The Grotto is rich. Its expensive. It's classy. All these things have a place. However, I think it would better serve the ambience of the server if the place seemed a tad more dilapidated. I think the aescetic of a luxurious mansion that is too old and massive to properly maintain would be the perfect feel. You could incorporate some things like the following

* Bats living in the rafters * A door that opens to a chasm due to collapsed construction (Using the effect they used to block off the puzzle bridge of darkness in HotU) * Dark unlit sections of hall way and or corners thanks to a none infinite supply of lighting * A docile wandering rat * Echos, creaks, unexplained noises

I like how its roomy, and its expensive. And no one doubts that its a Lord's estate, they try to maintain it. On the other hand, it's in the Underdark, and so we shouldn't set our bar so high.

Oooo that sounds awesome. I like some of those, but not all of them. It definitely seems extremely empty though. I mean it's huge, and there's what...four NPC's in the whole place?

It should be run-down a little, or a little creepier, IMO!

Would it be possible if when you clicked on one of the locked doors, you could have the door respond with some kind of emote like

[You hear cries of pain and begging come from within, which is cut short by another cry of pain]

I somehow don't want to see this kind of change. Grotto is an expensive place. It's luxurious and whatever else. There are a lot of other NPCs, who take care of cleaning and so on. Or so I'd imagine. Anyway, I want Grotto to be classical place. Even Crone doesn't have rats running around it's floors... It's too unrealistic for rats to do that anyway.

Rats can take on a common citizen one on one. It's not that uncommon that people in Sanctuary would just ignore them. It may be a 'classic' luxurous place, but that doesn't mean they have any technological advances that prevent rat infestations anymore than anyone else.

Enchanted wards against vermin? lol

I think it's a bit too bright though. I mean, it's HUGE. Where does all this light come from?

Creepy does not automatically equal BDSM-themed, Vlaid. It's a common mistake, I know.

-SaRF

Dude, what's so HUGE about it?

It's the most expensive and exclusive Inn and Tavern Sanctuary has. If you're concerned about the light there's plenty of ways to create magical light, or just throw some placeables in there.

It may be a 'classic' luxurous place, but that doesn't mean they have any technological advances that prevent rat infestations anymore than anyone else.

That's just it. They don't have anything super special to protect from rats, but neither do other places have rat infestions. That point was made already by Elmo.

From what I've read in this thread it seems like you want to make the Grotto some kind of Spooky House or Torture Chamber, which does not seem to have been the original idea at all.

I think the Grotto's fine it's like an expensive Gentlemans Club and reminds me of the hellfire club.

More staff members with whips and more options to utilize staff members with whips please.

I concur.

I think the Grotto just needs to be used more, for wild noble parties and rich people gathered around the organ just enjoying the awesome, not haunted housish, atmosphere.

Squall and Rinoa Forever Creepy does not automatically equal BDSM-themed, Vlaid. It's a common mistake, I know.

-SaRF

The front clerk has a whip. What do YOU think it's for?

God, its called accessorising. Duh!

Agreeing wholeheartedly. The Grotto designwise does not need to be touched at all. I love it. These guys have the money, they have the butlers and maids. This place would stay spotless and swanky. I just wish that Whole Part of Sanctuary would get used more. It's such cool idea and some of the work that's gone into it is so much fun.