Tier 2 – The Curse of the Frost King
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the mystical realm of Eldoria, where the air crackles with magic and the skies shimmer with the hues of twilight, a peculiar event has drawn the attention of adventurers far and wide. The once-bustling town of Frosthaven, known for its vibrant winter festivals, has fallen eerily silent. The townsfolk whisper of a dark presence that has taken residence in the ancient Frostwood Forest, a place where the trees are said to be alive with the spirits of the past.
As the party gathers in the town square, they are approached by a frantic villager named Elara, her breath visible in the frigid air. "Please, you must help us! Our beloved Winter Festival has been cursed! The spirit of the Frost King has been awakened, and he demands a tribute of warmth and joy. If we do not comply, he will unleash a blizzard that will bury our town forever!"
The adventurers learn that the Frost King, a once-benevolent spirit, has been corrupted by a dark artifact known as the Heart of Winter, hidden deep within the Frostwood Forest. To save Frosthaven, the party must venture into the forest, confront the Frost King, and retrieve the Heart of Winter.
### Exploration Component
The journey through Frostwood Forest is fraught with challenges. The trees loom overhead, their branches heavy with snow, and the ground is slick with ice. As the party navigates the forest, they encounter:
1. **Frost Wraiths**: Ethereal beings that drift through the trees, seeking to drain the warmth from any living creature. They attack with chilling touch, dealing cold damage and attempting to frighten the party.
2. **Icebound Beasts**: Creatures of the forest, such as dire wolves and frost elementals, that have been twisted by the Frost King's magic. These beasts guard the path to the Heart of Winter, requiring cunning and strength to overcome.
### Investigation Component
As the party delves deeper, they discover remnants of the Frost King's past—a series of ancient runestones that tell the story of his fall from grace. By deciphering the runes, the adventurers can learn about the Heart of Winter and how to purify it. They may also find clues about the Frost King's vulnerabilities, hinting at a way to weaken him during their confrontation.
### The Confrontation
At the heart of the forest, the party finds the Frost King, a towering figure clad in shimmering ice and frost. His eyes glow with a cold, blue light, and his voice echoes like the howling wind. "You dare disturb my slumber? You will pay for your insolence!"
**Frost King Boss Stats:**
– **HP**: 120
– **AC**: 16
– **Attack**: Frosty Grasp (Melee Attack): +8 to hit, 2d10 cold damage.
– **Special Ability**: Blizzard (Recharge 5-6): The Frost King summons a blizzard in a 30-foot radius, forcing all creatures to make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 3d10 cold damage and be blinded until the end of their next turn.
### Conclusion
To defeat the Frost King, the party must use their wits and the knowledge gained from the runestones. If they can purify the Heart of Winter and restore the Frost King's true nature, he will bless them with a gift of warmth and gratitude, lifting the curse from Frosthaven. If they fail, the blizzard will engulf the town, and the adventurers will have to flee or face the wrath of the Frost King.
As the party prepares for their adventure, the chill of the air is a reminder of the stakes at hand. Will they bring back the joy of the Winter Festival, or will Frosthaven be lost to the eternal winter? The fate of the town rests in their hands.