Through Fading Echoes: Secrets of the Lost Enclave
Setting: The Echoing Hollow
Deep within the Eldenwood Forest lies the fabled Echoing Hollow, a sunken enclave that is said to hold the vestiges of an ancient civilization, long forgotten by time. The dense canopy of ancient trees filters golden sunlight, casting flickering shadows over the area. Here, the debris of stone structures peeks from beneath layers of moss and vines as if nature itself seeks to reclaim its domain. What makes this site remarkable is the phenomenon of sound; whispers of the past echo and intertwine, giving the area an eerie charm.
The enclave is partially shrouded in mystery due to its unique acoustic properties. Sounds bounce around in ways that defy standard perception, and hidden within the echoes are clues leading to the sanctuary of the Enclave—a location said to hold immense power and knowledge. However, the echoes also mimic the voices of creatures that once thrived in the enclave, presenting both a gateway to knowledge and potential peril for those who dare enter.
Goal: Uncover the Secrets of the Enclave
As the players arrive at the Echoing Hollow, they are tasked with unearthing the secrets hidden within the enclave, specifically the location of an ancient artifact called the Echo Stone. This stone is said to have the power to manipulate sound, and its origins could hold the key to restoring harmony to the tribe of forest-dwelling spirits known as the Sylfaerians, who have been plagued by disruptive echoes that distort their communication with the natural world.
Characters
Sylfaerian Spirit Guide - Liora
A guardian of the forest and an ethereal spirit, Liora appears to the party as a glowing figure adorned in leaves and shimmering light. She speaks in melodious whispers and will act as a guide for the players, though her intentions may not always align with theirs. Liora is both a source of wisdom and a test of virtue, challenging the players' hearts and instincts.
The Willow Wight
A malevolent spirit bound to the enclave, the Willow Wight is a spectral entity born from the pain of loss. It roams the hollow, preying on those seeking the Echo Stone. The Wight can create echoing illusions that distract and mislead adventurers, often leading them deeper into the enclave's dangers.
Nature's Guardian - Thorn
A sentient treant bound to the grove, Thorn is torn between protecting the enclave and its potential destruction. Initially hostile towards intruders, he may be persuaded to assist the players if they prove their cause is noble. He possesses powerful abilities to manipulate the environment around him.
The Echoes of Challenge
Entrance to the Echoing Hollow
Upon reaching the entrance, players observe crumbling masonry covered in vines. The exit to the enclave is obscured by an arched gateway, beyond which a warped melody emanates, echoing rhythmically. As players step through, they enter a space where reality seems distorted; the walls pulse with sound.
Puzzle: The Echoes of Truth To progress further, players must solve a riddle presented through layered echoes. They hear phrases overlapping, but one definitive whisper speaks truth. They need to concentrate and work together to select the true echo: "Only the pure of heart can find the light within the dark." Choosing incorrectly triggers a burst of sound that manifests as damaging sonic waves, dealing 2d6 thunder damage in a 20-foot radius.
The Enclave’s Guardians
Once through the initial gateway, the players will encounter various hostile creatures driven mad by the enclave’s strange acoustics, including:
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Sonic Banshees (3-4): These wails are distorted remnants of the sylph realm's inhabitants, aiming to drown out the players with screeches that confuse and hurt. Each banshee has a unique sound-based attack that can cause deafness or disorientation.
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Echo Spectres (2-3): These shades take on the forms of lost adventurers, emanating waves of illusory echoes that can confuse and mislead the players through psychic whispers that mimic their allies' voices.
Confrontation with the Wight
As players make their way deeper, the echoing voices turn dark, amplifying the presence of the Willow Wight. The wight confronts them in an ancient courtyard adorned with remnants of stone statues. It will use illusions to create duplicate players, forcing the party to grapple with their fears, unsure of what is real.
Encounter: Battle with the Willow Wight
In this battle, the players will deal with multiple aspects:
- The real Wight hiding among the echoes will take damage, while duplicates can deceive the players.
- Every round, the Wight can cast Enthrall, forcing players to make Wisdom saving throws. Failure means they must act against their companions in some manner for one round (i.e., using melee attacks).
Should the Wight reduce a player to zero hit points, it can attempt to absorb their voice, creating a temporary echo of that character that will act on the Wight's turn. The Wight is vulnerable to sound-based attacks, which helps the players if they have the right spells or abilities.
Confronting Thorn
Once the Wight is dispelled, the players must now confront Thorn, the nature guardian, who has witnessed the chaos wrought by the Wight. Thorn will initially perceive them as a threat. Players must either fight him or convince him of their noble intent.
Roleplay Opportunity: Persuasion or Combat Players can attempt various checks (Persuasion, Animal Handling, or Nature) to prove their virtue. Excellent roleplay or creative responses (e.g., demonstrating gratitude to nature) will increase the chances of overcoming Thorn's hostility. Should they convince him successfully, Thorn will become an ally for navigating the enclave.
Discovery of the Echo Stone
Eventually, cleared of foes and guided by Liora, players will finally discover the ancient chamber containing the Echo Stone. The chamber is adorned with ancient murals depicting the history of the sylfaerians and their alliance with the forest. There are four pedestals each engraved with a different symbol (nature, truth, echo, harmony) that must be activated in a specific order based on their understanding of the myths presented.
Final Puzzle: Aligning the Pedestals Once activated in the correct order, the Echo Stone can be retrieved. Should players mess up, an alarming burst of echoing energy releases them, dealing 3d6 force damage and summoning a horde of echoing spirits to defend the stone in a final wave.
Resolution: Harmony Restored
With the Echo Stone safely in their possession, players will witness the immediate change around them: the whispers of the hollow lift, harmony replaced by serene silence in the enclave. The Sylfaer spirit Liora will appear again, this time with a brighter glow, and offer her gratitude, undoubtedly leading to a moment of story clarification or the start of a new quest involving the restoration of balance in the forest.
Returning with the artifact allows the players to be hailed as heroes among the Sylfaerians, who await their return to the grove. The players will have made lasting allies and won insight into further adventures that may tread into or benefit from their union with the forest spirits, potentially marking the beginning of a new chapter in their epic tale.
