Tier 2 – The Heart of the Mist
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where shimmering towers touch the clouds and forests pulse with arcane energy, whispers of a dark disturbance have reached the ears of all who dwell within the Kingdom of Solara. A once-bustling town, Lytheria, has fallen eerily silent; its streets are shrouded in an unnatural mist, and strange creatures are said to roam the outskirts, preying on the unwary. The townsfolk, in desperate need of aid, have sent out a call for brave adventurers to uncover the truth behind their town’s misfortune.
As the party arrives at the misty borders of Lytheria, the scent of damp earth and blooming dark orchids fills the air. A chill runs through the group as they step into the fog, the world around them shifting with an unsettling energy. The cobblestone streets lie cracked and overgrown, with vines creeping through the cracks, entwining the remnants of the town’s once vibrant market stalls. Wisps of shadow flit through the mist, and the distant echoes of laughter turn to faint sobs as the adventurers press on.
Their first lead lies in the old tavern, the "Drunken Dragon," where the barkeep—a grizzled old man named Harren—sits nursing a tankard. Harren’s eyes dart nervously as he recounts the tale of a powerful artifact, the Heart of the Mist, which is said to be hidden within the depths of the enchanted woods surrounding Lytheria. This artifact is rumored to control the veil of mist that now blankets the town. However, dark forces have awakened to claim it for themselves, including a sinister group known as the Shadow Cult.
To uncover the truth, the party must navigate through the twisted trees of the enchanted woods, where the very foliage seems alive, whispering secrets of ancient magic. The deeper they venture, the more palpable the tension becomes, with echoes of spells long forgotten reverberating through the air. It’s here they will confront the Shadow Cult, led by a formidable enemy: Mirael the Veilwalker.
**Mirael the Veilwalker**
– **AC:** 15
– **HP:** 65
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Attacks:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage.
– **Mist Form (Recharge 5-6):** Can teleport to another location within 60 feet, leaving behind a cloud of disorienting mist (DC 13 Wisdom save or become blinded until the end of their next turn).
– **Special Ability:** **Call of the Shadows (1/day):** Summons 1d4 Shadow Minions (stats of a Shadow) to aid her in battle.
As the party engages Mirael in a battle amidst the swirling mists, they must also contend with the minions she summons, which will attempt to flank and ambush them. Success in this conflict not only means defeating Mirael and her minions but also reclaiming the Heart of the Mist, restoring balance to Lytheria, and freeing the town from the oppressive fog that has gripped it.
Upon vanquishing Mirael, the Heart of the Mist will resonate with the party, revealing secrets of the realm and granting them a boon of magic—perhaps a spell they can use later, or a temporary enhancement to their abilities.
As they emerge victorious, the fog begins to lift, the vibrant colors of the town returning as the grateful townsfolk gather to celebrate their heroes. The adventure concludes with the promise of further quests and tales that await in the expansive land of Eldoria, leaving the party eager for their next adventure.