Kira Coldspring: The Hunt for Jorsh

Entrance & Overview

Beneath Hemlock Falls, accessed by clearing a collapsed stair tunnel, lies the Forgotten Reliquary — a long-sealed sanctum meant to contain ancient divine relics and the dark powers they once held at bay. The entrance arch bears inscriptions in both Ancient Elvish and Abyssal: “The flame of faith binds the gate. Speak with light, or be cast into shadow.”

To proceed, adventurers must cast Light or Sacred Flame on the seal, or offer a divine relic. The passage opens into a chamber heavy with mildew, incense, and forgotten iron.

Chambers of the Reliquary

Hall of Forgotten Names: Cathedral-like with shattered statues of saints and clerics. Every plinth’s name is gouged out, save one: Onyx of the Twilight Flame (DC 18 Investigation). Charisma checks suffer -1 penalty here due to oppressive spiritual unease.
The Ember Crucible: A ritual chamber of ancient braziers. Lighting all three simultaneously with Fire, Radiant, and Shadow magic opens a spiral path to Level 2. Failure triggers:
- Radiant Pulse: 3d8 radiant damage to hostile creatures
- Echo-Wraith emergence: If darkness dominates the chamber
Reliquary Chamber Proper: Rusted shelves and broken display cases. A single glowing case is sealed by celestial runes. Requires a vow of sacrifice (DC 16 Arcana or casting Identify) to unlock.
Inside:
- The Ember Key of Astaroth: Grants access to the Dark Gate. Cast Wall of Fire 1/day. Turns necrotic if bearer is infernal or tied to Yaldaboath.

Stat Block: Sentinel of the Flame — Elihast

Flame Revenant, Former Paladin of Astaroth
AC: 18 | HP: 110 | Speed: 30 ft.
STR 18 | DEX 14 | CON 16 | INT 10 | WIS 14 | CHA 16
Resistances: Fire, Necrotic, Bludgeoning (non-magical)
Abilities:

Flame Bindings: Grapples targets in chains of fire (DC 15 STR save)
Sacred Rebirth (1/day): Explodes for 6d6 fire (20 ft. radius, DC 15 DEX) and reforms at ½ HP
Tormented Memory: Forces 1 PC to relive past failure (disadvantage until healed or damaged)

Tactics: Tests players with visions and riddles before allowing them to take the Ember Key. If disrespected, he attacks.

Backstory: Elihast

Elihast was the last and greatest paladin of Astaroth, guardian of the Ember Key. When the Moonspire fell, he chose to be bound in undeath rather than surrender his duty. He still believes himself a vessel of divine justice—and that Onyx may yet return to rekindle the flame. Mentioning Onyx by name shifts his demeanor (+2 to Persuasion when appealing to justice or mercy).

Side Quest: "The Final Ember"

Quest Giver: Elihast (if spared)
Objective:

Find the Lantern of Astaroth — hidden in the ruins of the Moonspire or Magistrate’s vault

Reward:

Elihast’s Blessing: Ember Key used safely without curse
+1 to fire or radiant spell attack rolls (for lantern bearer)
Unlocks secret path to Heart of the Mountain (skip monster level)

Hidden Chamber: The Starlit Cell

One cracked wall bears star constellations in relief. Pressing the correct five (DC 17 Religion or History) opens a hidden prayer chamber beneath a magical sky.

Inside: blood-stained cot, ancient journal, and:
Eye of the Ember Saint: Wondrous Item (rare), attunement
Grants 90 ft. Darkvision, advantage vs. charm/fear, 1/day Flame Strike (radiant only)

The journal reveals the Reliquary was never just for protection—it was a prison.

Monsters: Echo-Wraiths of the Ember Oath

Medium Undead, CR 3 (2–4)
AC: 15 | HP: 48 | Speed: 0 ft., Fly 40 ft.
Resistances: Necrotic, Fire
Abilities:

Echo Scream: DC 14 CON save or 3d6 psychic & lose concentration
Burning Remorse (Recharge 5–6): Target PC with fire vulnerability if they’ve failed a fire save before
Possess Ember: Can hide within or enhance magical flames

DUNGEON MASTERS ONLY