Tier 2 – The Wraith of Despair A Dark Ritual in Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a mysterious phenomenon has begun to unsettle the peace of the land. Whispers of a dark cult known as the Shadowed Veil have reached the ears of the local authorities, claiming that they are seeking to summon an ancient entity known as the Wraith of Despair, a being capable of plunging the world into eternal darkness.
The adventure begins in the bustling town of Eldergrove, where the players are summoned by the town's mayor, a stout half-elf named Elowen. She stands in the town square, her eyes wide with concern as she addresses the gathered crowd. "Adventurers! We are in dire need of your assistance. The Shadowed Veil has been spotted in the nearby Whispering Woods, and we fear they are close to completing their dark ritual. We must stop them before it's too late!"
### Setting the Scene
As the players venture into the Whispering Woods, they are met with an eerie silence. The trees, ancient and twisted, seem to lean in closer, their gnarled branches creating a natural canopy that filters the sunlight into ghostly beams. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant sound of rustling leaves, as if the forest itself is alive and watching.
### Exploration Component
The players must navigate through the woods, facing various challenges along the way:
1. **Enchanted Vines**: As they tread deeper, they encounter animated vines that attempt to ensnare them. Players must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw to break free or take 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
2. **Illusory Paths**: The forest plays tricks on the mind. Players must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw to discern the real path from the illusory ones. Failure leads them deeper into the woods, where they face a minor encounter with a group of mischievous sprites.
### The Cult Encounter
Eventually, the players arrive at a clearing where the Shadowed Veil is gathered around a stone altar, chanting in a dark tongue. The air crackles with energy, and shadows swirl ominously around them. The cult leader, a sinister figure cloaked in dark robes, stands at the altar, ready to complete the ritual.
**Cult Leader Stats**:
– **Name**: Malakar the Shadowbinder
– **Race**: Human
– **Class**: Warlock (Level 5)
– **HP**: 40
– **AC**: 13
– **Spell Slots**: 3 (can cast spells like *Eldritch Blast*, *Hex*, and *Darkness*)
– **Special Ability**: Shadow Step – Once per turn, Malakar can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see, as long as it is in dim light or darkness.
### The Showdown
As the players confront Malakar and his cultists, the atmosphere thickens with tension. The cultists, a mix of fanatical followers, will fight to protect their leader. The players must strategize, using their skills and spells to disrupt the ritual and defeat Malakar before the Wraith of Despair is summoned.
### Conclusion
If the players succeed in defeating Malakar and disrupting the ritual, the shadows dissipate, and the forest returns to its serene state. The townsfolk of Eldergrove will celebrate their bravery, and the adventurers will gain not only gold and treasures but also the gratitude of the people they saved. However, if they fail, the Wraith of Despair will emerge, plunging Eldoria into chaos, setting the stage for a larger campaign.
As the sun sets behind the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing, the players will reflect on their choices and the fate of Eldoria, ready for whatever adventure awaits them next.