2.1 KiB
type, region, danger
| type | region | danger |
|---|---|---|
| location | Elemental Plane of Earth | 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). 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 and Morgra, the Ashen Matron) 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)