194 rooms · levels 50–51
This large hall takes your breath away. The walls of the room seem to be carved from solid obsidian, giving the room a dark, black background. A huge onyx throne with a high back is placed in the back of the room. Intricate carvings on the throne seem to crawl up the arm rests and up the sides, converging on the top-most point of the chair. Shadows without sources spring from nowhere, playing about the walls and dancing about the room. Darkness overwhelms the room, but it is not the darkness of evil... This is the darkness of night, and of mystery, and of whispered secrets. This is the home of the Lord of Shadows.
The dark, foreboding path leads north toward a strange, evil-looking castle. There are many signs of a recent battle, and it looks as though there may still be fighting going on inside the keep. As you stare up at the eternally nighttime sky of Hades, a large winged form swoops high overhead and back to the top spire of the castle.
More signs of an attack are evident here. Blood stains the road in dark reddish pools, and the rocks and plains about look blasted and broken. Suddenly there is an evil laugh, and a scream from somewhere. Perhaps this is not a very good place to be.
As the dark path nears the castle, a sense of danger and foreboding fills the air. The road south, away from this foul place seems inviting and would probably be the best choice. Continuing north is the drawbridge of the huge keep. No more can you hear the sounds of battle and death and unseen things screaming... everything is deathly quiet.
A path runs west along the perimeter of the castle, and east toward the drawbridge. The castle walls loom high above, looking solid and impassable. The only way in seems to be right through the front gates.
The huge drawbridge is down, providing a view of the grand gates of this strange castle to the north. The dark road south leads away from this dark keep. The tall castle walls run east and west, and there is a path around them you could follow.
A path runs east along the high castle walls, and west toward the drawbridge and main gates. All around are more signs of the siege on the keep, and it looks as though the defenders were badly beaten. Perhaps those who make their home in Hades do not expect it to be attacked.
The huge, dark castle looms imposingly above you, threatening whomever would dare enter it. The gates seem to have been hastily rebuilt after being destroyed in the siege on the castle, but are still sturdy and locked tight.
A large sign, written with blood, has been posted by the gate.
The huge elegant hall retains a feel of beauty, or at the least a reminder that it was very recently. Smashed furniture and blood are still left from the attack on the castle. Wide halls run west, north and east into the different areas of the keep.
A long dark hallway leads west toward the west wing of the castle. Apparently much of the fighting of the recent siege took place in this area, as there are many signs of battle. Although sparsely furnished to begin with, what was here has been reduced to scraps and splinters. The hall leads east back toward the entrance.
Even more signs of a struggle are evident in this section of the west wing hallway. Furniture lies smashed and broken, and the only artwork that adorns these walls are the stains of blood. To the west there is a large room, and east leads back to the entrance.
This huge room is all but destroyed. What was probably once a well decorated area is now a recent battlefield. Almost everything here is destroyed, and blood seems to paint the walls. As you look at one particularly large pool of blood, you wonder what kind of wound would make a person bleed so much...
This was once a checkpoint in the castle, a spot where guards could easily keep watch over a good part of this wing from one vantage point. The desk that once sat here is smashed and broken on the floor, and the guard is nowhere to be seen.
This small enclosed hallway runs west of the large room of the west wing, and turns north up ahead. The stones of the floor are worn down, obviously a sign that this corridor has seen much use.
The small dark corridor bends once again, south toward the main area of the west wing, and west toward what appears to be a stairway. The ground here shows signs of very heavy use, perhaps it would be best to move to a less frequented area.
The corridor ends here, stopping at the bottom of a large stone stairway that leads into the southwest tower of Shadow Keep. The corridor leads east into the west wing of the castle. Many voices and footfalls can be heard on the floor above you.
A long hallway leads north and south through the west wing here. It is made for use and not decoration, and is for the most part very plain. South leads into a large, destroyed room. To the north all that can be seen is darkness.
Walls of dark stone are the only scenery in this long hall. The floor is well worn, a sign of heavy use. North and south are both blanketed in darkness and shadows, making it hard to tell where the hall leads.
The long, dark, stone hallway ends here, leading south back toward the main area of the west wing. West is a small doorway leading to a darkened room. A large stone stairway can barely be seen through the darkness in that direction.
A very large stairway constructed of stones similar to that of the walls and floor begins here, leading up towards the northwest tower of Shadow Keep. A darkened hallway to your east leads back to the west wing. Muffled sounds float down from above, they sound like music and singing.
The hallway opens up eastwards into the east wing of Shadow Keep, and west toward the entrance of the castle. The attack on the keep is apparent here, where blood and smashed furniture are strewn about. Shadows from unseen sources of light dance about the walls.
This long corridor leads east and west through the east wing of the castle. A few spots in the hall show signs of battle, but for the most part this area remains unaffected. East is the rest of the east wing, and west leads back toward the entrance.
This is a large receiving hall, positioned in the center of the east wing of the keep. Beautiful tapestries and royal banners line the walls, and elegant furniture is set up around the room. A small room, apparently a guard post, is set in the south wall. North is another long hall, and a small doorway opens into a corridor east.
This small room provides a good view of most of the east wing, making an excellent guard post. The chair that stood here has been smashed, and drops of blood sprinkle the floor. Apparently no guard stands post here any longer, he was slain in the siege. North leads back into the receiving chamber of the east wing.
A small twisting corridor leads east away from the receiving hall of the east wing, turning north up ahead and turning once again, making it hard to tell which way it leads. Darkness creeps about the walls, and something seems wrong here.
A long hallway leads north and south through the east wing here, north to some unseen destination and south into a large receiving hall. The elegant decorations of most of the keep are absent, and the dark stone walls and floor are far from comforting.
