1.2 The Tangle
Introduction
In an effort to recover one of the artifacts, the party travels to The Tangle in Nessus' Arcadian Valley. Here they are able to locate the artifact behind a glowing barrier of Vex design. A single Vex Harpy oversees the process, calling out that the party is new, and must be tested.Main Encounter
Mechanics
Platforms
A set of 3 Vex platforms connect the origin point of the test to the barricaded artifact. Only 1 set of platforms is active at a time, based on the puzzle that was completed last. The 3rd platform set only appears if all 3 puzzles are activated at once. Passing between endpoints of each set of platforms requires a sequence of vertical ability jumps determined by a set of three Dexterity (Acrobatics) skill challenges with a DC 15. Due to the nature of the different class jumps, Hunters make their rolls with advantage, Titans roll neutral, and Warlocks make rolls with disadvantage.Puzzles
Each platform sets' endpoints contain a Vex conflux with an interactable 6x6 grid. The goal of the puzzle is to connect matching colored nodes without crossing over two lines. When a puzzle is completed, it activates the next set of platforms. Solving Puzzle A will unlock Puzzle B. Puzzle B will remove the path to Puzzle A, and reveal Puzzle C. Puzzle C will remove the path to Puzzle B, and create a new path back down to Puzzle A. Players do not need to fully solve the puzzle each time they want to retry it once the solution has been unlocked. Solving all three puzzles simultaneously reveals the final staircase up to the artifact.Barricade
The barricade exists at the top of a massive sheet of Vex marble that is nearly 120 feet high. It begins at the edge of the sheer face, so there is nowhere to stand next to it while it is active. Any creatures, other than the Vex, that make contact with the barricade or attempt to pass through it take 4d6 arc damage. The barricade is dissolved when all three puzzles are solved simultaneously to reveal the final staircase.Enemies
Vex
While this is a non-combat encounter, the area is crawling with Vex. The Vex Overseer running the puzzle challenge is non-hostile. If the party chooses to look around, they may encounter other Vex in which case they may enter combat.Ideal Flow
Ideally, the party will progress through this logically by solving each puzzle and then testing combinations. Incorrect combinations will just trigger the effects of the "larger" integer. A < B < C. A is at ground level, B is 45 feet up, C is 90 feet up, and each skill challenge corresponds to a 15ft jump. The final set of platforms up to the artifact is a zigzagging staircase easily traversable without skill challenges.
Parent Plot
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