasted centipede with mushroom sauce and various mold-based beverages.
- The Old Spider Pit — An arena for battles between combat spiders, serving simultaneously as a circus, coliseum, and weapons marketplace.
- The Guild of Water Spiders — A semi-official organization controlling spider taming and market prices. It’s led by Skriik Swiftstep, a short goblin clad in spider-silk robes, famous for his six artificial arms made from bone and brass.
- Tumm Four-Eyes — The wise elder of Karai Ara, a gray-haired goblin with four eyes (two artificial). He serves as a spiritual leader and keeper of ancient knowledge about the water columns. Rumor has it he communicates with entities dwelling within the ceiling lake.
- Kiki Fangsnatcher — A young, audacious smuggler frequently seen near the Stone Road. She conducts secretive trade with drow exiles and is rumored to maintain a hidden cavern stocked with forbidden artifacts.
- Shrine of the Inverted Drop — The settlement’s singular religious site, dedicated to the sentient entity of the water columns. Here, goblins worship suspended droplets of water, held motionless in the air by magic.