The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor

Deep in the swamps of Shalesk, the Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor lies forgotten by most of the world. The memories of the yuan-ti go back much further and the desire for revenge runs deep among many. None moreso than their leader Kaldra-Tor.

Purpose / Function

The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor in its old history was once a site of great religious importance to the yuan-ti. With Kaldra-Tor leading the sacrificial rites to their old gods, whose names have been forgotten by even those who once worshipped them. Now, it has become a stronghold and centre of power for the returning yuan-ti.

Alterations

The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor has remained fairly static in its appearance and use throughout its storied history. The architecture has not changed since its initial construction near 500 years ago. The use has changed as of late with Kaldra-Tor's discovery of the Great Old One Yig. On the sacrificial altar atop the pyramid, Kaldra-Tor changed the destiny of his pyramid binding his people to the Great Old One and abandoning the gods they worshipped for many millennia. This pact made the only change the pyramid had seen in centuries: a small portal opened above the altar seeping energies from the Far Realms. The portal remains open to this day, strengthening Kaldra-Tor and his determination to dominate the dragonborn that had overthrown his empire many centuries ago.

Architecture

The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor stands near 250 feet tall with a tiered exterior and steps that lead to the top platform. The very top of the pyramid is a sacrificial altar where the ritual to gain the support of Yig was performed. Vines grow across much of the building and the stone has taken on the brown colour of the surrounding swamp waters. Much of the majesty of seeing the pyramid has faded with dread emanating from the structure instead. Kaldra-Tor's ritual has cast a dark purple shadow over the landmark with a small portal centred directly above the sacrificial altar. The pyramid has 4 levels, as is traditional for the pyramids of the yuan-ti. The bottom level contains many of the administration faculties and staff to facilitate the future invasion of Shalesk. The second level holds a small menagerie of creatures both tamed and summoned. Several hydra are scattered throughout the level, usually paired with powerful Star Spawn and lead by a powerful yuan-ti anathema general. The third level is reserved for the religious rites and ceremonies. Priests and attendants look to the continued pact with Yig and converting the altars from their old gods to the Great Old One. The top level holds the living quarters for Kaldra-Tor and the avatar of Yig on Maanosa and the only exit to the upper altar from inside the pyramid.

History

What was once a majestic temple pyramid for the yuan-ti has fallen very far in the past centuries. The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor once radiated majesty and awe as Kaldra-Tor lead the yuan-ti in their religious ceremonies to now forgotten deities. After the emergence of the dragonborn sorcerers, the yuan-ti were defeated and their civilization was lost to memory. The pyramid fell into myth in the history of Shalesk as a centre of great atrocities that was defeated at the hands of the great sorcerer Akra Kragbreaker. Kaldra-Tor survived though, and remained in his pyramid for the many years to follow. Kaldra-Tor ruminated for many decades within this pyramid before he discovered the existence of the Great Old One of serpents Yig. Forsaking the previous gods of the yuan-ti, Kaldra-Tor made a pact with Yig and began his plans for domination of Maanosa. The Pyramid of Kaldra-Tor became a focus of power that Yig began using to siphon their energies onto Maanosa into the yuan-ti leader. With the help of Yig, Kaldra-Tor was able to rebuild much of the city surrounding the pyramid and regain much of his peoples after their defeat at the hand of the dragonborn sorcerers of Shalesk. Beyond the yuan-ti, Yig granted Kaldra-Tor use of the mighty Star Spawn and other beings from the Far Realms.

Type

Tower, Mage