Aktemto

Aktemto is a mining town in Dragon Warrior IV in which most of the people are sick due to digging far into the earth and uncovering Esturk's palace -- releasing poison gas, which flooded the mine and the town itself. With the gas came monsters, and the town became a dangerous place to live.

The miners keep digging deeper, disregarding the dangers, with hopes of discovering gold.

The King of Santeem attempted to stop the excavation and mining, as his gift of foresight told him men would aid Esturk's resurrection, but an "evil force" (probably Esturk, as the other monsters didn't know what was beneath the mine) removed King Santeem and the entire castle's population.

Aktemto Mine is the only known producer of gunpowder, although that hasn't been done in a while (King Keeleon apparently prohibited its manufacture). The only remaining stash can make a loud noise, but is too old and damp to do any damage...

This town is visited several times over the course of the game, steadily worsening in condition as more of the miners and others become sick and die from the poisonous gas and monster attacks.

By the end, only five living residents remain; one of these is almost gone, having finally reached Esturk's palace.

Finally, this town uses the same music that plays when you are killed -- the whole place has an atmosphere of despair and foreboding about it.