**A Fractured Echo: Trials of the Abandoned Forge**
Setting: The Abandoned Forge
Deep within the Whispering Mountains lies an ancient forge, rumored to have been a site of immense craftsmanship. However, the forge has long been abandoned, left to the echoes of its past. Over time, the site has been claimed by nature and hostile creatures that now disrupt the land’s peace. The majority of the forge lies in disrepair, its towering chimneys cracking and rusting, but a pulsing, magical energy still thrums beneath its cobblestone floors. This peculiar energy has not gone unnoticed, drawing adventurers and mercenaries alike, all seeking the legends of weapons forged in the flames of the enigmatic Echo Elementals that once burnt brightly here.
Goal: Awaken the Forge's Heart
The players are drawn to the forge in search of an ancient weapon known as the “Echo Blade”, rumored to have the ability to resonate with the wielder's inner strength. However, the key to this blade lies in awakening the Forge's Heart, a magical crystal hidden deep in the forge that requires a series of challenges to access. To do this, the party must navigate through hidden passages, avoid potent traps, and confront the Echo Elementals—spirits of the forge that test both their bravery and wisdom.
The Approach to the Forge
As the heroes approach the forge, they will notice the remnants of its renowned past—the cracked stone walls inscribed with ancient symbols of fire and unity, the overgrown gardens with remnants of equipment scattered throughout. The characters can find lingering echoes of past craftsmen as they make their way to the forge, which manifests as specters of dwarven artisans, providing historical context but revealing their sorrow of their failure to protect the forge from corruption.
Trap - The Echo Gate: Outside the forge stands an imposing stone gate marked by deep rune carvings. This gate is enchanted with an echo trap. As soon as a player steps in front of the gate, it emits a powerful sound wave that disorients them, forcing a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. Those who fail take 2d6 thunder damage and are knocked prone. In order to unlock the gate, the players must sing aloud or play a musical note in harmony with the echoes (DC 14 Performance check). Succeeding awakens the gate, allowing it to swing open.
Inside the Forgotten Halls
As the party enters, the air thickens with dust and nostalgia. Huge workbenches lie covered in cobwebs, and giant hammers hang loosely from the walls, echoing whispers of old-forged items. The soft glow from the enchanted forge can be seen illuminating one of the far walls, continuously flickering as if the forge were alive. Here lies the first trial.
Puzzle - The Elemental Forge: The forge at the center of the room is surrounded by four braziers, each representing one of the four elemental forces: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. However, only three of the braziers can be lit; doing so will reveal a spectral echo of a craftsman, who explains that only balance can awaken the Forge's Heart.
Players must pull the correct elemental items from the surrounding forges nominally abandoned and place them into the braziers. The challenge requires intelligence to figure out the means of balance through process of elimination:
- Fire (a sparkling ember)
- Water (a crystal vial with small fireflies)
- Earth (a heavy stone)
- Air (a feather floating conveniently)
Each successful combination brightens the braziers, building to a climax as the remaining one explodes with elemental fury if players place incorrect items. For every incorrect attempt, party members take 1d6 fire damage surrounded by flame spirits. Once the braziers are lit in the correct sequence (Fire, Water, Air), the room lights up and a hidden passage opens leading deeper into the core of the forge.
Confrontation: The Forge Guardians
As the adventurers proceed down the corridor, they come into contact with a group of Echo Elementals guarding a shimmering crystal—the Forge's Heart. These guardians appear as humanoid silhouettes, flickering like flames coupled with earthy tones. Their forms shift and morph, representing their elemental alignment.
Combat - The Echo Elementals: The group consists of one Fire Echo, one Earth Echo, and two Air Echoes, acting together to protect their source of power. The combat arena is filled with broken machinery and tools, creating additional hazards. Players must navigate around the debris while managing the elemental threats.
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Fire Echo: Attacks players using engulfing flames that create a 10-ft circle of fire momentarily upon appearing. Characters caught in this area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 3d6 fire damage.
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Earth Echo: Uses rocks and earth to create rocky barriers, causing half movement when a character tries to pass. Can set traps that cause 2d8 bludgeoning damage on a failed DC 14 Strength saving throw.
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Air Echo: Deals with agility and speed, using gusts of wind. This elemental can knock characters prone by pushing them back if they fail a DC 13 Strength saving throw, dealing 1d4 damage and creating havoc in player positioning.
To defeat these guardians, players must utilize their environment, perhaps using machinery to create distractions or imbuing their weaponry with elemental advantages as they adapt to each of the Echo’s attacks.
Resolution: Claiming the Echo Blade
Upon defeating the Echo Elementals, a radiant light bursts forth from the Forge’s Heart. The air is suddenly imbued with purity, and the forge hums with power. The Heart reveals the path to awaken the blade. Players must work together to channel their energies into the heart, requiring a team effort (DC 15 combined skill checks of any type). Each success leads to an increasing energy wave, while failures might cause the party to encounter minor elemental spirits, drawn by their attempts, seeking to sabotage their progress.
When the heart is successfully awakened, the Forge’s Call echoes through the chamber, and the “Echo Blade” materializes, infused with their collective will. Each party member receives a glimpse of power tied to the blade, granting them advantage on their first strike with it, and a wielder gets +1 to attack rolls until the next long rest before the weapon regains virtually dormant properties.
In conclusion, the forge merges its history with a rebirth, and the party departs, feeling connected to the legacy of the craft, tales etched into the echo of time—a memory of accomplishment waiting for the next brave souls to awaken the lingering forge once more.
