The Ash-King's Maw
Beneath the weeping willow, the dead dance in grey dust.
An ancient, sunken sepulcher dedicated to a forgotten monarch whose ashes refused to stay cold. Stone walls are covered in fine, grey soot that tastes like copper on the tongue and chokes the breath of the living.
The air is heavy with the smell of cold hearths and ozone. Visuals include a fine layer of grey ash covering every surface and flickering blue foxfire instead of natural light. Sounds of dry whispering and the scraping of stone on stone echo through the vents.
☠ Threat
King Valerius, the Cinder Wight, seeks to spread his purifying ash across the surrounding valley. His presence causes the environment to desiccate rapidly, and his 'Ash-Grip' ability turns any who die within the tomb into mindless soot-covered zombies. The longer the party stays, the more the air itself attempts to fill their lungs with his cursed remains.
History
Centuries ago, King Valerius was betrayed and burned alive by his inner council. They interred his remains in this specialized crypt, bound by silver chains and holy wards meant to ensure he never returned. However, the greed of local grave robbers recently broke the outer seals, allowing Valerius to rise as a Cinder Wight, commanding the restless spirits of those buried alongside him.
Encounter Table
CRA gaunt creature with leathery grey skin that hungers for fresh flesh.
Soot-covered bats that shriek and disorient the party.
The animated hands of thieves who died in the crypt.
Rumours & Whispers
The King's ashes never go out, even under water.
A silver key is hidden under a stone tile near the entrance.
Strange, grey snow is falling in the woods near the crypt entrance.
The council members who betrayed the king still scream in the prison.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Elowen, his apprentice
Professor Aris went into the Maw three days ago and has not returned.
100gp and a map to another ruin.
Quest giver: Father Thomas
The local church needs the perpetual embers from the king's shrine to relight their sacred fire.
Three Potions of Healing and a holy blessing.
Corridor Notes
Flickering blue foxfire moss growing on the ceiling provide dim light.
Tattered funeral tapestries that disintegrate when touched.
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