Tier 2 – The Curse of Crystal Lake
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the mystical realm of Eldoria, the vibrant hues of dusk reflect off the enchanting Crystal Lake, which is rumored to hold secrets far older than the realm itself. This once-peaceful landscape has been disrupted by strange occurrences: villagers whisper of shadows flickering at the lake’s surface and a lingering tension hangs in the air, where once there was harmony.
Your party finds themselves in the quaint village of Elaris, nestled on the banks of Crystal Lake. The townsfolk are unusually quiet, their faces worn with worry. As the adventurers step into the bustling Yet Dreamy Tavern, they’re greeted by the scent of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread, a welcome contrast to the underlying tension. Seated in a dim corner, an elderly woman beckons them closer.
"My name is Old Maeria," she croaks, her gaze piercing yet weary. "A dark spirit haunts the lake, stealing away our children and corrupting our waters. The elders believe it to be the vengeful spirit of Altharion, the once-benevolent guardian of these lands. You must journey to the lake’s heart and confront this malevolence. Bring back the children and restore peace.”
As the party prepares, they gather hints and resources from the tavern’s patrons. Local fishermen speak of strange ripples in the lake and shadows moving beneath the water's surface. Rest, gather supplies, and make sure to seek advice from the elder’s apprentice, who knows the legends well.
**Exploration Component: The Journey to the Lake**
The path to Crystal Lake is fraught with environmental challenges. Dense fog envelops the forest, and the party may encounter wild creatures affected by the dark spirit’s influence, such as corrupted wolves or enchanted will-o’-the-wisps that lead travelers astray.
Options for the party:
1. **Natural Obstacles**: Navigate through a maze of overgrown thorny bushes and slippery rocks. Success could mean quicker travel time.
2. **Encounters**: Confront beasts twisted by the spirit’s grip. A pack of corrupted wolves (stats: HP 15 each, AC 12, Attack +4) rampages, defending their territory. Defeating them could yield valuable resources or information.
3. **Mystical Signposts**: Discover ancient carvings at the foot of a great oak tree, depicting stories of Altharion's original purpose as a protector. This could be a chance to uncover clues about how to appease the spirit.
**The Confrontation: At the Heart of the Lake**
Upon reaching the lake’s heart, mist shrouds the area. The water glimmers unnaturally, revealing a spectral figure emerging, cloaked in swirling shadows. Altharion manifests, his anguished face twisted in rage: “You dare trespass in my sorrow?”
The confrontation holds both combat and opportunities for negotiation. The spirit wields powerful magic, casting spells like *Shadow Bolt* (1d8 necrotic damage) or *Mist Veil* (creates a dense fog, imposing disadvantage on attacks for one round). Alongside him, swirling water elementals (HP 20 each, AC 13, Attack +5) rise to protect their master.
Victory may come through combat or through finding a way to soothe Altharion's anger, perhaps by reminding him of his original duty to protect rather than punish.
Once the party succeeds in restoring balance, a beam of light envelops the lake, lifting the curse. The children are freed, appearing from the depths like ethereal spirits, and the villagers rejoice as peace returns to their lives.
**Closing Scene**
As the adventurers return to Elaris, they are hailed as heroes. The villagers celebrate with a feast in their honor, where Old Maeria presents each hero with a token of gratitude — a piece of enchanted jewelry, representing the bond forged between them and the land. The party’s valor not only restores the lake’s serenity but also strengthens their reputation across Eldoria, paving the way for future adventures yet to come.