The Shattered Spire Vault
Dust and broken dreams carpet the floors of a kingdom long forgotten.
This subterranean ruin once served as the primary stronghold for the House of Thorne, housing both their riches and their enemies. Now, the stonework crumbles, and the spirits of those who died in the dark remain to guard their empty legacies.
The air is frigid and smells of ozone and wet limestone. Dim, blue phosphorescent fungi provide a ghostly light, while the sound of rhythmic, metallic clanging echoes from the deeper levels.
☠ Threat
The Iron Inquisitor, a high-ranking Thorne executioner, has risen as a Wraith of immense power. It commands the residual spiritual energy of the dungeon, animating suits of armor and trapping the souls of intruders. The Inquisitor seeks a living host to finally leave the ruin and exact vengeance on the descendants of those who toppled the spire.
History
Built three centuries ago during the reign of King Malakor Thorne, the vault was designed to be an impregnable sanctuary. When a bloody coup ended the Thorne dynasty, the above-ground spire was demolished, sealing the inhabitants alive. Only recently have local miners broken into the perimeter, whispering of silver floors and shifting shadows that bleed from the walls.
Encounter Table
CRFour skeletons in rusted armor marching in lockstep.
A translucent mastiff that lets out a blood-curdling howl before attacking.
An amorphous horror that feeds on light and heat.
Rumours & Whispers
The silver in the vault isn't actually silver; it's frozen moonlight that burns the wicked.
A prisoner was kept in Room 3 who knew the secret to destroying the Iron Inquisitor for good.
The statues in the entrance move when the moon is full, but they only attack those without the Thorne family crest.
The vault wasn't built to keep people out, but to keep something very old and hungry in.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Lord Elian Thorne
A young nobleman claims to be the last of the Thorne line and needs the Shield of the Thorne to claim his title.
1,000 gp and a minor title in the kingdom.
Quest giver: High Priestess Selene
Townspeople near the ruins say they can hear the screams of the prisoners from Room 1 even miles away and want the spirits laid to rest.
A set of +1 Plate Mail or three Greater Healing Potions.
Corridor Notes
Narrow slits in the walls that appear to be for archers, though no one is behind them.
Flickering ghost-light that follows the party from a distance, never approaching.
The floor is covered in 2 inches of cold, black water that dampens footfalls.
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