Tier 2 – The Gloomweaver’s Shadow

**Tier 2 play**

In a realm where the vibrant hues of magic paint the skies and the air thrums with the whispers of ancient spirits, a quaint village named Eldergrove finds itself in dire peril. The village is known for its rich, verdant landscape and the legend of a mystical tree, the Sycamore Gap, which is said to grant hope and resilience to those who nurture its saplings. However, the tranquility of Eldergrove is shattered as a dark force begins to blot out the sun, threatening to extinguish the light of hope carried by the saplings across the land.

As the party gathers in the village square, they can hear the worried murmurs of villagers speaking of the encroaching shadow that looms over their homes. An ominous figure, known as the Gloomweaver, has emerged from the unsettled woods, intent on siphoning the life force from the saplings and plunging Eldergrove into a perpetual twilight. Villagers plead for the adventurers' help, their eyes wide with desperation as they share that the Gloomweaver has taken residence in the Hollowed Glade, a cursed grove where the trees stand twisted and gnarled.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party is tasked with retrieving the essence of hope, said to be contained within the Gloomweaver’s lair, and must destroy the creature to restore balance to Eldergrove. Along the way, they will need to investigate the source of the Gloomweaver’s power, leading them to uncover ancient runes that hint at a forgotten pact between the forest and its protectors.

**Exploration Component:**

The path to the Hollowed Glade is fraught with magical hazards and enchanted creatures guarding the sacred saplings. The players must navigate through dense foliage, deciphering the runes and overcoming illusions that seek to mislead them. As they journey deeper into the enchanted woods, they encounter various fae beings who offer cryptic guidance, but also present challenges that test their resolve and teamwork.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Upon arriving at the Hollowed Glade, the party confronts the Gloomweaver, a towering figure cloaked in shadows, its very presence sapping the color from the surroundings. The Gloomweaver wields dark magic, manipulating shadows to ensnare and confuse the adventurers.

**Basic Stats for Gloomweaver:**

– **Hit Points:** 120

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Attack Options:**

– Shadow Lash: +7 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage, target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on the next attack roll.

– Gloom Spike: A ranged attack that deals 3d8 psychic damage and can frighten a target (DC 16 Wisdom saving throw to resist).

– **Legendary Actions:** The Gloomweaver can take one of the following actions at the end of another creature's turn:

– Shadow Step: Teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.

– Siphon Hope: Restore 10 hit points by draining energy from nearby saplings (requires a sapling within 30 ft).

**Climactic Showdown:**

As the battle rages, the players must work together, using the environment to their advantage. They can channel the power of the saplings by planting them in the ground around the Gloomweaver, momentarily weakening its hold on the shadows. When the Gloomweaver is defeated, a burst of radiant energy erupts, revitalizing the grove and allowing the saplings to flourish once more.

**Conclusion:**

With the Gloomweaver vanquished, the village of Eldergrove celebrates, and the party is bestowed with saplings from the Sycamore Gap, tokens of gratitude that symbolize hope and renewal. As they prepare to leave, they realize that their deeds have woven them into the fabric of the village’s lore, ensuring that their story will be told for generations to come—a beacon of hope in a world that sometimes veils its beauty in shadows.