Tier 2 – Whispers of the Shadowed Fey
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil town of Willowbrook. The once-bustling market square is now a shadow of its former self, with merchants packing up their stalls and townsfolk whispering in hushed tones. A series of mysterious disappearances has plagued the village, with several residents vanishing without a trace. Rumors swirl of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to murmur secrets of ancient magic and dark intentions.
As the adventurers arrive in Willowbrook, they are greeted by the anxious mayor, Elara Windrider, a wise elven woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes. She implores the party to investigate the strange occurrences, offering a modest reward of gold and the gratitude of the townsfolk. The adventurers learn that the last person to disappear was a local herbalist, known for her knowledge of potent potions and remedies. The townsfolk believe she was last seen gathering herbs deep within the Whispering Woods.
The party must venture into the woods, where the air grows thick with an otherworldly mist. As they navigate the twisting paths, they encounter various magical phenomena: glowing mushrooms that pulse with light, ethereal will-o'-the-wisps that lead them deeper into the forest, and the haunting calls of unseen creatures. The deeper they go, the more they feel the weight of ancient magic pressing down upon them.
Eventually, the adventurers stumble upon a hidden glade, where they find the herbalist bound by magical vines, surrounded by a circle of enchanted stones. At the center of the glade stands the source of the disturbance: a corrupted fey spirit, once a guardian of the forest, now twisted by dark magic. This spirit, known as Morwenna the Shadowed, seeks to expand her power by capturing the essence of those who wander too close to her domain.
**Boss Enemy: Morwenna the Shadowed**
– **Type:** Fey
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Spellcasting:** Morwenna can cast spells such as *Entangle*, *Invisibility*, and *Fear* (spell slots up to 5th level).
– **Shadowy Grasp:** Melee spell attack, +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of their next turn.
– **Fey Resilience:** Morwenna has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
As the party confronts Morwenna, they must not only defeat her but also find a way to cleanse the corruption that has taken hold of her spirit. The battle will test their combat skills and their ability to think creatively, as they may need to use the environment to their advantage or discover a way to restore Morwenna to her former self.
Once the fey spirit is defeated or redeemed, the herbalist is freed, and the magic of the forest begins to heal. The adventurers return to Willowbrook as heroes, greeted with cheers and gratitude from the townsfolk. They will leave with not only their reward but also a deeper understanding of the balance between light and darkness in the magical world of Eldoria.