The Last Ember of Sima
The Last Ember of Sima
“Carry the sacred flame. Rekindle the beacon. Keep the dark beneath the waves at bay.”
— Hook · Other
“For centuries, Sima's lighthouse has burned through every storm, but tonight its flame has dwindled to a sickly ember. The lighthouse keeper needs brave hands to retrieve a blessed flame from the Temple of Ifernal and carry it safely back before darkness falls. Without the beacon, ships will strike the reefs and something strange offshore may find its way into the harbor.”
— Hook · Other
Mara Venn meets the party at the base of the lighthouse during a cold evening wind. The lantern above gives only a weak, reddish glow, while harbor workers stare nervously toward the reefs. She explains that the Temple of Ifernal keeps a blessed flame for emergencies, but the temple priests will release it only to people willing to carry out the old rite without delay.
Mara Venn
Mara Venn approaches the party near the harbor, carrying a brass lantern whose flame flickers with every gust. She offers the lighthouse keeper's token as proof that the party is acting on behalf of Sima.
Rumours
d5 · table- 01The lighthouse flame has never gone out, even when the tower was struck by lightning.
- 02The Temple of Ifernal keeps a fire that was first lit by a saint who walked across the sea.
- 03Sailors have seen blue lights moving beneath the water near the reef.
- 04Someone has been buying old lighthouse ash from dockside smugglers.
- 05The lighthouse keeper refuses to discuss the sealed door beneath the tower.
If the lighthouse flame fails, ships may crash on Sima's reef, the harbor may lose trade, and the ancient ward beneath the lighthouse may weaken enough for a drowned supernatural presence to reach the coast.
Background Lore
Sima's lighthouse has guarded the coast for generations with a flame said to have been kindled by Ifernal, patron of watchfires, safe passage, and steadfast duty. The flame has never fully gone out, even through storms, wars, and neglect. In recent weeks it has weakened to a red ember, leaving ships uncertain of the channel and allowing strange lights to appear beyond the reefs.
The lighthouse flame that has protected Sima for generations is dying. The party must travel to the Temple of Ifernal, retrieve a blessed sacred flame, and return it to the lighthouse before nightfall. Along the way, they may face temple guardians, rough weather, and thieves who want the flame for themselves.
