The Five Labyrinths of Thalmyr’s Veil
Ancient Trial Chambers of Destiny
Long before the rise of empires or the crowning of kings, the world was shaped by two opposing cosmic forces—Thalmyr, Celestial Architect of Order and Balance, and Vharok, Abyssal Wyrm of Ruin and Devouring Chaos. When Vharok sought to unmake creation, Thalmyr did not wage war across the open heavens. Instead, she cast five monumental seals deep into the mortal plane—each a labyrinth infused with divine architecture, meant to safeguard the world and measure its worth.
These five labyrinths became the cornerstones anchoring the Celestial Veil—the barrier preventing Vharok’s return. Over time, civilizations rose and fell, and the labyrinths were forgotten by common folk, misinterpreted as prisons, cursed shrines, or relics of lost gods.
But in truth, each labyrinth is a test, not a tomb—a proving ground for those destined to wield the Cardinal Weapons and ascend as Thalmyr’s chosen heroes.
The Five Labyrinths
1) Labyrinth of Eternal Dawn — Imperial Capital (CR 14)
A gleaming maze of light-reflecting stone and celestial inscriptions hidden beneath the capital’s ancient foundations. Originally constructed to anchor the Pillar of Order, it tests resolve, leadership, sacrifice, and judgment.
It is the first veil—weakest but most symbolic—representing civilization and mortal authority.
2) Labyrinth of Ashen Chains — Bode (CR 15)
Once a sanctuary of justice during the Fallen Dominion era, now corrupted by greed and slavery. Beneath the city lies a dungeon of binding magic—chains that test the hero’s heart against corruption, dominance, and oppression.
It safeguards the second veil—discipline and willpower.
3) Labyrinth of Sand and Storm — Quaratar (CR 16)
A desert-locked ruin swallowed by ever-shifting dunes and lightning storms. The labyrinth challenges survival, adaptability, and tactical thinking.
It defends the veil of perseverance and ingenuity.
4) Labyrinth of Sapphire Oases — Al-Qaritha (CR 17)
An oasis palace transformed into a spiraling labyrinth of illusions and temptation. The trials here test wisdom, restraint, and the hero’s spirit against desire and deception.
This is the veil of truth and spiritual purity.
5) Labyrinth of Verdant Silence — Harz Detri Forest (CR 18)
The final labyrinth lies beneath the wild roots of the forest—woven with ancient druidic magic and guarded by monstrous life. It challenges harmony with nature, primal fear, and courage.
This is the veil of life and death, and the strongest of the mortal seals.
Purpose of the Labyrinths
Each labyrinth houses:
a Cardinal Trial
a Labyrinth Warden.
The Cardinal Heroes and the Labyrinths
When Thalmyr chose eight champions—four cardinal archetypes, each manifested in twin aspects—she marked them with Labyrinth Sigils that awaken upon crossing each trial’s threshold.
The labyrinths shape the heroes:
Swords face the Trial of Leadership & Sacrifice
Spears the Trial of Willpower & Conflict
Bows the Trial of Survival & Adaptability
Shields the Trial of Protection & Truth
Failure weakens the Veil. Success strengthens it.
In the final era—the age in which your campaign unfolds—the Veil wanes. The labyrinths’ guardians stir. And Vharok’s whispers bleed into mortal dreams.
Thus, the heroes are not merely adventurers.
They are the Fifth Cycle’s Chosen, prophesied to either: restore the celestial seals and preserve creation, or break them and unleash the abyssal wyrm upon the world Their journey through the labyrinths is the hinge of fate.