The Black-Iron Catacombs
The silence of the dead is broken only by the scraping of bone on stone.
A multi-layered burial complex carved into volcanic rock, housing the remains of a forgotten warrior-cult. The air is stagnant and carries the faint metallic tang of dried blood and rusted iron.
Flickering blue soul-fire in iron sconces, the smell of ancient dust and ozone, muffled chanting from deeper rooms, and a constant, bone-chilling draft.
☠ Threat
High Priest Malakor, now a Mummy Lord, seeks to complete a ritual that will raise his entire legion of Iron Knights to march upon the surface. His presence exerts a necrotic pressure throughout the dungeon, causing shadows to lengthen and mundane wounds to fester more quickly. He controls the spirits of his former subordinates, binding them to the iron-reinforced walls to serve as eternal sentries against intruders.
History
Built three centuries ago by the Order of the Iron Shroud, an ascetic sect that believed physical suffering in life ensured eternal vigilance in death. They interred their highest-ranking generals here, enchanting the very walls to prevent their spirits from finding rest so they might guard the living from an ancient subterranean evil. Over time, the Order fell to corruption, turning the tomb into a site of dark rituals.
Encounter Table
CRA massive skeleton with the skull of a bull, patrolling for intruders.
A writhing mass of maggots that burrow into the flesh of the living.
Rumours & Whispers
The Iron Shroud once possessed a scepter that could command the very stones of the earth.
Do not look into the eyes of the jackal statues in the deep tomb, or your soul will be forfeit.
A hidden library within the catacombs contains the only record of the High Priest's true name.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Lord Valerius
A local noble family seeks the recovery of the Diadem of the Sage, stolen generations ago.
2000 gp and a favor from the nobility.
Quest giver: Sister Martha
The local town is being plagued by nightmares and spectral sightings originating from the catacombs.
A set of +1 Plate Armor and the town's gratitude.
Corridor Notes
Lichen that glows with a sickly green light when touched.
A series of deep scratches on the stone walls, as if made by giant iron claws.
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