The Threefold Seal
1
2
3
The BasinRoot CircleThe Rift
Roleplay EncounterDND5E 2024Party L3 · 5 PCs
The Threefold Seal
Read Aloud
The cracked basin bucks under your hands as the rift tears wider. Three crystals pulse in the wrong grooves, and the roots whip across the stone like frightened snakes. You have seconds to set them right and speak the sealing word.
The Scene
NEUTRALURGENT RITUALBase DC 14Stakes If the rite fails, the grove becomes a permanent unstable breach and its makers learn the party has interfered.
3 rounds, about 18 seconds
NPC Goal
The grove's unseen guardian wants the breach sealed before it consumes the roots, but cannot touch the crystals without worsening the tear.
Leverage
The grove is dying around the basin; every delay makes the roots lash harder.
Player Approaches
- Inspect the grooves closely to match each crystal's root pattern.
- Listen to the hum and match the chant to its rhythm.
- Crush a glowing mushroom and inhale its spores to steady the hands; DC 12 Nature.
NPC Gambits
- Round 1: Align the three root-crystals; DC 14 Arcana or Nature.
- Round 2: Begin the sealing chant; DC 13 Religion or Arcana.
- Round 3: Sustain the ritual under strain; DC 15 Arcana, with all casters contributing.
NPC Reactions
- First success: the roots loosen and guide the next crystal into place.
- First failure: the grove lashes out and the hum becomes a harsh alarm.
- Second success: the guardian's voice steadies the chant: 'Follow the third beat.'
- Three successes: the basin accepts the final word, 'Obitus Judicium.'
Gallery
No images yet. Click to add.
