The adventure takes place in Elpida, a secluded village in the misty mountain peaks. The village is home to the Monasterium of Rebirth and currently hosts the sinister Vanitas Circus. The PCs will also visit the Aeon Vestibule, a celestial arena for the divine trials.

Monasterium of Rebirth: A sanctuary hiding the celestial rift, now overwhelmed with pilgrims seeking healing.
Celestial Rift: A glowing tear located on monastery grounds, leaking divine energy.
Vanitas Circus: A black and gold circus camped on Elpida’s outskirts. It’s a front for Nyx's schemes and the hollyphant's imprisonment.
The Aeon Vestibule: A celestial arena where sacred trials test the party's morality, decisions, and sacrifices.
The Eftychia Tavern: A gathering spot for villagers and circus performers, filled with rumors and hidden agendas.

Althea (Aasimar Cleric): The leader of the Monasterium. Determined to use the rift for healing. Her sacrifice may be necessary to close it​.
Caelius (Celestial Arbiter): A stern, compassionate being who warns of the rift’s dangers and guides the party in their divine quest.
Nyx (Gith Bard): The manipulative bard and owner of the Vanitas Circus. Seeks to harness the rift’s energy for power​.
Nepheli (Air Genasi Paladin): Althea’s devoted second-in-command, unaware of the deeper secrets​.
Greg (Draconic Dwarf): A trapped circus performer who may aid the adventurers if freed.

Monasterium of Rebirth: Led by Althea, a devoted aasimar cleric, and Nepheli, a loyal air genasi paladin. They strive to heal people but hide the rift’s dangers​.
Vanitas Circus: A traveling troupe hiding darker motives, seeking to exploit the rift’s power for personal gain.
Celestial Forces: Entities like solar Caelius urging to close the rift.

Acolyte (CR 1/4)
Acolyte Leader (CR 1)
Ancient Gold Dragon (CR 24)
Deva (CR 10)
Flying Sword (CR 1/4)
Flying Sword of Radiance (CR 2)
Hollyphant (CR 5)
Ki-rin (CR 12)
Pegasus (CR 2)
Pegasus Guardian (CR 4)
Planetar (CR 16)
Solar (CR 21)

The adventure takes place in a remote, snow-covered wilderness. This icy expanse is marked by jagged peaks, vast emptiness, and the constant strong wind. Blizzards and cold make survival a challenge, while the local hunters speak of deeper mysteries hidden among the snowbanks and icy cliffs.

Hunters’ Camp: A temporary camp where local hunters, led by the rugged Walrusfolk ranger Kunik, gather. Here, the players meet NPCs and learn about the strange animated snowmen who seem to follow the hunters without ever causing direct harm.
Ice Devil’s Lair: A maze of frozen tunnels and chambers within a mountain, this lair hides powerful magic and dangerous creatures. The white dragon, bound in chains, is imprisoned here. At the heart of the lair waits the ice devil himself, ready to strike a deal or engage in a deadly confrontation.
The Gnome Traders’ Shop: A bizarre, magical store owned by gnome merchants Flimp and Flump. The shop appears seemingly out of nowhere during a snowstorm, offering warmth, supplies, and rare items, for the right price or entertainment.

Kunik: The leader of the hunters, Kunik is a sturdy Walrusfolk ranger with a keen sense of survival and a deep respect for the wild.
Tapeesa Dawnkiller Akuluk: A fierce Goliath barbarian, Tapeesa is known for her incredible strength and bravery.
Sakari Alianait: A solemn and focused Winter Elf fighter, Sakari is vigilant, often scouting for signs of danger.
Kova “Melter” Iqualuk: A male Dragonborn rogue with a sly personality, Kova is both a skilled tracker and a thief.
Flimp and Flump: A pair of eccentric gnome shopkeepers who seem to appear when needed most. Flimp and Flump offer aid, information, and magical items if the players can entertain or negotiate with them.

