Throben

Throben is a name mentioned several times in The Crown of Kings. It is mainly used in connection with the Throben Doors in the Mampang Fortress.

The book mentions the Throben necromancer and the Zed spell.

The Crown of Kings also mentions Mutant Meatballs were concocted by an apothecary from Throben allied to a rebellious Prince of Brice, which caused mutations in anyone who ate them.

The Throben Necromancers' Guild are mentioned as having placed protective magic on the Throben Doors.

The Beyond the Pit entry for The Seven Serpents mentions that the Serpent of Time is vulnerable to an ancient chant. It adds "Parchments containing the chant were originally scribed in the mysterious community of Throben to combat the ZED spell," and that the chant also works to weaken the Serpent.

Recently, a rumour has circulated from the mountains beyond the Zanzunu Peaks about the Archmage of Mampang and a lost magical item he once owned, called the Staff of the Archmage. These rumours "suggests the Archmage was originally exiled from the hidden city of Throben for stealing the Staff from another spellcaster."

Given the number of connections that people from Throben have to the Mampang Fortress, it is possible that Throben is, or was, a region near that edifice.

Spoiler Warning!!!: Plot and/or ending details of a Fighting Fantasy publication follow. Please DO NOT read this article if you do not want foreknowledge of this publication. Although the article below is based on canon, some of its content is considered extrapolation because it assumes a certain course of events through an adventure that has many possible routes.

Throben Doors

The interior reaches of Mampang are protected from intrusion by four Throben doors. Appearing as normal double doors they are in fact enchanted by the magic of the Throben Necromancers' Guild. Each one bears a special protection against unauthorized entry, and each one requires a particular means of gaining entry through it.

Outermost Throben Door

Inflicts poison tipped spikes upon would-be trespassers. The poison is fast acting and deadly. The key to this door is held by the guards.

Second Throben Door

Inflicts complete memory loss upon those who don't know the password, "Alaralatanalara", which must be whispered to the keyhole. This magic password is also the name of one of Marrangha's daughters and it can be arguably considered a connection between the Throben society and that ancient and evil magician. The secret to this door can be gained from Valignya.

Third Throben Door

Creates an illusion of a fiery inferno. The inferno can only be passed through by those aware of its illusory nature, or else the fire proves fatal. Naggamanteh, the torture master, holds the secret to this door.

Innermost Throben Door

Guarded by the Sleepless Ram, and can only be opened by a special key held by Cartoum, the captain of the Archmage's guards.