Tier 2 – The Shadow Keeper’s Lair

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk, once bustling with joy, now whisper of shadows lurking in the corners of their homes and strange occurrences that have left them in fear.

The adventure begins at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where the air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter. Yet, a somber mood hangs over the patrons. A mysterious figure, cloaked in deep blue, sits in the corner, beckoning the party closer. This is Elara, a former adventurer turned informant, who reveals the town's plight: children have been disappearing, and the only clue left behind is a strange, glowing football that seems to pulse with dark energy.

Elara explains that the football is rumored to be a conduit for a powerful entity known as the Shadow Keeper, a malevolent spirit that feeds on the dreams of the innocent. The townsfolk believe that the Shadow Keeper has taken the children to a hidden lair deep within the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the very ground is alive with magic.

The party must embark on a quest to rescue the children and confront the Shadow Keeper. As they venture into the Whispering Woods, they will encounter enchanted creatures, treacherous terrain, and magical phenomena that test their resolve. The woods are alive with illusions, and the party must use their wits to navigate through the shifting paths and avoid traps set by the Shadow Keeper.

**Exploration Component:**

– The Whispering Woods are filled with magical flora and fauna. Players can interact with sentient plants that offer riddles or guidance, and encounter mischievous fae who may either help or hinder their progress.

– As they delve deeper, they will find remnants of the Shadow Keeper's influence: twisted trees, pools of shadowy water, and echoes of the children's laughter that turn into cries for help.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Upon reaching the Shadow Keeper's lair, a dark cavern illuminated by the eerie glow of the enchanted football, the party will face the Shadow Keeper itself.

**Boss Stats:**

– **Name:** Shadow Keeper

– **Type:** Undead Spirit

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 80

– **Speed:** 0 ft., Fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Grasp:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.

– **Dream Drain:** The Shadow Keeper can drain the dreams of one creature within 30 ft. as a bonus action. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes.

– **Legendary Action:** The Shadow Keeper can take one legendary action, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn.

– **Shadow Step:** The Shadow Keeper teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

As the party battles the Shadow Keeper, they must also find a way to dispel the dark magic surrounding the enchanted football, which serves as the source of the spirit's power. If they succeed, the children will be freed, and the town of Eldenwood will once again bask in the light of hope and joy.

This one-shot adventure combines exploration, investigation, and combat, allowing players to engage with the rich lore of Eldoria while testing their skills against a formidable foe. Will they be able to save the children and banish the Shadow Keeper once and for all? The fate of Eldenwood rests in their hands.