Tier 2 – The Specter of Eldergrove

**Tier 2 play**

In the high fantasy realm of Eldoria, where shimmering towers of crystal pierce the clouds and lush valleys are woven with magic, a curious event has stirred the inhabitants of the tranquil village of Eldergrove. The once-thriving village has been shrouded in an eerie mist for the last fortnight, and whispers of a malevolent force lurking nearby have spread like wildfire. The villagers, once bustling with life and laughter, now live in fear of the shadows that creep through the woods surrounding their home.

Your party finds themselves in Eldergrove, drawn by tales of its former beauty and the chance to uncover the mystery of the encroaching darkness. As you step into the village square, the air is thick with tension, and the few villagers that remain are huddled together in fear, their eyes darting nervously towards the treeline. The once-vibrant flowers that adorned the cobblestone paths now wilt under the oppressive gloom, and the sound of a distant, haunting melody echoes through the air, chilling you to the bone.

The village elder, a frail woman named Elara, approaches your party. Her silver hair glistens in the dappled sunlight that manages to break through the clouds. "Brave adventurers," she begins, her voice trembling, "we need your help. A ghastly specter, once a noble knight, now wanders the forest, sought after by the spirits of the fallen. They say he guards a powerful artifact, the Amulet of the Lost, which has the ability to dispel the darkness that plagues our land. But beware—the specter, known as Sir Malachai, is not what he seems."

With a sense of purpose, your party sets forth toward the haunted woods. The air grows colder as you approach the tree line, the shadows beneath the trees twisting unnaturally. The melody grows louder, weaving a haunting tune that tugs at your very souls. As you venture deeper, you discover remnants of an ancient battle, with shattered shields and rusted swords scattered among the underbrush.

Suddenly, the specter of Sir Malachai appears before you, clad in tattered remnants of his once-magnificent armor. His ethereal form flickers like a candle in the wind, and his voice resonates with sorrow as he speaks, "I am bound to guard the Amulet until my sins are atoned. If you seek it, you must confront not only me but the memories of my past."

**Boss Enemy Stats: Sir Malachai, the Specter of Regret**

– HP: 70

– Armor Class: 15

– Attack: Spectral Slash (1d10+3 necrotic damage)

– Special Ability: Haunting Melody – All players must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 round, compelled to approach him.

– Weakness: Radiant damage (double damage taken from radiant sources).

To defeat Sir Malachai, the party not only needs to overcome his spectral might but also uncover the truth of his past—through solving riddles inscribed on the stones of the ancient battlefield or confronting the echoes of his memories, which manifest as shadowy adversaries. Only by helping the specter find peace can the party claim the Amulet of the Lost and dispel the darkness over Eldergrove.

As the battle ensues, the air crackles with magic and tension. Will your party bring light back to Eldergrove, or will the shadows claim another set of souls? The fate of the village rests in your hands, adventurers.