The Necromantic Altar

Continuing the exploration of the tunnels, the party located a corpse preparation room. Moving through there, the party found the altar where Morbius created many of his undead.
4 balconies surrounded the room, each with a blazing skeleton hurling flaming orbs at the party. In addition to that, a Skeletal Tomb Guardian had stationed itself in front of the altar.
Springing into action, Rudy raced up the nearest staircase to engage one of the blazing skeletons. Rudy and Alexander advanced on the Tomb Guardian while Mara and Kuppies began pummeling the other Skeletons from a distance. Leenia's Lance of Faith and subsequent healing helped the party to prevail, but not before Ekeraath took numerous blows from the tomb guardian. Had it not been for his accumulation of temporary hit points, he would have been in dire straights.
Post combat, Rudy discovered a secret compartment under the altar. After dividing up the treasure, a 2 foot long rod, that was 1 inch in diameter was removed from the compartment. Kuppies was unable to identify it, but both he and Leenia could sense a terrible evil contained within.
Attempts to destroy it were ineffective and a conversation began regarding what should be done with the bar. Several of the party members wanted to leave it behind while others wanted to take it with the party for safe keeping. In the end, the party was ready to leave it when Leenia stepped up and informed the party she would take care of it.