Rhambrelock

In the rocky ridges of the Sunderlands, on the eastern border of the Skyward Mountains, lies the tainted fortress Rhambrelock. In the wild, dangerous and often catastrohpic history of the Sunderlands, Rhambrelock carries the darkest legacy. It is the creation and former home of Bhalal the Vile: a lich who gave lichdom its stigma and legacy of evil and revulsion.
Bhalal constructed Rhambrelock using goblinoid forces who had fallen under his dominion over 1300 years ago during the twilight years of the Age of Darkness. As dragonkind dwindled from infighting and the growing strength of humans and dwarves, Bhalal grew in strength secretly as he prepared to enact a conquest of his own to mould Karthica in the image of his desires.
For decades, the people of the east ran and cowered in fear as Bhalal's hordes poured over the Crowned Sea. Much was lost to his vile forces, but the city of Dawngate was ever defiant and ever untouched. Eventually, with the help of the warriors of Ax Fianti, Bhalal's armies were forced back into the Sunderlands. A secret group of solar and lunar warrior-faithful infiltrated Rhambrelock and fought their way inside, before destroying Bhalal in a climatic battle.
Rhambrelock grew quiet with Bhalal's defeat, but it would not be the last Karthica would hear from the lich. Centuries later, after the founding of the Kingdom of Giladris and the downfall of the dragons, an unwitting wizard would fall under Bhalal's spell as he took up residence in Rhambrelock to uncover the master's old secrets. Bhalal would once again return - his phylactery still intact - this time with the mad and zealous goal of destroying the city that had defied him: Dawngate. Once again, undead hordes crossed the sea to destroy the city, but once more, were repelled by the city's legendary defenders. Rhambrelock was assaulted fully and Bhalal destroyed once more. Never again did the Giladri intend to see him return. His phylactery was destroyed, yet Rhambrelock stood defiant. Its black stone structure was resistant to most forms of attack and though it was damaged, it could not be toppled.
Rhambrelock's ruin still stands prominently today as if its former master were still in residence. Its black towers can be seen for miles on the horizon of the Sunderlands. It still attracts adventurers to its ruined gates and corridors in search of remaining treasures and unexplored passageways - of which there are said to be many. But it still rings with a darker energy and sense of purpose that never washes away and it is said by those who venture there that other dangers lurk in its passageways. Rhambrelock may always be a place of evil.

Type

Fortress