Tier 2 – The Hound Mistress of Eldenwood
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a peculiar event has stirred the tranquility of the bustling city of Eldenwood. The townsfolk whisper of a dark omen—a series of strange occurrences linked to a mysterious figure known only as the "Hound Mistress." This enigmatic woman, once a beloved member of the community, has become a harbinger of chaos since her tragic demise in a bizarre incident involving her own magical hounds.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves drawn to the heart of Eldenwood, where the air is thick with tension and the scent of impending rain. The townspeople, wary and anxious, gather in small clusters, sharing hushed tales of the Hound Mistress's spectral presence and her pack of ethereal hounds that now roam the city, terrorizing anyone who dares to venture out after dark.
The party is approached by a desperate town guard, who pleads for their assistance. "Please, brave adventurers! We need your help to uncover the truth behind the Hound Mistress's tragic fate and to put an end to her ghostly reign. Many have gone missing, and those who return speak of a haunting howl that chills the very soul."
### Adventure Hook
The party must investigate the Hound Mistress's former residence, a once-grand manor now shrouded in shadows and overgrown with magical vines. As they explore the eerie halls, they will encounter remnants of her life—a collection of enchanted dog collars, portraits that seem to watch their every move, and a hidden library filled with tomes on summoning and animal magic.
### Exploration Component
As the party delves deeper into the manor, they will face various challenges:
– **Magical Traps:** Enchanted wards that trigger illusions of the Hound Mistress, leading the party astray.
– **Spectral Hounds:** Ghostly apparitions of her beloved dogs that guard the manor, attacking intruders but can be pacified with successful Animal Handling checks.
– **Clues:** They will uncover clues about her tragic death, revealing that she was attempting to control her hounds with a forbidden spell when the incident occurred.
### Climax: The Confrontation
Eventually, the party will confront the Hound Mistress herself, now a wraith bound to her hounds. She appears as a sorrowful figure, her eyes glowing with a mix of rage and despair. The spectral hounds circle around her, growling protectively.
**Boss Enemy: Hound Mistress**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Bite (Melee Attack): +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability:** Howl of Despair – All creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
### Resolution
The party must decide whether to defeat the Hound Mistress or find a way to free her spirit by completing her unfinished business—perhaps by helping her find peace regarding her tragic death and the fate of her hounds. Should they succeed, the spectral hounds will transform into gentle spirits, thanking the party for their compassion, and the Hound Mistress will finally be able to rest, lifting the curse from Eldenwood.
As dawn breaks, the city awakens to a new day, free from the shadows of the past, and the adventurers will be hailed as heroes, their names forever etched in the annals of Eldoria.