Kira Coldspring: The Hunt for Jorsh

Exterior Description

Deep beneath the Catacombs of Echoes, a scorched spiral stairwell descends into a vaulted basalt chamber. At its base stands a massive obsidian gate adorned with petrified dragon claws. Glyphs pulse with sickly green energy, guarding the sanctum.

Inscription above the gate (in Draconic and Infernal):
“Their wings shall rise in silence. Speak the name of the First Flame, or feed the nest in pieces.”

To open the gate, players must:

Speak “Valamandrix” — the true name of the progenitor dragon (lore from the Temple of the Moonspire)
Offer dragonborn blood willingly (DC 16 Persuasion)
Cast Greater Restoration or Dispel Evil and Good to suppress the glyphs (1 min)

Inside, dim veins of molten amethyst line the walls — dimming further when undead approach.

Interior Description

Cradle of Scales: Broken shells and twisted bones litter the floor. A lingering truth-ward causes pain when lying (1 psychic damage). Hidden beneath cracked banners, a single egg ticks like a heartbeat (DC 17 Investigation reveals it’s alive).
Gallery of Flame-Callers: Blackened murals once used to train young dragons. Puzzle: Rotate 4 dragon reliefs to match mural (DC 15 History) to reveal stair to the Magma Heart. Failure triggers a Flameborn Reaver from floor grates.
Nesting Core: A central cavern of runed nests and twitching undead hatchlings. At the far end, a skeletal dragon skull cradles the Chalice of Ash — pulsing necrotic power every 2 rounds (heals undead 1d8). Can be sealed with Hallow or 3 DC 15 Religion divine energy channelings.

Stat Blocks

Droxion, Warden of the Shattered Brood (Undead Dragonborn Warlock, CR 6)
AC: 17 | HP: 95 | Speed: 30 ft.
Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Radiant
Abilities:

Voice of Ash (1/day): DC 15 WIS or be frightened and silenced for 1 minute
Necrotic Pulse (Recharge 5–6): 30 ft radius, 5d10 necrotic, DC 15 CON for half
Broodlink: Commands all undead wyrmlings on his initiative
Black Oath Blade: +7 to hit, 2d6 slashing + 2d8 necrotic; WIS DC 14 or frightened if below half HP

Tactics: Warns players to leave. Fights with wyrmlings if they persist. Attempts to drag a PC into the Chalice.

Backstory

Once guardian of the Incubatorium and loyal to Valamandrix, Droxion was born under the Moon Eclipse. Deceived by Yaldaboath during the Shadowfall, he sacrificed the last clutch of dragon eggs in return for their supposed safety.

Twisted by necrotic guilt, he now believes undeath may redeem the brood and bring immortality. If shown the Living Egg from the Cradle of Scales, he may hesitate, torn between sorrow and purpose.

Side Quest

“Ashes of the First Flame”
Trigger: Discovering the Living Egg or surviving Droxion’s plea
Objective:

Recover the Living Egg
Bring it to the Temple of the Moonspire for purification
Defeat or redeem Droxion

Reward:

Moon-Blessed Hatchling: A bonded young metallic dragon companion
Permanent +1 to necrotic saves from draconic purity
Story hook for Valamandrix’s future return

Hidden Chamber / Puzzle / Treasure

Location: Magma Heart (behind Gallery puzzle)
Treasure:

Heartshard of Valamandrix: Wondrous (rare), grants resistance to fire and necrotic; cast Dragon’s Breath (necrotic) 1/day
Lore Fragment: Prophecy of the Last Flame — a child of dragonkind will redeem or destroy Yew

Monsters

Undead Wyrmling (Medium Undead Dragon, CR 3)
AC: 16 | HP: 55 | Speed: 30 ft., fly 40 ft.
Resistances: Fire, Necrotic, Poison
Abilities:

Necrotic Breath (Recharge 5–6): 15 ft. cone, 4d8 necrotic, DC 14 CON for half
Tail Lash: +6 to hit, 2d6 bludgeoning; target must succeed STR DC 13 or be knocked prone
Deathless Instinct: Advantage on saves vs turn or banishment

Flameborn Reaver (Construct-Undead Hybrid, CR 4)
AC: 18 | HP: 65 | Speed: 20 ft.
Abilities:

Molten Slam: 2d8 fire + 2d8 bludgeoning
Ignition Core (1/day): Explodes on death (6d6 fire, DC 14 DEX for half)

DUNGEON MASTERS ONLY