Snowmen: These animated beings, crafted from snow but infused with a mysterious magic, quietly follow and observe travelers without interfering. Though they appear harmless, their power becomes apparent if they’re provoked. Flimp and Flump, the gnomish traders, seem to have an unknown connection with them.
Yeti Hunters: Led by Kunik, the hunters are locals from small villages who make their livelihood by tracking and confronting yetis and other dangerous wildlife. However, they’re increasingly unnerved by the recent strange appearances of the snowmen and tales of a dragon sighted in the distance.

Ice Devil
White Dragon (adult)
The Cursed Child
Yeti
Sabertooth Cat
Ice Wolf Guards
Ice Mephits
Frost Giant
Snow Salamanders

The Pearl Citadel: The heart of Kainoa is where Priestess Ailani resides, housing the Aqualabium, a heavily guarded cursed artifact.
The Luminous Gardens: Glowing coral reefs that provide food and light to the city, and a gathering place for merfolk.
The Wreck Market: A sunken cavern filled with shipwrecks, where desperate merchants and traders barter for supplies.
The Aqualabium Heart Vault: A hidden vault deep within the Pearl Citadel, containing the Aqualabium, the source of Davejazali' power over the city.

Davejazali: The undead tyrant who controls Kainoa, seeking to expand his rule across the seas. His power over the city is tied to the Aqualabium.
Priestess Ailani: The former leader of Kainoa, now a puppet under Davejazali' control, but still viewed as a symbol of hope by many.
Captain Makoa: Commander of Kainoa’s Guard, a loyal but pragmatic soldier who is secretly plotting to overthrow Davejazali.
Sorceress Hina: A local figure, secretly loyal to Davejazali, who runs the Salty Squid Inn and gathers information.
Sailor Koyana: A kenku parrot adventurer, and a friend of dragon turtle Namu, rescues the PCs.

The Vortex Scourge: Davejazali' personal army, composed of cursed pirates and sea creatures enforcing his will, including sahuagins, chuuls, dire sharks, or even an aboleth and plesiosaurus.
Kainoa Residents: The native merfolk, longing for freedom, who are beginning the PCs for help.

• Aboleth - CR 10
• Ancient Sea Serpent - CR 18
• Cave Kraken - CR 21
• Chuul - CR 4
• Dragon Turtle - CR 17
• Giant Dire Shark - CR 7
• Giant Sea Horse - CR 1/2
• Merfolk - CR 1/8
• Pirate - CR 1/8
• Plesiosaurus - CR 2
• Sahuagin - CR 1/2
• Sahuagin Mage - CR 1

Okabe’s Villa: A luxurious villa surrounded by shrines, gardens, and hidden passageways, hosting the annual masquerade.
Monastery Complex: Accessible via hidden corridors from the villa, with catacombs beneath it.
Catacombs: A secret underground complex, containing Okabe’s darkest secrets, including a hidden dragon’s egg.

Okabe (Tiefling Samurai): Respected leader and hidden villain, responsible for framing a Yokai for his crimes.
Mizuki (Tabaxi Ninja): Okabe’s close ally who persuaded him to conceal the massacre and helped to kill the Yokai.
Hisui (Yuan-ti Sorcerer): Once an accomplice, now filled with regret, hiding key information.
Suk (Aarakocra Monk): Found dead at the start of the adventure, her murder is the catalyst for the investigation.
Wukong (Monkey-like Trickster): A wildcard in the story, hosting gambling games but holding secrets of his own.

The Yokai: A spirit unjustly framed for murder, now seeking revenge.
Okabe’s Allies: Mizuki, his closest friend, and Hisui, who helped to kill the Yokai but now has doubts.
The Rakshasa: A scheming outsider who offers the PCs rewards if they retrieve a dragon egg hidden in the catacombs.

Elementals: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth Elementals guarding Okabe’s treasures.
Smoke Mephits: Mischievous creatures guarding secret areas.
Rakshasa: If crossed, becomes a powerful enemy.
Yokai: Depending on the PCs' choices, they may face the Yokai in a final battle.
Oriental Dragon: Imprisoned dragon with a calm and good nature that may be triggered to attack.

