The Merfolk’s Request

##### Overview:

* Brief Description: Help merfolk by cleansing the Abyssal Heart artifact to restore the sea guardian Garaloth.
* Setting/Location: Glimmerport Docks, Azure Ocean, Sunken Temple.

##### Backstory:

* Historical Background: Garaloth, once a guardian spirit of the ocean, was corrupted by the Abyssal Heart.
* Key Characters Involved: Merfolk emissaries, Garaloth.

##### Objectives:

1. Primary Objective: Cleanse the Abyssal Heart and restore Garaloth.
2. Secondary Objectives: Earn the trust of the merfolk, uncover the history of Garaloth and the Abyssal Heart.

##### Key Milestones:

* Meeting with the Merfolk (Glimmerport Docks):
	+ Challenge: Earning the trust of the merfolk emissaries.
	+ Outcome: Gaining an understanding of the threat and agreeing to help.
* Researching Garaloth (Arcane Academy of Nautical Wonders):
	+ Challenge: Investigating ancient texts and sea lore.
	+ Outcome: Discovering the cleansing ritual for the Abyssal Heart.
* Journey to the Sunken Temple (Azure Ocean):
	+ Challenge: Navigating perilous waters to the temple.
	+ Outcome: Locating the temple, encountering barriers.
* The Sunken Temple’s Puzzle (Sunken Temple):
	+ Puzzle: Solving elemental riddles to access the Abyssal Heart.
	+ Outcome: Gaining entry to the chamber of the Abyssal Heart.
* Cleansing the Abyssal Heart (Temple Chamber):
	+ Challenge: Performing the ritual while under attack from Garaloth.
	+ Outcome: Purifying the Abyssal Heart, calming Garaloth.

##### Ending:

* Primary Ending: Garaloth is restored to its true form, revealing a hidden undersea treasure.
* Alternate Endings: Possible escalation of Garaloth’s hostility or further corruption of the ocean.

##### Rewards:

* Main Reward: Treasures from Garaloth's hoard, unique sea artifacts, ancient scrolls.
* Additional Rewards: Merfolk gratitude, alliances, and future assistance in underwater quests.

##### NPCs Involved:

* Merfolk Emissaries: Key informants about the quest, representatives of the merfolk community.
* Arcane Academy Researchers: Provide historical insights and magical knowledge about the Abyssal Heart and Garaloth.

##### Puzzles and Challenges:

* Sunken Temple’s Puzzle:
	+ Type: Puzzle.
	+ Description: Elemental riddles tied to the ocean’s nature.
	+ Solution Process: Players must correctly interpret and respond to the riddles to gain access to the Abyssal Heart.
* Cleansing the Abyssal Heart:
	+ Type: Challenge.
	+ Description: A ritual that requires concentration and defense against Garaloth’s attacks.
	+ Strategy for Success: Balancing the ritual execution while managing the threat posed by Garaloth.

##### Quest Twists:

* Twist 1: The Abyssal Heart has other unforeseen magical properties.
* Twist 2: Intervention by rival factions seeking the Abyssal Heart.

##### Environmental Interactions:

* Setting-Based Opportunities: Unique underwater exploration and interaction with sea creatures.
* Setting-Based Hazards: Dangerous sea life, unpredictable ocean currents, and mystical defenses in the Sunken Temple.

##### Role in Campaign:

* How it Advances the Overall Story: Expands the lore of the Azure Ocean, strengthens Glimmerport’s ties with the sea.
* Connections to Other Quests/Locations: Potential new quests involving merfolk, exploration of ancient underwater cities, or other corrupted sea guardians.

##### Miscellaneous:

* Cultural/Worldbuilding Elements: Merfolk customs, oceanic ecology, ancient maritime legends.
* Moral Dilemmas/Decisions: Choosing how to handle the Abyssal Heart, negotiating with merfolk.
* Rumors/Gossip Related to Quest: Local tales about the Sunken Temple, legends about Garaloth's past as a guardian.

##### Notes for Dungeon Master:

* Flexibility/Adaptation Tips: Be ready to adapt the puzzles and challenges based on player actions and choices.
* NPC Role-playing Notes: Depict the merfolk as noble yet concerned, Garaloth as initially hostile but inherently noble.
* Potential Future Plot Hooks: Discovery of other ancient artifacts, evolving relationships with the merfolk community, hidden threats in the ocean depths.