Mega-Dungeon: The Eclipsed Citadel
Theme: Shadows, Ancient War, Cosmic Power
Hook: The Eclipsed Citadel is a lost fortress once built by a forgotten empire to harness
celestial energy during an ancient war. Now, under the growing shadow of an oncoming
eclipse, strange creatures and deadly curses awaken. The players must explore its
sprawling halls and prevent a dark ascension that threatens the world.
Dungeon Layout:
• Outer Battlements: Broken walls patrolled by shadow beasts. The once-mighty
defenses now overrun.
• The Sunken Barracks: Collapsed quarters flooded with dark water and undead
soldiers bound by ancient oaths.
• The Grand Armory: Massive weapons of the empire lie here—some still functional
and dangerous.
• The Chapel of Stars: A desecrated temple where cosmic energies pulse
unpredictably. Shifting gravity and magic flux.
• The Eclipse Engine Chamber: A massive mechanism designed to harness the power
of an eclipse, now twisted by shadow entities.
• The Throne of Black Light: The final chamber where the Shadow Regent attempts to
complete his transformation into an avatar of the Void.
Encounters:
• 6 Shadow Hounds (CR 3 each) in the Outer Battlements.
• Drowned Legion (10 Undead Soldiers, CR 2 each) in the Sunken Barracks.
• 2 Animated Sun Cannons (CR 5 each) and 4 Clockwork Sentinels (CR 4 each) in the
Grand Armory.
• 3 Starborn Horrors (CR 6 each, unique aberrations) in the Chapel of Stars.
• The Eclipse Engine is guarded by a Celestial Shade (CR 8) and shifting magical
hazards.
• Final Boss: Shadow Regent Vel’Zar (CR 12), empowered by the eclipse, phases
between light and shadow forms, summons minions, and manipulates the
environment.
Traps & Hazards:
• Gravity Shift: Random gravitational pulls in the Chapel of Stars (Dex save DC 15 or
be thrown).
• Sun Cannon Overload: Traps in the Armory that blast radiant damage (Dex save DC
16).
• Voidfire Geysers: Shadowflame bursts in the Eclipse Engine Chamber (Dex save DC
17).
Treasure:
• Crown of Dual Horizons: Grants control over light and shadow spells (+2 to spell
attacks, and resistance to radiant and necrotic).
• Solar Blade: +2 longsword, deals extra radiant damage on crits and blinds shadow
creatures.
• Eclipse Engine Core: A magical artifact capable of controlling celestial events once
properly studied (plot device or powerful tool).
• 3,500 gp in ancient imperial coins, gemstone-encrusted relics, and a set of
starmetal ingots.
Adventure Hooks:
• A rare eclipse is approaching, and scholars warn that it will empower dark forces
sealed long ago.
• A noble family seeks their ancestor's relic, lost in the citadel during the empire's fall.
• The citadel's awakening has caused portals to open, allowing shadow creatures to
attack nearby towns.
• An ancient prophecy speaks of heroes who will either stop or hasten the return of
the Shadow Regent.
Special Mechanics:
• Eclipse Phases: As the party advances deeper, the eclipse grows stronger,
empowering shadow enemies and weakening light-based effects.
• Dynamic Final Battle: Vel’Zar’s boss fight features shifting phases—light form
(radiant spells, vulnerable to necrotic) and shadow form (necrotic powers,
vulnerable to radiant). He manipulates pillars of light and darkness in the chamber.
• Celestial Alignment Puzzle: To disable the Eclipse Engine, players must solve a
puzzle involving positioning mirrors and lenses to align starlight patterns.
Optional Side Quests:
• Rescue the Last Sentinel: A damaged but loyal clockwork guardian seeks repairs
and offers aid if fixed.
• Seal the Shadow Portals: Close minor rifts leaking shadow creatures before they
overrun the region.
• Recover the Starforged Map: A magical chart showing ancient ley lines, hidden deep
within the Chapel.
Dungeon Length:
• This mega-dungeon is designed for 3-5 sessions of play, with ample space for
exploration, combat, puzzles, and roleplay.
The Eclipsed Citadel is a sprawling dungeon that blends classic dungeon crawling with
epic-scale threats and unique mechanics tied to the eclipse theme. Perfect for mid to high-
level parties (levels 8-12), it offers a memorable climax to a campaign arc or a deadly side
quest with world-shaking consequences.
