179 rooms · levels 45–51
This vast underground cave has been burrowed deep into the mountains near the desert. The cool air and temperature provide a much needed relief from the searing heat of the Great Eastern Desert. Strewn all around the cave are various maps, spellbooks, and reference manuals. The whole cavern is lit with a soft glow, obviously the result of a powerful spell. In the back corner of the cave is an alcove that could fit a dragon! Broken silver scale fragments seem to indicate that someone lives here.
Several trails of footprints lead north of here off into the haze of the desert horizon. The fact that the blowing sands haven't covered them up indicates the prints were made fairly recently. A small desert lizard scampers by and runs towards one of the many dunes in this area. Far off to the north, barely visible in the sandstorm that is raging up ahead, is a large stone tower.
The desert floor stretches out in all directions, causing a feeling of disorientation. Sand dunes seem to disappear and reform in every direction from the powerful winds. The only landmark around is the tower to the north, although the desert has been known to play visual tricks on those who dare to wander its expanse. There are paths extending in all four directions, each looking exactly the same.
The desert floor stretches out in all directions, causing a feeling of disorientation. Sand dunes seem to disappear and reform in every direction from the powerful winds. The only landmark around is the tower to the north, although the desert has been known to play visual tricks on those who dare to wander its expanse. There are paths extending in all four directions, each looking exactly the same.
The desert floor stretches out in all directions, causing a feeling of disorientation. Sand dunes seem to disappear and reform in every direction from the powerful winds. The only landmark around is the tower to the north, although the desert has been known to play visual tricks on those who dare to wander its expanse. There are paths extending in all four directions, each looking exactly the same.
Two large sand dunes rise out to the east and west, creating a small trail from the south to the north. Beyond the dunes is what appears to be an oasis, complete with pond and palm trees. It stands right in the middle of the desert, life growing in defiance of a searing land. However, it seems odd that it would appear in the middle of nowhere. In addition, there aren't any plants or animals around, just sand and more sand. The nomads of the desert tell tales of gigantic sand worms which burrow underground, waiting near oases like this one to come out of the ground and eat anything that gets close. Perhaps there is one waiting for you now... The dunes are too high to climb so the only other path to take is to the south.
Something is wrong here. Even though the watery pool amongst the palm trees looks refreshing, there are no animals or plants nearby, which one would expect for a water source in the desert. Instead, animal carcasses litter the area, many dissolved until they are little more than bones. The water has an unusual gleam to it, as if it were reflecting something besides the sun. Even the trees look out of the ordinary in the desert environment. The sand seems to shift slightly as you approach the oasis, almost as if some enormous monster were underneath. All of a sudden, the shifting of the sand moves in your direction, you better get out of here now!!
Suddenly, an enormous sand monster erupts out of the sand near the oasis! It sends bones and sand flying everywhere as it dives its way to you. You see a glimpse of its long worm-like body and a mouth encircled with razor sharp teeth before it swallows you whole! As you move down its digestive tract to be digested, memories of past times flash through your mind. Fortunately, you lose consciousness and are spared the pain of being dissolved into worm kibble.
The desert floor stretches out in all directions, causing a feeling of disorientation. Sand dunes seem to disappear and reform in every direction from the powerful winds. The only landmark around is the tower to the north, although the desert has been known to play visual tricks on those who dare to wander its expanse. There are paths extending in all four directions, each looking exactly the same.
The desert floor stretches out in all directions, causing a feeling of disorientation. Sand dunes seem to disappear and reform in every direction from the powerful winds. The only landmark around is the tower to the north, although the desert has been known to play visual tricks on those who dare to wander its expanse. There are paths extending in all four directions, each looking exactly the same.
A tall stone tower suddenly appears out of the desert sands to the north, as if it were some illusion. It stands over sixty feet tall, and is composed of a dull gray stone. Eddies of sand swirl around as the tower bends the constant winds. The tower itself looks unused and run down, as if it were abandoned, for small cracks are everywhere. A small wooden door is set into the base of the tower. It looks uninviting, but the alternative is to return to the hellish desert.
A large stone tower looms above like a pillar rising out of the sand. Although it seems a building of this size could not be supported on a floor of sand, the tower seems like it could withstand an army. Many of the stone blocks have suffered from the passage of time, the many cracks are caked with sand. A sign is posted above the wooden door to the tower. To the south lies the vast desert.
Just inside the tower is a small room with a doorway leading north into what appears to be a large hall. This room contains several rotted wooden chairs and a carpet that is little more than rags. The floor here is caked in a layer of sand, which has been leaking in for quite some time. A line of footprints leads to the north.
This is a vast hall decorated with tapestries and paintings. It is so large, it could not possibly fit within the normal confines of this tower. The ceiling is nearly out of sight in the gloominess of the hall. Obviously some powerful sorcery is at work. Everything is covered in a fine layer of dust, although several sets of footprints can be seen on the ground leading in several directions. There is a closet door off of the western end, and to the east, an arch leads to what appears to be a library. To the north, a grand spiral staircase leads up and down.
A layer of dust covers everything in this spacious closet. Most of the cloaks and robes that belonged here have long since vanished, although bits and pieces still remain. A pointy hat embroidered with stars rests on a shelf, although it has been chewed into uselessness by rats. In a corner, a small chest still contains some sandals and shoes that the former resident must have worn, they look like typical mage footwear. There is little else of value in here, however, that hasn't rotted away.
At the northern end of the hall a large spiral staircase winds up and down the tower. Cobwebs adorn the sides of the stairs, although there are none on the stairs themselves, indicating they have been used recently. Both directions lead into darkness. The only other option is to return to the main hall to the south.
This is part of a large library that stretches out to the east. Thousands and thousands of books line the shelves on the walls, most of them are dusty and obviously unused. A cursory glance at the titles shows a wide variety of topics, ranging from geography to monster cross breeding. Another archway to the east leads deeper into the library.
Books and tomes line the walls of this room, built to serve as a library of knowledge. A small desk sits in the middle of the chamber with a burnt out candle sitting on top. Interestingly, there are several gaps in the shelves where there would normally be books. There is a small alcove to the south while an archway heads west further into the library.
A small alcove sits off of the main library chamber, and is rather cozy. There is a small desk here, similar to the one to the north of here. The walls are made of solid stone and have no shelves on them, unlike the rest of the library. A small brazier set in one wall of the alcove is filled with little more than ashes now. The only exit is back north to the library.
Compared with the rest of the tower, this place is a mess. Various pieces of junk ranging from discarded books to a broken furnace lie all over the place. There is even more junk to the north, while a doorway leads to a chamber to the east. A spiral staircase in the middle of the cellar leads back up to the first level.
