Tier 2 – The Heart of the Abyss (1)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar event has captured the attention of the local populace. The once-thriving estate of the esteemed Lord Eldrin has become the epicenter of a strange phenomenon—a sinkhole has appeared, swallowing not just earth and stone, but also the very essence of the land itself. Whispers of dark magic and ancient curses fill the air, drawing adventurers from far and wide to uncover the mystery behind this unsettling occurrence.
As the party approaches the estate, they are greeted by the sight of a grand manor, now marred by the gaping maw of the sinkhole. The ground trembles beneath their feet, and an eerie silence hangs in the air, broken only by the distant sounds of crumbling stone and the anxious murmurs of the remaining residents. The once-lush gardens are now barren, and the vibrant flowers that once bloomed here have withered away, leaving only a haunting reminder of what once was.
The party's investigation begins with the locals, who share chilling tales of strange occurrences leading up to the sinkhole's emergence. They speak of shadowy figures seen at night, strange lights flickering in the depths of the earth, and a series of unexplained disappearances. One resident, an elderly woman named Maelis, claims to have seen a dark figure hovering near the sinkhole, chanting incantations that made the ground tremble.
As the adventurers delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that the sinkhole is not merely a natural disaster but the result of an ancient artifact buried beneath the estate—a relic of immense power known as the Heart of the Abyss. This artifact, once sealed away to prevent its dark magic from corrupting the land, has been disturbed, unleashing a malevolent force that seeks to reclaim its power.
The party must navigate the treacherous terrain around the sinkhole, avoiding collapsing ground and magical traps set by the artifact's guardian, a spectral entity known as the Wraith of the Abyss. This wraith, a once-noble protector turned vengeful spirit, now roams the estate, seeking to reclaim the Heart and punish those who dare to disturb its slumber.
**Boss Enemy: Wraith of the Abyss**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Step (The wraith can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see, and it can move through objects and creatures as if they were difficult terrain.)
As the adventurers confront the Wraith of the Abyss, they must use their wits and skills to uncover the secrets of the Heart of the Abyss. Will they manage to seal the artifact once more, restoring peace to the estate, or will they succumb to the darkness that lurks within? The fate of Eldoria hangs in the balance as they embark on this thrilling one-shot adventure.