Tier 2 – The Curse of Eldergrove
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of magic and the air is thick with the scent of adventure, whispers of a dire situation circulate through the taverns and marketplaces. A once-peaceful village, known as Eldergrove, has fallen under a mysterious curse, causing its inhabitants to wither away in a slow, agonizing manner. The village elder, an enigmatic figure named Elara, has sent out a desperate call for heroes to investigate and bring an end to this dark affliction.
As the party arrives at Eldergrove, they are greeted by an eerie silence, the streets empty, and homes abandoned. The once-lively marketplace is now a ghostly shadow of its former self, with stalls covered in dust and wares left to decay. The only sign of life comes from a faint glow emanating from the elder’s cottage at the heart of the village. The air crackles with latent magic, hinting that the source of the calamity is not far away.
Elara, frail but resolute, explains that the curse began shortly after a mysterious traveler arrived in town. This traveler, draped in dark robes, spoke of great power and offered gifts that turned to ash upon contact. The village's prosperity faltered as crop yields diminished and livestock fell ill, leading to the villagers’ slow demise. Elara believes that the traveler has returned to the nearby Whispering Woods, a place said to be alive with ancient magic, and where shadows twist and turn unnaturally.
The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, navigating through a landscape where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the very ground pulses with magic. As they delve deeper, they encounter enchanted creatures, such as playful sprites who may provide cryptic hints, or shadowy beasts guarding the path forward.
At the heart of the woods lies a clearing where the party discovers an altar, pulsating with dark energy. Here, they confront the mysterious traveler—revealed to be a powerful sorcerer named Kaelthar, who seeks to harness the life force of Eldergrove to fuel his dark ambitions. He stands surrounded by a swirling vortex of magic, his eyes glinting with malevolence.
**Boss Enemy: Kaelthar the Shadowbinder**
– **AC:** 15
– **HP:** 75
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack): +7 to hit, Range 120 ft., 3d8 necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability:** Dark Command: Once per encounter, Kaelthar can command a shadow beast to attack, summoning a Shadow Hound (use stats of a Wolf, but with 30 HP and immune to necrotic damage).
– **Legendary Action:** Shadow Step: Kaelthar can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.
As the battle ensues, the party must use their skills and teamwork to overcome Kaelthar's dark magic and protect the remaining villagers' life force. The atmosphere thickens with tension as they engage in a dance of spells and steel, the fate of Eldergrove hanging in the balance.
Should the heroes triumph, the dark magic will dissipate, revitalizing the village and freeing its people from the curse. The villagers will celebrate their return, offering heartfelt gratitude and perhaps even a magical boon to aid them in future adventures.
This one-shot, rich in exploration and combat, invites players to immerse themselves in the high fantasy of Eldoria, testing their mettle against a formidable foe while uncovering the secrets of a village in peril.