A rusted suit of armor sits in one corner of this dank cellar. The walls are covered in mold and sand that has seeped in over time. The air is very cool and still here, a stark contrast to the sandstorm that must be blazing outside. An archway leads to an equally dank chamber to the east while a staircase can be seen at the southern end of the basement.
This chamber appears to have been used for food and drink storage. Shelves of jars line the stone walls and several barrels are stacked on the floor. Unfortunately, most of the food has rotted away and barrel contents leaked out. Even the rats are gone, having realized there is nothing edible left in here. The only exit is back to the cellar and the staircase.
At one time, this room would have been used to store rare herbs and reagents, the ingredients used in spell casting. However, the damp atmosphere of this room and the passage of time have ruined anything of value in here. The many glass jars on the shelves are all filled with mold and other indescribable masses.
A winding staircase leads up to a short hallway which runs to the north and south. The wall is covered in tapestries, one of which depicts a city of elves preparing to fight a huge demon invading their home. Another depicts an enormous five headed dragon sitting in a large cavern surrounded by other dragons. There are a series of doors at both ends of the hallway. The only other exit is down the stairs to the first floor.
This hallway runs north and south towards two sets of doors. Tapestries line the walls, each depicting scenes of mages using their spells to destroy their foes. A spiraling staircase is right to the north and a series of doors can be seen right to the south.
This narrow hallway runs in a north to south direction, with two doors visible through the gloominess to the east and west. There are tapestries on the walls here, although these are mostly faded and not viewable. The carpet running down this hallway is worn and full of holes. It is eerily silent, there are no sounds of life at all.
A large furnace rests in the corner of this room, most likely used as to prepare meals. A stove rests near the furnace, although the stove is on its side with its door ajar. An empty table sits in the center of the room. Teapots and cups are scattered all over the floor. Everything is covered in a layer of dust, indicating a long period of disuse. A door to the east leads out into the hallway.
This room is filled with all sorts of magical and alchemical equipment. A table against the northern wall is littered with glass beakers and jars of all sizes, whose contents have long since evaporated. A tub next to the table was filled with acid at one point, judging by the corrosion. On a shelf above the table are a stack of books whose subjects deal with making potions and other concoctions. There is a strange acidic odor in the air here which isn't present anywhere else. Nearly everything in this laboratory has lost its potency. The only exit is the door to the west.
The hallway ends here, with three wooden doors set into the walls at this end. Each of the doors looks like each other, equally inviting and dangerous. They have a crescent moon symbol burned above the doorknobs. To the north a spiral staircase leads down.
This small room appears to be used as a bedroom for someone. The room overall is rather plain, with little more than a bed, table, and dresser drawer. The bed looks like it hasn't been slept in for a long time. However, the dresser drawers are still filled with clothes and robes, and the table is littered with scrolls. There is a small window on the far end of the room, but the door on the east wall is the only exit.
Besides being one of the largest rooms in Sandstorm Tower, this bedchamber is probably the most lavish. The floor is covered by a plush bear skin carpet and the walls decorated with rare tapestries. A mahogany bedstand is located next to the soft king sized bed. A dresser in the corner is filled with star embroidered robes and caps, although moths have rendered them unwearable. The door leads back out to the hallway, while a doorway to the east leads to a study.
Silence permeates this barren room, which has nothing more than a wooden bed. Sand flies up everywhere as it is disturbed, creating an opaque cloud. The air is very chilly and dry here, much colder than the rest of the tower. The only exit is through the door, back into the hall.
This small study is situated right next to a bedroom, where presumably the occupant can study spells and sleep without having to traverse the entire tower. A large desk rests in the corner with a crystal ball, still intact, sitting on it. The same soft carpet is spread along the floor, just like the room to the west. The ceiling is much higher than the rest of the tower however.
The tower roof is over three stories high and its height allows a view of the entire desert floor. Sand blows everywhere from the strong gusts of wind on the roof, making it hard to see anything. The temperature is nearly unbearable as the full might of the sun bears down on the tower top. A ladder leads down back into the tower. In the northwest corner of the roof, a large platinum dais has been constructed, it crackles with power.
Sand flies everywhere and collects in a heap at the north east corner of the tower roof. The stone floor and battlements are worn from the constant sandstorms raging all the time. It is still extremely hot, even more so than the desert itself. A platinum dais sits to the west while the only other exit, short of jumping, is to the south.
The sandstorm rages even harder in this part of the roof, it is nearly impossible to see anything. The roar of the wind drowns out any other noise, it is nearly deafening. It would be all too easy for a person to be swept off the tower to a gruesome death from the high winds. A platform crafted out of what appears to be platinum rests here. Some steps on the side of the dais lead up towards an archway.
Sand flies everywhere and collects in a heap at the south west corner of the tower roof. The stone floor and battlements show signs of being constantly bombarded from the sandstorm. The temperature, combined with the dryness and the winds, make it very uncomfortable for anyone to stay up here for an extended time. Barely visible through the swirling sand, a gleaming metal platform sits just north of here.
This dais appears to be brand new and without any signs of wear and tear, which is amazing considering the abuse from the sand. The surface of the dais is very hot to the touch, almost hot enough to set boots on fire. In addition, the winds are even stronger at this, the highest point on Sandstorm Tower. One better watch their balance. On the eastern edge of the dais is a glowing archway made from solid platinum. Where the keystone would be on the top of the arch, there is a circular depression which would appear to be a keyhole.
As you place the platinum disk in the keystone, it suddenly melts and merges into the rest of the archway. A shimmering field of light appears in the archway and a rainbow of colors flood your senses. A massive sandstorm kicks up sand everywhere around the arch, making it nearly impossible to see anything. Suddenly the archway flares with a brilliant glare, engulfing you.
You are floating gently in what looks like some plane that exists between planes. In every direction, colors swirl and jet around, producing a feeling of chaos. It is very disorienting as there is neither a sense of time nor direction here. Off in the distance, two galaxies collide, producing a brilliant explosion of gases and stars. All of a sudden, everything starts to speed up as the colors swirl into a spinning vortex. One plane looms up at the end of the vortex, getting closer and closer...
... CRUNCH! The vortex is suddenly replaced by a hard rocky floor which unfortunately will leave aches and bruises on you for quite some time. A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
To the south and east, a rocky wasteland stretches as far as the eye can see. The intense sunlight on the land creates illusions and heat waves which rise from the ground. To the northwest, a gigantic mountain blocks passage, it would be impossible to climb it. A giant glacier is visible to the north. Sunlight melts part of the glacier, causing water to run down the plateau in many streams. A plateau rises to the west, it is shallow enough to climb. A static crackling can be felt here, it is strongest to the southeast.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. To the north, the land rises up towards an ice covered plateau. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The heat melts the ice to the north, creating small streams that flow throughout the valley. Despite the water, there are still no signs of life. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. To the north, the land rises up towards an ice covered plateau. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The heat melts the ice to the north, creating small streams that flow throughout the valley. Despite the water, there are still no signs of life. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A rocky wasteland extends in all directions except to the north, where a large mountain blocks passage. There are no signs of plant or animal life here and scorch marks are prevalent. The twin suns of this plane beat down on the floor, creating heat waves that shimmer in the sunlight. To the north west, an icy plateau can be seen.
