Centuries ago an adult black dragon lay its claim on a strip of land within the midst of the Mosswoods in south western Soclari. It is believed that Anc-Vardyx fled here with an artifact of unknown origin, and has spent the last 3 centuries learning and harnessing its secrets. Contacts within the “Swiftsong Collective,” a local branch of the Harpers, have learned that the dragon is reaching an “end game” point. An intersection where its powers and age together will threaten an ever widening scope of humanity. Anc-Vardyx will soon mature into an ancient dragon, and declare war upon the nearest cities and kingdoms. The party has been commissioned to finally put an end to Anc-Vardyx reign, and retrieve the stolen artifact. A task while seemingly straightforward, is complicated by the surrounding quadrants of evil allies that serve as guard to his acidic realm. All previous attempts have failed, and the Collective have most recently discovered why. As well as being protected by the physical and monstrous barriers of his encircling “moat”, there exists some type of “generated field” that can detect the use of magical spells in each of the zones of the Mosswoods. Any spell used appears to act like a beacon, alerting the denizens, as well as the dragon itself. The Swiftsong believe that the secret to success will be to make it through one of the 4 zones completely undetected. Which means to say no casting of spells until you choose to face the dragon. Then find your way through the morass, to the heart of the dragon’s domain. There face down the dragon, capture the artifact and return it to town. Magic items such as swords, boots, helms, cloaks etc… do not appear to light this beacon, so if needed, encounters and healing should be resolved through physical engagements and potions or salves. Strike on Anc-Vardyx is designed for play by 4 to 6 level 9 characters. Pregenerated characters will be available or create your own. When outfitting your own character you start with a purse of 18,000gp and spend it how you wish to outfit your character. Character is subject to DM approval of course.