Tier 2 – The Celestial Prism A Quest for Light

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil village of Eldenwood. The townsfolk, once filled with laughter and joy, now whisper of shadows lurking in the forest and strange lights flickering in the night. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, has become a hub of anxious chatter, as rumors spread of a mysterious artifact known as the Celestial Prism, said to grant immense power to its wielder.

Your party finds themselves drawn to this quaint village, where the air is thick with the scent of pine and the distant sound of a babbling brook. As you gather around a wooden table in the tavern, a frail old woman approaches, her eyes wide with fear. “Adventurers! You must help us! The Prism has been stolen from the Temple of Light, and dark forces are at work. We believe it is hidden deep within the Whispering Woods, guarded by a malevolent spirit known as the Shade of Despair.”

The Shade, a once-noble guardian turned vengeful wraith, now seeks to harness the Prism’s power to plunge Eldoria into eternal darkness. The villagers plead for your assistance, offering a modest reward of gold and the promise of the Prism’s blessings should you succeed.

As you venture into the Whispering Woods, the atmosphere shifts. The trees loom tall and twisted, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. A thick fog blankets the ground, muffling your footsteps and heightening your senses. Strange whispers echo through the air, and the faint glow of will-o'-the-wisps dances just out of reach, leading you deeper into the forest.

Your journey is fraught with challenges. You must navigate treacherous terrain, solve ancient riddles inscribed on stone tablets, and confront the forest’s guardians—enchanted beasts that test your resolve. As you delve deeper, the air grows colder, and the shadows lengthen, hinting at the presence of the Shade.

Finally, you arrive at a clearing where the Celestial Prism rests upon an altar, bathed in an ethereal light. But before you can claim it, the Shade of Despair materializes, a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes that pierce through the gloom.

**Boss Enemy: Shade of Despair**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Wail of Despair (Recharge 5-6, all creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)

As the battle ensues, the Shade unleashes its dark magic, summoning shadows to aid it. The forest itself seems to come alive, with branches reaching out to ensnare you. You must work together, using your skills and spells to overcome this formidable foe and reclaim the Celestial Prism.

Once defeated, the Shade dissipates into a cloud of mist, revealing the Prism’s true form—a radiant gem pulsating with light. As you claim the artifact, the forest begins to heal, the whispers turning into songs of gratitude from the spirits of the woods.

Returning to Eldenwood, you are hailed as heroes. The villagers celebrate your victory, and the Celestial Prism is restored to its rightful place in the Temple of Light, ensuring peace and prosperity for the realm once more. Your names will be sung in tales for generations to come, as the adventurers who faced the darkness and emerged victorious.