The small dark passage turns once again here, east toward the end of the darkened hall, and south back along the twisting corridor to the east wing. Everything is deathly quiet.
Here the corridor ends, stopping in front of a large stone stairway. The steps leading up to the southeast tower don't look like they've seen much use. The shadowy hall leads back west toward the east wing. This area seems very quiet for some reason.
The long hall continues north and south along this part of the east wing of the castle. Each direction seems to end in darkness, making it hard to tell where either direction leads.
The long dark hallway ends here, and leads southward for a sizable distance. To the east is a small doorway, and the bottom of a stone staircase can be seen in the shadows beyond.
A large stone stairway begins here, leading up into the northeast tower of the keep. A thick coat of dust covers most of the stonework in this area, but recent footprints have been left on the stairs in the dirt. Apparently two people were dragging something, or someone, up these stairs and into the tower.
This small dark hallway leads south toward the entrance of the keep, and north it opens up into a huge grand hall. Torches in sconces line the walls unevenly, creating many shadows and darkened corners.
The grand hall splits here, with halls running east and west, and the way out of the keep to the south. This hall is elegant and well-furnished, despite the recent battle. The carpets, paintings, and statues are worthy of royalty. Torches are placed in odd positions along the hall, creating many dark areas and hiding spots.
Whoever oversaw the decoration of this castle certainly had odd taste in artwork. Although the various statues of beast and man are well made and pleasing to the eye, their expressions seem almost alive. Never before has a statue's leer made you shiver like this twisted stonework.
The elegant hallway bends here, turning north to a long hallway and west to the entrance of the grand hall. There are many suits of armor and sculptures along the walls, providing excellent hiding spots.
This splendorous section of hallway is elegantly decorated with tapestries and banners. Black and red are obviously the favored colors of the master of the castle, as they are used none too sparingly in the decoration. The ensconced torches are set up in a very odd way: their purpose seems not to provide light, but to create more shadows.
This small room is very plain compared to the rest of the grand hall. A heavy, carved staircase leads up into the inner keep, the very heart of the castle. There is no way to tell what evils lie beyond those foreboding steps.
Plush red carpet lines this long hallway in the center of the keep. Paintings of long-dead heroes and villains alike line the walls. The darkness of the hall is rather eerie, and you have the strange sensation of being watched.
Statues, paintings, and other various pieces of ancient art line the hall in this section of the grand hall. A portrait of some long dead king seems to follow you with its gaze, and you could have sworn that gargoyle statue was in a different position a second ago. Old, dark evil seems to haunt this place.
This large, well-furnished room seems to have been a receiving room at one time. Large murals and decorative banners adorn the walls, and plush red carpet lines the floor. No court is being held here any longer, however, and the room is showing signs of neglect. The grand hall continues to the east and west, and to your south is the bottom of a staircase leading to the inner keep. North is a small dead-end room, but a stairway leading down can be seen.
Unlike the rest of the grand hall, the recent battle has taken its toll on the area. Smashed furniture and blood stains adorn the floor and walls. A marble statue of a tall cloaked figure, most likely Mask, stands beheaded and defaced among the rubble.
This small dark room's only purpose seems to be to house the stairway that leads down underground, below Shadow Keep. The staircase looks very old, and the smell of dust creeps up from below. Strange, muffled sounds can be heard from below... screams?
The path turns here, following the castle walls north and east where they make a corner. The high walls are solid and well built, and apparently there isn't any other way in besides the front gate.
The trail around the walls of the stronghold continues on, following the perimeter north and south here. To the south the path turns east along the front of the keep, and to the north is the base of the southwest tower.
The trail outside the perimeter, near the castle walls, goes right next to the base of the southwest tower here. The top of the tower seems to be crumbling, and there is rubble strewn about the ground here. The path leads west and south from here.
Another corner in the castle wall forces the path to turn again here, east towards the base of the southwest tower and north along the western wall of the castle. To the north there is a large outcropping of rocks near the keep walls.
The trail here follows the outside walls of the castle, running north and south in this particular spot. The rocky wasteland of Hades spreads out in all directions, and a path can be seen running west through two large outcroppings of reddish stone.
The path around the perimeter makes a turn here, following the castle walls in their turn south and east at this corner. South of here is the westernmost wall of the keep, and to the east the base of the northwest tower can be seen.
The path along the castle walls meanders next to the base of the northwest tower here. In the windows high atop the tower, the outlines of people walking in front of torchlight can be seen, and the faint sound of music can be heard. The path along the perimeter of the castle heads north and west from here.
The castle walls make a few turns in this area, navigating around the northwest tower and connecting the northern and western walls of the keep. All around, only the wastelands and fiery lakes of Hades can be seen.
The path is forced to turn a few times in this area as it follows the boundaries of the castle walls around the north-western tower and the connection of the northern and western walls. A small mountain with a waterfall rises north of here.
The path here runs east and west along the northern wall of the castle. A small mountain looms to the north, with a huge roaring waterfall running down its side to the northeast.
The perimeter of the castle walls runs east and west here at the back of the castle. A small rocky mountain rises up to the north, and a huge waterfall roars down the jagged hillside, calming down into a river that flows east of here. The water from the waterfall steams and sizzles as if it were very hot.
The path turns here, west along the north wall of Shadow Keep, and south toward the eastern wall. A rocky mountain lies just to the north, and a roaring waterfall crashes down its side, slowing down into a river that runs east and west just north of here.
The high stone castle walls turn again here, north towards the intersection of the eastern and northern castle walls, and east to another set of turns around the northeast tower. A small mountain juts out of the ground to the north.
