Sub1 Trouble In Riverbend
Sub1 Trouble In Riverbend
Campaign Adventure
Trouble in Riverbend
Act 1, Sub-Act 1 • Campaign Adventure
Adventure Overview
The tranquil valley of Riverbend faces a crisis when the sacred Tear of the Moon crystal is stolen from its shrine. This magical artifact has maintained the balance of the Silverstream River for generations, and its absence threatens both the natural harmony and the political stability of the region.
Starting Scene
The Call for Help
The player characters find themselves in Riverbend when Elara Meadowlight, the respected Sylvani village elder, approaches them with urgent desperation in her ancient eyes. The Tear of the Moon—a crystal that regulates the magical energies flowing through the Silverstream River—has been stolen from its sacred shrine.
“The waters grow dark, and the magic falters,” Elara explains. “Without the Tear, our valley faces ruin. Will you help us recover what has been taken?”
Investigation Opportunities
The Shrine Investigation
Location: Sacred Tear of the Moon Shrine
Difficulty: Moderate
Clues to Discover:
- Forced Entry: Clear signs of violence against the shrine’s protective barriers
- Tracks: Footprints leading toward the Atherian Steppes
- Military Evidence: (Perception Check 12) Atherian military insignia left behind
- Magical Residue: (Arcana Check 14) Traces of dispelling magic used to overcome protective wards
Possible Skill Checks:
- Investigation: Piece together the sequence of events
- Perception: Notice subtle details others might miss
- Arcana: Understand the magical implications
Witness Interviews
Gather information from key community members:
Torvin Stonehand - Human Blacksmith
- Attitude: Suspicious of elves, generally distrustful
- Information: Saw strangers near the shrine two nights ago
- Bias: Believes the elves are hiding something
Linnea Swiftfoot - Elven Herbalist
- Attitude: Deeply concerned about magical imbalance
- Information: Has noticed plants withering along the riverbank
- Expertise: Can explain the crystal’s importance to local ecosystem
Baruk Grimstone - Tavern Owner
- Attitude: Gruff but ultimately helpful
- Information: Overheard suspicious conversations between travelers
- Network: Has connections throughout the valley
The Riverbank Search
Location: Silverstream River banks
Difficulty: Challenging
Investigation Results:
- Lost Trail: Tracks mysteriously disappear along the riverbank
- Magical Interference: (Arcana Check 16) Detection magic reveals concealment spells
- Environmental Changes: The river’s magical aura grows weaker by the hour
Key NPCs
- Elara Meadowlight: Quest giver, village elder with deep knowledge of ancient magic
- Torvin Stonehand: Potential source of information, represents human perspective
- Linnea Swiftfoot: Expert on local magical ecology
- Baruk Grimstone: Information broker, community gathering point
Adventure Hooks & Motivations
- Ecological Crisis: The river’s magic affects crops, wildlife, and local prosperity
- Political Tension: The theft could escalate human-elf conflicts
- Personal Stakes: Characters may have their own reasons to help Riverbend
- Time Pressure: The magical imbalance worsens with each passing day
Potential Outcomes
- Success: Recover crucial information leading to the next phase of investigation
- Partial Success: Gain some leads but miss important details
- Complications: Political tensions escalate, making the situation more complex
This adventure is part of the larger Daggerheart campaign, connecting to broader themes of political conflict and magical balance in the realm. * Hidden campsite. * Map showing closest outpost. * Ambush by Razorclaw Otters!
This content is part of the Daggerheart campaign setting.