Arcanum Quest Ideas
The Vanishing of the Verdant Spring (Levels 1-3)
Introduction:
In the outskirts of Luminary's Haven where the city's magical influence softly blends with the wilds, a phenomenon has left both the arcane scholars and local druids baffled and concerned. The Verdant Spring, a natural wellspring revered for its magical properties and vital to the surrounding ecosystems, has inexplicably dried up. Without its power, the land begins to wither, and magical creatures that once thrived are now fleeing, disturbing the balance.
Background:
The Verdant Spring has long been a focal point of magic in the area, its waters said to be the tears of an ancient nature deity. Its disappearance threatens not only the natural order but the magical balance of Luminary's Haven. Preliminary investigations by the Council suggest that this is no natural drought but a deliberate act, potentially linked to an ancient curse or a malevolent entity's emergence.
The adventurers are hired to delve into the mystery, guided by the hypothesis that restoring the Spring could require more than just arcane interventions—it might demand an understanding of ancient magics long forgotten or a negotiation with beings from the Feywild.
Objectives:
Consult the Archives: Delve into the Grand Library's restricted sections to uncover lore related to the Verdant Spring and its historical significance.
Alliance with the Fey: Enter the Feywild to seek allies, gathering insight into the natural magic that sustains the Spring.
Break the Curse or Defeat the Entity: Determine the cause of the Spring's disappearance and confront the curse or entity responsible, using a combination of combat, diplomacy, and magic.
Restore the Spring: Utilize arcane and natural magics to rejuvenate the Verdant Spring, ensuring its waters flow once more.
Report Back to the Council: Return to Luminary's Haven to inform the Council of your deeds and the restored balance.
Enemies and Challenges:
Ancient Guardians: Magical creatures bound to protect the Spring's secrets, wary of any who approach.
Fey Tricksters: Beings from the Feywild, offering assistance or hindrance based on their whims.
The Cursed Entity: A powerful foe, whether a malevolent spirit or a corrupted druid, seeking to keep the Spring's magic for themselves.
Rewards:
Enchanted Nature Relics: Magical items with nature-themed powers, from healing to plant control.
Favor of the Fey: Allies in the Feywild, offering their assistance in future endeavors.
Recognition by the Council: A declaration of your bravery and service, accompanied by a substantial reward of gold and access to rare spells or magical resources.
Conclusion:
Solving the mystery of the Verdant Spring not only restores a vital source of magic and life to the lands around Luminary's Haven but also strengthens the bonds between the city and the natural world. The adventurers' actions reinforce the importance of harmony between arcane and natural forces, securing their reputation as protectors of balance in the Morn Arcanum.
The Codex Maleficarum (Levels 3-5)
Introduction:
In the heart of Luminary's Haven, where the towers of knowledge pierce the skies and the streets hum with magical energy, a mystery unfolds that requires the keen minds and brave hearts of adventurers new to the wonders and dangers of the Morn Arcanum.
Background:
The Grand Library of Illumination, a repository of the most powerful arcane knowledge in the Morn Arcanum, has reported the unthinkable: a tome of unparalleled importance, "The Codex Maleficarum," has vanished from its secured vaults. This tome, believed to hold the keys to portals across the multiverse, could wreak havoc in the wrong hands.
The Council of Illumination, in a rare move, has reached out to the adventurers' guild for assistance, offering a reward of gold and access to select magical items for the tome's safe return. The quest is fraught with intrigue, as whispers suggest the theft might be an inside job, or worse, an act of espionage from rival factions.
Objectives:
Meet with Archmage Eldrin: He will provide initial information and a magical item to assist in the investigation.
Investigate the Grand Library: Search for clues, question library staff, and uncover any leads on the tome's disappearance.
Explore the Floating Buildings: Rumors suggest the tome was seen in the higher echelons of society. Adventurers must navigate the political and magical complexities of the city's elite.
Uncover the truth: A member of the Council of Illumination was responsible for stealing the book. They are under duress from some unsavory types and planned to sell the book to pay off his debts. Will the party help the Council member down on their luck, and possibly gain an ally within the high society of the Arcanum? Or is the allure or potential magical artifacts enough to turn the unfortunate Councillor in?
Retrieve the Tome and Return: Confront the Councillor and potentially the thugs threatening them, recover the tome, and ensure its safe return to the Grand Library.
Enemies and Challenges:
Arcane Traps: Magical traps that require cleverness to disarm or arcane knowledge to neutralise.
Rogue Mages: Disgruntled former scholars turned mercenaries, using their magic for personal gain.
Enchanted Constructs: Guardians of the stolen tome, set to deter any who attempt to reclaim it.
Rewards:
Gold: A generous purse from the Council of Illumination.
Magical Items: Select items from the Grand Library's collection, including scrolls, potions, and minor artifacts.
Favor of the Council: A letter of recommendation, granting the party an audience with the Council for future quests or political leverage within the city.
Conclusion:
The safe return of "The Codex Maleficarum" not only ensures the stability of the magical realms but also establishes the adventurers as reliable allies of the Morn Arcanum. Their success in this quest opens doors to more challenging adventures and deeper mysteries within the city and beyond. Depending on who they choose to support, they could come away with underground contacts, close support from a Councillor of Illumination or recognition by the Council itself.
The Celestial Convergence (Levels 6-10)
Introduction:
As the stars align and the heavens shimmer with otherworldly light, Luminary's Haven finds itself at the center of an astronomical event of unprecedented magnitude. The Celestial Convergence, a cosmic phenomenon that occurs once in a millennium, promises to unveil secrets of the universe and grant unimaginable power to those who can harness its energies. But with great power comes great peril, and the fate of the Morn Arcanum hangs in the balance.
