Tier 2 – The Heart of the Dragon
**Tier 2 play**
As the clock strikes midnight on your 18th birthday, a soft glow fills your dimly lit room, casting flickering shadows against the walls. You awaken from your slumber, heart racing, as a mysterious door adorned with an intricate dragon symbol materializes before you. The air around it crackles with latent magic, and the old key you received from your grandfather feels warm in your palm, as if urging you to unlock the secrets behind this enigmatic entrance.
With a deep breath, you approach the door, your senses heightened. The faint scent of ancient parchment and a hint of dragonfire waft through the air, stirring your curiosity. As you insert the key into the ornate lock, it turns with a satisfying click, and the door swings open to reveal a swirling portal of shimmering colors, beckoning you into the unknown.
Stepping through, you find yourself in the heart of a forgotten realm, a vibrant landscape filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and glimmering rivers. However, this land is not as serene as it seems. Whispers of a dark force echo through the trees, and the once-peaceful inhabitants have been plagued by a malevolent dragon known as Tharok, who has risen from the depths of the earth, seeking to reclaim its lost treasures.
Your party must embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Tharok's resurgence. As you traverse this magical land, you encounter enchanted creatures and ancient guardians, each holding pieces of the puzzle. The locals speak of a hidden temple deep within the Whispering Woods, where a powerful artifact, the Heart of the Dragon, lies dormant. It is said that this artifact has the power to either quell Tharok's fury or unleash it further upon the world.
Your journey will involve exploration, as you navigate through treacherous terrain, solve intricate puzzles, and engage in encounters with magical beings. Along the way, you may choose to ally with a band of rebellious elves who have been fighting against Tharok's minions or seek the wisdom of a reclusive sorceress who holds knowledge of the dragon's past.
As you approach the hidden temple, the air thickens with tension. The temple is guarded by Tharok's loyal minions—shadowy drakes that patrol the perimeter, their scales glinting ominously in the moonlight. You must devise a strategy to either sneak past them or confront them head-on.
**Boss Encounter: Tharok, the Malevolent Dragon**
– **Type:** Dragon (CR 5)
– **HP:** 120
– **AC:** 17
– **Attack:** Bite +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
– **Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6):** 30 ft. cone, 36 (8d8) fire damage, DC 15 Dexterity saving throw for half damage.
– **Legendary Actions:** Tharok can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Tharok regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
– **Detect:** Tharok makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
– **Tail Attack:** Tharok makes a tail attack.
– **Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions):** Tharok beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of Tharok must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 12 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
As you face Tharok, the fate of this magical realm hangs in the balance. Will you succeed in retrieving the Heart of the Dragon and restoring peace, or will the malevolent dragon's reign of terror continue? The choice is yours, brave adventurers.