The Black Pyramid

The Black Pyramid was once an elven fortress guarding the secrets to their capital. It was taken over by the forces of Kanoss, Lord of Secrets and the family of Daurgogoth. A large pyramid was built around the elvish fortress and now Kanoss lurks within, trying to uncover the secrets hidden inside.   The top of the pyramid is an illusion.  

The Entrance

The temple is half buried in sand, but large pillars still mark the entrance to the pyramid. Two earth golems in the shape of dragonborns, finely crafted and a dozen feet tall. Unless one bears one of the marks of Null, the golems will activate and prevent their entry. Unless Dispel Magic is cast on them, they will reform at the next new moon.   Beyond the golems, is a large door with strange symbols covering it. In Draconic, there is faded lettering above the door that reads: "Praise the One who Holds the Secrets". Intermixed with other esoteric symbols are the symbols of the Five Draconic Deities (DC 10 Religion / 5 for Roisin).   To uncover the puzzle: DC 15 History / Religion will reveal that Astilabor is the green goddess of wealth, the hoard, and information. Null is the black god of death and hidden things. Maleastor is the blue god of magic and arcane knowledge. DC 20 Religion (Greg has ADV & can do DC 10 History to reveal Null's symbol) to recall the symbols of each god. Greg can do DC 15 Religion check w/ ADV to recall that Null is traditionally thought of as the  god of secrets and lost knowledge.   The players can also try to investigate (DC 17) which symbols have more wear on them (DC 12-15 will reveal that many of the symbols are repeated minus 5 of them. Of those 5, 3 look like they have seen less wear than the other two.)  

The Inside Rooms

There are hallways with traps and roaming mummies and scarabs. There are a few rooms, one is a room full of jars. Some of them have some gold and aged treasures. Another has an ooze in it.   There is another room, tomb more like, that has a dozen sarcophagi lining the walls. In the middle is a large symbol of Null. There are canopic jars near each sarcophagus as well as a small statue with aged armor and weapons. Messing with any of the statues or sarcophagi will cause the related statue to come alive.   The last room to go through before reaching the stairs that lead to the hoard room is a puzzle room powered by the magic of Null. See notes for puzzle.   Beyond the puzzle room is a staircase leading to another large, closed door with the handles shaped like scarabs. Beyond the door (DC 12 Perception), the players can hear loud breathing and shifting, clanking metal. Inside is a large gold pile with magical weapons and tapestries and gem buried within. Atop the gold, is a black dragon with a glowing, purple crystal in his hands. He carefully puts it down before speaking in a deep gravelly voice, "Intruders have come to my home. No doubt my treasures enticed you to brave the journey. I will warn you now, you will not uncover the secrets. You will not find the path. Flee now or become a part of my treasures."