A barren wasteland lies to the south and west while a range of tall and unscalable mountains block all passage to the north east. The ground is rocky and bare with no signs of plant life whatsoever. Scorch marks litter the area here, as if it were in a fire. Heat waves shimmer in the distance, distorting every landmark and feature far away. A static crackling can be felt through the area.
A barren wasteland extends to the north, south, and east all the way to the horizon. The bleakness is compounded by the total lack of plant and animal life. Heat waves distort shapes in the distance. To the west, a plateau rises up above the floor, it is just low enough to attempt climbing. The sound of running water can be heard beyond the plateau wall. A static crackling can be felt through the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland extends in every direction except to the east, where a rocky plateau rises out of the ground. The plateau is very rocky and potentially dangerous to climb, but it looks possible. The complete lack of life in this area cannot be ignored, it is very disturbing. Sunlight pounds down on the wasteland, sending up waves of heat that distort everything.
To the east, north, and south, a wasteland stretches far off into the distance. The only thing living here are rocks, there isn't a single plant or animal to be found. A large plateau rises up to the west, it is too high to climb or fly, but to the north the plateau appears to lower a bit. The suns of this world beat down mercilessly, compounding the desolate environment. A static crackling can be felt through the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland extends in every direction except to the east, where a rocky plateau rises out of the ground. The plateau is very rocky and potentially dangerous to climb, but it looks possible. The complete lack of life in this area cannot be ignored, it is very disturbing. Sunlight pounds down on the wasteland, sending up waves of heat that distort everything.
To the east, north, and south, a wasteland stretches far off into the distance. The only thing living here are rocks, there isn't a single plant or animal to be found. A large plateau rises up to the west, it is too high to climb or fly, but to the north the plateau appears to lower a bit. The suns of this world beat down mercilessly, compounding the desolate environment. A static crackling can be felt through the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out in all directions. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. The shimmering makes it impossible to see anything far away. Paths lead in all directions, each looking equally unpleasant. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland extends in every direction except to the east, where a rocky plateau rises out of the ground. The plateau is very rocky and potentially dangerous to climb, but it looks possible. The complete lack of life in this area cannot be ignored, it is very disturbing. Sunlight pounds down on the wasteland, sending up waves of heat that distort everything.
A barren wasteland stretches out to the north and east. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. A large range of mountains rises out of the west and south, preventing passage in those directions as the mountains appear very unclimbable. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out to the north, west, and east. A large range of mountains rises out of the south, marking the end of the wasteland and also preventing passage in that direction. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out to the north, west, and east. A large range of mountains rises out of the south, marking the end of the wasteland and also preventing passage in that direction. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland stretches out to the north, west, and east. A large range of mountains rises out of the south, marking the end of the wasteland and also preventing passage in that direction. The ground is rocky and bare, with no signs of plant life anywhere. Many areas of the ground are scorched as if it were in a great fire. Up above, two suns beat down on the wasteland, making heat waves glimmer in the distance. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
A barren wasteland lies to the north and west while a range of tall and unscalable mountains block all passage to the south east. The ground is rocky and bare with no signs of plant life whatsoever. Scorch marks litter the area here, as if it were in a fire. Heat waves shimmer in the distance, distorting every landmark and feature far away. A static crackling can be felt through the area.
This rocky plateau rises several feet above the rest of the ground, and it provides a breathtaking view of the wasteland to the west. From here, one can take in the great devastation which has struck this area. Below to the west, dark shapes can be seen wandering among the rocks and stones. A range of rough looking mountains rises up to the north and east, while the plateau continues south. The same static crackling is still felt here although its presence isn't as strong.
Rising several feet above the ground, the rocky plateau provides a breathtaking view of the wasteland valley to the west. From here, one can take in the great devastation which has struck this area. No plant or animal life can be seen in any direction, although dark shapes can be seen wandering among the rocks and stones. A wall of mountains rises up to the east, but there is a small path that twists and leads into the mountain range. A faint static crackling can be felt here.
This rocky plateau rises several feet above the rest of the ground, and it provides a breathtaking view of the wasteland to the west. From here, one can take in the great devastation which has struck this area. Below to the west, dark shapes can be seen wandering among the rocks and stones. A range of rough looking mountains rises up to the south and east, while the plateau continues north. The same static crackling is still felt here although its presence isn't as strong.
A narrow path twists and turns through the stone-gray mountains. The sounds of small rocks tumbling down echo throughout the area. The path itself is littered with hundreds of small stones, many of which could easily trip someone. It is cooler here than down in the valley, the mountain air provides a relief from the scorching heat of the wasteland. Several deadends split off of the main path, which appears to continue north.
The path gradually turns into a slope as it twists its way among the rocks. The air is very cool and dry here and a slight mist blankets everything in this region. High above, several large rocks rest on a ledge, but fortunately they look stable. The trail winds its way eastwards higher up into the mountains.
As the path continues to twist its way to the south and east, noises can be heard from the south. The rocks and mountain sides distort and amplify the noises, making it hard to make out. Small rocks clattering down the mountainside make it impossible to hear anything else. It is warmer here, and the air is a bit humid. To the south, the trail winds into an open space. The path leading west heads higher up into the mountain.
Deep within the heart of this mountain range is a small clearing filled with rocks and stones. The mountain walls loom high above in all directions, it would be impossible and dangerous to even try and scale the sides. A small twisting path can be seen in a gap to the north. But that does not compare to the massive fortress to the east! It seems to be built right into the mountain wall, the walls are jet black and almost seem to pulse. It is very warm here, and the heat is emanating from the fortress. A large gate providing entrance into the fortress can be seen to the east.
A thin layer of ice and frost covers the ground on this plateau, which rises several feet off of the ground. The plateau is like a frozen tundra, frozen over several feet under and preventing any life from growing. To the north and west, a line of ice covered mountains block passage in that direction. The plateau continues to the east and a faint static crackling fills the air.
The plateau ground here is covered in a layer of frost, which keeps any sort of plant or animal life from flourishing. Off to the north is a massive glacier that just sits on the land. Something of that size must have taken eons to form, but it will not take as long to melt with two suns beating down on it. A faint static crackling fills the air and an ice covered path can be seen heading north between two mountains towards the glacier.