The castle walls turn often in this area, around the northeast tower to the south, and the connection of the north and east walls of the keep. Reddish rocky wasteland and fiery lakes is all that can be seen in the distance, under the eternal nighttime sky.
The small path outside the castle walls comes right below the northeast tower in this area. The top of the tower doesn't seem to have any windows, much like a tower cell. The path along the perimeter turns north and east here.
The path makes a sharp turn here, where the castle wall goes around the northeast tower, which is immediately to the west. The east wall of the keep runs south of here, with the trail faithfully following it. A small tower lies to the east.
The path along the perimeter continues, running north and south along the castle walls. The keep looms above like a great dark beast, watching everything around it with unseen stone eyes. There is a small path leading away from the castle wall to the east.
The trail makes a turn around a corner in the fortress walls, turning north along the eastern wall of the keep, and west towards the base of the southeast tower. To the north a small path turns east away from the castle, toward a small tower.
The southeast tower looms above the perimeter here, high above the ground. The top of this tower seems to be a battlement, and many evil-looking gargoyles seem to leer down at the path. The statues are extremely lifelike. The trail continues east and south along the castle walls.
The eastern wall of the castle runs north and south here, with the path around the perimeter closely flanking it. South of here the trail turns west along the south wall of the castle, and to the north the base of the southeast tower can be seen.
The path here follows the perimeter of the castle, outskirting the boundaries of the fortresses' walls. The trail turns north following the eastern wall toward the southeast tower, and to the west following the southern wall toward the front gates.
The roaring waters of the waterfall hide the cave behind it from view, but a rocky path leads around the falls right into the small cavern to the north. For some reason it is very very hot in this area, and it seems to get even more so to the north.
This small hot cave is very strange. Charred bones and various pieces of blackened weapons and armor litter the floor, some still smoldering. What is stranger still than the burnt objects are the walls and floor of the cave: they are smooth and polished like glass. On closer inspection it appears that the cave was dug from sand... but what could possibly be hot enough to melt sand into glass?
The dark, dirty northeast tower begins here, leading onward to the north, and with a stairway down to the rest of the keep. Dust coats the ground in the area, and the tracks of two people dragging something can be seen in the dirt.
This old, dust covered hall that runs north and south through the northeast tower hasn't seen much use in the last few centuries. The only signs of any recent use are the fresh set of footprints in the dust, and a scuffed trail made by something being dragged.
The long dusty corridor running north and south through the tower continues on. The tracks change here, with the footprints stepping in many directions and a large scuffed spot on the floor.. perhaps whatever they were dragging struggled here. The tracks resume up ahead, though, the prisoner was unsuccessful in getting away.
The old dusty hall in the northeast tower turns here, leading back down to the south, and with a bend in the hall to your east. The strange tracks left in the dust continue.
The long hallway ends here, turning south to a large staircase and winding west around the tower, back to the main keep. Whatever was being dragged stopped making a scuffed trail and walked here, leaving a third set of footprints and confirming it was someone and not something being dragged earlier.
This small room houses a staircase up to the top of the tower in this forgotten section of the castle. Three sets of footprints mar the dust on the steps on the way up, but only two lead down from it. Perhaps the top of the northeast tower is a prison...
A small trail veers off the main path that follows the boundaries of the keep here, turning north through the rocky wasteland toward a small tower that stands alone. Light shines through the windows at the top of the small tower, apparently it is inhabited.
The top of the northeast tower is a large prison cell with no windows, and chains and manacles attached to various parts of the walls. The walls are newly painted with a large mural of the sun setting low in the horizon over a small, innocent-looking town. The sunset mural is a constant reminder to the prisoner of one simple word... nightfall.
The twisting trail around boulders and outcroppings of rock stops here, at the base of a small tower that stands alone, near Shadow Keep. The entrance to the tower is to the north, and the path back to the vicinity of the keep lies to the south.
The southeast tower begins here, with a corridor that spirals at an uphill angle to the south. A stairway down leads into the main part of the keep. There are no sounds of inhabitants in this area at all, perhaps this tower is abandoned.
The corridor continues south here, at a slight incline to the south. Back to the north in the beginning of this dark tower, and up ahead to the south the corridor makes a turn. The absolute quiet of the tower is almost unnerving.
The dark hallway turns here, spiraling further on to the east, and north towards the bottom of the tower. Stone walls and floor is all that decorates this area, and it is apparently abandoned. Still the silence continues.
The dark spiraling hallway in the southeast tower continues, turning north to the east and west. The slight incline in the floor makes walking tiring, and the darkness and silence makes you feel very alone in the dismal castle.
The spiraling tower hall turns again here, onward to the top of the tower to the north, and back down to the bottom to the west. The complete lack of sound is starting to get maddening, hopefully it won't go on for much longer.
All that can be seen in this corridor are shadows and stone, but still worse: nothing can be heard. The maddening quiet persists, but the turns in the spiral pathway seem to be getting sharper... maybe this is near the top of the tower. The corridor turns west to the south and north.
The turns in the corridor are definitely getting sharper, and closer to the center of the tower as it goes higher. The dark hallway turns here, sloping downwards to the south, and inclining at an upwards angle to the west. Still no sounds can be heard.
The dark twisting hallway turns sharply here, continuing to the east, but stopping abruptly to the south. A stairway upwards is visible in the darkness to the south, and the smell of fresh air wafts in from that direction. Not a sound can be heard, be it squeak or roar, in this strange abandoned area.
