Tier 2 – Shadows Over Silverhaven

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and legends are wrought in the very fabric of the air, a dark undercurrent has begun to stir. The once-bustling town of Silverhaven, known for its lush gardens and joyous festivals, now buzzes with whispers of a malevolent force. A powerful cult, known as the Shadowed Hand, has emerged from the depths of forgotten ruins, intent on harnessing ancient magics for their nefarious purposes.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, a sense of foreboding hangs thick in the air. The townspeople have grown weary, their bright faces dulled by fear, and the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, stands as the last bastion of hope. It is here that your party gathers, drawn by tales of mystery and danger, eager to uncover the truth.

**Adventure Hook: The Cult's Plot**

Upon entering The Gilded Griffin, the warm light of the hearth flickers, revealing anxious patrons huddled together. The bartender, a stout dwarf named Borin, recounts tales of the Shadowed Hand's recent activities—disappearances, strange rituals, and a growing number of cursed creatures lurking in the woods. Rumor has it that the cult is close to completing a dark ritual that could unleash chaos upon Silverhaven.

Borin beseeches your party to investigate the ancient Ruins of Eldergrove, where the cult is rumored to be gathering. He hands over an old map, its edges frayed, guiding you through the enchanted forest that surrounds the town. He warns of dangers ahead, particularly the cult's enforcers—twisted beings warped by dark magic.

**Exploration Component: The Ruins of Eldergrove**

As your party ventures into the forest, the trees seem to whisper secrets, their branches entwined like fingers reaching for the sky. The air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and something more sinister—a sharp, metallic tang that hints at the presence of dark magic.

Upon reaching the ruins, you discover the remnants of an ancient temple, overgrown yet majestic, with ivy crawling up the stone walls. Intricate carvings depict the history of the land, but they are marred by recent markings—a sigil of the Shadowed Hand.

As you delve deeper into the ruins, you come across a chamber shrouded in darkness. Flickering candles illuminate a central altar, where a mysterious figure stands clad in shadowy robes. This is **Elysia, the Cult Mistress**, the leader of the Shadowed Hand.

**Boss Encounter: Elysia, the Cult Mistress**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Dark Bolt (1d10 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Summon Shadows (Elysia can summon two Shadow Minions with 30 HP each to fight alongside her).

– **Spellcasting:** Elysia can cast the following spells (spell slots: 3, DC 15):

– *Eldritch Blast*

– *Darkness*

– *Hold Person*

**Conclusion: The Final Confrontation**

The moment Elysia notices your presence, she smiles wickedly, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You dare intrude upon our rite? Feel the power of shadows!"

As the confrontation erupts, the air crackles with energy, and the very ground beneath your feet trembles. Your party must work together, utilizing skill and strategy to defeat Elysia and her minions. With each strike against the cult mistress, the oppressive darkness in the temple begins to lift, revealing the light of hope returning to Silverhaven.

Once defeated, Elysia's dying breath warns of greater dangers yet to come, hinting at a deeper conspiracy that will leave your adventurers yearning for more. The ceremony interrupted, your party emerges from the ruins, ready to face whatever challenges this high magic world has in store.

Will they save Silverhaven and uncover the wider plot of the Shadowed Hand? The fate of the town rests in their hands.