The chamber is immaculate, everything in its place. A large red-draped bed with a single black pillow dominates the room. Above the headboard hangs an iron emblem of Iuz, its skull-and-sunburst design catching the firelight from a small hearth along the far wall. A simple wooden rocking chair and a narrow side table complete the furnishings.

The air smells faintly of polished wood, candle wax, and smoke, orderly, private, and uninviting.

Xendros uses the room only for rest and meditation. It is her one sanctuary, reflecting her precision and restraint.

Access.
The door is always locked (DC 17 Thieves’ Tools to pick). Only Captain Xendros carries the key; she allows no one entry, not even her staff.

Contents.
The chamber holds nothing of material value. A few personal effects, fine combs, a silver mirror, and a small wooden chest containing black prayer beads, rest neatly on the side table.

A narrow hallway opens into a well-kept dressing room and bath. The air carries a faint scent of salt, soap, and leather. A polished copper tub gleams at the far end beside a small vanity table stacked with brushes and scented oils. Along one wall, a tall closet stands open, its contents arranged with military precision, red sailing coats, leather vests, and tricorn hats, all hung in perfect order.

The Closet.

• Each leather vest bears a small maker’s label: “The Tidal Tailor, Sharkfin Bridge.”

• Sewn discreetly inside the lining of every vest is a small seashell charm.

• Arcana (DC 14): The shell is enchanted; while worn, it grants the user advantage on saving throws against storms, wind, and sea-based environmental hazards.

Hidden Garment.
A careful search (Investigation DC 15) uncovers a black robe embroidered with fine red stitching, folded neatly behind the sailing coats.

• Religion (DC 16): Recognized as a High Priest’s Robe of Iuz, used for demonic rites and conversions.

• On Failure: The character still senses it is ceremonial, connected to dark rituals of the Old One.

The Bath.
The copper tub is large enough for one person to submerge completely. Residue of spiced rum and infernal herbs in the water suggests Captain Xendros uses the bath for both cleansing and quiet ritual reflection.

A long crimson carpet stretches the length of the chamber, leading toward a massive stone altar at the far end. Upon it rises a winged demonic effigy of Iuz, its eyes glinting in the flicker of countless candles. Rows of small kneeling tables line either side of the carpet, each bearing three or four candles whose flames burn steady and bright, untouched by draft or time.

The air is thick with incense and quiet devotion, every surface polished, every flame burning with unnatural stillness.

The chamber radiates a deep, oppressive stillness. Shadows coil at the edges of the room, moving faintly when prayers are spoken aloud. Anyone not of Iuz’s faith feels an uneasy pressure here like being watched by something vast and patient.

Purpose.
This is the private sanctuary and true heart of the Quartermasters of Iuz. Captain Xendros conducts her nightly rites here, donning her black robe with red embroidery before kneeling at the altar to lead worship.

The Ritual.

• Worshipers kneel behind the small tables, facing the statue.

• There are three prayers, each followed by the lighting of a single candle.

• High-ranking devotees light a fourth candle after the final prayer, symbolic of Iuz’s eternal flame.

• All candles bear a continual flame enchantment; they never burn down. Only worshipers of Iuz may extinguish them, pressing their palms over the flame without harm.

Infernal Lighting Rite.

• At the start of each ceremony, Xendros casts a minor enchantment that ignites the fingertip of each worshiper with a small, cold flame.

  • They use this flame to light their candles one by one.

  • When the last candle is lit, the fingertip flame extinguishes automatically, marking the end of the rite.