Tier 2 – The Heart of Verdance (1)
**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 unsettled the peaceful town of Elden Hollow. The townsfolk, once joyous and carefree, now whisper of shadows lurking in the depths of the Whispering Woods, where ancient trees twist and turn, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers.
The party finds themselves in Elden Hollow, drawn by rumors of a powerful artifact hidden deep within the Whispering Woods—a relic known as the Heart of Verdance, said to grant its wielder control over nature itself. However, the artifact is fiercely guarded by a malevolent spirit known as the Verdant Wraith, a once-noble guardian corrupted by dark magic. The townsfolk plead for help, offering a modest reward of 100 gold pieces and the promise of the Heart’s blessings to those brave enough to retrieve it.
As the adventurers venture into the woods, they are greeted by the intoxicating scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of rustling leaves. But as they delve deeper, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows thick with tension, and the vibrant colors fade into muted shades of green and brown. Strange creatures, twisted by the Wraith's dark influence, lurk among the trees—gnarled treants and shadowy sprites that attack any intruders with a fierce protectiveness.
The party must navigate through this enchanted yet perilous landscape, solving riddles posed by the ancient spirits of the forest to gain passage. They may encounter a grove where the trees speak in riddles, or a clearing filled with illusions that test their resolve and wit. Each challenge brings them closer to the Heart of Verdance, but also deeper into the Wraith's domain.
**Boss Encounter: Verdant Wraith**
– **HP:** 120
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:**
– **Shadow Tendril:** +7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage
– **Nature's Grasp (Recharge 5-6):** The Wraith summons vines to restrain a target within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute. They can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns.
**Abilities:**
– **Corrupting Aura:** Creatures that start their turn within 10 feet of the Wraith take 1d6 necrotic damage.
– **Illusory Terrain:** Once per encounter, the Wraith can create difficult terrain in a 30-foot radius for 1 minute, causing confusion and disorientation.
As the party confronts the Verdant Wraith, they must use their skills and teamwork to overcome its dark magic and restore balance to the forest. Upon defeating the Wraith, they will find the Heart of Verdance, pulsating with a vibrant green light, ready to be claimed.
Will the adventurers choose to harness its power for themselves, or will they return it to the townsfolk, restoring peace to Elden Hollow? The choices they make will echo through the ages, shaping the future of Eldoria itself.