thedmtoolchest

The Secret of White Mantle | 9th-Level 5E Adventure

Added 2021-09-11 16:51:05 +0000 UTC

A dormant volcano has awakened and an elemental cult wishes to harness its power to summon their god

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THE SECRET OF WHITE MANTLE

The Secret of White Mantle is a Fifth Edition adventure intended for three to five characters of 8th to 10th level and optimized for four characters with an average party level (APL) of 9. The long-dormant mountain has awoken, and with it, the high priest to an ancient elemental god. The villagers of the Hinterlake are ill-equipped to deal with something like this and seek aid to put an end to whatever plan is being enacted within the newly revealed shrine. This adventure takes place in the Freelands campaign setting and fits any existing campaign with only a few modifications and name changes.

Background

Zhe'ctma was an ancient deity whose power to command the natural elements was sought after by both intellectuals and craven, power-hungry fools alike. The most devoted followers would seek places where the convergence of the natural elements could be found, none more coveted than a volcano. White Mantle is such a place, though it has lain dormant for nearly a millennia—long enough for the rain and snow and ice to mask the lava flows that tell of its violent past. The most prominent summit in a small range known as the Chiltarn Peaks, its inky colored rock lies hidden beneath the perpetual cap of snow that gives the mountain its name.

In the eastern foothills of the Chiltarn Peaks, the small freshwater lake of Hinterlake collects the frigid waters that constantly run down from the mountains. The lake is well stocked with fish - enough to support the three villages nestled on its banks: Colts to the north, Bialdside to the south, and Timbermill on the west. The villages rely on fishing to feed themselves and trade with the caravans that come through the mountain pass on their way to the region’s larger cities. The eastern road runs alongside the lake and through a waystation used by all three villages as a market.

The villages are filled with good-natured folk and home to the usual assortment of petty squabbles and big dreams that flourish wherever simpler lives are led. However, even bitter rivalries are quickly put aside in the face of any threat to the lake. In such times as is needed, a Full Meet is called at the waystation by lighting a bonfire of wet reeds sending a menacing plume of black smoke into the air visible from every bank of Hinterlake.

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