Shalidor & Labyrinthian from Skyrim

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Labyrinthian's modern reputation was forged in the early Third Era. Key components of the Staff of Chaos were unearthed from the Labyrinthian site, playing a pivotal role in overthrowing Jagar Tharn and ending the Imperial Simulacrum. The location has since become deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the Empire's subjects, with loyal pilgrims occasionally visiting to re-trace the footsteps of the Eternal Champion. The name Labyrinthian is not as widely recognized, however. Originally built as a temple dedicated to dragons, the foreboding ruins evolved into Bromjunaar, a massive city from that era. Some historians believe Bromjunaar served as the capital of Skyrim during its zenith under the Dragon Cult's influence there, although concrete evidence to support or refute this claim is scarce. It is known that high-ranking priests of the cult convened at Labyrinthian to discuss matters of governance. Bromjunaar eventually crumbled, along with the rest of the Dragon Cult, leaving the site abandoned for many years as a reminder of a dark period in Nord history. The ruins remained dormant until Shalidor's involvement in the First Era. Various tales recount his exploits, including battling Dwemer legions single-handedly and constructing Winterhold with a whispered spell. While many Shalidor legends are exaggerated or entirely fabricated, some truth can be uncovered behind his connection to Labyrinthian. Shalidor championed a movement aimed at elevating standards among mages and discouraging spell-use among the general population. This effort is often credited with establishing the foundations of magical education and the College at Winterhold. In line with this philosophy, Shalidor designed his labyrinth deep within the ruins of Bromjunaar to test aspiring archmages' skills. While navigating the destroyed city itself was not a required part of the trial, many candidates perished during their journey. Shalidor valued both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, making it essential for candidates to possess the latter simply to reach the labyrinth. Labyrinthian is actually two interconnected mazes, forming an hourglass pattern. One maze cannot be completed without first exiting the other, which adds a layer of mystery to the existing instruction: "Enter Twice - Exit Only Once." The warnings "Alteration will lead you to Destruction" and "Conjure not, but be conjured instead" further obscure the solution. The true answer to the test remains unknown, as Labyrinthian became notorious for the number of potential archmages who died there and the secrecy surrounding those who succeeded. Eventually, the site fell into disuse and is now regarded as a symbol of a more brutal era by modern institutions dedicated to magical studies. The ruins lie empty once again, overgrown with wild animals and avoided by travelers.