The twisting inclined corridor through the body of the southeast tower ends here, leading back down to the north. A huge stone stair-case leads up to the very top of the tower, which seems to be an open battlement. Fresh air wafts in from above, and you can hear the sound of wind whistling past the tower top.
The room at the base of this tower is a small sitting room, with moderate decoration consisting of a few paintings and fine rugs. Some comfortable looking chairs and a small couch sit on the floor, and a spiral staircase leads up to the top of the tower. The way out of the tower is to the south.
The southeast tower's top is an open battlement, high above the rocky wasteland of Hades below. Many statues and gargoyles look over the edge, their purpose not only to leer menacingly at any attackers, but to provide a good spot for defending archers to stand behind. Some of these strange stone statues look almost alive. A stairway leads down to the main area of the tower.
A large staircase crafted of gray stone spirals up the cylindrical tower, around the edge. Though the steps are wide, there is no handrail and one must be careful when going up the stairs. Down the staircase, there is the base of the tower and exit, while upwards the tower-top awaits.
The top of the cylindrical tower is surrounded by walls, but no roof covers the night sky overhead, an odd way to construct a tower. A strange altar with images of tornadoes and lightning bolts sits against one wall, candles still alight. The spiral staircase down leads to the base of the tower.
Someone has made a poor attempt at hiding the path that runs between scattered formations of reddish rock in this area. Several sets of footprints have been left in the dirt, heading both east and west along the path. East leads back to the perimeter of Shadow Keep, and the path continues on to the west.
This is a small, clean office with a large desk and chair placed in the back, covered with various papers and notes, and a few books strewn about on it. The room is well-lit and cozy, and also contains a medium-sized bed in the corner. The room is definitely set up for someone who spends a lot of time here. A door lies to the north.
The dark hall comes to an end here, leading back west towards the cells and eventually to the way out of the dungeon. This area is much cleaner than the rest of the dungeon, and a small wooden door is set in the stone wall to the south.
An old, dusty staircase leads down into the dungeon of the keep from above. A long dirty hallway stretches out to the east, with cell doors lining each north and south wall. Some mumbling and screams can be heard... apparently there are 'guests' here.
A long and unkempt hallway opens out to the east. Strange torches line the hall, not seeming to ever burn any shorter. The area is well-lit, prisoners in a place like this can't be allowed any place they could hide. A cell door is on each wall to the north and south, and the up staircase is west.
This small dark cell is incredibly filthy, even for a dungeon. Feces, blood, and other unidentifiable and putrid smelling substances coat the floor and part of the walls. Dirt and grime cover every inch of stone in the room. How could anyone live in such conditions?
This is a small, cold, uncomfortable cell in the dungeon of Shadow Keep. No furniture is in the room, only a pile of straw for the prisoner to sleep on. There is no chamber pot or any-thing similar, and the room stinks of human waste. The only way out of here is the door to the north.
This cell looks as if there was an explosion in it. Charred stone blocks and rubble from the walls and roof litter what is left of the gray stone floor. Deep cuts that look like claw marks are hewn into the walls in some places... but what could possibly claw into granite?
The dismal hallway continues on to the east and west, passing sets of cell doors, two of which are to the north and south. Dirt and grime cake the floor and walls, cleanliness isn't necessary in a dungeon. The end of the cell doors is to the east.
This is a small, cold, uncomfortable cell in the dungeon of Shadow Keep. No furniture is in the room, only a pile of straw for the prisoner to sleep on. There is no chamber pot or any-thing similar, and the room stinks of human waste. The only way out of here is the door to the north.
This is a small, cold, uncomfortable cell in the dungeon of Shadow Keep. No furniture is in the room, only a pile of straw for the prisoner to sleep on. There is no chamber pot or any-thing similar, and the room stinks of human waste. The only way out of here is the door to the south.
The last set of cells flank this part of the hallway to the north and south. The hall continues to the east, though, turning south far ahead. Cries of anger, frustration, and pain can be faintly heard from random areas of the dungeon, and what sounds like a woman crying can be heard from behind the southern cell door.
This cell is very much unlike the others. The small stone room is clean, and lacks the stench of human waste the other cells so repugnantly contain. There is a bench in one corner, and a small cot on the other side of the room. Considering the state of the rest of the dungeon, the inhabitant of this cell is being treated well. The cell door is on the north wall.
The dirty dungeon hall continues eastward, turning ahead. Back to the west is the row of prison cells. The hall seems to get a little more clean to the east, and much more quiet.
This small, dark room is very nondescript. Apparently Nightfall spends little time here, preferring spending his days in his Throne Room.
Ridges and peaks of reddish hued rock rise up on all sides of this area, with a small trail weaving between them. Many footprints have been left in the dirt here, and they look very recent. East leads back towards the castle, and the path turns to the west.
The small path leading through the wasteland stops in front of a large boulder that rises out of the ground immediately to the west, turning south around it. The trail leads through the rocky area to the east, back towards the keep.
Reddish rock formations and boulders force the small path that runs between them to turn often in this area, making travel slow. North the path turns toward Shadow Keep, which can be seen in the distance, and west it weaves its way toward an unseen destination.
The twisting path that maneuvers its way through the wasteland of Hades nears its end here. To the north is a small camp, and many voices can be heard within. Eastwards the path makes its way around the desolate land of Hades, towards the keep in the distance.
This small encampment was hastily set up, and is very similar to a barracks used in times of war. A large campfire is set in the middle of the area, with a huge pot of stew cooking over it. A large sleeping tent lies to the west, and what looks like an infirmary tent is to the north. The twisting trail through the wasteland of Hades, back to Shadow Keep lies to the south.
