Ecliptorium

Intended Purpose Sanctuary of Secrets: The labyrinth was specifically constructed as a secure vault for the most sacred and powerful artifacts and scrolls of ancient wisdom. It was designed to be accessible only to those who prove their worth through solving complex puzzles and overcoming magical barriers.   Original Reason King’s Mausoleum: The labyrinth originally served as an elaborate and intricate tomb for King Arkanon, a legendary ruler known for his wisdom and magical prowess. It was filled with traps and mystical guardians to protect the king's remains and his treasured possessions from grave robbers. Over centuries, the true nature of the labyrinth was forgotten, transforming it into a mythical structure shrouded in mystery and speculation.

Sight:   Dim Lighting: The labyrinth is bathed in a dim, ethereal light that emanates from luminescent stones embedded in the walls and ceilings. The light is pale and ghostly, casting eerie shadows in every corner.   Gothic Carvings: The walls are adorned with intricate gothic carvings, depicting scenes of suffering, despair, and the consequences of unchecked power. These carvings are subtly illuminated by the dim light, making them appear as if they're moving.   Mosaic Murals: In certain chambers, mosaic murals made of colored stones and glass fragments depict cosmic and mythological themes. These murals shimmer with a faint, otherworldly glow.   Smell:   Dampness and Decay: The air is heavy with the smell of dampness and decay, a reminder of the labyrinth's age and the malevolent forces that reside within. The scent of ancient stone and earth mingles with an underlying, foul odor.   Candles and Incense: In some areas, the scent of burnt candles and incense lingers in the air, masking the mustiness with a hint of something ritualistic and mystical.   Feel:   Chill in the Air: The air inside the labyrinth is cool and carries a palpable chill. It sends shivers down the spines of those who venture deeper, making the atmosphere feel almost suffocatingly cold.   Texture of Stone: As visitors touch the labyrinth's black stone walls, they can feel the rough, cold texture under their fingertips, as if the stone itself retains memories of the past.   Sound:   Whispers in the Dark: Faint whispers seem to echo through the labyrinth's chambers, their source unknown. They are unintelligible, but their presence creates an unsettling ambiance.   Echoes of Footsteps: Every step reverberates through the labyrinth's corridors, creating an eerie symphony of echoes. The sound of footsteps seems to carry and linger, making it difficult to discern their origin.   Occasional Creaks and Groans: The labyrinth occasionally emits eerie creaks and groans as if it's a living entity, adding to the feeling of being watched.

Animated corpses, reanimated through dark magic, serve as sentinels in certain chambers. They are reanimated with the sole purpose of defending the tomb. On rare occasions, foolhardy scholars and mages seeking forbidden knowledge venture into the labyrinth, becoming its unwitting denizens. Some may be driven to madness or transformed by the malevolent energies. The malevolent spirit of King Arkanon himself is said to linger within the labyrinth, seeking a way to escape his eternal prison. His presence is felt as an ominous and malefic force, occasionally manifesting as an eerie whisper or a chilling gust of wind.

The labyrinth houses a collection of ancient tomes and scrolls containing forbidden knowledge and dark spells. These are often hidden in concealed alcoves and protected by magical wards. Stone altars, adorned with sinister carvings and glyphs, can be found in certain chambers. These altars were once used for dark rituals and ceremonies. Engraved in the floor of specific chambers are intricate ritual circles used for summoning and channeling dark energies. Stepping into one may trigger eerie phenomena.Intricate mosaic murals made of colored stones and glass fragments depict cosmic and mythological themes. They often hide clues and puzzles within their designs. Mirrors that reveal unsettling and distorted reflections of those who gaze into them are strategically placed in chambers, creating a sense of unease. Sealed stone sarcophagi and wooden coffins serve as reminders of the mausoleum's original purpose. Some may still hold the remains of ancient nobility.

