Ripple in the Forgotten Sands: A Desperate Pursuit
Setting: The Oasis of Ashen Whispers
The players find themselves in an arid expanse known as the Forgotten Sands, a vast desert once home to an ancient civilization. Amidst the relentless sun and dunes lies a hidden oasis, whose tranquil waters are said to possess mystical properties that can restore one’s strength and vitality. However, this oasis, known as the Oasis of Ashen Whispers, is not merely a resting place; it is simultaneously the lair of ethereal guardians and a focal point for malevolent forces seeking to unearth the treasures of the past.
As the party approaches the oasis, the air shimmers with heat, and mirages dance in the distance. Once they arrive, they discover that the waters are tainted, caused by a forbidden relic that has been unearthed within the depths of the oasis. A malevolent apparition, known as the Serpent of Ash, seeks to harness the relic’s power to break free from its ethereal chains and wreak havoc upon the land. The players must secure the relic before the Serpent accomplishes its goal.
The Goal: Secure the Relic of the Ashen Whisper
The immediate goal for the players is to locate and secure the ancient relic hidden deep within the oasis. To achieve this, they must navigate various challenges, solve intricate puzzles, and confront the dangers that lurk within the sacred waters. The players must act quickly to prevent the Serpent of Ash from stealing the relic and laying waste to nearby settlements. Time is of the essence—each turn they spend without action, the darkness encroaches closer.
The Entrance: Guardian of the Oasis
Upon arrival at the oasis, the players are greeted by an ethereal mist that hangs above the shimmering waters. They can see skeletal remains of creatures long gone scattered around the shore, whispering stories of doom. In the center of the oasis stands a stone pedestal, adorned with runes that shimmer faintly.
As the players approach, an ancient guardian materializes—a translucent being clad in tattered robes, known as a Warden of the Oasis. The Warden speaks in low, haunting tones, warning them:
“Seek not the relic if your hearts are impure. You must prove worthy if you wish to delve into the waters’ depths.”
To proceed, the players must answer a riddle posed by the Warden. The riddle describes the dual nature of hope and despair, urging them to reflect on their own motives. If they answer correctly (e.g., “The heart of a hero can break, yet in shards, it shines even more brightly”), the Warden steps aside, revealing the way deeper into the oasis. Should they fail to solve the riddle, the guardian will unleash a wave of magical energy that forces the players to a skill challenge to escape the curse of the oasis. They must succeed in a series of Dexterity saving throws and Intelligence checks to navigate the swirling dark water that formed around their feet to reach safety.
The Trial: Labyrinthine Depths
With the Warden's blessing, the players descend into the water, which transforms into a labyrinthine passage below the surface. Inside, they must navigate through twisting tunnels filled with glowing algae and luminescent fish that flicker out just as they approach.
To progress, the players face multiple challenges:
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Sinister Currents: Powerful whirlpools occasionally emerge in certain sections of the labyrinth. The players must make Dexterity saving throws to avoid getting swept away. Failure means they are pulled back to the entry point of the labyrinth. They must work together, using Strength checks to anchor themselves and assist each other.
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Puzzles of Reflection: As they traverse the winding passage, mirrors embedded within the walls create disorienting reflections. The players must work together to align the reflection of a hidden symbol on one of the mirrors with its counterpart directly opposite. This requires a series of Intelligence checks and perception rolls to decipher clues etched on the nearby walls. Success opens the path ahead; failure summons eerie specters that attack, aiming to sway the players from their goal.
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Crimson Serpents: As they delve deeper, swirling water coalesces into serpentine forms—manifestations of the evil influencing the oasis. These illusory creatures attempt to drown the players’ hopes and ambitions. Each player must make a series of Wisdom saving throws to push through the illusion’s despair, while others may wield their weapons to combat the serpent illusions physically. Success leads to a clearer path, while failure causes disadvantage in the upcoming encounter with the Serpent of Ash.
The Final Confrontation: Serpent of Ash
The players finally reach a grand chamber where the relic is stored upon a mantle of obsidian stone. Its menacing aura pulses, blackened with ancient energy. However, the Serpent of Ash, a colossal ethereal creature formed of shifting sands and dark energy, reacts to their presence. It coils protectively around the relic, eyes glinting with malice and hunger for their life force.
The Encounter Mechanics:
The Serpent has a multi-phased battle strategy:
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Phase One: The Serpent lunges at the players, attempting to ensnare them in its coils. Each round, it can make a bite attack (1d8 + 4 piercing damage) and constrict a player (1d10 + 4 bludgeoning damage) if held. Players must defeat its hit points while the environment fluctuates—periodic eruptions of sand geysers and curves.
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Phase Two: At half health, the Serpent unleashes a wave of darkness that envelops the players. They must succeed on Constitution saving throws or be blinded for one round and suffer disadvantage on attack rolls during that time. It becomes increasingly aggressive but vulnerable, slowly revealing chinks in its ethereal shell.
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Phase Three: With just a fraction of health remaining, the serpent becomes erratic. When it strikes, it may also illuminate the relic, summoning a sunbeam from the ceiling to pinpoint its location. Players can now target the relic directly with ranged attacks or wisdom-based Athletics checks to diffuse its energy and weaken the Serpent further.
Resolving the Encounter:
When the Serpent is defeated, it emits an anguished cry, and the chamber fills with an overwhelming light. The oppressive atmosphere of the oasis begins to lift, revealing the waters' former beauty. The players now have the chance to secure the relic.
As they retrieve it, the waters begin to cleanse—imbuing them with a feeling of rejuvenation as they restore any lost hit points and grant them temporary bonuses to their abilities for their noble undertaking. However, they should remain wary, as the fate of the oasis remains fragile—guardians may return, and whispers of shadows still linger.
When they exit the oasis, they are greeted by the Warden, who acknowledges their bravery. With newfound purpose, they must protect the oasis from future threats, ensuring its waters remain pure and its treasures intact.
The players leave the Oasis of Ashen Whispers behind, ready for new adventures and fully aware that darkness often lies just under the surface.
