Tier 2 – Shadows of the Past A Family Reunion Adventure

**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 invitation has arrived at your doorstep. You and your companions find yourselves summoned to the annual family reunion of your significant other, a gathering steeped in tradition and mystery. However, this year is unlike any other; it has been a century since the last reunion, and the family has undergone a profound transformation—each member has been reincarnated into new bodies, their memories hazy, their identities shrouded in the mists of time.

As you approach the grand estate nestled in the heart of the Whispering Woods, the air crackles with anticipation. The mansion, a sprawling structure adorned with ivy and luminescent flowers, stands as a testament to the family's rich history. The scent of exotic spices wafts from the kitchen, mingling with the sweet notes of blooming nightshade. Laughter and music spill from the open windows, inviting you into a world of joy and nostalgia.

However, as you step through the ornate doors, a chilling realization dawns upon you. The family members, though familiar in visage, are not quite themselves. Their eyes flicker with an otherworldly glow, and whispers of forgotten tales echo in the corners of the room. You sense an underlying tension, a darkness lurking beneath the surface of this joyous occasion.

Suddenly, the festivities are interrupted by a loud crash. A figure bursts through the door—a family member, or so it seems—clad in tattered robes, their face twisted in anguish. "They are coming!" they cry, their voice trembling with fear. "The Shadows of the Past seek to reclaim what was lost!"

As the room erupts into chaos, you realize that the family reunion has become a battleground. The Shadows, malevolent spirits of those who have been wronged in the past, are drawn to the gathering, seeking vengeance against the living. It is up to you and your companions to uncover the truth behind these spectral foes and protect your loved ones from their wrath.

**Adventure Components:**

1. **Investigation:**

– Explore the mansion to find clues about the family’s history and the nature of the Shadows. Discover hidden rooms, ancient tomes, and family heirlooms that hold the key to understanding the reincarnations.

2. **Combat:**

– Face off against the Shadows of the Past, spectral foes that drain the life force of their victims. Use your skills and magic to fend them off and protect the family members.

– **Boss Enemy: The Shadow Matriarch**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 necrotic damage and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.)

– **Special Ability:** Ethereal Shift (Once per encounter, the Shadow Matriarch can become incorporeal, avoiding all damage for one round.)

3. **Exploration:**

– Journey into the Whispering Woods to confront the source of the Shadows. Discover ancient ruins that hold the remnants of a long-lost family curse, and gather allies from the mystical creatures that inhabit the forest.

As the night unfolds, your party will unravel the secrets of the past, confront the Shadows, and ultimately decide the fate of your loved ones. Will you break the curse that binds them, or will the darkness consume the reunion forever? The choice is yours in this high-stakes adventure filled with magic, mystery, and the bonds of family.