Tier 2 – Whispers of Eldenwood

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local populace. The once-peaceful village of Elden Hollow has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Villagers whisper of shadowy figures lurking in the woods at night, and strange lights flickering in the distance. The air is thick with tension, and the townsfolk are desperate for heroes to uncover the truth.

As the party arrives in Elden Hollow, they are greeted by the anxious faces of the villagers. An elder, her voice trembling, recounts the tale of the "Whispering Shadows," a group of malevolent spirits said to haunt the nearby Eldenwood Forest. These spirits are rumored to be the restless souls of those who vanished, trapped between realms due to a dark ritual gone awry. The elder implores the adventurers to investigate the forest and put an end to the terror that has gripped their home.

The journey into Eldenwood is filled with sensory experiences. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade, while the rustling leaves create a symphony of whispers that seem to beckon the party deeper into the woods. As they traverse the winding paths, they encounter bioluminescent fungi illuminating their way, casting an ethereal glow on the ancient trees.

As night falls, the party stumbles upon a clearing where the ground is littered with remnants of an old campsite. Here, they find clues: a torn piece of fabric, a broken pendant, and strange symbols etched into the earth. These signs suggest that a dark ritual was performed here, and the party must decipher the meaning behind them to understand how to confront the Whispering Shadows.

Suddenly, the air grows colder, and the shadows coalesce into a formidable figure—the spirit of the ritual's creator, a twisted sorcerer named Malakar. He seeks to reclaim the lost souls and unleash their power upon the world. Malakar, a spectral entity, is determined to protect his dark secrets at all costs.

**Boss Enemy: Malakar, the Shadow Sorcerer**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (ranged spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Cloak (once per encounter, Malakar can become incorporeal, gaining resistance to all damage for one turn)

To defeat Malakar, the party must use their wits and skills to disrupt his connection to the lost souls. They can perform a counter-ritual using the clues they gathered, requiring a successful Arcana check (DC 15) to weaken him. If they succeed, Malakar's form becomes unstable, allowing the party to strike with full force.

As the battle rages, the adventurers must also contend with the lingering spirits of the lost villagers, who may either aid or hinder them based on the party's actions. The outcome of the encounter will determine whether Elden Hollow is freed from its curse or forever shrouded in darkness.

With the fate of the village hanging in the balance, the adventurers must navigate the treacherous woods, confront their fears, and ultimately decide the destiny of the Whispering Shadows. Will they emerge as heroes, or will they become another tale lost to the whispers of Eldenwood?