Tier 2 – The Shadows of Thistledown
**Tier 2 play**
In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, a palpable tension lingers in the air, an undercurrent that stirs the hearts of adventurers. The village of Thistledown, known for its flourishing gardens and vibrant festivals, now finds itself cloaked in shadows. Whispers of a dark magic rising from the depths of the Whispering Woods have reached the ears of all who dwell in the nearby lands. It is said that a sinister sorcerer, Malakar the Shadowbinder, has taken root within a forgotten crypt, awakening ancient horrors and twisting nature to his will.
As dusk falls, the party gathers at the village tavern, The Gilded Acorn. The warm glow of the hearth casts flickering shadows on the walls, and the enticing aroma of spiced stew fills the air. Villagers huddle together, speaking in hushed tones about the strange occurrences: crops withering overnight, livestock disappearing, and a growing number of missing persons. The innkeeper, a stout dwarf named Brannok, approaches the party with a plea: “We need brave souls to face this evil! Will you help us?”
The adventurers must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the very trees seem to sway and whisper secrets. As they navigate the tangled underbrush, they encounter strange flora with luminescent petals and trees with bark that appears to pulse like a heartbeat. They will need to solve riddles posed by sentient mushrooms and outsmart mischievous fae who guard the path, all while keeping an eye out for lurking dangers.
As they draw closer to the crypt, an ominous fog descends, and a sense of dread settles in. The party discovers the entrance is adorned with ancient runes that shimmer with a dark magic. To enter, they must decipher the runes and dispel an arcane barrier. Inside, the crypt is dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of decay and the palpable presence of malevolence.
**Boss Encounter: Malakar the Shadowbinder**
Malakar, a figure clad in flowing obsidian robes, emerges from the shadows, wielding dark tendrils of magic that writhe and coil around him. His eyes burn like coals, and his voice echoes like thunder as he commands the shadows to rise.
**Malakar the Shadowbinder Stats:**
– **HP:** 85
– **AC:** 15
– **Attacks:**
– Shadow Bolt: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target, 2d10 necrotic damage.
– Dark Tendrils: Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 1d12 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or become restrained until the end of their next turn.
– **Abilities:**
– Shadow Step: Teleports between shadows, gaining advantage on his next attack.
– Summon Shadows (Recharge 5-6): Calls forth shadowy minions (use stats for Shadows) to aid him in battle.
Defeating Malakar will release the villagers from his dark grasp, allowing the light to return to Thistledown. As the party returns victorious, they are greeted by joyous cheers and grateful hearts. The villagers celebrate their bravery with a grand feast, and the adventurers will go down in the annals of Eldoria as the heroes who vanquished the darkness.
As a reward, the party may receive enchanted trinkets infused with the remnants of Malakar’s dark magic or knowledge of hidden treasures within the Whispering Woods, leading to further adventures in this high-magic, high-fantasy world.