Emerald Statue of Sorrow: In the heart of the labyrinth, on a raised pedestal, stands a life-sized statue crafted entirely from a massive emerald. This exquisite work of art depicts a mournful figure with outstretched arms. Its emerald eyes are rumored to hold ancient secrets.   Chalice of the Whispering Souls: A silver chalice adorned with sapphires and black pearls can be found on a stone altar. When filled with liquid, it allows the drinker to communicate briefly with the trapped souls within the labyrinth, offering cryptic advice or haunting revelations.   The Shadow Cloak: Hidden deep within a concealed chamber is a cloak made from the shadowy fabric. It grants its wearer the ability to blend into shadows and move silently but carries a curse—each use binds the wearer's soul more closely to the darkness.   The Scythe of Torment: This cursed weapon, once wielded by King Arkanon's executioner, is a grim and sinister-looking scythe. It has the power to drain the life force of its victims but also corrupts its wielder, slowly turning them into a vengeful spirit.   The Shattered Mirror: A broken, ornate mirror found in a chamber is rumored to reveal glimpses of alternate dimensions and futures. Gazing into it carries the risk of losing one's sanity or becoming trapped in another reality.   The Tome of Forbidden Lore: A tome bound in human skin and inscribed with dark runes contains knowledge of forbidden rituals and incantations. It grants insight into ancient magics but exacts a steep price from those who study its pages.   The Medallion of Spectral Sight: A medallion made of ethereal silver allows its wearer to perceive and interact with spirits and ghosts. However, it also attracts malevolent entities, making the wearer a target for vengeful souls.   The Tears of the Banshee: A vial filled with shimmering silver liquid is rumored to contain the tears of a banshee. When consumed, it grants the ability to wail like a banshee, unleashing a devastating sonic attack. But using it risks attracting the attention of vengeful spirits.   The Cursed Painting: A macabre painting hanging on a chamber wall portrays a haunting scene of torment. Those who gaze upon it may experience vivid and terrifying visions. It has been known to drive individuals to madness.   The Key to the Abyss: An obsidian key with intricate engravings unlocks a hidden passage deeper into the labyrinth. It is said to lead to a chamber containing King Arkanon's most guarded secrets and potentially his malevolent spirit.

The labyrinth's architectural style is predominantly reminiscent of Mesopotamian ziggurats, with towering stepped structures and intricate bas-reliefs. The use of mudbrick and stone in construction reflects the craftsmanship of ancient civilizations in the region. Mudbrick: The outer walls of the labyrinth are primarily constructed using sun-baked mudbrick, a common building material in the ancient Middle East. These bricks provide the labyrinth with its distinctive earthy color.   Stone: Certain important structures within the labyrinth, such as the central vault and key chambers, are built from stone, symbolizing their significance and durability.   Intricate Bas-Reliefs: Elaborate bas-reliefs adorn the façades of important chambers and passageways. These carvings depict mythical creatures, heroic figures, and scenes from ancient legends, adding to the labyrinth's mystique. Mystical Gardens: Within courtyards and open spaces, small mystical gardens are cultivated with unique flora that thrive in the dim light, adding splashes of color to the labyrinth's interior.

Magical Seals: The labyrinth is sealed by powerful magical wards placed by ancient spellcasters. These seals serve as the first line of defense, preventing unauthorized entry. Labyrinthine Layout: The labyrinth's complex and ever-shifting layout serves as a natural defense. Intruders can easily become lost or disoriented, making navigation treacherous. Portcullises: Heavy stone portcullises can drop to block passages and seal off sections of the labyrinth, trapping intruders or separating them from the labyrinth's heart. Cursed Bells: Tied to the tomb's defenses, cursed bells toll ominously when the labyrinth is breached, warning all who hear them of impending danger.

Ancient Tyranny: In the distant past, King Arkanon ruled with cruelty and sorcerous power. His oppressive reign was marked by widespread fear and the relentless pursuit of dark magic.   Construction of the Mausoleum: The labyrinth, initially known as his mausoleum, was constructed by enslaved laborers who toiled under the oppressive rule of King Arkanon. It was a massive undertaking, built with black stone extracted from a quarry tainted by dark magic.   The Purpose Revealed: As Arkanon's tyranny grew, so did his mastery of forbidden magic. It became evident that his malevolent influence could not be contained by death alone. The labyrinth was conceived as a solution—a place to imprison his malevolent spirit for all eternity The Labyrinth's Transformation: Over time, the true history of the mausoleum became obscured, and it passed into legend as a cursed and haunted place. Local folklore tells of eerie occurrences within its walls, such as whispers in the dark and spectral apparitions. Some believe that King Arkanon's malevolent spirit still lingers, seeking to escape its prison.