You and your guildmates were sent out to the Tomb of Malabel. Rumors had reached the guild that the Lich of the Red Hills had been seen in the area, and it was believed he was seeking the treasures within. The seals that had held the tomb shut for millennia were clearly broken when you arrived, and judging by the undead you encounter as you work your way through, it's pretty certain something necromantic has been at work. Most of the corporeal monsters you encounter are carrying large amounts of treasure, lending credence to the notion that the Lich was here for profit.

Following the trail or skeletons, zombies, and gold, you come upon a demolished wall, leading into a chamber that looks to have been built long before the surrounding hallways; it seems that the Tomb of Malabel was built upon the ruins of something far more ancient. Your torches reflect off of a dizzying array of coins, gemstones, and treasures, piled high throughout the room. No matter how long the lich's minions may have been working, they have hardly made a dent; it could take weeks to empty this place out. Your awe is interrupted by a low growl coming from the far side of the chamber. Two lights flash in the distance, and an enormous skull comes flying out of the darkness. Your party clambers out of the way as it crashes against the doorway, blocking your exit. The party medic immediately identifies it to be the skull of what used to be the Lich of the Red Hills, broken and inert; it appears that whatever he might have come here to steal, something else got him, first.

A great beast, which you can only assume to be the guardian of this place, slithers into the light, half-emerging from a pile of treasure. Coins and precious gems cling to her body, which coils among the pillars of the room, trailing back into the darkness. With a roar and the clatter of currency, she lunges towards you. On her head is the stolen Diadem of the Red Hills; it's said to be the lich's phylactery, though you don't have time to think about the implications. As she nears, every gold piece and magical item in your party's possession begins to quiver and shake, eager to join their new mistress...

Art: Lulustrations (original)