This trail through the mountains is covered in a sheet of ice, which makes travelling extremely hazardous. To make things worse, the path blends in with the icy ground. The path continues to the east while to the south it opens out onto a frozen plateau.
Almost impossible to make out against the whiteness of the ice and snow, this path forms a trail out of the mountains and on to a frozen plain. Just to the north, a massive glacier looms overhead, it looks as if it were a mile tall. Ice rises up to the east and the south, blocking passage in those directions. The air takes a dramatic drop in temperature and a thin mist covers the area. To the north, the path continues until it stops at a dead end just short of the glacier.
A cold chill penetrates everything as a huge glacier seems to sap the very warmth from the air. An icy path from the south leads right up to the glacier wall and stops, it is the only other exit from this dreary place. The walls of the glacier are very thick and nearly impenetrable. Stalactites hang above, formed from melting water being refrozen. A symbol of a gigantic snowflake has been drawn in a blue ink on the wall of the glacier, it seems to pulse slightly.
This plateau is several feet off the ground of the wasteland to the east, allowing a long range view of the surroundings. While there is only desolation to the east and south, a huge glacier looms to the north, seemingly out of place in this world. A large mountain rises up to the northwest which blocks passage in that direction. The plateau continues to the south. A faint static tingling can be felt here.
Mountains encase this stone filled, barren plateau on two sides, to the west and the south. They look as if they have been standing silently here for millennia. To the east, the expanse of the wastelands continues on, all the way to the horizon. While the mountains are impassable, a small opening lies to the west, which winds through the range. A static crackling can be felt throughout the area.
This path travels in a straight west and east direction through the mountain range. The air is very cool and dry up here as the mountains block out the searing heat of the wastelands. Rocks fill the path, some of them look as if they were cut in half. High above, walls of rock rise up like gigantic sentinels protecting the path. The sound of rushing water can be heard to the west while the eastern direction heads towards a rocky plateau.
As the huge fortress looms overhead, it casts a shadow over the front entrance area. Behind the keep, a large mountain reaches towards the sky, as if it were standing behind the fortress, watching over it. Set into the walls are a pair of enormous black steel gates, they are at least ten feet tall and seem to pulsate slightly. Up above, the battlements of the fortress can be seen, they are bristling with all sorts of ballistas and other armaments. Walls of stone encase the fortress on three sides, making the gate the only possible entrance, save a very hazardous climb up the keep walls.
A vast flat area marks the courtyard of this Bha'rin fortress, it is little more than paved dirt surrounded by walls. To the west, a pair of huge, black steel gates provides the exit to the outside. High above in the battlements, a deadly array of missile weapons prevents enemies from mounting a flying attack. Soldiers clad in thick scaly armor move back and forth, some chatting, others just milling around waiting for their next orders. A heavy wooden door is set into the northern wall.
Maps and charts fill this small room sitting off of the courtyard. There is a portrait of a human dressed in a regal robe on the wooden door leading back out to the fortress. Several daggers are embedded in the picture. A large obsidian table rests in the middle, there is a large map spread out on it which depicts this fortress, the wasteland, and what appears to be another encampment on the other side. A very thick and strong black iron door is in the northern wall.
This is a very long and narrow chamber walled in a dark black metal. The walls are thick and the only entrance is a vault-like door to the south. Racks of weapons line the walls, ranging from small daggers to gigantic two handed swords. The most common weapon in here appears to be a black long sword with slanted barbs on its edges. However, all of the weapons are tightly secured to the racks and it would take an extraordinary effort to take them.
This vast open courtyard takes up almost the entire first level of this stronghold. It must be hundreds of feet wide and acts as a staging area for ground assaults. It also serves as a useful defense, as the higher levels can fire missiles at any invaders. A group of soldiers exit into the courtyard from an archway to the south, it appears that they are leaving a barracks. Small rodents scurry back and forth, searching for anything edible.
Rows of crude beds line this large room which serves as a barracks. There is a complete lack of privacy as the emphasis is more on squeezing the most soldiers into the smallest space possible. Fortunately, most of the barracks are empty at the moment. An archway leads to another room to the east, while a powerful odor emanates from the southern doorway.
A powerful odor of pungence and decay fills this room, which appears to serve as a latrine for the fortress inhabitants. Several holes have been bored into the stone floor, they lead down to a waste pit. It is very dark in here and this chamber has not been cleaned in some time. Small roaches and other unrecognizable creatures scurry back and forth. An archway to the north provides the much needed exit from here.
This room serves to house a large number of Bha'rin soldiers, based on the number of beds that line the walls. The beds are all empty, most of them are plain and crude, with very few personal effects. There are more beds towards the south. A door is set into the eastern wall, a symbol of two crossed swords is etched into the door.
Smaller than the rest of the rooms, this part of the barracks is less hellish to live in than elsewhere. There are only a few beds here and they are spaced widely apart, unlike the very cramped quarters of the rest of the barracks. Stone walls surround this room on three sides, which gives a partial feeling of privacy. The only exit is to the north.
This is an elegant chamber. Relative to the rest of the barracks, it is clean and roomy. A rough bed sits in one corner and a table contains many personal possessions. Portraits line the stone walls, each showing the previous Bha'rin weaponmasters. On the northern wall, several heads of demons and humans alike are mounted as trophies of battle. The center of this room is empty, allowing freedom to practice swordplay and other battle tactics. A black iron door to the west leads out into the barracks.
The southeastern corner of this dirt packed courtyard is seemingly packed with soldiers and guards of the Bha'rin. In one area, a ring of stones serves as a crude but effective arena for those who would want to settle matters with another. The stone walls are covered in caked, black blood, presumably from one of the many combats which happen here. High above, a mountain side acts a natural wall.
The smell of something cooking emanates from a door in the northern wall as well as the crunching of bones and bursts of laughter. The patterns of foot and claw prints in the dirt courtyard indicate that this is a heavily traveled place. To the east, the courtyard ends in large flights of stairs heading up and down. A large gate can be seen far to the west.
A long obsidian table stretches down the center of this narrow, but long, room. The table is covered in blood and various eating utensils, although it looks like the utensils haven't been used in ages. Bones and skins from meals litter the floor while rats run back and forth to feast on the leftovers on the ground. On the table, several iron plates are placed at regular intervals, they are stacked with chunks of flesh from something. There is a wooden door to the east.
This kitchen is very crude as it is little more than an iron table and a furnace that acts as a cooker. On the table is the carcass of a very large animal, too big to be a human. The carcass has been chopped and hacked into small chunks with the bloody cleavers on the table. The furnace rests in one corner of the kitchen and blazes with a red-hot fire. A wooden door to the west leads out into the mess hall.
