Tier 2 – Tier 2 play (3)

**Tier 2 play**

In the mystical realm of Eldoria, where shimmering rivers flow with potent magic and towering trees whisper ancient secrets, the peace of the Kingdom is threatened once again. The sun shines brightly above the vibrant village of Elderspring, but an ominous shadow looms over the horizon. Word has spread that a new Dark Lord, Kael’thar, has risen from the ashes of bygone dread, and his ambitions are set on subjugating the lands once held in the grip of darkness.

Entering Elderspring, your party is greeted by the urgent chimes of the town bell, summoning all able adventurers to the central square. A determined councilor, Alaric, stands before a crowd of anxious villagers. His voice trembles with fervor, “We seek champions! The Dark Lord has come to take what we hold dear, and he must be stopped. However, there lies a deeper threat; his initial attack has birthed a rift in the very fabric of our magic!”

As the village comes alive with the sound of clashing swords and echoing spells from the training grounds, your party learns that not only must they confront Kael’thar, but they also need to seal the rift he has opened. Alaric, with a map spread before you, points to two locations of significance: the Haunted Forest, where the rift pulses with dark energy, and the Ruins of Eldrath, home to a hidden artifact that can counteract evil magic.

### Adventure Components:

#### 1. **Exploration: The Haunted Forest**

As your party delves into the Haunted Forest, a labyrinth of twisted trees and ethereal lights, they encounter an array of magical creatures—some benevolent, others maliciously bound to the Dark Lord's influence. The air crackles with energy, and the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade fills their nostrils. They must navigate through enchanted thickets, avoid traps set by malevolent spirits, and face off against corrupted creatures that guard the rift.

– **Corrupted Guardian** (CR 2):

– HP: 30

– Armor Class: 14

– Attacks: Multiattack: 2 melee attacks with claws (1d8 + 3 piercing damage)

– Special Ability: Dark Pulse (Recharge 5-6) — a burst of dark energy dealing 2d6 necrotic damage in a 15-foot radius.

#### 2. **Investigation: The Ruins of Eldrath**

Upon securing the artifact from the ruins, your party must piece together long-forgotten lore from the inscriptions on ancient stone tablets. They discover that the only way to permanently close the rift is to perform a complex ritual using the artifact, which will require a rare flower known as the Moon’s Tear—a bloom that only blossoms during the night.

The ruins themselves are a conundrum, filled with puzzles of light and shadow, leading to encounters with guardians of the old world. The air here hums with anticipation as the party must solve riddles that will unlock the path to the artifact while fending off spectral warriors that once belonged to Eldoria's noble past.

#### 3. **Confrontation: The Dark Lord Kael’thar**

Armed with the knowledge and artifact, your party sets their sights on Kael’thar’s fortress, a towering edifice of black stone, crowned with jagged spires that reach into the heavens. The tension builds as they approach, with the winds howling warnings of the impending duel.

Kael’thar awaits, a formidable figure draped in shadows, exuding malevolence. He believes he can break the will of the party through his dark sorcery.

– **Kael’thar, the Dark Lord** (CR 5):

– HP: 65

– Armor Class: 16

– Spellcasting: Can cast spells such as *Darkness*, *Fear*, and *Magic Missile*.

– Special Ability: Shadow Step – can teleport between shadows within 30 feet, gaining advantage on their next attack.

### Conclusion

As the final battle commences, the party must utilize the artifact and their newfound knowledge to seal the rift while facing off against Kael’thar. The clash of light and dark fills the air, echoing through the ages, as the fate of Eldoria hangs in the balance. Through strategy, courage, and teamwork, they can defeat the new Dark Lord and restore peace to the realm once more.

This one-shot offers a blend of exploration, combat, and rich storytelling, plunging your players into a high-stakes scenario where their choices will shape the destiny of Eldoria. Will they rise as the heroes destined to thwart darkness, or will they falter against the shadow? The adventure awaits!