The Focus Test Before the Archmage
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The Focus CircleThe Rune FloorThe Storm Windows
Roleplay EncounterDND5E 2024Party L3 · 5 PCs
The Focus Test Before the Archmage
Read Aloud
Cindreth raises one hand, and the suspended crystal drops a line of blue light onto the silver platform. “Stand on the rings. Match the pulse, do not fight it.” Stormlight flashes through the tall windows as the runes begin turning beneath your feet.
The Scene
NEUTRALHigh-stakes magical testBase DC 14Stakes The party's access to the archmage depends on proving they can handle the crystal and recognize the Ember Pass warning before it disappears.
20 to 30 minutes
NPC Goal
Cindreth wants the crystal aligned and the party's reliability judged before granting the Audience with the Archmage.
Leverage
The party's findings from Ember Pass are the only evidence Cindreth has that the sigil is connected to recent events.
Player Approaches
- Offer a clear theory supported by evidence from Ember Pass.
- Ask Cindreth to compare the sigil with the Citadel's sealed records.
- Use the crystal's direction during the flicker to identify the likely source.
- Volunteer to investigate the marked site before seeking the archmage.
NPC Gambits
- Coordinate the party's Arcana checks around the crystal's pulse.
- Interrupt the alignment to question Cindreth when the sigil appears.
- Test whether the sigil reacts to an Ember Pass relic or mark.
- Push Cindreth to disclose what the archmage already knows.
NPC Reactions
- On the first success: Cindreth relaxes and gives precise timing instructions.
- On the first failure: Cindreth sharply warns, “Do not force the light.”
- When the sigil appears: Cindreth stops the test for one breath, then orders everyone to continue.
- After a strong result: Cindreth treats the party as investigators rather than petitioners.
- After a poor result: Cindreth becomes guarded and asks who else has seen the marks.
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