Erden Bazaar: The busy market in Nar where everyone's arguing about the cause of the water crisis.
Mirage Dunes: Tricky desert with illusions and hidden dangers.
Ruins of Amdrah: Ancient ruins with forgotten knowledge about the Purple Worm and its role in the desert's balance.
Aventurine Oasis: A lush oasis guarded by Nil Suyrel, central to the water crisis in Nar.
Purpura Monastery Complex: The headquarters of the Purpura Divitae, a faction devoted to protecting Nil Suyrel and harnessing the power of yaganotum.

Garnsukh ‘Battler’ Tselger: A superstitious Dragonborn fighter seeking treasures in the desert, with a deep bond to his friend Luk.
Luk: A volatile Kobold sorcerer obsessed with unlocking the secrets of yaganotum, often causing trouble with his reckless behavior.
Takaya Sarnai: The leader of the Purpura Divitae, a determined human monk aiming to transform Nar into a prosperous town.
Orest: An Earth Genasi barbarian and Takaya’s husband, skilled in manipulating earth and eager to master his powers over yaganotum.
Aya: A Tabaxi bard with a mysterious background, offering cryptic advice and riddles.

Purpura Divitae: A religious organization focused on protecting Nil Suyrel and harvesting yaganotum. They hold significant influence in Nar but are distrusted by the locals.
Nar Residents: The superstitious locals of Nar, who blame the Purple Worm for the water crisis and are wary of the Purpura Divitae.

Ankheg (CR 2): Large, burrowing monstrosity that spits acid and grapples prey.
Cyclops (CR 7): One-eyed giant with tremendous strength and devastating melee attacks.
Fire Snake (CR 4): Large elemental serpent that burns with intense heat and fiery attacks.
Giant Scorpion (CR 3): Large beast with powerful pincers and a venomous stinger.
Gnoll (CR 1/2): Chaotic evil humanoid, driven by a hunger for flesh.
Gnoll Berserker (CR 1): Frenzied gnoll warrior, gains strength and resilience in battle.
Kobold (CR 1/8): Small, cunning humanoid, often attacking in packs.
Kobold Warrior (CR 1/2): Agile kobold with improved armor and fighting skills.
Purple Worm (CR 15): Gargantuan monstrosity, capable of swallowing creatures whole.
Ancient Purple Worm (CR 20): Titanic, burrowing terror with immense strength and deadly poison.

Baba Yaga’s Hut: Hidden by powerful invisibility magic, it holds important clues.
Mushroom Alley: Home to glowing mushrooms and illusionist Conn Mistread, a key area to locate a Shadowcat.
Hammock Square: High canopies and magical hammocks provide the hiding spots for another Shadowcat.
Maith Seashore: Shimmering tidal pools and magical coral formations conceal a Shadowcat.
Blostma Cave: Natural illusions and fey enchantments hide a Shadowcat.
Unicorn Breeding Hills: Sacred grounds disrupted by a Shadowcat.
Miroir Labyrinth: Reflective, ever-changing paths to track a Shadowcat.
Feynight Caverns: The treacherous fey underworld holds the final Shadowcat.

Orianne: Fey-elf leader of the Fey Board of Inspection, provides critical tools and information.
Devlin Saileach: Firbolg cleric from Misneach, offers guidance and support.
Arn: Owlin Blight Druid of the Runan Circle, provides Awakening Potions and assistance.
Ingunn: Strix warlock and leader of the Runan Circle, with dark motives and a hidden agenda.

Fey Board of Inspection: A multi-plane organization investigating the curse.
Runan Circle: A fey-only group with their own agenda, distributing Awakening Potions.
Misneach Residents: Diverse inhabitants affected by the curse, seeking help from the PCs.

