Tier 2 – The Heart of the Ancients (2)
**Tier 2 play**
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the bustling town of Eldergrove. A faint melody of laughter and music drifted through the air as townsfolk prepared for the annual Festival of Lights. Colorful lanterns adorned every corner, illuminating the cobblestone streets with a warm glow. Yet, beneath the festive atmosphere, a shadow lurked—a chilling rumor had spread through the taverns, whispering of an ancient artifact lost to time, said to grant unimaginable power to those who wield it.
As the party gathers at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, they overhear a frantic conversation between two cloaked figures in the corner. Their voices tremble with urgency, speaking of a hidden temple deep within the Enchanted Forest, where the artifact, known as the Heart of the Ancients, lies guarded by a malevolent spirit. The townsfolk have been plagued by strange occurrences—crops withering overnight, livestock disappearing, and eerie lights flickering in the woods at night.
The party learns that the festival is a cover; the townsfolk plan to send a group of brave adventurers to retrieve the artifact before the spirit can gain full power. They are invited to join the quest, with the promise of gold and glory. However, they must act quickly, for the festival culminates in a grand ceremony that will awaken the spirit if the artifact is not retrieved by nightfall.
**Adventure Components:**
1. **Investigation**: The players can gather information from various townsfolk, learning about the history of the Heart of the Ancients and the spirit that guards it. They may discover clues about the temple's location, hidden traps, or the nature of the spirit.
2. **Exploration**: The journey through the Enchanted Forest is filled with magical phenomena. Players may encounter mischievous fae, ancient trees that whisper secrets, and enchanted creatures that can either aid or hinder their progress. They must navigate through illusions and traps to reach the temple.
3. **Confrontation**: Upon reaching the temple, the players will face the spirit, a powerful entity known as **Elysara, the Wraith of the Woods**. Elysara is a vengeful spirit bound to protect the Heart of the Ancients and will not relinquish it without a fight.
**Elysara, the Wraith of the Woods**
– **HP**: 80
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Ethereal Touch (Melee, +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability**: Spirit's Grasp (Elysara can attempt to grapple a player, restricting their movement and dealing 1d6 necrotic damage at the start of their turns until they escape).
As the party engages Elysara, they must use their skills and teamwork to overcome her ethereal defenses and discover the truth behind her anger. Will they restore peace to Eldergrove and secure the Heart of the Ancients, or will they fall victim to the wraith's wrath?
The fate of the town—and perhaps the world—rests in their hands. Adventure awaits, and the Festival of Lights may just turn into a night of legends.