Tier 2 – The Spirit of the Ford A Quest for Tom Voyce

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a dark cloud looms over the peaceful village of Rivermoor. The townsfolk are gripped by fear and uncertainty as they rally together in search of their beloved star athlete, Tom Voyce, who mysteriously vanished while attempting to cross a treacherous ford during the recent storms brought by Storm Darragh.

As the party arrives in Rivermoor, they are greeted by the anxious faces of villagers, their eyes filled with worry. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the faint aroma of wildflowers. The villagers speak in hushed tones about the strange occurrences that have plagued the area since Tom's disappearance—unexplained shadows flitting through the trees, eerie whispers carried by the wind, and the sudden rise of the river's waters.

The party learns that Tom was last seen near the ford, a place known for its beauty but also its dangers. The villagers implore the adventurers to investigate, fearing that something sinister has taken hold of the land. They share tales of a malevolent spirit said to guard the ford, a creature that preys on the hopes of those who dare to cross its waters.

As the party makes their way to the ford, they encounter various challenges along the path. The once serene landscape is now marred by the aftermath of the storm—fallen trees, muddy trails, and the distant rumble of thunder. The party must navigate through these obstacles, using their skills and teamwork to overcome nature's wrath.

Upon reaching the ford, the adventurers find the water swirling ominously, reflecting the darkening sky above. Here, they must confront the spirit of the ford, a wraith-like figure named Aeloria, who embodies the sorrow of lost dreams. Aeloria, once a guardian of the river, has been twisted by grief and anger, believing that Tom's ambition to cross the ford was a betrayal of the natural order.

**Boss Enemy: Aeloria, Spirit of the Ford**

– **Type:** Wraith

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 70

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 10

– **Dexterity:** 16

– **Constitution:** 14

– **Intelligence:** 12

– **Wisdom:** 18

– **Charisma:** 20

– **Attacks:**

– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (5d10) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken.

To defeat Aeloria, the party must not only engage in combat but also uncover the truth behind her sorrow. They can use their skills in persuasion, insight, or arcana to communicate with her, offering solace and understanding. If they can help her find peace, she may reveal the location of Tom, who is trapped in a realm between life and death, caught in the spirit's turmoil.

As the adventurers delve deeper into the mystery, they will encounter magical phenomena, such as shimmering illusions of Tom's past glories and visions of the villagers' hopes. The resolution of this encounter will not only determine Tom's fate but also restore balance to the ford, allowing the villagers to heal and move forward.

With the fate of Rivermoor hanging in the balance, the party must navigate the delicate interplay of magic, emotion, and courage to bring light back to a community shrouded in darkness. Will they succeed in their quest, or will the shadows of the past continue to haunt the waters of the ford? The adventure awaits!