Sanctum

Deep within the Lost Mountains lies a maze of caves and ruins called The Lost Labyrinth. In the center of one of the more prominent caverns sits a tower that rises from the cavern floor and up through a hole in the earthen ceiling above. This structure is one of the few remaining mostly intact from this lost civilization and is believed to have been a bridge between the over-city and under-city.

There is much speculation as to its original purpose, but now it serves as a stronghold for adventurers that lost their may in The Lost Labyrinth and chose to stay instead of further risk their lives. Together, they are able to brave the dangers of this underground world lost to time. To the lost and weary they provide home and hope and to those with the spirit to press on they provides goods and services to give them a fighting chance in this unforgiving realm.

Purpose / Function

The original purpose of the Sanctum is unclear, though many believe it was a bridge between the over-city and under-city as the structure extends from the floor of the undercity up through the cavern ceiling and well into the sky above. Some of the architecture suggests that it was frequently used to host diplomatic meetings, facilitate the movement of supplies, and house a small garrison of soldiers. If anyone that once lived in this city is still living, they have not been located by scholars of the region, so they many never know its original purpose.

Now, it serves as home to adventurers that have gotten lost in maze of collapsing ruins and tunnels surrounding it, known as The Lost Labyrinth. Many of these adventurers came in search of the Lost City of Pallium, but grew weary of the dangers they faced and chose to make a life for themselves amongst the ruins, contenting themselves with providing goods and services to those that did wish to venture on and by learning more about this ancient city.

Alterations

Now that the Sanctum houses lost adventurers, it has been transformed into a nearly impenitrable stronghold, defending against both ground-based and flying enemies.

Architecture

The circular tower is divided into levels, some being vast chambers once used for ceremonies, some consisting or meeting halls, and others containing storage rooms and living quarters. The design once found a balance between splendor and functionality, but many of the more spectacular elements have not fared well over time, leaving behind a crude practicality that was further refined by its new inhabitants. Now, what was once likely a symbol of prosperity stands as a monument to accepting the inevitable end that comes for all but stubbornly fighting to prolong that end as long as possible.

Defenses

The vast majority of the openings in the tower's exterior, both windows and places where the wall has deteriorated or been damaged, have been patched up and reinforced. Chokepoints and defensible positions are set up throughout the interior in case the exterior is breached. The defense strategy is to line the upper levels with archers and mages to rain projectiles down on the enemy as they attempt to break in. The area surounding the tower has also been cleared of obstacles and rubble to deny any approaching enemy cover or conceament. The lower floors are filled with obstacles and traps to slow down any enemies that breach the main doors. This allows the inhabitants to flee high into the tower, using narrow corridors and stairwells to funnel the invaders into ambushes and traps. Should the enemy be too numerous, the final plan is to deploy a bridge from one of the upper levels to the snow-laden ruins of the over-city so they can flee and try their luck with the airborne predators on the surface.. Scouts have tried to find another structure on the surface to fortify a secondary home, but none have been found.

History

When the tower was built, what purpose it served, and when it was abandoned are all unclear, but it is speculated to have been built before the War of Ash and abandoned near the beginning of the Age of Ice.

Tourism

The closest thing to a tourist in this part of the world is an adventurer seeking to uncover the history of fallen civiliations. Unfortunetly, most of them don't live long enough in this part of the world as speculating about the past usually isn't sufficient to pay for food, supplies, and aid.

RUINED STRUCTURE
As common as it is for underground settlements founded during the Age of Ice to be abandoned once the Age of Reclamation began, it is believe the city was destroyed during the Age of Ice.

Founding Date

It is believed to have been built sometime during the Age of Ice.

Alternative Names

The Last Tower

Parent Location

Lost Labyrinth

Owning Organization

Lost Hope