Part 2: Inside the Crypts - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms: A Verdant Tomb

Part 2: Inside the Crypts. The first areas inside the mausoleum are open to each other and can quickly become a single, harrowing encounter. The last humanoid trespassers at this site-before the adventurers-were here to loot the place. Four human grave-robbers swam in through the facade a few years ago and, after ransacking area 5, attracted the attention of a shambling mound that often stalks this area. It is likely still here when the adventurers intrude. Its hulking mass includes the bones of the grave-robbers now. Bound to the shambler and the bones within it is a wraith formed from the hateful greed of the lead grave-robber. The wraith haunts its grave, which is essentially inside the shambling mound. The wraith doesn't attack the shambler; it goes where the shambler goes. The other three grave-robbers now haunt this place as three specters under the wraith's command. They tend to gather in area 6, near the treasures they collected. General Features The tombs demonstrate fine designs and quality work, all allowed to rot through neglect. Construction The interior spaces here were meant for somber memorials and funeral services. The stonework was well done but has been slowly sinking and sagging in mud over decades. The marble floors and carved walls are no longer plumb but are not dangerous. Ceilings Most ceilings throughout the tombs are arched to a height of 8 feet. Many are painted with murals of cloudy-blue or starry-night skies, flaking and moldy now. Light No natural light makes it into the mausoleum, except for a bit of overcast spill lighting in area 4. Every chamber has iron sconces for torches or lanterns, but no torches or lanterns remain. Sound Marble floors and walls carry footfalls, voices, and other echoes throughout the place. 4. Ceremonial Chamber Part of this room is partially submerged in green water, filling what might have once been a ceremonial pool. The rest of this marble chamber is a few stairs above the water line, but still mossy an...