This huge tent is rather like a room in a house, but for the canvas walls and ceiling. Cots line each wall of the tent and run down the center, and many bags and equipment is stored next to them. The exit back to the main area of camp is to the east.
A huge tent, much like a small house made of canvas, is erected here. Comfortable cots are set in rows throughout the large tent, and many wounded members of the Company of the Phoenix lie on the cots. The condition of the wounded range from simply unable to continue fighting, to dead. Clerics and healers make rounds of the infirmary, doing the best they can to revive their companions.
Screams and wails of tortured souls echo eerily all around the land, and an evil laugh rumbles from an unseen source every now and then from the distance. Here is the Devil's road, made of the skeletal remains of the souls condemned to stay here, that runs through a greater part of Hades. The road turns east and north here, around a lake of fire.
This small path leads down from the ridge of the mountain range to the south, towards the principal area of Hades. To the north the path continues on into the horizon. Strange, muffled moaning seems to emanate from the very stones of the road here.
The two fearsome main roads of Hades intersect here, creating an odd intersection. The Devil's road, made of the bones of the damned, leads here from the east, while the Way of Suffering, a road made from bricks composed of the souls of those condemned to stay here, leads in from the west. They connect here, creating an odd jumble of brick, pavement, and skeletal remains.. all of which seemingly alive and fully aware of their pitiable state. Southwards the road goes on, leaving the elements of the Way behind and continuing only as the Devil's road. It seems to lead to a cave mouth in the distance.
Quickly sloping hills leading to the top of the mountains and down their faces create this gigantic chasm, a huge pit in the northern area of Hades. The floor is composed of reddish rocks and boulders, as well as some skeletal remains of creatures that unfortunately fell to their doom. Up is the air above the chasm, and the floor of the ravine climbs away on either side.
The mountains to the west drop radically here, creating a deep dark chasm below. The bottom of the ravine, which starts here, slopes down to the east, making the bottom some distance that way from here. To the east the ravine stretches on across the land, and south of here is a section of the Devil's road.
The mountain range here drops out from below, forming a giant chasm so deep the bottom cannot be seen, only blackness. The chasm stretches out to the west and east, and to the north the ridge hides whatever lies on the other side of the mountain range. South of here lies the dreaded Way of Suffering, a long road in Hades.
The huge chasm that stretches east and west across this area of Hades ends here, sloping up to the west and leveling itself out with the majority of the wasteland. The bottom slopes drastically west and down, putting the bottom of the ravine to the west of here. In the air to the west the chasm continues into the distance.
Pillars and jets of flame dance about the air, having been shot up from the lava-filled pit below. Many bodies and souls writhe and twist in the lava, screaming in agony at their fate of being burned for eternity. The only way out of this area is to the south, toward more of the hellish wasteland of this unholy plane.
Music and singing can be heard from the halls and in rooms of this tower. The music is lively, and it sounds as though the people in the tower are celebrating something. South of here the tower continues on, and stairs lead down to the main floor of the keep.
This is a small but comfortable living area. The room lacks the royal air of the rest of the castle, and is instead decorated with strange folk art. Leatherwork and jewelry are displayed fashionably around the room. North is a down staircase, and the tower continues east.
Someone seems to have had a party in this room. Empty mugs and overturned chairs litter the floor, as well as many used dishes. A smoky haze from burned pipe tobacco still hangs in the air. The only exit lies to the east.
This is a small intersection in the northwest tower. A few small chairs are here, as well as some cabinets and tables, but for the most part it doesn't seem like anyone spends much time here. To the west is a very large room, while to the east is a wide staircase.
The strange northwest tower continues here, turning west and south. Music can still be heard from somewhere, it sounds like flutes, tambourines, and tiny bells. The odd decoration of the gypsies adorns the walls.
A long spiral staircase to the top of this tower begins here. Sounds of footsteps can be heard from above, and it sounds like there are two people talking. West the hall of the tower continues.
The skeletal road leads on throughout Hades, across the fiery wasteland. Screams of the tormented echo all across the land, and the reddish rocky ground stretches to the horizon. North of here there is a large mountain towers over the area, and the Devil's road turns south and east around a lake of fire to the southeast.
Large windows in the top of the tower provide a view of the land around the castle. The desolate wasteland of Hades is not what would be called beautiful, but the flames of the lakes of fire below the eternal night sky is at least impressive. A king size bed with thick black blankets rests on the floor, with an oak nightstand on each side. A down staircase leads back to the rest of the tower.
The frightening road crafted of the skeletal remains of those doomed to spend their afterlife in Hades stretches east and west here. To the north a huge mountain made of the same reddish stone as the wasteland of Hades looms above, and to the south a small fiery lake sends tongues of flame and smoke flying into the air.
This area of the castle is obviously in current use. A long decorated hallway stretches out from here and far to the north. Many voices and footfalls can be heard from various places on this floor. Stairs lead back down to the rest of the castle.
Either this hallway saw no battle, or it has been promptly redecorated, for it shows no signs of bloodshed nor struggle. A plush red carpet heads north and south through the hallway, and living areas can be seen to the east and west of the hall.
The elegant hallway of the southwest tower continues onward, south toward the down staircase and north along the hall, next to various rooms. West of here is more living space, and to the east is a large meeting hall, apparently with a meeting in session!
The elegant hallway nears its end here, almost reaching the other side of the tower. East of here a large, comfortable-looking room can be seen, and to the west there appears to be some sort of workshop. To the north a staircase to the top of the southwest tower can be seen, but rubble is strewn about the bottom of the staircase.
A small stone room houses the staircase leading to the top of this tower. Large pieces of rubble and debris are strewn about, and continue to fall down the steps from above every now and then. Perhaps this is not a safe place.
