Nekar — A Hidden Gnome Settlement Balanced Between Illusion and Engineering
Tucked away in the depths of the first layer of the Litar Underdark, Nekar is more than just a settlement — it’s a legend designed to be believed, not challenged. Located near the remnants of the old Stone Road, this enclave is carefully disguised as the lair of a fearsome necromancer.
Before even entering the twisted maze of caves, travelers are met with ominous warning signs in multiple languages:
“Do not enter. Danger. Necromancers dwell here.”
Those bold enough to proceed find themselves in a massive cavern — 1,000 feet long, 300–400 feet wide, and 200 feet high — shrouded in complete darkness. Mechanical skeletons patrol the cavern, controlled by a system of pulleys and gears mounted to the ceiling. A successful Perception check (DC 25) reveals the artificial nature of the traps. A grim, echoing voice rings out:
“Leave now or fall. Your corpses will serve the Necromancer.”
Combat begins — but it’s all an elaborate ruse.
There is no necromancer.
The gnomes have engineered this entire upper level as a deadly deterrent for unwanted intruders. At the far end of the cavern lies a hidden stone door, sealed from the inside. When battle begins, the door slides open, allowing defenders to strike from the shadows.
Beyond this threshold lies the true Nekar — the second level, located 200 feet below. This lower cavern glows with magical and electrical light, and the hum of machinery fills the air. It’s home to a thriving gnome settlement, mainly composed of members of the Guild of the Free Wind — skilled artisans, engineers, and contractors who take on a variety of missions.
Here stands a massive round vault-like door, leading to one of Litar’s darkest secrets — the Serades River, a colossal chasm cutting through the Underdark’s first layer. The door can only be opened with a successful Thieves’ Tools check (DC 18). Once opened, all light sources in Nekar dim, glowing at half their normal brightness.
Inside the Serades Rift stretches a massive net, woven to catch those who fall — or are pushed — into the abyss.
Leader of Nekar: Jaram the Artificer
Jaram, a battle-hardened gnome artificer, rules Nekar with calculated brilliance. Clad in heavy metal armor, sparks of lightning occasionally arc across his plating, a display of his unmatched command of technology and artifice. These discharges do him no harm — they are, in fact, by design.
Jaram is not only the mastermind behind Nekar’s defensive illusions but also its heart — a symbol of precision, power, and dwarven ingenuity. While firm and unyielding, he listens to reason and respects those who value mind over muscle.