Graveyard of Lament: Secrets Beneath the Moonlit Ruins
Setting: The Graveyard of Lament
The party finds themselves at the entrance of the Graveyard of Lament, a haunted burial ground that lies on the outskirts of a forgotten village known for the tragic stories of its lost souls. Ancient stone tombs, cracked and partially sunken, form jagged lines across the landscape, covered in creeping ivy and the remnants of long-dead flowers. The air is heavy with an eerie quiet, interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant whispers carried by the wind.
Moonlight shines brightly in the night sky, illuminating the gravestones with an otherworldly glow, imbuing the area with an ethereal beauty. However, there is a palpable tension that hangs in the air; the villagers have been plagued by nightmares and strange occurrences during the nights of the full moon. Each morning, a new grave appears unmarked, claiming the souls of dreamers who venture too close to the graveyard.
Characters: Ghostly Guardians
As the players explore the graveyard, they discover that it is not merely a resting place for the deceased but rather a battleground for restless spirits. Among the ghostly inhabitants is Lysa, the Wraith of Longing, a once-vibrant bard whose soul was twisted by envy and desires unfulfilled. Lysa roams the grounds, luring those who show potential to become great artists or leaders, only to siphon their life force, seeking to reclaim the vibrant life she lost.
Alongside Lysa is her spectral companion, the Sentinel of Shadows, a towering guardian spirit bound to protect the secrets hidden within the graveyard. When threatened, the Sentinel can manipulate shadows, creating physical darkness that blinds and disorients intruders. Combining both cunning and brute force, Lysa and the Sentinel create a two-fold threat for any adventurers that dare disturb their realm.
Conflict: The Quest for Peace
The villagers plead with the party for help, revealing that the source of the problem stems from the ancient crypt located at the heart of the graveyard. The players must enter the crypt, uncovering hidden knowledge about how to appease Lysa and release her from the cycle of despair while also dealing with the dangers present in the graveyard itself.
Goal: The players aim to retrieve a special artifact hidden within the crypt—the Moonlit Tear—a crystal said to contain the essence of forgotten dreams. Once secured, this artifact can be used to quell Lysa's insatiable cravings and restore peace to the restless spirits, saving the villagers from perpetual nightmares.
Exploration: Navigating the Tombs
Upon approaching the crypt, players face an ominous entrance adorned with intricate carvings that depict otherworldly visions of artistry and beauty, accentuated by glimmering stonework that catches the moonlight. However, stepping into the burial mound reveals further dangers.
Puzzle: The Riddle of the Remorseful
As players enter the crypt, they’re met with a large stone door, its surface inlaid with glowing runes. Inscribed upon the portal is a riddle:
"I move without wings, between sun and the dark, Piling up wasted life, leaving only a mark. What am I?"
The party must work together to comprehend the riddle. The answer is "time." Correctly speaking the answer aloud will unlock the door, opening to reveal a winding staircase descending deeper into the crypt.
Participants could argue their reasoning and invoke skills like History or Arcana to draw connections to the answer. However, failing to answer three times will cause the door to unleash a burst of spectral energy, dealing necrotic damage to all players nearby.
The Heart of the Crypt: Shadows and Spirits
Descending down the staircase, the atmosphere shifts drastically. Cold air clings to the players while shadows twist unnaturally across the walls. Torches lined along the walls flicker uncertainly, casting long-dragging shadows that seem to grasp at the players.
Trap: The Shadows’ Grasp
Terrain becomes hazardous as they encounter a chamber full of shifting shadows that come to life. The players are faced with a trap that manifests shadowy tendrils rising from the ground, attempting to ensnare and pull characters towards the darkened alcoves along the walls.
Players must make Dexterity saving throws, and those who fail are restrained and take psychic damage. Players can escape by succeeding on a Strength check or using a creative solution, such as casting light-based spells to disperse the shadows.
Confrontation: A Dance with Wraiths
As they progress deeper, players finally reach the inner sanctum of the crypt, a spacious room where Lysa awaits ensconced in ethereal beauty and sadness. Here, players must confront her desire for life and her resentful need to claim new artists. As long as Lysa feels unfulfilled, she will continue to haunt the graveyard until all villagers are claimed.
Battle: Wraith of Longing and the Sentinel of Shadows
In this climactic moment, players must fight Lysa (use stats for a Wraith) and the Sentinel of Shadows (use stats for a Shadow Demons with additional shadow abilities) simultaneously. Lysa weaves in and out of shadows, casting illusions to confuse players while siphoning health from those who show artistic potential.
Mechanics:
- Lysa can charm players, granting disadvantage on attacks for a turn to her chosen target.
- The Sentinel can create zones of darkness that challenge players’ perceptions and accuracy.
Players will have to manage the threats effectively, balancing the focus between the wraith's charm and the brute force of the Sentinel, all while navigating the hazardous room that may contain collapsed pillars and shadow voids.
Resolution: The Moonlit Tear
Upon defeating the guardians, the players discover the Moonlit Tear resting upon a dais in the center of the room. The players will have a moment to strategize how to dependably use the artifact.
Peace and Redemption
Using the Moonlit Tear, the party can confront Lysa peacefully. The Tear glows vibrantly, imbuing her with vivid memories of her lost life. Through the players’ compassion and sincerity, they can persuade her to release her claims over the living. The ambiance shifts from that of a dark crypt to something beautiful as the moonlight spills into their surroundings.
As Lysa fades, a feeling of peace encases the crypt, and whispers of gratitude fill the air. The spectral remnants of souls enchant the space, promising to grant the party boons or special insight into the mysteries of the cosmos, along with the respect of the villagers once back on the surface.
Finally, the players are rewarded with an audience with the village leaders, earning their gratitude and tangible rewards for their valor. The party departs, knowing they were critical to breaking the curse that haunted the Graveyard of Lament.
