Category:Mount Petram

The History of Mount Petram

Upon initial inspection of the entrance area to this dungeon, it is easy to notice that the type of rock in the area is different than the surrounding lands. Instead of being of atypical sedimentary rock, Mount Petram appears to initially consist of igneous rock, particularly andesite but upon closer examination I suspect that there is a great deal of regional metamorphic rock, which forms deep underground and can emerge when subjected to immense pressure. This would make the name “Mount Petram” particularly on-the-nose as, when translated, it means “Mount Rock”.

What this suggests is that Mount Petram did not form like most mountains, nor did it necessarily erupt into existence like Inferno. Instead, much of it formed deep beneath the surface and something occurred, most likely naturally but there is no guarantee of that, which created a huge amount of pressure in the area, thus forcing a large bulge in the earth that we now know as Mount Petram.

The unique features and strangeness of this mountain seems to have attracted a number of creatures, both intelligent and not, to take up residence within. There now exists clear evidence of man-made structures chiseled into the rock, though I can’t be sure exactly how old these are, or their origins.

My first impression upon entering Mount Petram was that it reminded me an awful lot of a similar location I once knew in Britannia: the dungeon Shame. Geographically, both dungeons occupy roughly the same areas of their respective worlds, though I do believe Shame was a mine in origin, whereas Mount Petram does not have any such evidence of such. But what really hardened my suspicions of similarities was the abundance of elemental beings that can be found throughout both dungeons. Perhaps a mere coincidence, or perhaps what is known as Mount Petram in Avadon is the twisted and deformed version of Shame in Britannia. However, that is about as far as the similarities go, it would seem.

You will also notice that the temperature here is warmer and the air moister, though neither uncomfortably so. In fact, as you venture past the more developed Terathans and Minotaurs, you will find all sorts of strange and exotic (not to mention dangerous) vegetative life thriving!

It can’t be understated that there are certain aspects of these places so far below the surface that are simply breathtakingly beautiful. It is easy to let your guard down and indulge in the sights and wonders that fill this monstrous cavern, but it would be foolish to do so because the creatures that dwell down here are old and powerful.

As you make your way around towards the north-eastern side, you will encounter something peculiar. A magic circle and a couple of Petram cultists. I surmise that these cultists are perhaps descendants of those who initially carved out the structures within Mount Petram, though it is impossible to say for sure as they are extremely secretive and hostile towards any interlopers. Beyond this magic circle you may encounter what is known as the “Lodestone.” This is a form of ancient golem it would appear, and very strong! What purpose this being serves is unclear; it is possibly a remnant of the people who carved out these halls, a guardian left to protect something that nobody now remembers.

The deepest known segment of Mount Petram is a grand, man-carved sanctum. Here we find very interesting idolatry that simply does not exist anywhere else throughout the mountain. The man-made idols elsewhere are crude, covered in druidic runes. The idols in this one area are intricate and massive, reflecting the artistic stylings of modern sculptures as opposed to the primitive deifications of the previous. Not just the statues, but the very stonework itself is far more refined here. It is quite possible that this segment of cavern was carved closer to present day than the other segments. Perhaps the Petram cultists have taken upon themselves to continue the work of their ancestors?

I could not recognize the stone figures. No doubt they are of great importance to those who carved them, but they do not bear resemblance to anybody of import as we would associate with on the surface. At the heart of this colossal cavern lives the Terathan Goliath. Very little is known about this massive beast. It is also not known if the Goliath is in servitude to the Petram cultists, or maybe is the reason why so few cultists remain. The idols in the Goliath Sanctum also remain a mystery.

If you want to learn even more about Mount Petram, you can read the Dungeon Guide by ErikGray who wrote the text above.

Maps

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Mini Boss Room	Boss Room	Entrance