Platypus (CR 0): Small, semi-aquatic creature with a venomous spur.
Pixe (CR ¼): Tiny, mischievous fey with illusionary and enchantment abilities.
Sproutlet (CR ¼): Small fungal creature, often found in tribes.
Spore Sproutlet (CR 1): Champion Sproutlet with commanding powers over their kin.
Dilophosaurus (CR 2): Agile dinosaur, spits venom to blind and poison prey.
Green Hag (CR 3): Malevolent fey witch, masters of deception and curses.
Bloodcap (CR 3): Small, yet bloodthirsty creature, thrives on the essence of the living.
Coven Mother (CR 6): Powerful witch, leader of a coven with formidable magic.
Fomorian (CR 8): Giant twisted by dark magic, deformed and malevolent.
Night Hag (CR 10): Evil hag, travels the Ethereal Plane to torment mortals.
Twisted Treant (CR 15): Corrupted tree guardian, immensely powerful and hostile.

Svetlo Pond: A mystical, glowing pond believed to have magical properties. Final confrontation site.
Yasna Cave: The meeting place of the Yasna Council.
Polana Square: The central area used for meetings, bartering, and the Kvetny Festival.
Zlato Union Camp: Posing as a merchant caravan, the mercenaries have stopped by the Festival grounds.
Harmonya Enclave Emissary Camp: The elves from the Enclave always attend the Kvetny Festival, and many elven merchants participate in the event.
Hippogriff Nesting Grounds: A protected area deep in the forest.
Medovy Tavern: The local inn and a hub for gathering information.

Dryad Matriarch Verbena: Initially an antagonist, she can become an ally if cleansed of the influence of a malevolent forest spirit.
Zaryana Mesic: Centaur Warrior concerned for Verbena. Offers combat assistance and insight.
Buk the Treant: Wise treant providing guidance.
Blizbor Cherny: Dwarf Fighter and Zlato Union spy, leading the operation.
Gvizd: Kenku Ranger knowledgeable about the forest and its secrets.
Radko: Satyr Bard organizing the Kvetny Festival and gathering information.

Verbena’s Faction: Focused on strict protection measures.
Yasna Council: Seeks a balanced approach to forest defense.
Zlato Union: Aims to exploit the forest’s resources for power and wealth.
Harmonya Enclave: Home of the Elves, located in the neighboring forest behind the wide river.

Wolf (CR ¼)
Swamp Hopper (CR ½)
Dire Wolf (CR 1)
Brown Bear (CR 1)
Dryad (CR 1)
Will-o-Wisp (CR 2)
Faerie Dragon (CR 2)
Hippogriff (CR 3)
Owlbear (CR 5)
Ancient Giant Elk (CR 10)
Ancient Treant (CR 15)

Temple of the Divine Sun: Sanctuary and ritual site.
The Grand Library: Source of ancient knowledge.
Caudle Tavern: Hub for rumors and faction meetings.
The Old Grove Cemetery: Graveyard amidst an eerie forest. Epicenter of undead disturbances.

Elric Gwyrmane: Cleric of the Order of the Divine Sun.
Cedar Oswell: Exiled Wizard with knowledge of death.
Carrion: Warlock with dark powers.
Drustan Arwood: Oathbreaker Paladin seeking glory.
Osgar Leifberg: Ranger with a vendetta against undead evils.
Dulch Mingums: Dwarf graverobber who stole the Phylactery.

Order of the Divine Sun: Guardians against necromancy.
Broken Circle: Renegades with questionable methods.
Arcane Assembly: Scholars of forbidden magic.

Wounded Stirge Swarm: Spreading undead sickness.
Stirge Swarm: Spreading undead sickness.
Wight: Enforcers of the Dracolich.
Bone Naga: Guardian of the Dracolich.
Grick: Inhabits catacombs under the graveyard.
Stirge Broodmother: Spawns Stirge Swarms.
Vampire Spawn: Stronger enforcers of the Dracolich.
Banshee: Cursed spirit manifesting around the Old Grove Cemetery, sometimes spotted in the City.
Shades: Usually peaceful, but turn hostile when their resting place is disturbed.
Grick Ravager: Inhabits catacombs under the graveyard.
Dracolich: Central antagonist, trapped within the cemetery bounds.