An ancient path from a forgotten age, the old stone path leads through a rocky pass. Barely intact, fallen old structures are scattered throughout the pass. Strange whispers float along the wind. Even when there is no wind. Those that use the pass, do so quickly and never at night, bad things happen at night. Here and there dark openings lead into the unknown...
Mid-way through the pass, an ancient statue, covered in vines, a female with one arm manacled and chained, thorny vines have grown around her head creating a natural crown of thorns. Travelers bow their heads when passing the statue, and leave offerings at the statue base. It is said to not leave an offering will bring upon a curse. Indeed if anyone fails to leave an offering, all of their food (rations, etc) will become infested with maggots! If an entire group (caravan, band of heroes etc.) all fail to each leave an offering, dark clouds will form overhead and a rain of maggots will fall for several minutes. This will terrify mounts, steeds, pack animals etc. and is really gross!
