Wyrmheart Mine is a dwarven iron mine in the Valley of Lost Honor that has been occupied for the past forty years by Tzindelor (nicknamed “Tinder”), a young female red dragon. The mine represents a strategic location in Chult, connecting to Hrakhamar via a 40-mile tunnel and serving as a potential source of information about the lost city of Omu.
History and Current Status
The mine was operated by a clan of shield dwarves until Tzindelor conquered it forty years ago. Signs of the dwarves’ final battle remain throughout the mine, including scattered and charred bones. The dwarf guide Hew Hackinstone lost his left arm during an expedition three years ago that attempted to retake the mine; he alone escaped and now seeks adventurers to help him reclaim it.
Layout and Features
The mine (map 2.14) consists of multiple levels connected by a main shaft with a steep ore cart track circling downward. Three functional (or repairable) ore carts remain on-site, designed to sit level on the sloped tracks with the downhill end elevated. Heavy draw ropes and harnesses suggest dinosaurs originally hauled the carts upward. Lever-operated brakes control descent, though some are in disrepair—brake failure sends carts racing out of control, dealing 1d6 bludgeoning damage per 20 feet descended when they crash.
The mine connects to Hrakhamar via a southern tunnel with intact rail cart tracks. This 40-mile passage is passable but infested with carrion crawlers, giant spiders, and kobold patrols closer to the mine.
Inhabitants
Tzindelor/Tinder: The young red dragon spends most of her time sleeping atop her treasure hoard at the bottom of the mine (area 14). She occasionally leaves to hunt and is known to bathe in the lava streams of the nearby Land of Ash and Smoke. She patrols Ataaz Yklwazi (Gorge of Blades), which serves as the northern gateway to the Valley of Lost Honor, leaving charred skeletons of her victims scattered throughout.
Kobolds: A following of kobolds serves Tinder and has rigged the mine with numerous traps. They trigger warning systems (like the boulder trap in area 10) to alert the dragon to intruders.
Territorial Conflicts
The Valley of Lost Honor is firenewt territory, claimed by Imix-worshiping firenewts from Hrakhamar who patrol on giant striders. Tzindelor is the only creature whose might the firenewts respect—both sides maintain an uneasy standoff. Tzindelor covets Hrakhamar while the firenewts desire control of the mine’s iron resources. The dragon’s territorial dominance extends throughout the volcanic region, making her a significant threat to expeditions.
Strategic Value
Tzindelor knows the location of Omu and can provide basic directions to any landmark within 100 miles if sufficiently flattered and bribed (at least 500 gp worth of offerings). Though inclined to kill intruders on sight, she might converse with adventurers who have interesting information, as she’s still young and learning about the world. However, she loves using her breath weapon and watching victims burn.
Combat Tactics
Characters approaching from area 12 gain advantage on Stealth checks due to the loud waterfall masking their approach. The dragon cannot be surprised if kobolds trigger alarms. In desperate situations, she’s confident she can fly up the mine shaft faster than pursuers can follow.
Treasure
Tinder’s hoard (area 14) contains 3,300 gp, 15,000 sp, 45,000 cp, jewelry and decorative items worth 175 gp total, a potion of greater healing, and old crates of dwarf-made weapons and armor (1d12 each of breastplates, helmets, shields, warhammers, and battleaxes). Among the weapons is Bob, a +1 battleaxe that floats on water, grants advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks to swim, and bears its Dethek runic name on the haft.
Prisoners
Two albino dwarf warriors—Laz Drumthunder and Malkar Stonegrist—are held captive in Hrakhamar’s cells (area 9), knowing the tunnel leads to Wyrmheart Mine but warning of the dragon’s presence. They can provide information about the mine if rescued.