Deep in the heart of the Elven Woodlands lies Ellervu Forest, one of the oldest and most mystical landscapes in the kingdom of Silvarion. Towering trees, their branches entwined like ancient fingers, obscure the sunlight, while the forest floor is carpeted with thick moss and scattered with glimmering mushrooms. This place brims with life, both seen and unseen. Whispers of wind weave through the dense foliage, carrying secrets and songs of ages past. But beauty and serenity veil a darker truth within Ellervu’s depths—the ritualistic hunts of the Nastare Serce sect.

The Nastare Serce, meaning “Heart of the Wild,” is a sect of elven hunters that emerged within Silvarion’s borders. Dedicated to the belief that survival comes through strength, they celebrate the destructive aspects of nature, which they view as essential to maintaining balance. Led by the enigmatic Eldarion, Guardian of the Forest, the sect carries out hunts that push its novices to their limits. To join their ranks, aspiring hunters must track and slay a mighty beast—and deliver the final blow themselves.

Though the kingdom of Silvarion does not outlaw their practices, many elves view the sect’s actions with unease. Among those dissenters is Erphen Nester, a bard who believes these hunts disrupt the delicate harmony of the forest. Erphen has dedicated himself to sabotaging their hunts, though he knows he cannot face them alone.

This season’s hunt centers around Ursalor, a massive Ellervu bear and one of the last of its kind. Ursalor has roamed the forest since being orphaned as a cub and is revered by some as a guardian spirit of Ellervu. To the Nastare Serce, however, Ursalor represents the ultimate trial for their novices. If they succeed, they will earn their place within the sect.

The novices, including notable figures such as Hylta Qyncine, a conflicted grove wanderer, Vidar Saalor, a shadow arcanist, and archers Eletha and Jhaeros, prepare for the hunt under the watchful eyes of Eldarion and his commander, Vahainen Kalabar. While the novices must prove themselves, their leaders observe in silence, ready to intervene only if the hunt strays too far from its intended path.

Among the ancient trees, adventurers may encounter Erphen Nester seated on a fallen log, strumming his harp and singing songs of sorrow for the creatures hunted by the Nastare Serce. Despite his fears, Erphen seeks allies to rescue Ursalor and disrupt the sect’s ritual. He will offer magical potions and insights into the forest’s layout to those who share his cause.

Ellervu Forest is alive with challenges. Hidden traps laid by the sect await the unwary, and the whispers of wind through the trees may mask the movements of predators. The deeper one ventures, the more oppressive the forest becomes, with its immense trees obscuring sight and sound. The forest is also home to many creatures, including Ellervu bears, which embody both the beauty and danger of this wild land.

The heart of the hunt unfolds in a sun-dappled clearing where the sect’s novices face Ursalor. How adventurers approach this moment defines the outcome. Will they aid the sect, ensuring the novices pass their trial? Or will they align with Erphen, freeing the ancient bear and clashing with the hunters? Either path leads to a confrontation with Eldarion, whose quiet authority and unmatched skill make him a formidable foe.

Adventures:

1. The Bard’s Request: Erphen Nester implores the party to stop the hunt and save Ursalor, offering magical items and his eternal gratitude.

2. A Duel of Beliefs: Eldarion challenges the adventurers to prove their strength in a battle that tests not only their might but their ideals.

3. The Sect’s Betrayal: The party aids the novices in their hunt, only to be betrayed as they realize the sect’s true intentions.

Characters:

-Eldarion: Leader of the Nastare Serce sect, an enigmatic and stoic figure driven by a vision of impending catastrophe and a belief in strength through nature’s brutal balance.

-Vahainen Kalabar: Eldarion’s trusted second-in-command, a skilled commander and smooth talker who oversees the novices’ trials.

-Hylta Qyncine: A conflicted novice torn between loyalty to the sect and her discomfort with its brutal rituals. Skilled in druidic arts and communicating with animals.

-Erphen Nester: A bard from Silvarion who opposes the Nastare Serce’s hunts. Uses his magical harp to summon creatures in his efforts to protect the forest.

-Ursalor: A titanic and ancient Ellervu Bear, the last of his kind, targeted by the sect’s latest hunt.

-Fandoor Elyar: A Sylvan Protector and novice of the sect, embodying its creed of balance through strength and skilled in melee combat.

-Vidar Saalor: A Shadow Arcanist novice specializing in shadow magic, trained in a secret grove, and adept at offensive spells.

-Eletha: A Moonflower Archer with expert marksmanship, trained in the treetops under harsh conditions, loyal to the sect’s ideals.

-Jhaeros: A Sunleaf Archer known for precision and balance, mastering archery in the dense foliage of the Ellervu Forest.

-Ellervu Bears: A dwindling species of ferocious and immense creatures, central to the forest’s ecosystem and the sect’s brutal hunts.

Tips:

-Use the Nastare Serce novices and their leaders as recurring NPCs in a campaign focused on the conflict between nature’s balance and its exploitation.

-Introduce Erphen Nester as a guide or quest giver, with his harp melodies weaving throughout the party’s journey.

-Incorporate Ursalor as a symbol of nature’s resilience, either as an ally or a foe, depending on the players’ choices.

-Include the Ellervu Bears and traps as dynamic environmental challenges during forest exploration.

-Use soft green, gold, and silver hues to evoke the natural magic of the grove.

-Highlight miniatures like Eldarion standing at the base of an Elder Tree, or Mystwood Riders poised on forest trails.

-Add glowing effects and enchanted props to emphasize the grove’s magical atmosphere.

About the Set:

The Elvenwood Grove Set offers a captivating collection of miniatures that bring the magic and mystery of an enchanted forest to your tabletop RPG adventures. This set includes a variety of characters such as elegant elves, ethereal forest spirits, and magical creatures, all professionally printed with intricate details. Each miniature is ready to paint, allowing you to customize their appearance to fit your campaign’s aesthetic. Perfect for use as player characters, NPCs, or mystical beings in nature-themed storylines, the Elvenwood Grove Set seamlessly integrates into fantasy settings focused on forests and magic. Compatible with systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, these miniatures add depth and atmosphere to any gaming session or collection.

Features:

Ready to paint with detached bases

28mm scale