Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldenwood (4)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk whisper of a shadowy figure haunting the outskirts, a specter that has been stealing away their livestock and leaving behind only a trail of eerie, glowing footprints. The local magistrate, desperate for help, has summoned brave adventurers to uncover the truth behind these mysterious occurrences.
As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by a scene of unease. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming wildflowers. Children play nervously in the streets, casting wary glances toward the darkened woods that loom nearby. The magistrate, a stout man with a furrowed brow, gathers the party in the town square, his voice trembling with urgency.
“Adventurers! We need your help! Our livestock have been disappearing, and the people are terrified. Some say it’s the work of a malevolent spirit, while others believe it to be a band of rogue fae. Whatever it is, we must put an end to this before panic consumes our town!”
The party is tasked with investigating the source of the disturbances. They can choose to speak with the townsfolk to gather information, explore the woods for clues, or set a trap to catch the culprit in the act. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that the glowing footprints lead to an ancient grove, a place said to be sacred to the fae.
Upon reaching the grove, the party encounters a mischievous fae named Lirael, who reveals that she has been stealing the livestock to protect them from a greater threat: a corrupted treant named Thornroot, who has been driven mad by dark magic. Thornroot, once a guardian of the forest, now seeks to reclaim the land by force, and the fae have been trying to keep the townsfolk safe by diverting his wrath.
**Boss Encounter: Thornroot the Corrupted Treant**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Slam (Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Root Snare (Recharge 5-6): Thornroot can summon roots from the ground to ensnare up to two targets within 30 feet. Targets must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute.
The party must decide whether to confront Thornroot directly or seek a way to cleanse him of the dark magic that has corrupted his spirit. They can use their skills to negotiate with Lirael for assistance, or perhaps find ancient relics hidden within the grove that could help them in their battle.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the grove, the adventurers prepare for a confrontation that will test their resolve and ingenuity. Will they save Thornroot and restore balance to the forest, or will they have to defeat him to protect the town? The fate of Eldenwood hangs in the balance, and the choices they make will echo through the ages.