Tier 2 – The Tides of Fate Confronting Kaelith the Tidebinder

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant, magical realm of Eldoria, where enchanted forests whisper ancient secrets and shimmering rivers flow with ethereal light, an urgent call has echoed through the villages. The once-bustling town of Tenbury Wells now lies in chaos, its cobbled streets submerged under a surge of magical floods, rumored to be the work of a malevolent sorcerer known as Kaelith the Tidebinder.

It begins on a bright morning, where the air is thick with tension and the scent of damp earth lingers. As the party arrives, they find the townsfolk in disarray, their homes half-hidden beneath murky waters. The mayor, a stout dwarf named Thrain Stonefist, summons the adventurers, desperation etched on his weathered face. “The floods came after Kaelith seized control of the sacred spring!” he exclaims. “If we don’t stop him, the entire town will be lost!”

The party must navigate through the flooded streets, using their wits and skills to assist trapped villagers and gather information. They might encounter magical creatures that have been displaced by the flood—like water sprites, who offer cryptic hints about Kaelith’s whereabouts, or perhaps a giant crocodile, transformed by the sorcerer's dark magic, that guards a bridge leading deeper into the enchanted wetlands.

**Exploration Component:**

As they venture further into the heart of the flooded landscape, the party discovers a hidden grove, where the sacred spring once thrived. Here, they can gather components for the upcoming confrontation—glowing flowers that grant temporary boosts to their abilities or enchanted stones that can ward off Kaelith’s magic.

**Investigation Component:**

The townsfolk mention an old fisherman who saw Kaelith near the ruins of the ancient temple at the edge of the grove. The party can choose to investigate this area, piecing together clues from relics submerged in the water, discovering old writings that speak of Kaelith’s ancient pact with the river spirits, and ultimately leading them closer to the sorcerer's lair.

**The Confrontation:**

When the time comes to confront Kaelith, they find him in the temple, surrounded by swirling waters infused with dark magic. The chamber is illuminated with flickering blue flames that dance eerily against the walls, casting shadows of long-forgotten heroes.

**Boss Enemy: Kaelith the Tidebinder**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Water Whips (melee attack, +6 to hit, 1d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage)

– **Spellcasting:** Kaelith can cast spells such as *Control Water* and *Tidal Wave*, using his magic to manipulate the battlefield and create obstacles.

– **Legendary Action:** Once per round, Kaelith can summon a wave that pushes the adventurers back 10 feet unless they succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw.

The battle will test the party’s coordination and resourcefulness as they dodge waves and counter Kaelith's spells. If they manage to defeat him and dispel the dark magic, the waters will recede, revealing the town and restoring balance to Tenbury Wells.

As the adventurers emerge victorious, the townsfolk can be heard cheering, their gratitude palpable in the air. The party’s deeds will ripple through Eldoria’s history as a tale of courage and camaraderie in the face of overwhelming odds. Will they leave a lasting legacy, or will the tides of fate sweep their tale into obscurity? The choice is theirs, and the adventure far from over.