Winter's Curse unfolds in the northern realm of Eldervane, where an ancient gate to the Winter Realm has cracked open and the world bleeds frost. A perpetual winter grips every vale, town, and harbor, freezing trade and hope. The Ice Warden, a sleeping power twisted by a dream of cold, seeks to turn the cycle into eternal night. The players must restore balance by gathering four Relics of Warmth and sealing the gate before the next eclipse deepens the winter into an irreversible frost.

Overview:
- Setting: Snow-laden provinces, frostbitten cities, and ruins buried beneath ice. The main theaters are Glass Pines, Frostgate Keep, Shattered Observatory, Glacial Caverns, Hearthspire, and the secluded Warmth Wells.
- Core Quest: Retrieve four Relics of Warmth - Ember Ring, Hearthstone, Sunshard, and Windwhisper Flask - from their shrines. Use them at the Gate to reseal the Winter Gate and banish the Ice Warden.
- Side Quests: (1) A caravan vanished in a blizzard; recover its cargo and uncover a plot to weaponize weather magics. (2) A dying druid circle begs aid to awaken a winter-bloomed grove that can temper the frost and heal corrupted woodlands.

Central Events and Triggers:
- The winter season intensifies with every lunar eclipse; frost beasts grow bolder; a murmuring shard speaks in cold whispers guiding toward the Relics.
- The Cult of the Snow Warden attempts to awaken the ancient Icefiend; the players may confront cultists in ruined temples and storm-wracked passes.

Hooks:
- A melting coin reveals winter-only messages hinting at a shrine.
- An elderly survivor offers a map leading to Glass Pines if aided.
- A merchant guild pays handsomely to stop supply lines from being cut by storms.

Challenges and Rewards:
- Weather hazards, snow golems, frost undead, and puzzles of warmth vs. cold. Combat scales with age of adventure; diplomacy with frost spirits may avert conflict.
- Rewards include ice-forged weapons, cold-resist gear, a warm havens key, renown, and a final choice that reshapes Eldervane's seasons.