Faelvur, the dark elven god of fire
Faelvur, the dark elven god of fire
Ankou
The Ankou is a haunting figure rooted in folklore, often integrated into Dungeons & Dragons campaigns as a harbinger of death and a guardian of the boundary between the living and the dead. In the rich tapestry of D&D mythology, the Ankou serves as a spectral entity, sometimes considered the personification of death itself. This eerie being is often depicted as a skeleton or a shadowy figure, cloaked in darkness, with glowing eyes that pierce through the souls of those it gazes upon. It is said to drive a ghostly carriage or wagon, drawn by equally spectral horses, collecting the souls of the recently departed to ferry them to the afterlife.
Nature and Abilities
The Ankou is neither malevolent nor benevolent by nature; it simply fulfills its role in the cosmic balance, ensuring the transition of souls without bias or judgment. Despite its fearsome appearance, it does not actively seek to harm the living, focusing instead on those whose time has come. However, those who attempt to thwart its purpose or disturb the natural order of life and death may find themselves facing its wrath.
With the ability to move silently and unseen, the Ankou can pass through walls and barriers as if they were mist, appearing suddenly to those it has come for. It is immune to most physical attacks, and its very presence can chill the air, dim lights, and cast an aura of dread over an area. The Ankou may also possess the power to summon spirits, control undead, and, in some interpretations, manipulate time and space to reach its charges.
Incorporation into D&D Campaigns
The Ankou can serve as a complex element in D&D campaigns, acting as a neutral force that could either aid or challenge players, depending on their actions. Encounters with the Ankou might not lead to combat but rather to negotiation, persuasion, or the completion of a task to restore balance to the natural order. For example, the Ankou could task adventurers with returning a rogue spirit to the afterlife or correcting a disturbance that has upset the balance between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Incorporating the Ankou adds a rich layer of narrative depth to a campaign, introducing themes of fate, destiny, and the consequences of meddling with life and death. It prompts players to consider the impact of their actions on the cosmic balance and the natural order, providing opportunities for reflection and growth. Whether as a mysterious ally, a guiding force, or a solemn reminder of mortality, the Ankou can leave a lasting impression on any adventuring party fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to cross its path.
The Cursed Tomb of the Pharaoh
Overview: The party is approached by a renowned archaeologist, who has made a remarkable discovery deep within the ancient desert ruins of Sethotep. He has uncovered the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep, a legendary ruler from a bygone era. However, the archaeologist's excavation team has been plagued by a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances, and he fears that a terrible curse has been unleashed. Desperate for aid, he begs the adventurers to venture into the tomb and confront the dark forces that now haunt the ancient resting place.
The Plot Twist: As the party delves into the tomb, they discover that the curse plaguing the excavation is not merely the work of an ancient evil, but rather a calculated plot orchestrated by a cabal of corrupt priests and noble houses. These power-hungry individuals have uncovered the legend of a powerful artifact known as the Breath of Anubis, which is rumored to be hidden within Amenhotep's tomb. They have unleashed a sinister Ankhou - a mummified guardian of the dead - to terrorize the archaeologist's team and drive them away, allowing the priests to seize the tomb and claim the artifact for themselves.
Additional Monsters:
- Swarms of skeletal warrior constructs, animated by dark necromantic rituals to serve as the Ankhou's undead minions
- Packs of jackal-headed humanoids, cultists who worship the Ankhou and seek to aid it in guarding the tomb
- A nightmarish mummy lord, the ancient high priest of Amenhotep's court, now reanimated to serve as the Ankhou's champion
- A massive, stone construct in the form of a giant scorpion, a living trap created by the tomb's original builders to deter grave robbers
These diverse monstrous threats are all connected to the machinations of the corrupt priests and noble houses who seek to claim the power of the Breath of Anubis. The skeletal warrior constructs and jackal-headed cultists serve as the Ankhou's loyal followers, while the mummy lord acts as the creature's most formidable champion, wielding ancient magic to bolster its defenses. The massive stone scorpion, in turn, is a deadly trap left behind by Amenhotep's architects to guard the tomb's deepest secrets.
The Location: The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep is a sprawling, labyrinthine complex, filled with traps, puzzles, and the restless spirits of the dead. As the party delves deeper, they'll encounter a range of environmental hazards - crumbling floors, poison gas traps, and corridors lined with the withered remains of previous tomb raiders.
At the heart of the tomb lies the final resting place of Amenhotep himself, a grand funerary chamber where the Ankhou stands vigilant over the pharaoh's sarcophagus. Here, the party must confront the mummified guardian, its skeletal minions, and the mummy lord champion, all while navigating the treacherous traps and obstacles that have been set to deter intruders.
If the party can overcome these challenges and defeat the Ankhou, they may uncover the location of the Breath of Anubis - a powerful artifact that the corrupt priests seek to claim. This discovery could lead to further quests to prevent the priests from harnessing the artifact's power, and to uncover the full extent of their nefarious plans.