When visitors first view the House, all they see is a cluster of stalagmites clouded by a black mist that's continuously flowing in between the rock formations as if its a magical current; an energetic flow.
When they approach the front gate, they see that the House is guarded by Violet Mushrooms, Shriekers, soldiers on subterranean lizards at every dark ledge, and guards that daily patrol around the House. When you look through the mist up at the stalagmites you notice that some of them have paned glass that glows with faerie fire. The stalagmites also have well built bridges connecting them. So guards are also often patrolling these as well. However what visitors don't know, is that the guards inside the stalagmites that often pace by the windows are actually doppelganger slaves. In case there be an outsider archer attack. The real House archers are inside the stalagmites but have small slits they peek through and shoot from. Inside the stalagmites are also portals which the archers use to get from one stalagmite to the other.
Another security breach is the Wisp Lichen which clings to the cavern ceiling above the House. It is mostly hidden by the stalactites and its growth creates a camouflage. Because its natural, it cannot be detected by magical means. This plant was placed here to protect the House from overhead attacks including levitating and flying enemies, soldiers on subterranean lizards, and even teleportation inside the House. If an enemy tries to do any of these attacks, the Wisp Lichen will act like a spider's web. This white lichen native to the Underdark is dangerous. It thrives in moist areas on the ceiling above. It secretes an adhesive from its dangling strands that can hold large creatures and paralyze them. It then slowly, painfully digests them. This plant along with the Shriekers and the Violet Mushrooms are controlled by the House's mages and by the Matron, herself.
When visitors approach the gate, they see that above the main entrance is a great spider weaved from many wires, its eyes and body glow with purple faerie fire. The 18" high fence and gate extends completely around the House, with the mushrooms and rock formations circling with it ensuring security completely around the entire premises.
When visitors finally enter the grounds, a long walkway leads through the stalagmites and black mist which clears away and then takes you on top of a hill where a little guest house resides. As you're walking to this house you see fungal groves, herds of Deep Rothe, and farmer/shepherd slaves everywhere scattered about. Its actually a very serene walk; very naturalistic and peaceful.
Visitors only get to see the inside of the Guest House. The Guest House resembles a little more then a hut on the outside. The top holds a couple more archers that peer down at you as you enter into the House. Inside its very dark with a soft blue-ish green glow that seems to emit from four braziers that are placed at each corner. Deep navy blue, satin couches with black lace are set in the center for the guests along with a table that is often set with food for the visitors. Guards stand like statues around the room at all times. The Matron and/or Nobles are escorted through one of the portal walls with guards flanked on either side.
Sometimes the Guest House will be redecorated to host dinner parties for important individuals such as other Matrons or Nobles. The room becomes stretched, the coffee table and couches are replaced by a long crystal dining table with matching crystal chairs which are carved comfortably. The food magically appears on the pre-set table once everyone is seated. The food typically contains lots of lightly seasoned mushroom broth soups, grilled Deep Rothe meat and fish platters that are nicely garnished, gravy saucers filled with spicy lichen sauces, spicy liquors, water, and on occasion there will be surface dishes and delights.
When a new member is accepted into the House, they are then lead out of the Guest House and down another pathway through more stalagmites with hidden archers from above. They're led to another House. Upon entering this house its made up like a maze that constantly changes like a mechanical labyrinth. The walls look clockwork-like and glow with various forms of faerie fire. A guard has to be present to lead the new members through else they will get lost. The only members who know the maze like the back of their hand are the matron and the Nobles. If you are not a Noble, you need an NPC guard to help you through it.
The guard then stands next to a hole in the wall which the new house member must then crawl through. When they come out on the other side they are greeted by a mage which takes them up to a platform and summons a portal to lead them to the lower levels which is the actual layout of the House.
.....Under the Underdark
Underneath the House property is the actual House. Because its underground it seems to be much roomier. Every part of the House is broken up with its own compound. So it almost looks like its own city. There's emergency passages that leads up to hidden caves in various places of Ulorbbath to help escort people to safety if there should be an attack. Plus there are traps on the ceiling. Battle tactics taken from the duegar and surface dwarves who live in mountains. The dwarves are known for collapsing half of their mountain just to ward off trespassers. And so the same designs can be found here. There's about seven miles layer of rock between the House's surface and its low levels. The top portion of the ceiling is collapsible and triggers if needs be.
