Tier 2 – The Heart of Autumn

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant world of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with vibrant hues, a dark cloud looms over the prosperous town of Willowbrook. Once a thriving hub of trade and celebration, it now lies shrouded in mystery and dread. Rumors whisper of a powerful artifact known as the Heart of Autumn, said to be hidden deep within the enchanted Whispering Woods. This artifact is believed to hold the power to control the seasons and maintain the balance of nature, but it has attracted sinister forces that threaten to disrupt the harmony of Eldoria.

As the party finds themselves in Willowbrook, the townsfolk plead for help. Crops have begun to wither, and blights of unnatural foliage have spread like wildfire through the fields, threatening their very livelihood. The local mayor, a weary half-elf named Elara, approaches the adventurers with a desperate plea: "You must venture into the Whispering Woods and retrieve the Heart of Autumn before it falls into the hands of the Dark Sylph, Morgath, who seeks to use its power for chaos and destruction!"

The party must prepare for their journey into the woods, where the air is thick with magic and the trees seem to hum with life. The path is treacherous, filled with illusionary creatures that seek to mislead them and fey guardians who test their resolve with riddles. Each step deeper into the woods leads them closer to Morgath’s lair, a twisted hollow in an ancient tree pulsating with ominous energy.

**Exploration Component:** As the party traverses the woods, they encounter various magical phenomena—a glimmering stream that can grant visions of the future, and a circle of mushrooms that spark an impromptu dance party, where they must win over the fey spirits through performance or risk offending them. The air crackles with enchantment, and each encounter provides them with clues about the Heart of Autumn's location.

**Enemy Encounter:** Ultimately, the adventurers confront Morgath, the Dark Sylph, who is a master of illusions and nature magic.

**Morgath's Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 75 (10d8 + 30)

– **Speed:** 30 ft., fly 60 ft.

**Attacks:**

– **Whirlwind of Leaves:** Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage.

– **Fey Trickery (Recharge 5-6):** Morgath can cause the area around them to become an illusory nightmare, forcing all creatures within a 30-foot radius to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened and disoriented, losing their next turn.

**Tactical Advice:** Morgath will use the environment to their advantage, summoning illusions to disorient the party and using nature magic to summon animated vines to restrain one or more party members. Players should coordinate to break free from restraints while managing the illusions.

The high stakes and urgency of the quest will test the adventurers’ resolve, creativity, and teamwork. Will they retrieve the Heart of Autumn in time and restore balance to Willowbrook, or will Morgath's dark ambitions plunge Eldoria into eternal chaos?