Two sets of wide stairs fill this end of the courtyard. The stairs are made from a black metal, with one set leading up and the other leading down. Two obsidian demonic figures rest on the stair posts leading up. They have a scowling visage and seem as if they could come to life at any moment. A deep rumbling sound can be heard from the stairs leading down. To the west is the rest of the fortress courtyard.
A rather slippery staircase leads up from this dank hallway underneath the fortress. It appears everything here was carved from the mountain, so the walls are rough and uneven. Moisture drips from the ceiling and mold grows wherever it is warm and damp. A foul odor comes from the door to the west. To the east, a low rumbling can be heard behind a black iron door. The corridor continues to the south.
This is probably the nastiest room in the entire Bha'rin fortress. A massive pit has been dug here that serves as waste disposal. Everything from bodily wastes to the corpses of slain enemies and friends gets dumped in here. Directly above the pit, a series of holes acts as a latrine. The smell from the waste pit is almost overpowering and the sides of the pit are wet. There is an exit to the east.
A large furnace sits in the middle of this room. The stone walls are black and crusted from the smoke that comes from the furnace. The heat is almost too much and the flames look as if they could melt steel. On the side of the furnace, a forge for crafting weapons and armor sits unused. An iron pipe leads directly up from the furnace into what appears to be a stove. There is a door to the west.
The corridor ends here at a very stout wooden door. In front of the door is a small guard post used to ensure that no one gets in or out without permission. The air is very warm here, a result of the furnace chugging away nearby. Rats run up and down this stone corridor unchecked. The dungeon is very unkempt compared to the rest of the fortress. A set of stairs can be seen through the gloom to the north.
A row of barred doors range down this dark and filthy corridor. The windows on the doors have been boarded shut preventing anyone from looking inside. The floors and walls were carved roughly out of stone, making it very uneven and hazardous to traverse. Torches set in the wall have long since burned out, keeping this entire dungeon in utter darkness. A door to the north leads out while more cells await to the south.
This is a small, filthy cell that measures about ten feet by ten feet square. The walls and floor are carved from solid rock but were never smoothened, resulting in a lot of rough edges. The door to the cell is made from a black iron and the sole window has been boarded up. As a result, this cell is kept in constant darkness. The sound of rats squealing and scurrying around can be heard, it echoes throughout the area.
This is a small, filthy cell that measures about ten feet by ten feet square. The walls and floor are carved from solid rock but were never smoothened, resulting in a lot of rough edges. The door to the cell is made from a black iron and the sole window has been boarded up. As a result, this cell is kept in constant darkness. The sound of rats squealing and scurrying around can be heard, it echoes throughout the area.
The dungeon corridor ends here in a cell door while other cells line the walls. It is very dark here, as all the light sources have burned out. The uneven stone floor makes it hard to walk and all sorts of garbage litters the floor. The cell doors are made from thick iron, and seem too sturdy to knock down by force. More cells are to the north.
This is a small, filthy cell that measures about ten feet by ten feet square. The walls and floor are carved from solid rock but were never smoothened, resulting in a lot of rough edges. The door to the cell is made from a black iron and the sole window has been boarded up. As a result, this cell is kept in constant darkness. The sound of rats squealing and scurrying around can be heard, it echoes throughout the area.
This is a small, filthy cell that measures about ten feet by ten feet square. The walls and floor are carved from solid rock but were never smoothened, resulting in a lot of rough edges. The door to the cell is made from a black iron and the sole window has been boarded up. As a result, this cell is kept in constant darkness. The sound of rats squealing and scurrying around can be heard, it echoes throughout the area.
This is a small, filthy cell that measures about ten feet by ten feet square. The walls and floor are carved from solid rock but were never smoothened, resulting in a lot of rough edges. The door to the cell is made from a black iron and the sole window has been boarded up. As a result, this cell is kept in constant darkness. The sound of rats squealing and scurrying around can be heard, it echoes throughout the area.
A small stone platform here provides an eagle eye view of the courtyard below. A set of stone stairs leads down to the courtyard, which looks tiny from up here. Off in the distance, a series of mountain peaks concealing this fortress rise high into the sky. Two guard towers are located to the north and south. To the east, an archway leads into a grand hallway.
This circular guard tower is very sparse, containing nothing more than a couple of chairs and a table. The stone walls are worn and cracked from the passage of time. A spiral staircase leads up onto the fortress battlements, while an archway leads south to a stone platform.
There is almost nothing in this circular tower except for a chair and a broken table. Crossbow bolts are strewn all over the floor and several ballista bolts with their shafts snapped rest in one corner. A spiraling staircase leads up to the battlements, while the northern archway leads to a platform overlooking the courtyard.
This is a grand hallway whose ceiling is much higher than the rest of this fortress. The floor is carpeted and the walls are decorated with tapestries. The tapestries depict many evil and chaotic acts, such as a young elven woman being sacrificed on an altar and a human castle being set on fire. There is an unexplainable chill which can be felt throughout here. There are doors to the north, east, and south while an archway to the west leads towards the courtyard and a set of stairs.
A large desk sits in the middle of this comfortable looking room. It is covered in various papers and maps. To the east, a closed iron door is set into the wall. In the northern wall an open window provides a view of the outside mountains, as well as the path leading up to this stronghold.
Statues line this large room on the north and south walls, each depicting a demonic form in various poses. Most of the statues are carved from granite or stone, although some are made from pure gold. A large set of double doors lies to the east, there are many small etchings and glyphs on them. On either side of the doors is a small pedestal which is used as guard posts for castles. The only other exit from this room is to the west.
A massive throne sits in the center of this room, carved from solid granite and adorned with various visages. A pair of stone gargoyles sit on the armrests. A large carpet made from the hide of some unknown animal forms a path from the double doors to the west, all the way to the throne. The carpet is stained with dried blood and the stench of death rises up from it. The northern wall has a large window in it which gives a wonderful view overlooking the fortress.
This room passes off as a bedroom to the Bha'rin, although it is nothing like what one would expect. A stone slab in the center serves as a bed. It is completely bare and stained with blood. On the wall, a rack of spears is mounted and firmly attached. Several small jars rest on a block of obsidian next to the bed, they are filled with a pungent liquid. An archway to the east leads to a more elegant looking room.
An archway to the west marks the only entrance to this elegant looking bedroom. Tapestries cover the stone walls, each depicting scenes of wantonness and cruelty too horrible to describe. The carpet covers the entire chamber and is made from the soft brown fur of some large creature. An alcove in the corner burns nearly out of control. A pipe runs below it all the way to the furnace. The bed is still essentially a stone slab, although it is covered in several black satin sheets, a few drops of blood still stain them.
