Tier 2 – Festival of Lights The Shadows of Brighthaven
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the enchanted realm of Eldoria, colors dance in the sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the snow-dusted landscape. Amidst the whispers of ancient trees and the twinkling of magical lights, a small village called Brighthaven shimmers like a jewel. Known for its festive spirit, Brighthaven is adorned with the most magnificent Christmas light display, a tradition that attracts visitors from far and wide.
This year, the village’s annual Festival of Lights is threatened by a sinister force. Each evening, as the villagers prepare for the festivities, strange shadows loom over their homes, and the vibrant lights dim ominously. Whispers of a vengeful spirit named Morwenna, who was wronged long ago by the village’s ancestors, echo through the streets. It is said that she intends to extinguish the joy of the season forever.
The party finds themselves in Brighthaven, having heard tales of the magical festival and the urgent need for heroes. As the villagers gather around the central square, their faces are lit by the pulsating glow of lanterns, lending an air of urgency to the festivities.
### Objectives
1. **Investigate the Shadows**: The party must gather information from the villagers. With each interaction, they will learn more about Morwenna’s tragic past and the source of her anger. They may encounter a nervous innkeeper, a wise old woman, or children who have seen fleeting glimpses of the spirit in the woods.
2. **Explore the Enchanted Forest**: To confront Morwenna, the heroes must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the spirit is said to dwell. The forest is alive with magic, filled with ethereal creatures and hidden dangers. Magical illusions and enchanted flora may confuse or assist them on their journey, requiring clever thinking and teamwork.
3. **Confront Morwenna**: At the heart of the forest, the party finds a clearing where Morwenna manifests in a swirl of mist and sorrow. The spirit, a spectral figure draped in tattered robes, exudes a chilling aura. Her once-beautiful features are twisted in grief, her voice echoing with the pain of betrayal.
### Boss Encounter: Morwenna, the Vengeful Spirit
– **HP**: 85
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Ethereal Touch: +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability**: Shadow’s Grasp: Once per encounter, Morwenna can target one character, attempting to pull them into the shadow realm. The target must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated for one round as they experience their deepest fears.
### Resolution
Through combat or clever negotiation, the party must find a way to pacify Morwenna, uncovering the truth behind her sorrow and offering a resolution that restores balance. Perhaps they can retrieve a lost relic from the village that symbolizes forgiveness or perform a ritual to honor her memory.
As the heroes succeed, the shadows lift, and the lights of Brighthaven shine brighter than ever. The villagers celebrate their newfound hope, and a magnificent display of magic illuminates the night sky, marking the triumph of joy over despair.
Thus, the tales of their bravery will be told for generations, and the Festival of Lights will forever hold a deeper meaning, reminding all that even in the darkest of times, light can prevail.