Tier 2 – The Heart of the Ancients (3)

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant city of Eldoria, where the streets shimmer with the glow of enchanted lanterns and the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices, a peculiar rumor has begun to spread like wildfire. Whispers of a mysterious artifact known as the "Heart of the Ancients" have reached the ears of adventurers and scholars alike. This artifact, said to be hidden within the depths of the ancient ruins of Eldar Hollow, is rumored to grant unimaginable power to its wielder.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, your party gathers at The Gilded Griffin, a bustling tavern filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of tankards. An old, grizzled man with a weathered face approaches your table, his eyes glinting with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He introduces himself as Garrick, a former explorer who barely escaped the ruins with his life. He warns of the dangers that lie within—traps, illusions, and a guardian that protects the Heart of the Ancients.

"Many have tried to claim it," he says, his voice low and conspiratorial. "But none have returned. If you seek it, you must be prepared for the trials that await."

With a map in hand, you set off towards Eldar Hollow, the moonlight illuminating your path. The journey takes you through dense forests, where the trees seem to whisper secrets, and the air crackles with magic. As you approach the ruins, an eerie silence envelops you, broken only by the distant sound of water trickling through ancient stone.

Inside the ruins, you find yourself in a grand hall adorned with faded murals depicting the history of the ancients. However, the air grows heavy with tension as you notice the shadows shifting unnaturally. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the darkness—a spectral guardian, a wraith-like being with glowing eyes and a voice that echoes like thunder.

**Boss Enemy: The Wraith Guardian**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Veil (Once per encounter, can become incorporeal for one turn, avoiding all damage)

The guardian demands to know your intentions. Will you attempt to negotiate, seeking to prove your worth, or will you engage in combat to claim the Heart of the Ancients? The choice is yours, and the fate of the artifact—and perhaps the world—rests in your hands.

As you delve deeper into the ruins, you encounter magical traps that test your wits and skills. Riddles inscribed on ancient stones challenge your intellect, while illusions create phantoms that mimic your deepest fears. Each step forward brings you closer to the Heart, but also deeper into the heart of danger.

Will your party uncover the secrets of Eldar Hollow and emerge victorious, or will you join the ranks of those who have come before, lost to the shadows of the past? The adventure awaits, and the Heart of the Ancients calls to you.