Carved deep into the mountain, this rocky tunnel extends north and south. A door is set into the northern end of this tunnel. The floor and walls are very uneven, as if it were dug in a hurry. A door has been set into the eastern wall with a symbol of a crescent moon on it. The tunnel continues south where two more doors can be seen.
This rock tunnel has been cut right out of the mountain and the roughness of the walls and ceiling seem to indicate it was done by hand. The tunnel ends abruptly to the south in a door while another door is set flush into the eastern wall. There is absolutely no light and the air is very chilling.
More decorated than most, this room appears to serve as an unholy shrine to some dark god. Various symbols have been drawn in blood on the walls and a large altar rests in the middle of the room. The altar is large enough to fit a human sacrifice and, considering the restraints on the side, that is likely one of its functions. A pair of candles are mounted on stands on either side of the altar, they are burning and emit a sweet sickly odor. A door to the north leads out into a rock tunnel.
Rows of beakers and bottles line the shelves of this room, which appears to have been carved from the mountain itself. The walls are very uneven so the shelves have been arranged in some unusual ways. A large obsidian table stands in the center filled with various instruments. In one corner, a large frog-like creature is in a rack, apparently it has been dissected. A soft bubbling sound can be heard as liquids bubble through glass pipes. There is a cabinet in one wall, but all its contents have been flung on to the ground in a fit. Broken glass lies all around.
This sparse room contains very little of value except a small table in one corner. The broken remnants of several figurines are strewn all over the table, apparently they shattered while being created. Most striking of all, however, is the large pentagram drawn on the floor in a glowing ink. Waves of heat can be felt coming from the pentagram. The walls are blackened from being scorched by some great heat, including the door leading out to the west.
Stepping through the portal, you find yourself appearing right in the middle of a swarm of demons! The sky is blood red and volcanoes can be seen erupting in the distance of this hellish plane. Waves of heat sweep by, making everything seem blurry. All of a sudden, hundreds of eyes focus their attention on the intruders to their home. As the swarm descends upon you and rips you to shreds, you remind yourself not to enter suspicious looking portals in your next incarnation.
The top of the guard tower exits on to the battlements which extend high above the fortress, giving an overview of the surrounding area. Several large ballistas and crossbows are mounted here to serve as aerial defense against invaders. The wind has picked up a bit and care must be taken to avoid falling to a gruesome death. To the east, a huge mountain side blocks any further movement, it also acts as a natural barrier.
A narrow stone walkway serves as the only path among the battlements high above the fortress. The stone is old and weathered, a tribute to how long this stronghold has stood. All along the walls, a wide variety of missile weapons are firmly bolted. Small pots rest along the path. They are filled with oil and intended to be dropped on any intruders. The mountainside forms the eastern wall up here and is impenetrable.
The top of the guard tower exits on to the battlements which extend high above the fortress, giving an overview of the surrounding area. Several large ballistas and crossbows are mounted here to serve as aerial defense against invaders. A huge mountain acts as a barrier to the east while a path to the north leads along the battlements to the northwest tower.
Amazingly, a cool, clear river runs through this area in a north to south direction! Could it be possible that there are areas of this world which haven't suffered the calamity that befell it? But the river is very real, and it looks cool and refreshing. The source of the river is apparently a massive glacier situated on the land far to the north. It is hardly visible as the sunlight glares off of the icy surface. A small, grassy bank sits off of the eastern edge of the river while a path leads straight into the mountains to the east.
This fast flowing river runs straight through this narrow rock valley. Small fish can be seen swimming here. The sides of the valley rise high above, making it impossible to climb or fly over it. Small eddies and whirlpools form as the river rushes into small obstacles in the water. The river continues south while a small bank lies right to the east.
The rock walls seem to lower as the river continues through this area. Water splashes up on the side as the rocks in the river create a small set of rapids, though they are still manageable for a swimmer. On the western edge, a small ledge in the wall has been dug out and a path extends westwards from the ledge. The river takes a small dive and continues southwards.
A loud, roaring sound echoes throughout the valley here as the river ends into a waterfall! The waterfall is only a few feet high so the chances of being killed are minimal. It dumps into a pool of water which has collected here in this former crater. Small bits of ice float around, which attest to its origin in the glacier to the north. A thin mist hovers over the water as the air is cool and very moist. The canyon walls rise high above in all directions, with the waterfall being the only exit from here.
This is a short path that has been cleared of any obstructions, including rocks and trees. To the east, the path leads towards a precarious looking ledge overlooking a fast flowing river. To the west, a large, grassy plain can be seen, it is a sharp contrast to the desolate wasteland that lies on the other side of the mountains. A series of roughly constructed tents and buildings dot the plain, many figures can be seen walking throughout. A trail leads down to the plain to the west.
A series of woodworks and natural barriers act as a perimeter for this area. They protect the tents and other buildings from natural weather or enemy attacks. Knights of the kingdom of Alnor patrol throughout, maintaining a constant vigilance. The grass has been worn out along the perimeter path from the constant walking and trampling. The path leads north and south while an open gate to the east leads out and up onto a rock path.
The perimeter path continues on a north and south direction as it passes around the main tents of the Alnor encampment. The mountain ranges many signs of being heavily used by soldiers and knights. Their barriers against invasion or weather. The entrance to the camp is to the south while to the north the perimeter takes a sharp turn.
A large mountain to the north forces the perimeter path to turn west along the edge of the encampment. This part grass, part mud path shows many signs of being heavily used by soldiers and knights, their footprints leave marks all over the place. A series of tents can be seen to the west, including one much larger than the rest.
The path here is almost turned into mush as heavy travelling has worn down the grass and exposed the dirt underneath. It passes past two tents, one to the north and one to the south. Loud banging sounds and blasts of hot air come out of the northern tent. A large red cross sign is painted on the tent to the south and a glimpse inside shows rows of beds, some with people on them, others empty. The perimeter continues to the west and east.
This tent serves as the Alnor infirmary and hospital, where those wounded in battle or otherwise are taken to be treated. Beds line up and down the sides of this large tent and most are filled with wounded soldiers. The grass floor is soaked in blood and the cries of the hurt fill the air. The exit is to the north while in the back to the south, another set of beds can be seen.
The rear of the infirmary is very quiet, as opposed to the rest of the tent. This is most likely the fact that the most critically wounded patients are taken back here, and they are either comatose or too severely wounded to scream. On a table nearby are several crude surgical tools, ranging from a scalpel to an amputating saw. To the north lies the rest of this makeshift hospital.
A blast of hot air blows out the front entrance to this tent. Inside, a small forge and anvil has been set up in the center. On a table nearby are a pile of swords and breastplates, some in good condition, others badly damaged. Clouds of steam rise up from a barrel that is sitting near the anvil. Presumably it is used to cool metals before forging them into armor. To the north, a flap covers a small area in the back of the tent.
