Battlemap
Salt-Vein Deep
The echoes of pickaxes are replaced by the grinding of stone and the bellows of beastmen.
A crystalline salt mine carved into coastal cliffs, now infested by minotaur scavengers and elemental guardians. Sharp crystalline walls reflect torchlight into dizzying patterns while the smell of brine permeates the air.
The air is cold and smells of wet sea salt and wet fur. Glowing blue lichen provides dim light, and the distant rhythm of tide-water thumping against rock serves as a constant heartbeat.
☠ Threat
Captain Iron-Hoof leads a desperate band of minotaur pirates who seek to control the elements. They have shattered the Idol of Halokh and scattered its pieces to prevent mutiny, yet the idol's presence attracts giant scorpions and vengeful earth elementals. The captain resides in the deepest vault, obsessed with a ritual that will fuse his ship with the living stone of the coastline.
History
The Salt-Vein Deep was originally an imperial venture, harvesting rare blue salt from the coastal rock. Decades ago, miners broke into a prehistoric cavern belonging to the god Halokh, triggering a collapse and magical backlash. Recently, the Horned Tide pirates took over the tunnels, using the mine as a base to piece together an ancient idol. Their excavating has awakened the earth itself, leading to a stalemate between nature and greed.
Encounter Table
CRGrumpy pirates looking for salt-leakage or intruders.
A predator that has adapted to blend in perfectly with the crystalline walls.
Rumours & Whispers
The minotaurs are looking for five pieces of a stone man to wish for a ghost ship.
The salt in the mine has started growing faster, as if the mountain itself is angry.
Captain Iron-Hoof killed his last quartermaster just for touching a glowing obsidian stone.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Master Elmond
An old scholar believes the Idol of Halokh will stabilize the coastline and prevent the local village from sinking.
3000 gold and a Ring of Water Walking
Quest giver: Guard Captain Vane
The Horned Tide stole a shipment of royal spices; the king wants the captain's head and the goods returned.
A writ of nobility and a masterwork vessel
Corridor Notes
A wall where the salt has formed a natural mirror, reflecting eerie distorted versions of the party.
An abandoned mining cart filled with useless gray slag and a single silver fork.
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