### One-Shot Adventure: “The Escape from Eldergrove Keep”
#### Adventure Overview
In the high-magic realm of Eldergrove, a once-proud fortress now stands as a shadow of its former self, shrouded in whispers of dark sorcery and betrayal. The party of four adventurers has been summoned by the Council of Elders to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances linked to the notorious escape of a powerful sorcerer, Daniel Khalife, from the depths of Eldergrove Keep. The adventurers must navigate the treacherous halls of the keep, uncover secrets, and confront the dark forces that have taken root within.
### Setting the Scene
As the adventurers approach Eldergrove Keep, the air crackles with arcane energy. Towering spires of twisted stone loom against the sky, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that pulse faintly in the twilight. A cold wind howls through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant echoes of forgotten spells. The keep’s gates, massive and wrought with iron, stand ajar as if inviting the brave—or the foolish—to enter.
#### Session Structure
1. **Introduction and Hook**
– The party meets with the Council of Elders in the nearby village of Eldergrove. They learn about Daniel Khalife, a former court mage who was imprisoned for his dark experiments. Rumors suggest he has escaped, and the council fears he seeks vengeance and power.
– The adventurers are tasked with entering the keep, gathering evidence of Khalife’s activities, and stopping any further threats.
2. **Exploration of Eldergrove Keep**
– As the party enters, they are greeted by a dimly lit hall filled with cobwebs and the remnants of past grandeur. The air is thick with the scent of decay and magic gone awry. Flickering torches cast long shadows, revealing faded portraits of the keep’s former inhabitants.
– **Encounters:**
– **Animated Armors (2)**
– **Stats:** AC 15, HP 30 each, Attack: +5 to hit, 1d8+2 slashing damage.
– **Illusory Walls:** The party must solve a riddle inscribed on a wall to dispel the illusions hiding secret passages.
3. **The Investigation**
– The adventurers discover Khalife’s laboratory, filled with strange artifacts and bubbling potions. They find notes hinting at a dark ritual to summon a powerful entity.
– **Skill Challenge:** Players can use Arcana, Investigation, or History checks to gather clues about Khalife’s whereabouts. Successful checks reveal:
– A hidden chamber where Khalife is rumored to conduct his rituals.
– The names of three missing villagers who were last seen near the keep.
4. **Confrontation with Khalife**
– After navigating through traps and magical wards, the party reaches Khalife’s hidden chamber, a room pulsing with energy. The walls are lined with arcane symbols, and in the center stands Khalife, surrounded by swirling shadows.
– **Boss Fight: Daniel Khalife**
– **Stats:**
– AC 17, HP 90
– Spellcasting: Can cast spells like *Fireball*, *Invisibility*, and *Hold Person*.
– Special Ability: Shadow Manipulation – Khalife can create a shadow clone (1d4 clones) that acts on his turn.
– Actions: Multiattack (2 spells or 1 spell + 1 melee attack with a dagger, +7 to hit, 1d6+3 piercing damage).
5. **Resolution**
– Upon defeating Khalife, the party can choose to destroy his notes and artifacts or attempt to redeem him, leading to different outcomes. If they choose redemption, Khalife reveals secrets about a greater threat looming over Eldergrove.
– The adventurers return to the Council of Elders with their findings, earning rewards and perhaps a new ally in Khalife, should they choose to spare him.
### Conclusion
As the sun sets behind Eldergrove Keep, casting long shadows over the land, the adventurers emerge victorious, their names etched into the annals of Eldergrove’s history. The echoes of magic linger in the air, a reminder of the battles fought and the mysteries yet to uncover in this high-fantasy realm.
### Tips for the Dungeon Master
– Encourage player creativity during investigations and combat.
– Use sensory descriptions to immerse players in the setting—describe the flickering lights, the chilling winds, and the palpable tension in the air.
– Be flexible with the story; allow players’ decisions to shape the outcome and lead to unexpected twists.
Prepare for an evening of intrigue, magic, and adventure as your players delve into the dark secrets of Eldergrove Keep!