The back of the blacksmith's tent has been turned into a small armory, judging by the amount of weaponry stored here. Racks of swords and spears line the tent walls, and breastplates are lying all over the floor. It is much dimmer and cooler in here than next to the smithy forge. Unfortunately, most of the equipment here has either been unfinished or is slated for melting into something else. The only exit is south.
A light forest to the west marks the end of the Alnor perimeter path. The trees are short but very wide at its base. They are unlike most trees in that form. The leaves are cone shaped and a luscious green, as if they stayed that way in spite of the weather. A small path leads into the forest, winding amongst the trees. To the south, a very large tent has been constructed. A flag with the emblem of a lion head and two crossed swords seems to signify someone important residing in there.
It is very cool inside this very large tent, as if something were keeping it at a comfortable temperature. The tent walls here are reinforced with an iron framework, and a tingling feeling in the air would indicate the frame is more than meets the eye. Several chairs have been placed on the side next to a table containing several chalices and bottles of wine. A canvas flap to the south leads to another part of the tent while north heads back out to the perimeter.
A large throne has been placed in the back of this large and comfortable tent. It is made from stone and silver and is inscribed with the emblem of the Alnor royalty, a lion's head with two crossed swords. A table has been placed in front of the throne. It is stacked with various papers regarding everything from food supply to the latest troop movements. An energy field that prevents teleportation magics from functioning can be felt in this room. There is an exit north back out into the Alnor encampment.
This narrow path twists and turns through the trees which make up this small forest. It is very cool here as the tree tops block out the blistering heat from the suns. Small insects and arthropods can be seen among the trees and on the ground. However, there are no large animals, such as squirrels or bears, in sight. There is a clearing open to the west while the path to the east leads back to the Alnor camp.
A large section of this small forest has been cleared to form a circle about thirty feet in diameter. The remaining stumps have several axe marks on them, indicating they were cut down to be used for wood. There is a very peaceful aura in this clearing, although the lack of major wildlife is disturbing. High above, the mountain walls shelter this small area from storms. The soil is moist and the trees look healthy, so a good amount of rain must fall here. The only exit out of here is a path to the east.
This perimeter path is surrounded by ditches to the east and a series of wooden barriers to the west. They protect this encampment from invasion or other disasters. The grassy plain has been worn out as hundreds of knights have walked on it. The path continues to the south where it takes a turn to the west.
Large hills to the south and east rise high up from the ground to mark the corner of the Alnor camp. The slope and height of the hills make them valuable as a barrier to the outside. The grassy path is heavily used, the dirt almost turned into mud with the number of footprints embedded in the ground. The path continues north to the entrance while two large tents are further down the path to the west.
The perimeter trail thins out slightly as it approaches a large mountain off to the west. A large tent to the north appears to have been constructed as a makeshift temple. A holy symbol is written above the entrance and the sounds of chanting can be heard within. An even larger tent lies to the south, and there are many rows of beds inside, suggesting it is used as some sort of housing or barracks.
A small altar stands in the middle of this quickly constructed temple. Small holy effects have been placed on top of the altar and two burning candles fill the tent with a thin cloud of smoke. Several wooden benches have been placed in rows before the altar, they are all empty at the moment. It is not a coincidence that the temple was built right next to the hospital, for several clerical symbols used in the resurrection process have been stacked on a table in the far corner. The only exit from the temple is south back to the perimeter path.
Rows of wooden beds covered with cloth fill this large tent. Some of them have been double stacked in order to provide more room for the soldiers who live here. All sorts of equipment has been left here next to the beds, presumably they are personal items. This is probably the largest tent in the entire encampment. A flap to the north provides the only exit from here while the tent continues to the south.
This area of the tent is densely packed with rough-looking wooden beds. One corner of the barracks has been set aside and is filled with all sorts of food and drinks. Piles of bread and cured meat rest on a table and several waterskins are underneath the table. Though the conditions here are cramped at best, the place is relatively clean and free from vermin and infestation. To the east, an area of the barracks is blocked off with a canvas.
Wartime brings few luxuries, and these officer quarters are no exception. While in many armies the higher ranking soldiers get good accommodations, the beds here used by the officers are no better than those used by the other soldiers. A small table in the center contains some fresh bread and meat as well as a couple of bottles of wine. The canvas flap provides a degree of privacy, although it does not block out sound. All of the beds are empty at the moment.
This trail leads in a west and east direction as it continues throughout the Alnor encampment. The path is more rocky and less grassy as it reaches the edge of the perimeter and heads towards a large mountain to the west. The air is cool here, and a thin mist covers everything. The path continues on into the mountains to the west and heads back towards the camp to the east.
The grassy path which winds around the Alnor encampment ends here as a very large mountain stands in its way. Rocks are littered all over the place and the air is starting to get downright chilly. Up above, a path leading up the mountain has been cleared which leads to some kind of watch post. Even more interesting is the tunnel leading down into the earth which is large enough to accommodate a person.
This watch post consists of a flat area several feet high above the ground. From here, the post gives a view of the entire encampment below, as well as the area leading up to this grassy plain. The river formed from the glacier can also be seen, as well as a small part of the wasteland. This area is an ideal place to use a watch post since it gives a view of everything within a mile, perfect for spotting enemy attacks. The mountain slope becomes very steep from here, making it impossible to climb higher.
Carved from the very ground which forms this land, a tunnel leads straight down into the bowels of the earth. Several steps have been dug by the entrance to the tunnel leading up above ground. Torches set in the walls provide a dim light and a view of the tunnel leading westwards. The air is cold and dry here, as little sunlight reaches the tunnel.
A large underground tunnel travels in a west-east direction as it continues deeper into the earth. One can feel a slight declination in the slope towards the west. Torches are mounted on the walls and provide a bit of light with which to see. A smaller tunnel branches off to the south, leading to a small rock chamber.
This small chamber measures about ten feet in every dimension. The walls are very smooth and fine and obviously could not have been dug by hand with such precision. A small campfire has been placed in the middle of this chamber; it burns brightly, casting a warm glow on this room. The top of the chamber is covered with smoke from the fire, and the tunnel north leading out of here is the only source of air which keeps the inhabitants from suffocating.
Silence fills the air as this underground tunnel lies deep under the surface. Small torches set in the walls provide the only illumination in this rocky passage. Stones and rocks litter the area, making it easy to trip and fall on something. To the west, the tunnel appears to reach a junction, branching off into several directions. The ceiling here is held up by a set of black metal beams. The rock appears to have been intentionally weakened so that if the beams were removed, the whole place would collapse.