This small room is apparently an alchemist's workshop. Strange glass vials and tubes are filled with various colors of bubbling liquids. Cabinets and shelves full of beakers and bottles with labels in a language you cannot decipher line the walls. The room is far from clean.. any space that is not covered by the strange equipment or shelves is covered with piles upon piles of papers with notes and recipes on alchemy. A doorway leading back to the hallway lies to the east.
These sleeping quarters are unlike the others in the tower. While they have the same bunks lining the walls, the room is far from nondescript. An oak nightstand sits next to each of the bunks, which are draped with fine quilts and down pillows. A small library rests in the back of the room, and various paintings line the walls. The luxury here, absent in the other sleeping areas, suggests this is the lords'.
This room is a simple sleeping quarters, much like a barracks. A set of rows of bunks line each wall, with no other decoration or furniture than the dark stone walls.
Comfortable couches, chairs, and beds furnish this leisure room, providing a place to relax for the inhabitants of the castle. A sizable library is here, with several shelves full of books to provide some measure of entertainment. A dartboard is set up on one side of the room, as are other various forms of distraction.
This is a huge meeting hall, with a long oak table running from one side of the room to the other. Comfortable looking chairs flank the sides of the table, with a large high backed chair at the head. A portrait of a figure with long dark hair, a trim beard, black eyes, and a scar running from his cheek to the corner of his mouth is hung behind the head chair, and is probably a painting of Nightfall. A door to the west leads back to the elegant hall in the southwest tower.
This room is a simple sleeping quarters, much like a barracks. A set of rows of bunks line each wall, with no other furniture or decoration other than the dark stone walls of the castle.
The wicked road made of bones continues, turning around a small lake of fire to the southwest, leading west around it and south towards the gate of Hades. North of here the mountains drop, forming a large chasm. All around the reddish wastelands stretch on.
The roof of this tower has completely collapsed, as have most of the walls around it. The tower is crumbling even now, as large chunks of stone give in to the elements and break away from their foundations. Granite bricks crack and crumble and fall all about you, and as you are rethinking the wisdom in coming here, something heavy and hard strikes you in the back of the head. You begin to topple over the side of the tower, and merciful unconsciousness takes you before you plummet to your doom...
Via de la rosa, the way of suffering, a tortuous road that extends through a greater part of Hades begins here. This road seems to scream in agony, and the souls that the brick the road is crafted of can nearly be seen, wailing in mourning of their fate. South the road leads to the north arch of the gate of Hades, and east it turns toward a new area of the land, following its course through this unholy place. North leads off the Way towards a deep chasm in the mountain range.
A huge stone staircase begins here, spiraling upwards to the west toward some unseen destination. Downwards the stairs lead back to the grand hall, beckoning adventurers away from this evil place.
The spiral staircase stops here, with a set of steps leading straight up to the next floor of the inner keep. To the east the staircase spirals down into the depths, while unknown evils await trespassers upwards, in the heart of the keep.
This is the threshold of the inner keep of Shadow Keep, the center tower of the huge castle. There is no way to tell what lies ahead in the heart of this foul place. Down is the spiral staircase, leading away from this darkest of places. North is a large black curtain covering a large open doorway, and you can only guess at what is beyond it.
The ceiling and walls of this hallway are lined entirely by mirrors. Millions of reflections of yourself repeat over and over every way you turn, making you very dizzy and confused. The only way you don't see the reflections seem to be north and south, that must be the way the hall leads.
This huge shadowy room must have been used as the main receiving hall for the master of this castle. A long red carpet extends from the south end of the room to a large black chair to the north. The throne-like seat is decorated with the skulls of various creatures, from human to dragon... a reminder to whomever is in audience with the castle's master that the owner is a power to be respected. Behind the imposing chair is a set of double doors, most likely leading to the living area of the lord of the keep. East and west appear to be two guard posts, set up so the receiving hall can be well-guarded during court.
This appears to be a checkpoint, slowing down those who would press further. A first set of large double doors lie to the south, and to the north yet another door stands in the way. The hallway itself is small and decorated in black banners and carpeting.
A huge stairway made of dark stone leads north and up to the top of the tower. The banister of the staircase is intricately carved with spidery designs that seem to writhe up its length, and a thick black velvet carpet runs down the center of the steps. The hallway out of the keep lies to the south... it isn't too late to turn back.
The whole east wall of this room is open, providing a complete view of the receiving hall so that it can be guarded efficiently. Cold, dark stone is the only decoration in the guard post.. furniture or artwork could make the guards fall asleep, or distract them from their job. Right now the room looks empty, perhaps no guard is posted while court is not being held.
This small dark room has no wall to the west, opening up completely so the guards have a full view of the receiving hall. No furniture or decoration adorns this room.. the guards should neither get too comfortable nor distracted. Apparently no guards stand post here while court is not in session, for the room looks empty.
The top of the Keep provides a panoramic view of the rest of the castle. Large windows to your south, east, and west open above Shadow Keep and the plane of Hades beyond as far as the eye can see. The stairs lead back down into the Inner Keep, and north is a large opening into what seems to be a huge room at the topmost point of the Keep. An aura of dark power emanates from the entrance.
The top of this main tower is much larger in appearance than it looks from the outside. The room is so dark that you cannot see the walls, giving the sensation of being in a huge cavern. Shadows fill the room and seem to writhe and twist about as if they were alive. The ceiling is open, providing a view of the eternal night sky of Hades. The edges of the opening seem to be scraped and dulled as if something large has been using it as an exit.
