The Malefic Crucible

Deep in the mountains north-east of Lakeheart lie the gates to the Malefic Crucible. Within the Crucible reside the demonic hordes and the remaining cultists of Malphas the Unbound.

The Crucible holds many secrets and treasures for seasoned adventurers to discover. Upon entering the Crucible, adventurers will encounter many of its inhabitants, ranging from the seemingly harmless Brakian Piglets to formidable elite champions such as Vorgath, The-One-Who-Served, Hyakinthos the Bloodlord and The Bone Tyrant. It is also within the Crucible that seasoned tamers may encounter the elusive Maleficar and attempt to tame one. A trained Maleficar can become a formidable companion, capable of assuming many different forms and rare hues. Deep within the final caverns, Malphas the Unbound makes his dwelling, surrounded by his most trusted followers and other malefic creatures. Adventurers should be wary of taking on Malphas alone, as he is a great adversary!

Explorers of the Crucible will also have a chance to discover rare artifacts dropped by the creatures within. Slaying the creatures of the Crucible may also reward adventurers with the rare Malefic Ash, which can be exchanged with Maldrath the Binder for a variety of customisations for their maleficar pets. The luckiest of adventurers may even collect rare vessels containing the essence of many of the creatures inhabiting the Crucible. These vessels may be applied to maleficar pets, allowing them to assume the appearance of the creature bound within. Rare tinctures may also be obtained from Maldrath's shop or recovered from powerful inhabitants of the Crucible, including Malphas himself. These tinctures may be used to apply special hues to maleficar pets.

The deeper reaches of the Crucible are guarded by powerful elite champions whose appearances vary between expeditions, ensuring that no two journeys into its depths are quite the same.

Adventurers may also uncover the stories of some of the notable figures connected to the Malefic Crucible:

Luanla Swiftwind – The woman who stands before the gates of the Crucible, still mourning the loss of her brother while searching for the truth behind his disappearance.

Gregor Swiftwind – The curious warrior who ventured into the Crucible in search of answers, never to be seen again. Brother of Luanla.

Maria Day – A servant who unwillingly became a hero after leading the Crucible's thralls to freedom from the grip of Malphas.

Gloria Solis – The charismatic leader of Malphas' cult, whose unwavering devotion ultimately descended into madness.

Trias the Fallen – The angel sent to redeem Malphas himself, only to fall from grace in the process.

Maldrath the Binder – A mysterious scholar and merchant who studies the relics of the Crucible and trades Malefic Ash for vessels, tinctures and other forbidden curiosities.