Tier 2 – The Nightmare Wyrm of Landslide

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, nestled between the majestic Silverpeak Mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Luminara, lies the quaint village of Landslide. This idyllic settlement, known for its lush greenery and friendly folk, has recently been shaken by a catastrophic event. A coal tip landslide, triggered by a sudden storm, narrowly missed the homes of the villagers, leaving them in a state of panic and uncertainty. The once-peaceful atmosphere is now thick with fear, and the residents are desperate to escape the looming threat of another disaster.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the village, the adventurers find themselves in the local tavern, The Whispering Willow. The air is filled with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of hushed conversations. Villagers gather in small groups, their faces etched with worry. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Borin, approaches the party, his brow furrowed.

“Strangers, I see you’ve come to our humble village in these dark times. We need your help,” he implores, his voice trembling slightly. “The landslide has left us vulnerable, and many of us wish to leave. But there’s something more sinister at play. Just last night, I heard whispers of a creature lurking in the mountains, a beast that feeds on fear and despair. It’s said to be the cause of the landslide, drawing power from the chaos it creates.”

Borin explains that the villagers have been experiencing strange occurrences: shadows moving in the night, eerie sounds echoing from the mountains, and crops wilting under an unnatural blight. The party must investigate the source of this malevolence and confront the creature that threatens the very existence of Landslide.

**Adventure Components:**

1. **Investigation in the Village:**

– The party can gather information from the villagers. They may learn about the history of the coal tip and the recent storm. Some villagers may have seen strange lights in the mountains or heard unsettling noises at night.

– Clues may lead them to the old mine, abandoned for years, where the coal tip originated.

2. **Exploration of the Mountains:**

– As the party ventures into the Silverpeak Mountains, they encounter treacherous terrain and magical phenomena. The air crackles with energy, and the landscape shifts as if alive.

– They may discover remnants of ancient ruins, hinting at a long-lost civilization that once thrived in harmony with the land.

3. **Confrontation with the Boss Enemy:**

– Deep within the mountains, the party encounters the source of the villagers’ fears: a **Nightmare Wyrm**, a fearsome creature that thrives on the despair of others. This dragon-like beast has scales that shimmer like obsidian and eyes that glow with an eerie light.

– **Nightmare Wyrm Stats:**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 17

– **Attack:** Bite (+8 to hit, 2d10 + 5 piercing damage)

– **Special Ability:** Fear Aura (30 ft radius; creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)

4. **Resolution:**

– Upon defeating the Nightmare Wyrm, the party discovers that it was drawn to the village by the coal tip’s disturbance, feeding on the villagers’ fear. With the creature vanquished, the unnatural blight begins to lift, and the villagers can reclaim their homes.

– The adventurers are hailed as heroes, and the grateful villagers offer them a reward of gold and magical items unearthed from the old mine.

As the sun rises over Landslide, the village is filled with hope once more. The adventurers have not only saved the village but also restored peace to the land, proving that even in the darkest times, courage and unity can overcome any threat.