Monster Lairs – Dracolich – Castle Ascension

Slab

The ancient green dragon Necronax was born to rule. In his younger years, he claimed a forest for his kingdom but as he grew older, he began to covet the comfort that cities provided. To this end he enslaved various humanoids and over time formed a cult devoted to his worship. The cult built Castle Ascension for their dragon-god. The “castle” was really more of a temple of worship to Necronax but also served as a ritual site of great power. For as much as Neconax enjoyed power, he feared death even more. With the aid of this ritual site and his devoted cultists, Necronax was able to transform himself into an immortal dracolich.

From here, Necronax slowly expands his influence, taking over neighboring kingdoms with his zealous army. Any who stand in his way are slain and raised into undead minions. Those who bow to his will are allowed to live in peace, provided they pay their taxes to him.

Castle Ascension consists of a protective wall containing the central structure. The structure itself is designed to focus magical energies that were used for Necronax’s transformation. Necronax keeps the remains of at least three dragons stored within the structure with his phylactery placed atop the head of one of them. The other two have replicas of his phylactery placed on them as well. Should his body ever be destroyed, he immediately animates the remains of one of the dragons in Castle Ascension.