Lost Catacombs of Auldbaern

This ruin was once a burial site for the dwarves of the city of Auldbaern, which was long ago conquered and is today known as the drow city of Vlyn'darastyl. Though some have searched throughout the centuries since then, no drow has ever found the fabled Lost Catacombs. Legends say that along with the commoners and minor nobles buried here, it is also the resting place of Aron II, the last king of Auldbaern who died attempting to defend his people from the drow invaders that claimed their home. It is said that with the city conquered and the royal catacombs there lost, King Aron II was interred here by his surviving followers as they fled the Underdark and made their way for the surface.

Journey Into the Underdark Arc

Though the adventurers of the Thaig Expedition heard many stories and rumors of the Lost Catacombs from the residents of the Deep Spire, it was only by divine intervention that they were led there. While tracking enemy combatants that had escaped the Battle of Skatha's Rest, they were found by a moth servant of Mother Moth that led them to the catacombs. Once inside, the dwarven spirits that dwelled within judged that the adventurers did not hold ill intentions and allowed them to take five trials of combat and see whether they were worthy of inheriting Auldbearn's legacy.
The adventurers completed the five trials, besting the spirits of ancient dwarven tribesmen in battle, though Jake F. Statefarm lost his life in the process. Once the challenge was overcome, they came to the tomb baring an inscription:
Tomb Inscription

Here lies Aron II, king of Auldbearn, defender of his people, and last of his line. Though this resting place is not what a king of his valor deserves, it is all we can offer in this trying time.
May he find the peace he delivered unto others through his sacrifice, and may his crown one day bring the murderers who struck him down to justice.

Inside, they found the king's corpse resting atop a bed of coins, his crown still upon his head. They took both the coins and the Crown of Auldbearn with them as they said a prayer to the long-dead king, both thanking him and wishing him and his retainers a good rest in the afterlife. The surviving adventurers departed shortly thereafter with their friend's corpse, eager to find a cleric that could restore him to life as soon as possible.

Type

Catacomb