Tier 2 – Whispers of the Sylvan Harbinger
**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 arisen. The once-peaceful village of Willowbrook, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Villagers report hearing eerie whispers at night, accompanied by flickering lights that dance among the trees. The local authorities, overwhelmed and frightened, have sent out a call for brave adventurers to investigate the source of this unsettling phenomenon.
As your party approaches Willowbrook, the sun sets behind the distant hills, casting long shadows and painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The air is thick with tension, and the villagers, with their anxious faces and hushed voices, gather around the town square. An elder, her voice trembling, recounts the tales of the "Whispering Wraith," a spirit said to lure the unsuspecting into the depths of the forest, never to return.
Your quest begins at the edge of the Whispering Woods, where the trees loom tall and ancient, their gnarled branches twisting like the fingers of a long-forgotten sorcerer. The path ahead is shrouded in mist, and the whispers grow louder as you delve deeper, echoing through the foliage. You must rely on your wits and skills to navigate the treacherous terrain, for the forest is alive with magic—both wondrous and malevolent.
As you explore, you encounter strange phenomena: flowers that glow in the dark, trees that seem to shift positions, and the remnants of old enchantments that linger in the air. Clues left behind by the missing villagers lead you to a hidden glade, where the whispers crescendo into a cacophony of voices. Here, you discover the source of the disturbance—a powerful Fey creature known as the Sylvan Harbinger.
**Boss Enemy: Sylvan Harbinger**
– **Type:** Fey
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Whispering Charm:** Each turn, the Harbinger can attempt to charm one player within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or be charmed for 1 minute.
– **Illusory Terrain:** The Harbinger can cast *Minor Illusion* at will, creating distractions or hiding its movements.
– **Nature’s Wrath (Recharge 5-6):** The Harbinger calls upon the forest to ensnare its foes, causing vines to erupt from the ground. Each creature in a 20-foot radius must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC 15) or be restrained for 1 minute.
The Harbinger believes it is protecting the forest from the encroachment of mankind, and it has taken the villagers to teach them a lesson. Your party must decide: will you fight the Harbinger, seeking to subdue it and rescue the villagers, or will you attempt to negotiate, finding a way to appease the creature and restore peace to Willowbrook?
As the battle unfolds or negotiations take place, the very essence of the forest reacts to your actions, and the outcome will determine the fate of both the villagers and the Whispering Woods. Will you emerge victorious, or will you become yet another whisper lost to the shadows? The adventure awaits!