The Hecatomb of Morthevole

Morthevole, of Skhonian origins and a greedy disposition, has tried many

trades while in the City, to find that special one which would combine low
effort with abundant profits. It was his lucky day when he found a hidden
trapdoor in his tiny rented store, and beneath, a long-lost burial vault
stocked generously with calcified remains. Not foolish enough to venture
into the depths of the new-found oubliette,
Morthevole had instead deemed sufficient to sell the bits and
bones he could grab close to the entrance. Trade in the remains has been
more lucrative than he had expected, as his finds would prove popular good
luck charms among the larcenous short. Alas, this enterprise was put to an
end when undead monsters, stirred up by his forays into “their” domain,
emerged to wreak havoc in Morthevole’s store, and chase off the terrified
peddler. Morthevole, knowing well that disturbing subterranean complexes
was a deed punishable by death, and that he was in a mighty pickle, decided
to turn to adventures to help with his “basement problem” – his peace of
mind in exchange for whatever they can find down there, and the whole
sordid affair kept secret. (Should further enticements be required,
Morthevole can offer his stash in advance, hidden at 2, and currently
inaccessible due to the prowling undead.)
Aftermath: 30% that Morthevole will send 1d6 thieves after
PCs to recover any outstanding loot, and 30% he will fall into the hands
of the Followers of Dókh, pinning the blame on company.
***
1. Dusty old storeroom, crack in wall leads to rough-hewn limestone vaults.
Waft of cool air.
2. Calcified human remains in tangle of skeletal bodies. Unnatural cold.
Morthevole’s hidden stash: 35 sp, 30 el, 50 gp, 90 gp headband w opal,
crumbling prayer scroll.
3. Bones in unruly heaps, glinting crystalline deposits. Two sealed
amphoras of camphor oil (2*180 gp).
4. 14 beggars of Shakkur trapped here after collapse of NW adit, wretched
& unclean pariahs with phosphorescent eyes & vampire teeth.
Beggars of Shakkur (14): HD 1-1; AC 10; Atk claws 2d4; Spec blood drain
2d4/r; ML 8; AL CE. Hp 3, 4, 1, 1, 3, 7, 3, 4, 1, 5, 3, 4, 5, 7
5. Lime-encrusted skeletons surround stone seat, woman’s shrivelled grey
corpse has 160 gp comb, mouldy dead man’s hair (Throwing these horrid
locks on embers produces an acrid, varicoloured smoke, and 1d6
apparitions [3 HD, 2d4 Hp on hit, dispelled on single hit, but reforms in
next round]. 2d3 uses).
6. Rows of brass urns with soot and old grease flank passage to cavern
of calcified skeletal piles. Thick-legged, busty female idol of polished
yet dirty brass holds brass knives in six hands (trap, 4d4+4 Hp), plaque reads “SHRIWAR THE SLICER”. Disk behind idol is
inscribed with moon phases outlining auspicious conjunctions. Heart-shaped latch on idol’s breast hides 1000 gp gemstone.
7. Pit leads to cold oubliette, two squatting, leathery corpses in mouldy, ragged priests’ vestments & ceremonial headdress are
knife-ghouls (hands replaced with knives). #1 has 140 gp in breast, #2 has Yag Amnun’s dreadful dust (1:3 to rupture on killing
blow, save vs. poison or 3d6/4d6 Hp, lingers 2d6 r).
Knife-ghouls (2): HD 2+2; AC 4; Atk 2*knives 1d4+2 and bite 1d6 + paralysis; ML 10; AL CE. Hp 18, 11
8. Side passage with scratches on the wall, surfeit of skeletons in horrid contortions suggesting excruciating pain. Bones
crunch underfoot. Final skeletons have deformed, ovoid head shapes, teeth pried out with tongs.
9. Cluster of seated skeletons with strangling chords around neck in side chamber, hanging brass lamp (scented oil 65 gp).
10. Humid cavern, damp smell of mould. Hecatomb of tangled skeletons blocks locked iron door. Sooty stone skulls in side niches
must be filled with oil and lit to avoid triggering slicing trap in frame (4d4+4 Hp).
11. Collection of dull brass knives hanging from the walls, dulled by age.
12. Sanctum is pulsing with faint light. Breathstealer, phosphorescent skeletal apparition with 700 gp crystallised bones (1d6*10%
loss if destroyed physically), has had claws replaced with knives. 12 knife skeletons from side room, also w. knives. Pedestal under
dome holds 400 gp, gold-hammered shield +1.
Breathstealer: HD 4; AC 5; Atk 2*claws 2d4; Spec breathstealing (save vs. magic, breath is only returned once monster is killed),
immune to cold and mind-affecting; ML 8; AL CE. Hp 19
Knife skeletons (12): HD 1; AC 7; Atk 2*knives 1d4; ML 8; AL CE. Hp 3, 8, 7, 7, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 7, 2, 2

here ends the expedition to the

hecatomb of morthevole