E4M1: Catafalque (Heretic)

E4M1: Catafalque is the first level in The Ossuary episode of Heretic Shadow of the Serpent Riders.

Walkthrough

 * Letters in italics refer to marked spots on the map. Sector numbers in boldface are secrets which count toward the end-of-level tally.

Beginning and yellow key
You start in a small chamber that is connected to two side rooms. (A) The latter are filled with bunches of gargoyles. Make a run to the green key in the distance (B), as it is a way to face the gargoyles one by one. This level is short of ammo so alternatively you can switch to melee and make use of the crusher. (C) Collect the ammo, the vials and the Silver Shield in the rooms and hit the switch in the southeast corner of the crusher room. It will let you drop down from the balcony in the west.

You can collect the yellow key (D) in the outside area. However, there are also sabreclaws and a maulotaur down the balcony, and a few ophidians in the central building. The best strategy is to run westbound to the key and to return as quickly to the eastern end of the area. A part of the wall will descend there while you approach the key. You can use the teleporter in the room beyond the wall (E), but beware the awaiting gargoyles.

You will end up into the central building with a couple of gargoyles (F). Press on one banner wall, and all four will lower. Go out to trigger the pillar in the middle, hiding a teleporter, and come back in. In this way, you can return to the balcony. Make good use of the crusher to kill the pursuing monsters.

Green key
Behind the yellow door, there are sabreclaws and gargoyles in the first room (G). Push the switch behind the wooden door, and two passages will open high in the first room, the northern containing disciples and the southern sabreclaws. Dispatch the disciples in sight.

In order to proceed, you need to make a choice between the two passages. While the northern area is safer to pass, the southern zone has more valuable items to collect.


 * The switches in the southern room (H) supply stairs to the Gauntlets of the Necromancer. Notice that each time you reach the top of the stairs, an elevator will descend temporarily to provide you a way out (I). Collecting the Gauntlets will trigger an ambush by gargoyles and disciples. Try to escape them or fight without becoming surrounded. Pressing the eagle wall nearby (J) will reveal a room with disciples. Further in the opened passage, there are some sabreclaws as well. By following the way to the end, you will find yourself in the starting room, welcomed by gargoyles and having triggered secret 1. (A) With the much-needed Greater Runes in your possession, re-enter the yellow door.


 * Go to the northern room (K), kill another disciple and hit the switch. A platform will descend, and you can move to the exposed area to pick up some timebombs. Re-enter the wooden door.

In the northeast, you can see a switch. (L) By hitting it, you will make a teleporter on the top of the other stairs accessible. Go to step on it. (M)

You will end up into a dark water passage, to the north of the outside area. (N) There are many ophidians. Once dispatched, do not head to the enlightened area, but look instead for two hanging skulls. Hit the wall between them (T) to reveal a teleporter leading to secret 2, placed on a high ledge outside. (U)

Go back to the water passage and approach the enlightened area. A pillar will descend, carrying a Dragon Claw. Step in. The elevator will lead you above the green key (B). The pillars in the crusher room will go down showing goodies and more ophidians. Kill them and enter the green door in the east.

Exit
In the room beyond, there are gargoyles and a Hellstaff. (O) Press the middle painting on the southern wall and kill the sabreclaws beyond it. (P) Hit the switch, and the door to the last room of the level will open. Now you have also two teleporters available. (Q) The one behind the middle painting of the northern wall is for returning to the starting point, while the one in the northeast corner is able to bring you to the upper floor of the final room. (V1-V4) Using the latter will subsequently trigger secret 3.

As soon as you walk inside the red border in the final room (R), the center platform will rise, and you have to face some iron liches. Climb onto the platform to reveal a switch (S1). Pressing it will give access to a second one (S2), and the second one will open yet a third one (S3). Hit the third switch to reveal the exit teleporter. (Ω)

Secrets

 * 1) In the Gauntlets room, following the passage behind the eagle shaped wall and returning to the starting room. (sector 137, J & A)
 * 2) In the dark room in the water, gaining access to the teleporter between two hanging skulls, and getting to the elevated ledge. (sector 199, T & U)
 * 3) Past the green door, after hitting the switch, stepping on the teleporter (and collecting a Ring of Invincibility) in the northeastern cubicle, and walking on the upper floor in the next room. (sector 10, Q & V1-V4)

Bugs

 * In the southern switch room of the final area (S1), a sabreclaw (thing 396) has been flagged to appear only in multiplayer mode. Since the equivalent monsters in the northern and eastern rooms lack the flag, it was probably added by accident.
 * In the room east of the yellow key door, there are missing textures on the ceiling. Produces only a minor visual distortion.