ar from the city-state of Nevrast, the Castle of Pain is an ancient fortress that, like its people, has seen better times. Sages speak of how King Jerrl, the elven king who rules this place, was once a vibrant, passionate leader, but gradually lost his vitality and his willpower even as his once verdant kingdom turned to barren great eastern desert. No one seems to know whether this desertification was a natural process or whether malevolent magics were involved, but as the realm grew dry and barren, so did the king's heart. The decor of the castle reflects its ruler's mood of constant depression, and explorers say that staying here too long might drive a visitor mad.