Tier 2 – The Shadow Sorcerer of Willowbrook
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has unsettled the tranquil village of Willowbrook. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a shadowy figure that has been seen lurking near the ancient ruins at the edge of the Whispering Woods. Rumors swirl that this figure is connected to a series of mysterious disappearances, where children have gone missing, leaving only a faint echo of laughter behind.
Your party finds themselves in Willowbrook, drawn by the tales of the missing children and the promise of adventure. As you gather in the town square, the sun begins to set, casting long shadows that dance across the cobblestones. The air is thick with the scent of blooming nightshade and the distant sound of a lute playing a melancholic tune.
An elderly woman approaches, her eyes filled with worry. "Please, brave adventurers," she implores, "my grandson, Elric, is among the missing. They say the shadowy figure is a sorcerer who has awakened an ancient curse. You must venture into the Whispering Woods and uncover the truth!"
As you prepare for your journey, the villagers offer you supplies: healing potions, enchanted lanterns, and a map that marks the location of the ruins. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but the promise of rescuing the children and confronting the dark sorcerer drives you forward.
Upon entering the Whispering Woods, the trees seem to close in around you, their gnarled branches whispering secrets of old. The deeper you go, the more the air crackles with magic. You encounter various magical creatures—some friendly, some hostile—testing your resolve and teamwork.
Eventually, you arrive at the ancient ruins, where the air is thick with an ominous energy. In the center stands the sorcerer, cloaked in shadows, with a staff that pulses with dark magic. He is surrounded by a swirling mist that seems to draw the very light from the surroundings.
**Boss Enemy: The Shadow Sorcerer**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as *Darkness*, *Ray of Enfeeblement*, and *Hold Person*.
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.
– **Life Drain:** Melee spell attack, +5 to hit, 1d10 + 3 necrotic damage, and the sorcerer regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
As the confrontation begins, the sorcerer taunts you, revealing that he has been using the children’s laughter to fuel his dark magic. The battle will test your skills and strategy, as you must not only defeat him but also find a way to break the curse that binds the children to his will.
Will you succeed in rescuing the lost children and restoring peace to Willowbrook? The fate of the village lies in your hands as you navigate the challenges of the Whispering Woods and confront the darkness that threatens to consume it.