Halls of Heroes

The entrance to the Halls of Heroes was located within a small temple of Kelemvor, the god of death and the afterlife. The temple itself was a simple stone structure, with high walls and a peaked roof that sloped down to a set of wooden double doors. Above the doors, a small stone archway marked the entrance to the crypt below.
Upon entering the temple, visitors would find themselves in a small antechamber, lit by a few flickering torches set into wall sconces. The walls of the antechamber were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of heroism and sacrifice, while a large stone statue of Kelemvor himself stood watch over the entrance to the crypt.
To gain access to the Halls of Heroes, visitors would need to speak with the temple's caretaker, Doombringer Bryce Soulhearth, a cleric of Kelemvor who maintained the records of those laid to rest in the crypt below. The caretaker would examine the visitor's credentials and determine if they were worthy to enter the halls.
Assuming they were granted entry, visitors would descend a long stone staircase that led deep into the earth. The staircase was flanked on either side by torches that cast flickering shadows on the walls, and the air grew cooler and damper as they descended further underground.
At the foot of the stairs, visitors would find themselves in a large stone chamber, with vaulted ceilings and rows of stone sarcophagi lining the walls. The sarcophagi were adorned with carvings and inscriptions detailing the deeds of the heroes laid to rest within, and small oil lamps provided a flickering, golden light that illuminated the chamber.
At the far end of the chamber, a large stone archway marked the entrance to the Halls of Heroes themselves. This archway was flanked on either side by statues of armored knights, swords at their sides and faces etched with expressions of grim determination. The archway itself was inscribed with ancient runes, and the air around it crackled with energy, as if something powerful and ancient lay just beyond.

Purpose / Function

The purpose of the Halls of Heroes was to provide a final resting place for the mortal champions of the good deities of the Forgotten Realms. These heroes were individuals who had dedicated their lives to defending the innocent and upholding the principles of justice and goodness. The gods of good recognized the sacrifices that these heroes had made and wanted to honor them by giving them a place of eternal rest that was worthy of their deeds.
The Halls of Heroes also served as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who sought to follow in the footsteps of the fallen heroes. Visitors to the crypt could see the names and stories of the champions who had come before them and draw strength and courage from their example. The halls were a testament to the power of good over evil, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there were those who would stand up and fight for what was right.
In addition to its symbolic significance, the Halls of Heroes also served as a repository of knowledge and lore. Many of the artifacts and tomes that were stored within its walls were invaluable resources for scholars and historians, who came from far and wide to study the history of the Forgotten Realms and the deeds of its greatest heroes.
Overall, the purpose of the Halls of Heroes was to honor the memory of the fallen heroes and to inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps. It was a place of reverence, respect, and remembrance, and a testament to the power of good over evil.

History

The Halls of Heroes in Grimhallow have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the Forgotten Realms. It was founded by the gods of good, who sought to honor the sacrifices of their mortal champions by providing them with a final resting place worthy of their deeds. The halls were located deep beneath the cemetery of Grimhallow, accessible only by a secret entrance known only to the gods and their most trusted servants.
Over the centuries, the Halls of Heroes grew in size and complexity, as more and more heroes were laid to rest within its walls. The crypt was tended by the clerics of Kelemvor, who saw it as their sacred duty to honor the dead and ensure that their spirits found peace in the afterlife. The clerics were known for their tireless devotion to their task, and many legends were told of their selfless acts of bravery in defense of the halls.
The Halls of Heroes became a place of pilgrimage for many throughout the Forgotten Realms, who came to pay their respects to the fallen heroes and seek inspiration from their deeds. Over time, the crypt also became a repository of knowledge and lore, as the stories of the heroes were passed down from generation to generation. Scholars and historians came from far and wide to study the ancient tomes and artifacts that were kept within its walls.
However, the Halls of Heroes were not immune to the ravages of time and war. As the centuries passed, the crypt suffered damage from countless battles and conflicts. In times of peace, the clerics of Kelemvor worked tirelessly to repair the damage and restore the halls to their former glory. But in times of war, they were forced to defend the crypt from all manner of threats, including armies of undead and dark wizards seeking to plunder its treasures.
Despite these challenges, the Halls of Heroes endured, a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the mortal heroes it housed. To this day, it remains a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to honor the fallen, and a beacon of hope for those who strive to follow in their footsteps.

Type

Crypt

Parent Location

Cemetery of Grimhollow

Included Locations