[beornica]

You were probably in Kogoruhn, especially if you were in the northern ashlands, south of Urshilaku. Those "gas mask" guys were ash vampires. They're not usually a big deal. The ascended sleepers you asked about - they're big and shaped like a refrigerator and they've got tentacles. You'll know them when you see them. Also, they've got some pretty sweet spells on them. If you don't kill them right away they can lower all your stats, Dagoth-Ur style. Also, they're really great for some good constant effect enchantments, so make sure you have your soul trap handy!