A Long Buried History…

Millennia ago, dwarves completed their Quest for Sky, a legendary migration from their subterranean homeland to the surface. Their exodus nearly failed, but during the journey a hero arose to lead them—a young dwarf named Taargick. Time and again Taargick proved his bravery, resourcefulness, and political skill, inspiring his people to endure when all seemed lost. In honor of his great leadership, his followers named him ruler of the new kingdom they would found in his name: Tar Taargadth.

Illustration by Darko Stojanovic

Yet after the dwarves reached the surface and raised citadels and toasts to his legacy, Taargick felt as much remorse in his heart as he felt pride. His people had reached the surface as Torag commanded, but at what cost? Their road had been paved with the corpses of orcs, xulgaths, and more, slain by dwarven steel. Their unjustly shed blood had festered into a thousand vendettas, justifiably earning dwarves the hatred of many. Was Torag’s will worth so much death?

Taargick didn’t think so. Toward the end of his life, he politely declined the magnificent tomb his people had built for him. He departed alone to carve his own tomb, hidden in the depths, where the steady strikes of his tools drew the attention of one of the Darklands’ mightiest predators: a crimson worm. The two clashed for days before Taargick narrowly prevailed. To his surprise, the beast spoke, praising the king’s strength and skill. Taargick, realizing he had subdued an intelligent creature and not a mindless worm, remembered the countless orcs, xulgaths, and other creatures devastated by the Quest for Sky, and cast aside his weapons and shattered armor, refusing to end another Darklands life. Taargick and the cave worm spoke at length as he finished his tomb, developing a deep respect for each other.

Illustration by Luis Salas Lastra

At last, with the tomb ready, Taargick knew death was near. The crimson worm Zogototaru—better known in the region as the Avernal Worm—granted Taargick’s last wish: that she delivers his clan dagger to Highhelm, so it might rest among his people.

Illustration by Mylene Bertrand

But after the bold, if ill-suited, adventurer Krohan Veldollow stole the dagger and lost it, the city of Highhelm now lacks one of its greatest treasures: an artifact that points the way to an even greater secret that lies deep beneath the earth.

Sky King’s Tomb is a three part adventure path for levels 1-11. For GM’s looking to expand their knowledge of Highhelm and dwarven culture for this adventure, Lost Omens Highhelm takes you deep into the city and its customs.

Will your adventurers be the ones to find the secrets and save the city? Or will the dagger fall into sinister hands?