The Party hears of an old pothole-cave deep in the hinterlands, once used for pagan rite. Rumors about such ruins collect as they gather dust
The icon of an old, primordial god stands watch over the site, glouring and stern in its gaze even centuries after its name has been forgotten. In some stories, the icon is said to speak, perhaps even come to life, though these stories are often in conflict as to whether it dispenses helpful riddles or devours would be intruders alive.
There’s said to be a doorway under the statue’s feet. Conflicting reports say it may lead to the burial chamber of some forgotten thane, a temple vault full of treasure, or perhaps the underworld itself.
Even if the door does not prove fruitful ( for many over the ages have tried to enter and the few that claimed to succeed could hardly be believed), there is still a sprawling cave system connected to the pothole, the lair of some rare and exotic species of monster. A site surely of interest to a party looking for rare components, and possessing some sturdy sets of boots.
Backgorund
If the party does their research, they’ll find that the pothole is infact a holy site dedicated to the ancient deity Orcus (Yes I know there’s a demonlord by that name, but the mythological/my version is cooler), a cthonic god of primal strength in who’s name the ancients made their oaths. knowing that Orcus was keeper of the underworld, those that violated their oaths would incur his wrath, and would be forever barred from their final rest. Worship of orcus faded at some point in the pre-recorded past, as folktales suggest the oath-god somehow died, and was no longer able to fulfill his duties as caretaker or bargain keeper.
Setup
Exploring the cavern reveals it to be your average cave-dungeon. Echoing vaults, flooded and concealed chambers, a panoply of lurking monsters and lingering undead for the party to clash against in lantern light.
The real fun begins when the party discovers a ritual site, well maintained and only vacated i the past few years. Apparently those with an interest in witchcraft had resurrected an old ritual that properly completed, would allow them to invoke an echo of Orcus and receive a boon. The party is free to leave without engaging in the ritual, but where would be the adventure in that?
Challenges and Complications.
The ritual is simple, though daring. The party must forgo all magic ( items included), and proceed through the cavern by the light of a ritually prepared lantern of green fire. The light of this lantern will reveal hidden signs that will guide and instruct the party, along with secret chambers and passages that were not previously there. Should the party use magic, or the lantern go out, the ritual is failed, and the party will have to try again, often facing different challenges as the cavern shifts.
Some challenges include:
Sending one party to search for an object in a dark pool, while the rest fend off waves of skeletons.
Ferry the light across a windy chasm with a rushing stream at the bottom.
Finally, defeat a cave beast such as a direbear or troll, anoint the party with its blood, and then offer its heart to Orcus as proof of your victory.
Rewards and Outcomes
In addition to the plunder gained from delving the cave itself, The Old God’s Cauldron has many rewards for a group willing to take a chance on primeval magic.
Those that began the ritual anew apparently discovered that transforming into an animal before the ritual began didn’t count against the “no magic” rule, and had developed a formula for potions that could turn them into bats or wolves. The research notes suggest that a bear would also be possible.
Speaking in an echoing voice, as if speaking from deep undergorund or far in the past, the icon of Orcus will inquire about what boon he might bestow. Arms sacrificed to him by ancient warriors, blessed by their time in his keeping, the lore of the dead and the divine, coins and gems representing the mineral wealth of the earth, or even passage into the underworld, such as he can manage.
Further complications arise if any of the party happens to be an oathbreaker; having deceived or bore false witness against a friend, a kinsman, or a liege. In such a case, the statue of Orcus will animate, and the party will have to fight one last duel ( magic is allowed this time) to prove their ally’s honor.
