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Cursed Refuge of the Valley of Tears

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Cursed Refuge of the Valley of Tears

Once the last friendly place in the so-called Valley of Tears the Hall of Nuraduum is now known by a different name of far more sinister demeanour—the Cursed Refuge. Some travellers who pass through its stone door do not emerge again, while others tell terrifying stories of the nameless horrors they encounter in the enduring dark of the old dwarven fastness. Persistent rumours tell of old treasures hidden in the place, and a few old dwarves dream of reclaiming the refuge—so that at least a fragment of long-fallen Vongyth may again be held by dwarves. Will the characters dare the rumour-shrouded refuge, or will they flee the horrors that yet lurk within?

What Has Gone Before

Beyond the fallen dwarven hold of Vongyth—once home to the Nurthen clan—the so-called Valley of Tears cuts through the nameless plateau upon which stands the mythical and legend-shrouded Forest of Gray Spires.

The dwarves of Vongyth built the now-called Cursed Refuge as a waystation for weary travellers to rest and as a fortress from which to watch for threats emerging from the mysterious southlands. The refuge—formally called the Hall of Nuraduum—survived Vongyh’s fall two centuries ago at the claws of the green dragons Klauthosk and Yeiarxin. However, isolated in the wilderness and far from the nearest friendly settlement, its small garrison could not hold out for long. Since the refuge’s abandonment, it has been fought over and occupied by a succession of bandits, travellers, humanoid tribes and worse. Those who know of the Cursed Refuge no longer count upon it as a safe place to rest.

Notable Locations

The dungeon has several notable locations:

  1. Stonewatch: A heavy stone door wards the Cursed Refuge. This area is one of two that provides the defenders with a view of the valley.

  2. Antechamber of the Wardens: Herein congregated the garrison of old.

  3. Sentinel’s Watch: A concealed arrow slit in the western wall affords a clear view of the valley.

  4. Sanctuary of the Seven: This chamber was once a small shrine dedicated to the dwarves’ patron deities. No dwarf has worshipped here for many years.

  5. Chamber of the Sleepers: Three stone sarcophagi stand about this chamber. They hold the mouldering remains of three dwarves.

  6. Common Room: Travellers often make use of the heavy stone furniture remaining in this chamber.

  7. Storeroom of Ages Past: Here the dwarves stored their provisions and so on. This chamber has been repeatedly ransacked over the years.

  8. Chamber of Slumber: Here slept the dwarven sentinels of old.

  9. Avenue of Olden Heroes: A dozen oversized statues of dwarven warriors watch over the trail. The stone bridge over the gully collapsed long ago.

Credit

Dungeon Backdrop: Cursed Refuge of the Valley of Tears Words Creighton Broadhurst Cartography Dyson Logos Art William McAusland.

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Credit

This is a short extract from Shattered Halls of the Undying Oracles Words Creighton Broadhurst Cartography Dyson Logos Art William McAusland

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