Tier 2 – The Heartstone of Eldoria (4)
**Tier 2 play**
In the high-fantasy realm of Eldoria, a mysterious disturbance has arisen in the tranquil village of Glimmerwood, where magic flows like a river of stars. The townsfolk have noticed strange occurrences, such as shimmering lights flickering in the ancient forest that borders their humble abodes, and whispers of long-forgotten spirits surfacing in the night air. The elders whisper of a sacred artifact, the Heartstone of Eldoria, that has been hidden for centuries beneath the roots of the Elder Oak, the oldest tree in the forest. This artifact is said to maintain the balance of magic throughout the land.
As the players arrive in Glimmerwood, they are greeted by a nervous mayor, who pleads for their assistance. He explains that a malevolent sorceress named Morwenna, once a guardian of the forest, has turned dark and now seeks to claim the Heartstone for her own, intending to unleash chaotic magic upon the realm. She’s been gathering shadowy minions—phantoms of lost souls—to guard her lair and disrupt the village’s peace.
The party’s journey begins with an exploration of the forest. They will navigate through enchanted groves, where the trees whisper secrets in the wind, and ethereal lights dance playfully among the foliage. Here, they must solve riddles posed by the forest spirits, unraveling clues that will lead them closer to the Elder Oak.
**Encounters and Investigation:**
1. **Forest Spirits’ Riddles**: The party encounters a group of mischievous fey creatures who guard the path. To pass, they must answer three riddles correctly. Failing to do so may summon whimsical illusions that hinder their progress or lead them astray.
2. **Phantom Ambush**: As they delve deeper into the forest, Morwenna's phantoms emerge from the shadows, trying to frighten or confuse the party. This encounter serves as an opportunity for combat, testing the players' abilities against eerie illusions that attack both mind and body.
– **Phantom Minions (4)**
*HP*: 22
*AC*: 12
*Attack*: Shadow Touch (Melee, +3 to hit, 1d8 necrotic damage)
*Special Ability*: Ethereal Movement (can move through objects)
3. **The Elder Oak**: Finally, the players arrive at the sacred Elder Oak, its gnarled roots shrouded in a soft, magical glow. However, they find Morwenna waiting for them, her corrupted form a twisted reflection of her former self—draped in a gown woven of dark shadows, with eyes like flickering flames.
**Morwenna, The Cursed Guardian**
*HP*: 80
*AC*: 15
*Attack*: Dark Spell (Ranged, +5 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
*Special Ability*: Shadow Summon (once per battle, calls 2 Phantom Minions)
*Legendary Actions*: Can take 1 action after each player’s turn (e.g., cast a spell, move, or summon).
As the party faces Morwenna, they will need to use all their wits to navigate her dark spells while protecting the Heartstone from her grasp. Players can take advantage of their surroundings—the towering Elder Oak has branches that can be climbed for better vantage points, and the magical aura can be harnessed for a short time to counter Morwenna’s dark powers.
Upon defeating Morwenna and reclaiming the Heartstone, the players will restore balance to Glimmerwood, earning the gratitude of the villagers and the favor of the forest spirits. In exchange, they might be gifted with enchanted trinkets or the knowledge of hidden paths to other magical realms. As the sun sets on their adventure, the stars ignite the sky, a reminder of the harmony they have restored in Eldoria.