Tier 2 – The Haunting of Eldoria’s Christmas Market
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the bustling city of Eldoria, the air is thick with the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider wafting through the vibrant Christmas market at the iconic Battersea Power Station. Twinkling lights dance in the evening breeze, illuminating stalls brimming with handcrafted trinkets and delicious treats. Laughter and music fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere where joy and magic intertwine.
However, beneath the surface of this holiday cheer lies an unsettling mystery. Reports have surfaced of a peculiar figure haunting the market—a sinister Apple Boss, a creature of legend said to be a guardian of the harvest, now corrupted by dark magic. This malevolent entity has begun to steal the joy of the season, siphoning the festive spirit from the very heart of the market. As the party arrives, they notice the once-vibrant decorations dimming, and the laughter of children turning to whispers of fear.
The players must navigate the market, gathering clues from the locals. They can speak to the cheerful vendor Raye, a talented singer whose melodies once filled the air with enchantment. Raye reveals that the Apple Boss was once a benevolent spirit, but something has twisted its nature. She suggests that the party visit the ancient grove on the outskirts of the city, where the Apple Boss is said to draw its power.
As they venture into the grove, the party encounters enchanted creatures and magical phenomena that test their resolve. They may find themselves solving riddles posed by mischievous fae or battling animated fruit guardians that protect the path to the Apple Boss's lair. Each encounter provides opportunities for role-playing, skill checks, and creative problem-solving.
When they finally reach the heart of the grove, they confront the Apple Boss, a towering figure made of twisted branches and glistening apples, its eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The creature's voice echoes like the rustling of leaves, demanding to know why they intrude upon its domain.
**Apple Boss Stats:**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:**
– **Apple Barrage:** +5 to hit, 2d6 + 3 piercing damage (ranged attack)
– **Root Snare:** Once per turn, the Apple Boss can attempt to restrain a player within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
– **Special Ability:** **Harvest Drain** – The Apple Boss can drain the festive spirit from the area, causing all players to make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they suffer disadvantage on their next attack roll or ability check.
The party must use their wits and teamwork to defeat the Apple Boss, but they can also choose to try and reason with it, possibly uncovering the source of its corruption. If they succeed, they may restore the creature to its former self, bringing back the joy and magic of the season to the market.
As the battle concludes, the festive lights flicker back to life, and the market is filled with laughter once more. The players are hailed as heroes, and they leave with not only the gratitude of the townsfolk but also a newfound understanding of the balance between joy and darkness in their high magic world.