The Hall of Blades
Magic flows through steel and steel hungers for blood.
A high-security inner vault constructed of polished obsidian. The walls are etched with the forbidden history of the Orb of Zot and guarded by autonomous weaponry.
The air smells of cold ozone and machine oil. Soft metallic hums vibrate through the polished floor, and light reflects strangely off the black glass walls.
β Threat
The Master of Blades, a spectral commander who can animate any metallic object. He senses vibrations through the obsidian floors, coordinating his animated minions to trap intruders in kill-zones of whirling steel.
History
Long ago, the high priests of Zot built this vault to protect the gate to the deeper floors. They sacrificed a legion of master swordsmen, binding their souls to the obsidian to create an eternal, tireless security force. It remains a lethal gauntlet designed to shred any intruder who lacks the proper sigils.
Encounter Table
CRSmall, swift knives that fly through the air with malicious intent.
A shadowy construct made of glass shards that blends perfectly with the obsidian walls.
Rumours & Whispers
The blades in the vault never rust because they are fed with the blood of the living.
A secret password inscribed on a lost ledger can deactivate the Master of Blades.
The obsidian walls are actually giant records of everything that has ever died in the dungeon.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Elias the Grey
A local scholar believes the Hall of Blades contains the true origin of the Orb of Zot and wants the wall etchings copied.
A bag of 500gp and a scroll of Greater Restoration.
Quest giver: Lady Valerius
A fallen noble family claims their ancestral sword was used to form the Master's throne and wants it returned.
A title of minor nobility and a deed to a small tower.
Corridor Notes
The sound of distant, rhythmic metallic clicking follows the party.
Long, thin scratches on the floor suggest something heavy was dragged here.
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