Heart of Emberwood

Item Type: Magical idol / relic
Rarity: Unknown (appears unique)
Requires Attunement: No
Appearance: A carved idol of ember-hued stone, warm to the touch, faintly glowing as if embers still smolder within. The surface is rough, scarred like cooled volcanic rock, but the heart of it pulses faint light.

Description

The Heart of Emberwood is a powerful relic tied to elemental fire. It radiates heat and carries an aura of significance beyond simple magic. Its full abilities, if any, remain undiscovered, but it is clearly an object of interest to scholars, nobles, and cults alike.

History

• Its exact origins are unknown.
• Discovered in the Temple of Emberwood, seemingly guarded by fire elementals, including Varoth, the Cinderbound Elemental.
• Local lore suggests ties to ancient cataclysms, including the fallen angels and cosmic shifts described by Lauren Kaylin and the old man of Dunhallow.

Role in the Story

• Found during Session 0.25 in the Temple of Emberwood.
• Lauren Kaylin, a Guilded Seeker, immediately offered 200 platinum for it. The party refused.
• Delivered in Dunhallow to the old man at the request of Guard Billiam, completing the quest.
• Connected to wider mysteries: the fall of angels 400 years ago and the omen of the Dark Star.

Notable Moments

• Ambushed in the Temple of Emberwood while recovering it, leading to the battle with Varoth.
• Party debated whether to sell it to Lauren Kaylin or fulfill their original agreement.
• Zane insisted on keeping the deal with Billiam’s contact, while Voss argued against taking the gold.
• Presentation of the idol to the old man of Dunhallow triggered stories of the fallen angels and warnings about the Dark Star.

Relationships

• PCs:
  • Discovered and carried by the party.
  • Debated between Zane (deal-keeper) and Voss (deal-breaker).
• NPCs:
  • Lauren Kaylin (Guilded Seeker) – Tried to purchase it.
  • Old Man of Dunhallow – Recipient of the idol, rewarded the party, shared lore.
  • Guard Billiam – Original quest giver who directed the party to recover the idol.
• Factions/Organizations:
  • Guilded Seekers – Actively seeking it (through Lauren).
  • Aglarion’s Crown & Nobility – Connected by implication, as such relics could influence power struggles.