---
type: location
region: "Elemental Plane of Earth"
danger: High
---

# Heart of the Mountain

## Overview

The seat of the Draconic Court — a colossal throne-hall carved inside a floating crystal in the Elemental Plane of Earth. This is where the [[Dragon Lords]] convene to deliberate on matters of the Pact of Seven Flames. The Heart has stood for 3,000 years, a neutral ground where even bitter draconic rivals must set aside grievances.

## Access

Reached through the [[Gate of Stone]] in the [[Ashpeak Caldera]] (see [[Arc 3 - Heart of the Mountain#Hook 9: The Obsidian Path|Arc 3, Hook 9]]). The journey from the Material Plane takes approximately 3 days through the Plane of Earth.

## Description

The Heart is a massive geode, its interior walls faceted with crystals that reflect and refract light into prismatic displays. The central chamber is the **Throne-Hall**, where five crystal thrones face inward in a circle around a central platform. Each throne is attuned to its Dragon Lord — empty thrones (for [[Ignivar, the Betrayer|Ignivar]] and [[Morgra, the Ashen Matron|Morgra, post-treason]]) pulse with a dim, mournful light.

Side chambers include:
- **The Hall of Scales:** Records of every Dragon Lord who has served the Pact, carved in draconic script on crystal tablets
- **The Ember Chamber:** Ritual space where the Emberheart once rested before Ignivar's theft
- **The Fracture Cavern:** A natural cave beneath the throne-hall where the seal anchor at the Heart's base can be observed — the only stable anchor in Aethrune

## Key Events

- Arc 3: Party presents their case before the Draconic Court
- Arc 3 climax: [[Morgra, the Ashen Matron]] attacks the Court; battle across floating platforms
- Arc 3 conclusion: The Rite of Seven Flames is performed here (or attempted)

## Environment

- Crystal resonance creates permanent *calm emotions* effect (mutually agreed by Dragon Lords)
- Violence here is forbidden by ancient pact — breaking it awakens the **Crystal Guardian**, a CR 18 construct
- The air is thin but breathable; gravity is 80% of normal (high jump distances doubled, fall damage halved)