Hello everyone!

Spoilers...

Is there a reason the vampire lairs are modeled with an ancient Egypt aesthetic? It looks like it would be more fitting in the Anauroch desert as opposed to a temperate climate. I don't have a problem with it, I'm just curious.

I actually think it's kind of neat. Reminds me of the Brendan Fraser Mummy films. At least the first two... I don't like the third.

Because the "celebration" of death and the realm after death of ancient egyptian mythology and lore, is an exceptional theme for a fantasy setting, especially concerning "undead". Many "undead" creatures of fantasy hail from tales, fabricated fairy tales obviously, loaned from egyptian origin stuff (mummies, curses, ancient dead returning to life, etc). Also the Egyptian book of the dead is a big influence to fantasy themes and stuff, its contents being inspiration for many settings, as well as that of many other occult legends and artifacts, of ancient or more modern, origins. Symbolism, artwork, inspiration, influence, there is a huge load of loans in games, especially RPGs, coming from the realm of the "real life occult or mythology legends"...

I still can't believe for example, that some of the window stained glass of Dal Gurak's Tower in Blade of Darkness, had engraved on it seals from Goetia, the Solomonic grimoire.

Could be an easter egg, as well.

Also, in Vampire Redemption (sold here still), the Setites are an entire clan of vampires and their entire clan's haven is decorated in the theme and fashion of ancient egyptian tombs and temple. Fitting, nonetheless...

Or the undead of Diablo 2 in act 2; or titan quest's act 2...

Personally, I don't find ancient Egyptian tomb settings appropriate for vampire lairs, but as KiNgBrAdLeY7 said: "mummies, curses, ancient dead returning to life, etc". It's really about lack of originality from the designers. What's easier and quicker, relatively bland Egyptian themes, or intricate medieval castle designs? Both are out of place, of course, but the one is easier to produce, and more instantly associated with tombs. Repetition is both boon and curse.