Perched ominously on the slopes of an ever-erupting volcano, the Crimson Hand Fortress is a sprawling and fortified structure that exudes terror and cruelty. Built atop a vast lava lake, the fortress is a hellish stronghold filled with the unimaginable horrors wrought by its demonic masters. Constructed with ancient Mythar architecture, the imposing fortress bears the unmistakable influence of the Mythar champions from whom the Crimson Hand descends, melding celestial grandeur with demonic brutality.
Structure & Layout
The Crimson Hand Fortress is divided into several layers, with the upper castle towering high above the molten landscape below. Its walls are fortified with obsidian bricks, imbued with blood magic to withstand the constant volcanic eruptions and flowing lava that surround it. The castle's towering spires pierce the blood-red sky, casting a crimson shadow over the Dread Marshes and the surrounding region of The Shadowfell.
One of the most horrific parts of the fortress is the spanning prison that descends deep into the cavernous ravine beneath the fortress. This prison, known as the Chasm of Chains, extends for miles toward the magma-covered surface of the lava lake below. Tortured prisoners and demonic slaves fill its many cells, suspended in chains and subjected to eternal torment by the bloodthirsty paladins of the Crimson Hand. The endless suffering within the chasm echoes through the walls, creating a cacophony of pain that haunts the fortress at all times.
Hosts of The Hand
The Crimson Hand itself is a demonic host of savage, bloodletting paladins who revel in genocide and conquest. They capture prisoners from across the Shadowfell, whether mortal or otherwise, and subject them to brutal torture in their hellish dungeons. The paladins of the Crimson Hand thrive on bloodletting rituals and sacrifices, feeding the power of their demonic overlords and strengthening the fortress’s defenses with the blood of their victims.
The fortress’s trophy-filled halls are a chilling testament to the conquests of the Crimson Hand. These upper halls are adorned with spoils of war, from the skulls of fallen foes to mythical weapons and artifacts stolen during the ravaging of countless realms. Here, the Crimson Hand's generals plot their next invasions, ever eager to expand their power through the bloodshed and suffering of their enemies.
Influence of The Mythar
The architecture of the Crimson Hand Fortress bears a distinct resemblance to the ancient designs of the Mytharil Empire, a reflection of the champions' origins before their fall into the demonic ranks. Once noble Mythar champions, they now wield their celestial power for a darker purpose, corrupted by Khaos and warped into twisted reflections of their former selves. The arches, spires, and grand halls of the fortress echo the grandeur of Mythar structures but are marred by the chaos and cruelty of the demonic presence that now pervades them.
Eternal Shadow
The volcanic eruptions surrounding the fortress cast a constant red glow over the landscape, and the lava flows beneath it provide both a natural defense and a symbol of the relentless, destructive force that defines the Crimson Hand. The fortress itself stands as a monument to the brutality of its inhabitants, a place of unimaginable suffering and blood-soaked conquest. The Crimson Hand Fortress is a reminder to all who dwell in the Shadowfell of the relentless and unstoppable power of the Crimson Hand, with its influence spreading terror throughout the region. Despite its imposing construction, however, the fortress was destroyed by Valekith during the Battle of the Four Armies after Archshadi Neverus regained both of his masters dissevered hands.