This is the lesser road of Hades, made with bricks crafted of the souls of the condemned themselves. A low wailing emanates from the path creating an eerie chill in the air. The Way runs far to the south, through most of the eastern side of Hades, and westwards it turns into the gate of this hell. There is a small section of the rocky plains to the east, off the road, that looks travelable.
The terrifying road of souls spans the rocky landscape of Hades here, across the unholy wasteland. An irritating hot wind blows across the land, whispering a silent challenge to intruders. East the Way turns northwards, where it continues across a large area of this plane. West of here the Way intersects with the Devil's road, a greater path in Hades. Southwards a small beaten path away from the road intersects with a strip of the Devil's road.
A muffled moaning sound emanates from the road below, which is built from bricks made of the souls of the condemned. Every now and then it even seems that they can be seen, faces twisted in agony and torment. The Way turns here, heading north along one side of Hades and west far in the distance, where it meets with the Devil's road ahead.
As the road heads further to the south, everything grows much more quiet. The screams and wailing seem to die off into the distance, as if the condemned souls are inclined to avoid this place. The Devil's road continues to the east toward a cave, and turns north where it intersects with the Way of Suffering.
This odd broken path leads south toward the greater area of Hades, and north toward what seems to have been recently a battlefield. The road itself seems to moan softly, a frightening sound probably meant to divert those of weak will or power.
The wailing and cries of agony grow still more quiet as the road heads further south, towards the cave in the small range of hills to the south. The spirits seem to be avoiding this area. Westwards the road heads back toward the main section of Hades, and east it heads closer to the cave. North of here a small dirt path cuts across to a section of the Way of Suffering.
The evidence of fighting in the area comes close to resembling the results of a small scale war. The ground is blasted and mangled, and corpses in various conditions from mostly intact to blown to bits are strewn about the land. West the battlefield continues.
The land around was apparently the site of a recent battle. The ground is blasted and smoking from the aftermath of magical warfare, and broken weapons and corpses are scattered about the area. South of here the Path of Sorrows leads back to the central area of Hades, and to the east and west the battlefield continues on.
Heavy magical combat took place here recently. Patches of burned ground still smoke from the violent balls of flame thrown by powerful mages, and some spots are dissolved and sizzling from acid balls. The destroyed land continues to the east and north.
The horrible road of bones finally comes to an end here, stopping just in front of a large cave mouth in the red hills to the south. The area is almost completely silent, with the absence of the eerie wails of agony. Blasts of hot air shoot from the cave every now and then. West the Devil's road leads back to the main area of Hades.
A large melee must have taken place here, judging by the bits of broken weapons and armor. A few corpses lay strewn about, some in red and black raiment, while others are dressed in black and midnight blue. There seem to be more corpses in the red and black uniforms, apparently they didn't do very well in this battle. The large area of desolate destroyed land continues to the south and east.
This is the center of the large field, which was very obviously the site of a very recent battle. Bodies of those fallen in battle lie in various states all around: some piled in carts to be pulled away and buried, some yet undealt with. The stench of death is everywhere in the area, enough to make the strongest stomach sick. The great wasteland spreads out to the west, east, and north.
A road once ran through this area, now left as nothing but blasted and broken bits of concrete. Dark stains of fresh blood coat the rubble, and leave tracks on the ground, probably left by the bodies being dragged away. West is the center of the field, and north is a pit.
A large opening in the red hills here creates a large cave in the center of the mountains. The edges of the cave mouth look burnt and blasted, and extremely hot air bursts out of the cave at irregular intervals. South is a large area of the hot cave, and north the Devil's road leads on to the greater part of Hades.
The edges of this massive red cave are blackened and burnt, and the air is extremely hot and dry. A huge pit opens up in the center of the floor, leading down into the dark depths. The extreme heat seems to originate from this pit, and wisps of smoke waft up from below. The entrance to this cave is to the north.
This small hole was hastily dug, fairly recently. Fresh corpses have been tossed in unceremoniously, this is either a mass grave or the site of an upcoming funeral pyre. The awful stench of decaying flesh hangs in the air, relief is to the south.
The bodies of the dead have been carted away from this area of the battlefield, but blood still stains the ground in dark pools. Broken spears and shield lie among the blast marks created by wizardly warfare. The center of this grim place lies to the south, and the carnage-ridden landscape continues to the north.
The huge hole leads deep down into the heart of Hades, getting still more hot as it gets ever deeper. At the bottom of the black depths the rock itself is burning, sending long tongues of fire leaping high into the air. The heat from the pit is unbearable. Solace lies in the exit, up and away from this unholy place.
The ground here is littered with large slabs of broken concrete and rubble. Some of the sections look like they were part of a road, now destroyed in the recent battle. To the south the area that took the most damage from the melee lies, and the broken concrete and rubble come together a bit more and reform a road.
The blasted rubble to the west, destroyed in the battle that took place in the field to the south, isn't as badly damaged in this area. The fighting seems to have lessened here, and most of the road has survived intact. The road leads far to the north, where it grows dark and seems to lead to a huge building in the distance.
Reddish boulders and outcroppings of rock litter this broken, desolate wasteland. There is a large red mountain to the south, but the face looks unscalable from this side. West of here is the Way of Suffering, a lesser road in Hades. Northwards is a small pit that shoots flames dancing into the air.
All around the road in all directions the only thing that can be seen is endless wasteland, dotted here and there by a lake of fire. The evil Devil's road continues on, running north and south through the blasted land. To the east there is a small fiery lake.
