(WIP) Connection to Main Quest (Artifact Quest)

The city where the Artifact is located is famous, and already marked on the Map (only a very basic description during the first run)
Only general Direction is known, exact path changes from Run to Run
The fact that there is an Artifact there is not common knowledge, so first time players might just be unlucky and not discover the Artifact before losing their run

Players hear rumors about a city with excellent smiths
As the players get closer to the city, enemies start to be better equipped and merchants have noticeably better weapons and armor
When they're 1-2 clearings away from the city, they might hear of rumors that there's something very dangerous near the city outskirts, closely guarded
Inside the city, the fact that the Artifact is close by becomes clear

Weary Blacksmith: "Steel from that city? Toughest you’ll ever find. But there’s talk that their skill isn’t just from hard work—something down there keeps pushing them forward, whether they like it or not."
Wandering Scholar: "There's a ruin near the city. No one’s allowed near it. But every so often, figures flicker inside—shadows moving like men. They say it's just tricks of the light. I don’t believe that."
Battle-Scarred Mercenary: "I knew a man who tried to sneak inside. Next day, someone—something—showed up, fighting just like him. It wasn't him, though. Not anymore."

Players are welcomed into the city, free to shop and interact with special NPCs.
The guards warn them of the cave’s dangers but do not interfere if they attempt entry.
Potential Perk: They may receive a powerful weapon or armor as a parting gift.
Conversation with the Captain of the Guard at the Gate of the cave: "You’ve got steel in your eyes, outsider. I won’t stop you if you wish to test your mettle. But listen well—what lurks in that cave remembers every face it sees. If you fall, you’ll fight yourself the next time someone enters. Take this—it may just keep you from becoming a ghost of your own making."

The city is open for trade, but access to the cave is denied unless the guards are convinced or bribed.
Combat only begins inside the cave after the Artifact’s influence takes hold.
Conversation with a suspicious Guard at the Gate of the cave: "You think you can just stroll into the depths? No chance. That place is sealed for a reason. Unless you’ve got something to offer—or a damn good reason—you’re not getting past me."

The city gates are closed to the player.
The guards will attack on sight if an attempt is made to enter the cave.
Combat begins outside the cave, forcing players to fight their way in.
Conversation with the Commander of the City Watch before entering the city: "We don’t let your kind through these gates. And if you think you’ll set foot near that cave, you’ll be dead before you take three steps. Turn around, or die where you stand."

The cavern is eerily quiet, its halls filled with wandering echoes of past challengers.
Enemies spawn slowly and only after another unit has been defeated.
There is no time limit, allowing careful exploration.
Guards may follow the player—offering assistance or hostility depending on past interactions.

The Artifact awakens, sensing an intruder in its domain.
Constructs surge forward, relentlessly attacking the player's units.
Enemies spawn rapidly (every 1-3 turns), up to a theoretical maximum.
A timer starts, increasing the urgency of battle.
Guards, if present, will retreat the moment the countdown begins.
(Potential Mechanic: The Artifact can be attacked to slow the timer—but doing so is extremely difficult.)

(*WIP*) Connection to Main Quest (Artifact Quest)