The Black Lion Tomb in LionsDen

It’s funny (well, not haha funny) how things begin. The Empire of the Platinum Lion—now a richly detailed nation with hundreds, maybe thousands, of bits of lore—started its life rather meekly.

In a D&D campaign, a long, long time ago, a group of adventurers were exploring a mostly uninhabited island in a remote wilderness. The island contained ancient ruins dating back to a forgotten age.

The most intriguing ruin—at least to the adventurers—was a large stone block made of an unusually smooth black stone, as if it had been molded from liquid smoke. The block appeared to be a perfect cube, 30 feet on each side. One face was carved into the head of a massive lion, its mouth agape.

After much trial and error—and at least one fatality—the adventurers discovered how to enter the block. Unfortunately, it was a one-way trip. None of them made it back out. But that misadventure got me thinking… about who or what had created such a structure, and why. That one failed delve ended up inspiring an entire mythos—one that became a cornerstone of the Empire’s history.

According to the now-established legend, Lionchild I (his true name lost to time) discovered the ruins on the island and entered them with a trusted band of comrades. They remained underground for 73 days. On the 73rd day, Lionchild emerged—changed. His features had taken on a feline cast, subtly but unmistakably. He wore a black breastplate embossed with a lion’s head. At his side hung a gleaming sword made of the brightest metal. In his hand, he carried a platinum scepter tipped with a strange gem, and atop his head sat a golden crown studded with precious stones.

He declared that the gods had given him a quest: to create the greatest empire the world had ever seen, with its foundation on that very island.

Thus was born the Empire of the Platinum Lion.

In the 800+ years since its founding, the empire has grown vast and powerful. It now spans a wide territory and is home to millions. The Lionchild Dynasty still rules.

The Imperial Calendar honors its origins with two major festivals. The first, the Festival of Explorers, is a 10-day celebration commemorating the day Lionchild entered the tomb. The highlight of the festival is the ceremonial opening of the Dark Lion (as the cube is now called), allowing any brave soul the chance to explore its depths. Rumors persist of hidden treasures and powerful relics still buried within. At the end of the festival, the tomb is sealed.

Then, 73 days later, during the Festival of Revelations, the Dark Lion is opened again—this time to allow any surviving adventurers to emerge.

Few attempt the challenge. Fewer still survive it. In the last thirty years, only two have returned alive—and both were driven mad by whatever they encountered inside.

The Dark Lion now sits at the heart of the Imperial Arena in LionsDen. And even after eight centuries, it still holds untold secrets.

The world of Trexlin holds uncountable secrets. Dive into it with Book 1 of the Scions of Foci. Awakening the Seablade. Available Summer 2025.