1.6 KiB
type, region, danger
| type | region | danger |
|---|---|---|
| location | Northern Valdris highlands | High |
Ashpeak Caldera
Overview
A dormant volcano in the northern Valdrian highlands. The caldera is the surface-side entrance to the Gate of Stone, the planar portal to the Elemental Plane of Earth and the Heart of the Mountain.
Environment
- Thin, sulfurous air — DC 12 CON save every hour or gain 1 level of exhaustion
- Geothermal vents that deal 2d6 fire damage to creatures ending their turn within 5 feet
- Ash fields that count as difficult terrain
- The caldera floor is 2 miles across; the Gate of Stone is at the center
The Gate of Stone
A massive stone archway 30 feet tall, carved with First Sage runes and flanked by two obsidian pillars. The gate is dormant until activated by a Dragon Lord's presence or a DC 20 Arcana check (requires knowledge of the gate's activation sequence). When active, the archway fills with swirling gray light that solidifies into a stone bridge — walk across it to enter the Plane of Earth.
Guardian: The Stonewarden
An ancient earth elemental myrmidon (CR 14) bound to the gate by the First Sages. It tests those who seek passage with three trials (Strength, Wisdom, Sacrifice). See Arc 3 - Heart of the Mountain#Hook 9: The Obsidian Path.
Encounters
| Encounter | CR |
|---|---|
| Magma mephits (1d4+2) | 2-4 |
| Fire newts (2d4) | 3 |
| Young magma dragon (patrol) | 10 |
| Stonewarden (if attacked) | 14 |
Access
Khalyraxis, the Verdant Wing knows the way. The journey from Valhold to the caldera takes 5 days by horse through increasingly volcanic terrain.