A pit drops out from below, filled with boiling lava that sends tongues of flame shooting into the air. Souls of fallen mortals are immersed in the lake of fire, burning eternally and wailing in agony. On all sides of the fiery pit, the Devil's road leads around it.
This evil looking road is made out of the bones of fallen souls, with red pavement filling the cracks in between them. The skeletal remains seem almost alive, as if they were undead and doomed to be stuck in the road for eternity. To the east, the four arches of the gate of Hades sits like a sentinel watching those damned to spend their afterlife here. The Devil's road continues north, turning around a small fiery lake to the west.
A swirling fiery portal hovers just above a huge stone platform here, leading out of this nightmare land of wasteland and flames. Huge stone arches tower on each edge of this square platform, each leading on to a different area of this hell. Through the west arch a road made of the bones of the fallen, the Devil's road, leads throughout Hades. Under the north arch, a small path leads toward a range of reddish mountains and off into the distance. The arch to the east frames a barren path into the fiery wasteland, and the arch south is a gate straight into a huge lake of fire.
A wide road through Hades, made of bricks of souls, runs north and south through the wasteland of this hellish lower plane. Moans of agony from the tormented echo throughout the land, enough to send chills down the spine of the bravest man. East of here there is a red mountain, and to the west the gate of Hades looms imposingly over the land.
The peak of this huge mountain is the highest place around for miles, providing a clear view of the entire area of Hades as far as the eye can see. Far to the south is a small ridge of mountains, with a large cave-mouth set in its face. To the west is the central area of the plane, with the gate of Hades set unmoving in the center, and roads extending from it in all directions. To the north there is another small range of reddish mountains, with a huge chasm running down its center. Still further north, far in the distance, a huge dark castle rests, quietly observing the land around. Beyond these landmarks, and far to the east, nothing but rocky wasteland and huge pits of fire can be seen for miles.
The wicked road made of skeletal remains and red pavement twists and turns between the rocky plains and lakes of fire through Hades. The road turns here, heading north toward a mountain range in the distance, and east where it makes another turn. To the northeast and south, huge pits filled with lava send flames shooting into the air.
The reddish trackless wasteland stretches out for miles, providing little relief from the horror of this evil road and the sounds of screaming souls. The bone road turns west and south here, turning off again in other directions to destinations unknown. On all sides but the direction the road heads, deadly lakes of fire wait to incinerate the pitiable souls of those damned to spend eternity here.
The lesser road of Hades continues to span the east length of the plane here, running north and south through the fiery wasteland. To the east, a trail through the rocky plains goes off the Way, around a large red mountain to the northeast. South of here the road turns west, heading off to an indeterminate destination.
A twisting trail between reddish rock formations runs through this area, swerving around boulders and small chasms. Blood curdling screams and chilling laughs echo across the unholy landscape. To the east the path turns and heads to the red mountain, and to the west lies the horrifying Way of Suffering, a lesser road in Hades.
A hot wind whistles through this area, blowing down from the high mountain top to the north. The peak seems to be the highest point in the whole area, and probably provides a good view of the land. To the west a path leads back to the road and the main area of Hades.
A huge underground cave opens up all around this area. It looks naturally formed, eroded from some unseen subterranean stream flowing through the area. Large stalactites line the ceiling, and stalagmites are gathered in clusters in various spots on the floor. The cavern opens up to a large area to the south.
A huge underground cave opens up all around this area. It looks naturally formed, eroded from some unseen subterranean stream flowing through the area. Large stalactites line the ceiling, and stalagmites are gathered in clusters in various spots on the floor. High above, the hole in the floor of the prison cell can be seen.. a pinpoint of light in the vast darkness of the cavern. A large boulder rests on the cave floor here.
A huge underground cave opens up all around this area. It looks naturally formed, eroded from some unseen subterranean stream flowing through the area. Large stalactites line the ceiling, and stalagmites are gathered in clusters in various spots on the floor. The cavern opens up to a large area to the east.
A huge underground cave opens up all around this area. It looks naturally formed, eroded from some unseen subterranean stream flowing through the area. Large stalactites line the ceiling, and stalagmites are gathered in clusters in various spots on the floor. The cavern opens up to a large area to the west.
A huge underground cave opens up all around this area. It looks naturally formed, eroded from some unseen subterranean stream flowing through the area. Large stalactites line the ceiling, and stalagmites are gathered in clusters in various spots on the floor. The cavern opens up to a large area to the north.
A gigantic cylindrical pit hewn of stone opens up below. There are several platforms around the sides of the pit at different heights, providing a safe place to stand from the danger below... the bottom of the pit is filled with boiling lava, which hisses, bubbles, and smokes threateningly. Tendrils of smoke wisps about over the pit of molten lava, and a chunk of rock occasionally falls into the depths. A hole opens back up to the cavern.
The path becomes steeper and steeper as you descend. The trail turns into a huge spiral staircase that descends out of sight into the abyss. Occasionally you see images of people and fire, but they vanish before you can get a better look. You also notice that the temperature has begun to rise, and you feel quite uncomfortable.
You have arrived at a two way intersection. There are huge boulders stacked in a strange pattern. A treacherous trail slowly winds towards the summit of Mt. Olympus. As you stare to the sky and the peak of Mount Olympus, you can see flickers of lightning in the background. Another trail leads into a dark cave and rapidly descends out of sight.
This path around Mt. Olympus is rocky and treacherous. Clouds obscure your vision and lightning dances wildly about. Strong winds threaten to rip you and everything else from the face of the peak. A rock strewn path leads down the mountain as well as towards the east.
This small plain room would be very ordinary, but for the huge swirling portal in the north wall: a planar gate that new creatures may enter this plane from.
It is very dark in here...