Secret library (hosts' entrance)

Built by Zénopuce to store his magical items (now part of the company's legendary depot in level 23). The empty shelves have been gathering dust for centuries. The staff forgot about this room long ago.

▶ Special effect. None. Clients weren't expected to find this room.

→ Empty shelves. Not quite: A large crystal ball sticks out from the wall behind.
→ Crystal ball. Encased in a rosewood frame sculpted with naked nymphs, it comes to life when touched. See sidebar.

Allô, Allô?

The crystal ball shows the blurred silhouette of an old, bespectacled man and the connection is often entirely cut off. Every hour, the hosts can speak d4 sentences, but Zénopuce's answers are somehow shifted to the next question or sentence. Use one of the sentences below to answer the first one. The goal is to make the conversation frustrating for everyone, but to let clever players glean some information. If you choose to add a risk of the archmage returning during the mission (see sidebar, p. 39), roll the risk die for each hourly chat.

• "Hello? It's me… What in the Nine Hells are you lazy gits doing?"
• "I'm running to make my connection but I'll be home soon. The place better be spotless!"
• "I should have avoided the thoroughfare. Wait… tunnel."
• "Yes but go check the pentagram again. I don't want another incident."
• "I hope you didn't try to feed Bastiel again?"