Mourner's Way

Overview


@Mourner’s Way is the sole descent route leading from the surface fortress of @Ashen Gate down into @Gloomdeep . It is a natural cavern tunnel, fortified and sanctified by both goblin engineering and human faith. @The Ashen Vigil regards it as sacred ground — a threshold between the living world and the necropolis below. Every descent into the depths begins here, and every body brought back is carried through this tunnel for final consecration.

History

  • The Path of Descent: Originally a natural fissure in the mountain. Centuries later, it became the route used by the Order of The Last Light during their doomed expedition.

  • The Vigil’s Pilgrimage: When @Lord of Ashes Kaelen Morvane founded the @The Ashen Vigil , the Way was reforged and warded with flame and sigils. Every Vigil soldier walks it once before first deployment — a ritual of silence and reflection known as the Mourning Descent.

  • The Endless Passage: Generations of ashes and bones have been interred along its walls, sealed in urns and carved reliquaries. The tunnel now functions as both a route and a memorial.

Description


The tunnel descends in a gradual spiral through solid rock, its walls reinforced with stone buttresses and sanctified sigils. Torchlight reflects from veins of dull sunstone embedded in the rock, giving the descent a pale, steady glow. The air is still and cool, filled with the faint scent of burnt oil. Every few hundred feet stands a Vigil brazier, tended by stationed watchmen. No sound carries here except the echo of footsteps.

Dangers (Ordered by CR)


  • No active threats exist within the Mourner’s Way. The passage is consecrated, patrolled, and remains secure..

Points of Interest

  • The Descent Gate – Fortified iron doors connecting the @Ashen Gate to the tunnel.

  • Vigil Reliquary – Niche-lined memorial where ashes of fallen soldiers are sealed.

  • The Silent Stair – Long, spiraling walkway carved with prayers of consecration.

  • The Lower Seal – Massive reinforced gate leading directly into @Emberhold.

Faction Presence

  • @The Ashen Vigil : Guards the tunnel day and night; maintains the fires and rites that sanctify the path.

  • @Order of the Last Light : No longer descends but retains partial claim over the consecration rights.

  • @The Mage Guild : Forbidden from entering by Vigil decree due to contamination concerns.