A series of interconnecting tunnels and chambers have served as the home of the Alnor people for years now, ever since the destruction of their homeland. The torches on the tunnel sides provide a glimpse of the nomadic and harsh life the Alnor lead now. Food is plentiful, only because those above bring in a constant supply, but someday their stockpiles will run out. The most deadly threat, however, is that one day the demons invading their home will discover this place and enslave the population, or worse.
Two different corridors intersect here to form a crossroads. Each one looks exactly the same, perfectly carved from the ice with no scratches or imperfections. It would be impossible for a person to carve the ice with such precision. The air is dry and cold, almost sterile since it would seem no one has been here in a long time. Hallways lead off in all directions.
Silence fills the air as this corridor forms a path through the massive glacier. The walls are formed from solid ice and they are almost transparent. Only solid ice can be seen in every direction, it's as if the glacier were immensely large. To the west, the corridor junctions with another one heading in a north and south direction, while a northern passage leads deeper into the glacier.
This corridor, measuring ten feet square, has been carved out of the ice in such a precise manner that the walls are perfectly smooth. There are no ice chips or shavings which would indicate a mundane procedure was used. It is quite possible some sort of magic was used to form the corridor. There are passages leading to the south and east, each looking exactly the same.
A glacier corridor carved right out of the ice leads off in two directions, to the west and the south. The most remarkable feature about these corridors is the lack of features, they are perfectly carved from the ice with no distinctive features at all. The walls are transparent but only show nothing but more ice.
This corridor branches off to the east and south as each continues deep into the glacier. A sense of direction or even time is difficult to keep as everything looks and feels exactly the same. The walls, floor, and ceiling are completely featureless. An archway has been carved out to the east where it leads into a large chamber.
A passage from the west opens up into this large open chamber deep within this mysterious glacier. The chamber is circular and large enough to fit a dragon. Small bits of ice are scattered all over the floor. On the far wall, someone or something has etched a snowflake symbol in the wall using a glowing blue ink. The air in here is extremely chilly, even for being deep within a huge block of ice. The archway to the west provides the only exit.
This corridor heads in what feels like a north and south direction, it is impossible to determine exactly which direction it is deep within the glacier. There are absolutely no features or landmarks which can be used to determine location or even time, it is all the same. To the north, the corridor intersects perpendicularly with another corridor, while to the south the corridor continues and makes a turn to the west.
Nothing but ice encases everything as this corridor forges a path through the glacier. The air is very dry and cold here from the surrounding glacial ice. The absence of features makes it difficult to make anything out besides the transparent ice. To the north, the corridor continues as far as the eye can see while the corridor makes a sharp turn to the west.
The icy corridor in this area has begun to melt, most likely from its proximity to the surface and the suns. Pools of water fill the corridor as the very walls turn into slush and water. As a result, this area of the glacier is greatly weakened -- the western wall looks particularly fragile and it may be possible to push through it, providing an exit from this icy prison. The corridor continues to the south where even more melting has occurred.
Water fills the area as heat from the suns on this world beat down here and melt the glacial ice at a fantastic rate. The walls in some spots are almost completely melted, producing gaping holes. As a result, this corridor has greatly expanded in height and width. Various dark forms and blobs can be made out in the walls, the ones closer to the corridor appear to be creatures trapped within the ice! The only other exit is to the north.
Suddenly, the western wall gives way and you fall through! Blinding light seems to be everywhere and, after some adjustment, the light can be made out from sunlight reflecting off of the surface of the glacier. The smell of fresh air fills your nose as the open sky stretches in all directions. Looking around, the wall provided a passage to the very top of the glacier. All of a sudden, a crashing noise fills the air, as the wall which led here collapses in on itself. The only path now is to slide down the glacier to the icy path below.
This corridor runs in an east and west direction deep within the glacier. To the east, the corridor intersects with another one running perpendicularly to this corridor. A thin layer of mist fills the corridor, it is filled with small ice crystals which sting when inhaled. A large open chamber can be seen through the mist to the west, the corridor ends there.
The southeastern part of this large chamber is filled with sharp spikes of ice hanging down from the ceiling. Those stalactites have been forming for centuries, one drop at a time as water droplets melt and impurities form the core of the pillars. They look as if they could drop at any moment, but that would require a massive force to do so. To the west, an icy tomb sits on the ground while to the north an icy corridor connects with this chamber.
A large tomb sits in the center of this chamber, frozen solid from the many years buried within the glacier. Various snowflake designs cover the lid of the stone coffin. This area is free of the stalactites and stalagmites which dot the rest of this room. The walls are covered in scratch marks and dried blood which has been preserved by the extreme cold. A corridor lies to the northeast leading out of the chamber while spikes of ice are to the direct east and north.
The floor of this corner of the chamber is filled with very large and sharp stalagmites which rise out of the ground like a mountain peak. Years of collecting water and other minerals have caused these miniature peaks to form. They are so densely packed that it is very difficult to maneuver quickly through. To the east, a corridor leads out of the chamber and a tomb can be seen to the south.
A corridor deep within this glacier runs in a north and south direction, with an intersection being visible to the south. The walls are completely bare, with nothing but ice to mark their existence. The air is very cold here, but a lack of wind lessens the effect on creatures. It is impossible to get a complete sense of direction but something large sits in the corridor to the north.
This corridor seems to continue forever as its featurelessness gives a feeling of wandering aimlessly. However, the solid ice walls of the corridor suddenly widen out as an enormous door of ice lies to the far north. The temperature is slightly warmer here and a strange indentation can be seen in the west wall. The corridor continues north towards the door and south back towards an intersection.
This small room looks as if it hasn't been used in centuries. The air is very cold and stale and a rush of air comes in from the secret doorway. The walls are carved from solid ice and there is almost nothing of value in here. The doorway to the east is the only exit from here.
A massive door seems to spring out of nowhere as this icy hallway abruptly is blocked by it. The door appears to be several feet tall as well as thick. A large snowflake symbol has been drawn on the door, it glows with a dim blue light. There are no visible handles or key holes on the door, but it would appear that the opening mechanism for this door is not entirely physical in nature. To the south, a corridor leads back into the glacier.
An enormous ice throne sits in the middle of this vast chamber. The walls appear to encircle a huge area and the ceiling is so high it is lost in the thin layer of mist which fills this room. The air is very cold here, as if something were sustaining its low temperature. A large snowflake has been drawn on the western wall, it seems to pulse and glow. Sounds are echoed throughout this chamber because of its size. The throne itself is over fifteen feet tall and carved from a block of ice. Small snowflake symbols have been etched in the throne as well. A massive door to the south provides the only exit.
This small room is about the size of a ten foot cube and is sturdily built. The only entrance to this room is the doorway which appeared when the snowflake symbol on the throne room wall was activated. Objects of all shapes and sizes litter this room, but the coldness has destroyed or withered all of them.