Background:
The Council of Illumination, in a rare display of urgency, calls upon the realm's most skilled adventurers to safeguard Luminary's Haven during the Celestial Convergence. Legends speak of ancient artifacts hidden across the city, each imbued with a fragment of celestial power that, when combined, can unlock the full potential of the Convergence. However, dark forces also seek to exploit the event, unleashing chaos and destruction upon the world.
As the chosen champions, the adventurers must gather the celestial artifacts, protect the city from invading forces, and ultimately channel the energies of the Convergence to prevent catastrophe. Their journey will take them through treacherous realms, ancient ruins, and cosmic gateways, testing their strength, wisdom, and courage against foes both mortal and celestial.
Objectives:
Locate the Celestial Artifacts: Seek out the hidden artifacts scattered across Luminary's Haven and beyond, each guarded by arcane puzzles, powerful guardians, or rival factions.
Defend the City: Repel waves of otherworldly creatures and dark cultists intent on disrupting the Convergence and seizing its power for their own nefarious ends.
Uncover the Cosmic Gateway: Discover the portal to the celestial realm, where the forces of order and chaos converge in a climactic showdown.
Restore Balance: Use the celestial artifacts to channel the energies of the Convergence, restoring balance to the cosmos and preventing the cataclysmic forces from tearing reality asunder.
Ascend to Ascendancy: Ascend to the celestial realm, where the true test of heroism awaits. Confront the cosmic entities vying for control of the Convergence and decide the fate of Luminary's Haven and the Morn Arcanum.
Enemies and Challenges:
Celestial Guardians: Beings of pure energy, tasked with safeguarding the cosmic balance and preventing mortal interference.
Abyssal Invaders: Demons and fiends drawn to the Convergence, seeking to corrupt its energies for their dark masters.
Eldritch Cultists: Fanatical worshippers of cosmic entities, willing to sacrifice everything to claim the power of the Convergence.
Cosmic Anomalies: Unpredictable manifestations of celestial energy, warping reality and testing the adventurers' resolve.
Rewards:
Ascended Powers: Unlock new abilities and spells imbued with the essence of the celestial realms.
Cosmic Artifacts: Relics of unimaginable power, bestowed upon the adventurers as tokens of gratitude from the celestial beings.
Eternal Gratitude: Earn the eternal gratitude of Luminary's Haven and its inhabitants, securing a legacy of heroism that will be remembered for ages to come.
Conclusion:
By harnessing the power of the Celestial Convergence and thwarting the forces of darkness, the adventurers cement their place as legendary heroes of the Morn Arcanum. Their deeds will be sung in ballads and chronicled in history books, serving as a beacon of hope for future generations in times of darkness and uncertainty. Alternatively, the adventurers might decide to redirect the powe of the Celestial Convergence to a specific faction, solidifying a stance in the shifting world of Thesa. They could side with the worshippers, gaining favor with Solaris, or use the powers to unlock the Umbral Depths, allowing abyssal creatures to escape.
Quest Prompts for the Cities of the Morn Arcanum
Crystalline Ford
"A mysterious malady has befallen the crystal formations in Crystalline Ford, dimming their magical glow and threatening the city’s craft. Investigate the source of this ailment and restore the crystals' arcane brilliance."
Windwhisper Plains
"Reports of a spectral herd causing havoc across the Windwhisper Plains have reached the city's elders. Track down these ethereal creatures and uncover the truth behind their sudden appearance."
Tidewatch
"Pirates empowered by dark magic have blockaded Tidewatch Haven, crippling trade routes. Break the siege and delve into the depths to discover who, or what, is bolstering their power."
Groveheart Glade
"Ancient spirits of the forest surrounding Groveheart Glade have awakened, agitated by an unknown force. Pacify these spirits and investigate the disturbance, ensuring harmony is maintained between the city and the wilds."
Starfall Reach
"A rare celestial alignment is predicted to occur, visible only from Starfall Reach's observatories. Protect the astronomers from a cult determined to use the celestial event for a dark ritual, ensuring the safety of the city and the sanctity of the skies."
The Echoing Halls
"In the subterranean archives beneath Luminary's Haven, a librarian has vanished while cataloging ancient texts. Delve into the forgotten halls to uncover hidden dangers lurking amongst the knowledge."
The Silver Sails
"A ship bearing the flag of Tidewatch has gone missing on its maiden voyage through a newly discovered magical current. Assemble a crew, navigate the treacherous waters, and uncover the fate of The Silver Sails and her crew."
The Windwhisper Prophecy
"Ancient prophecies scrawled on the Windwhisper Plains speak of a time when the wind ceases, and disaster follows. Investigate the cause of the diminishing winds, confront the threat to the plains, and avert the prophesied disaster."
The Crystaline Conundrum
"A series of unexplained explosions in Crystalline Ford threatens the city's crystal production. Solve the mystery behind these blasts, which rumor suggests might be sabotage by a rival city or the work of an unknown creature drawn to the crystals’ power."
Shadows Over Shadowmere Vale
"Darkness deepens in Shadowmere Vale as nightmares begin to spill into the waking world, terrorizing the populace. Unravel the cause of these night terrors, confront the shadow at its source, and restore peace to the troubled city."
The Galesong Ritual
"Galehaven Rise's annual Galesong Ritual, which ensures the winds bless the crops, is threatened by a band of rogue air elementals. Negotiate with or subdue these chaotic spirits to ensure the ritual can proceed and secure the harvest."
The Starfall Manuscript
"Ancient manuscripts hint at a hidden observatory in the mountains near Starfall Reach, containing celestial secrets lost to time. Lead an expedition to find this observatory, decode its astral charts, and claim its lost knowledge."