Side Quest: Enchanted Grove

Intro

As the party journeys toward Luskan (or anywhere), they come across a tranquil, sun-dappled grove deep within the forest. The air is filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, and the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves create a soothing ambiance. However, something unusual catches their attention—a mysterious, shimmering mist that shrouds the grove's entrance.

Setup:

The grove is enchanted by ancient magic, causing the mist to obscure the entrance. It's said to be a place where travelers can find guidance or insight from mystical beings.

Encounter Elements

The Mysterious Guardian

As the players approach the mist, they hear the faint laughter of a mischievous sprite named Lumina. Lumina is the guardian of the grove and has the ability to shape the mist to communicate with visitors. She teases the players, challenging them to solve a riddle or share a meaningful story from their past to gain entrance.

The Riddle

Lumina presents the players with a riddle related to nature or magic, such as, "I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?" The answer is an "echo." Solving the riddle allows them to part the mist and enter the grove.

The Insightful Encounter

Once inside, the players find themselves in a magical glade filled with ancient, sentient trees. These trees are known as the "Whispering Elders" and can offer cryptic insights, advice, or prophecies related to their quest or personal journeys. The information they provide might be veiled in metaphor or symbolism, leaving room for interpretation.

The Decision

After receiving guidance or insights, the players must make a decision that will affect their journey or future encounters. For example, they might choose to take a hidden shortcut through the forest, heed a warning about a looming threat, or decide to share their newfound wisdom with a troubled NPC in Havenbrook.

Resolution

Depending on the players' choices and interactions within the grove, they gain either an advantage or additional role-playing opportunities as they continue their journey to Havenbrook. Additionally, the Whispering Elders may grant them a small, mystical token or blessing that could prove useful in future encounters.

Completion Date
Session 3

Plot type

Side-quest

Parent Plot

Event: Run-in with Triandal

Related Characters

• Lumina the Sprite

Related Session Reports

• Session 3