Brazen Wolfe Tabletop

The Lost Temple of Eldara

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Title: The Lost Temple of Eldara

Adventure Hook: The party hear as they are waiting in line to collect a reward for a job that was posted by the local hunters guild of rumours that have surfaced about a long-lost temple hidden deep within the enchanted forest of Eldara. The temple is said to contain the legendary Orb of Eternal Light, a powerful artifact that can bring light to even the darkest corners of the world and it is thought to have brought about the birth of many of the good natured deities.

However, a malevolent cult known as the Shadow Veil seeks to claim the Orb for their evil purposes as their cult leader has proclaimed a time of reformation for the people of the land. These rumours have sparked concern with the authorities, namely the church of Lathander, and they have charged the adventurers with finding the temple and securing the Orb before it falls into the wrong hands.

Notable NPC: Liora Walker – A young halfling that is a skilled ranger and scout for the city the party pick up this job overhears the mission and wants in. She knows the Eldara forest like the back of her hand after being raised by a commune of refugees when she was left homeless at a young age. This is where Liora’s personal vendetta against the Shadow Veil comes into play as they destroyed her village in their pursuit of their dark ambitions.

She offers to guide the adventurers through the forest and provide valuable insights about the temple and its defences and she only asks that they won’t get in her way. Her knowledge and tracking skills are indispensable for navigating the treacherous terrain and as she is one of the only people who knew where the temple was and was willing to take people there.

Location: The Enchanted Glade – A beautiful, yet eerie clearing within the Eldara forest, where ancient trees form a natural barrier around a shimmering pool. The glade is imbued with powerful magic that can both aid and hinder those who enter. It serves as an ideal location for a strategic battle, with plenty of natural cover and hazards.

The Glade has several rumours around it about being a place where those most in need and with pure intentions have received aid, and in some cases, had the incurable cured.

Hidden Plot Twist: As the adventurers enter the temple, they discover that the Orb of Eternal Light is not merely a source of power, but a sentient entity known as Lumina, a Guardian of Balance. Lumina reveals that the true threat is not the Shadow Veil, but a much older and more dangerous force that has been awakened by the meddling of their leader and their hunger for power. This ancient force, known as The Dread, seeks to plunge the world into eternal darkness and chaos, as many of them do.

Lumina explains that the Shadow Veil was unknowingly manipulated by The Dread into seeking the Orb, believing it to be a tool for their own power. But she can not guarantee how long they have been manipulated and if their actions regarding Liora were the action of the cult or the influence of the Dread.

In reality, Lumina is the only thing that can seal away The Dread once more. Now, the adventurers must find a way to convince the remaining Shadow Veil members that they have been manipulated without revealing Lumina. If they are successful these members would surely realise their grave mistake and will assist in the ritual that will imprison The Dread. However not all will be easily swayed.

Social Encounter: The adventurers must negotiate a tense alliance with the surviving Shadow Veil cultists. Trust is scarce, and old animosities threaten to undermine their efforts. The party must use all their diplomatic skills to broker peace and cooperation, ensuring both sides work together to stop The Dread while making good on their promise to Lioara.

Combat Encounter: As the ritual to seal away The Dread begins, the temple is besieged by its minions, nightmarish creatures that manifest from shadow, cinder, ash and smoke. The adventurers must protect Lumina and the cultists performing the ritual, fending off waves of these dark entities. The final showdown sees The Dread partially manifest after taking the deceased form of the once cult leader, and the party must use all their strength and wits to keep it at bay until the ritual is complete.