Tier 2 – The Mistcaller of Elden Hollow

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the high magic realm of Eldoria, where shimmering rivers weave through ancient forests and towering mountains pierce the sky, a peculiar disturbance has captured the attention of the local populace. The once-peaceful village of Elden Hollow has been shrouded in an eerie mist, and whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the shadows have spread like wildfire. The villagers, desperate for aid, have turned to brave adventurers to uncover the truth behind the mist and restore peace to their home.

As the party arrives in Elden Hollow, they are greeted by the sight of villagers peering out from behind their doors, fear etched on their faces. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth and wildflowers mingles with the metallic tang of magic. A local elder, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, approaches the adventurers with a trembling voice.

“Please, brave souls,” she implores, “the mist has taken our children! They ventured into the Whispering Woods, drawn by a haunting melody that echoes through the trees. We fear they have fallen under the spell of the Mistcaller, a wretched spirit who feeds on the fears of the innocent. Will you venture into the woods and bring our children back?”

The party must navigate the treacherous terrain of the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to whisper secrets and shadows dance just beyond the corner of their eyes. As they delve deeper, they encounter magical creatures—some friendly, others hostile—who may offer clues or mislead them. The air grows colder, and the melody becomes more pronounced, a haunting lullaby that tugs at their hearts.

**Exploration Component:**

The party can choose to investigate various locations within the woods:

1. **The Glimmering Glade:** A serene clearing where the light filters through the leaves, revealing a hidden pool. Here, they may encounter a friendly fey creature who can provide guidance or a riddle to solve.

2. **The Hollow Tree:** A massive, ancient tree with a hollow trunk that echoes with the cries of the lost children. Searching this area may reveal clues about the Mistcaller’s weaknesses.

3. **The Shimmering Stream:** A magical stream that flows with water infused with arcane energy. Drinking from it may grant temporary enhancements but could also attract unwanted attention.

As they gather information and confront magical beings, the party eventually comes face-to-face with the Mistcaller, a spectral figure cloaked in swirling mists. The Mistcaller is a cunning foe, using illusions to manipulate the adventurers’ fears against them.

**Boss Enemy: Mistcaller**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (1d10 necrotic damage, plus a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute)

– **Special Ability:** Misty Escape – Once per encounter, the Mistcaller can vanish into the mist, reappearing up to 30 feet away.

The final confrontation takes place in a clearing where the mist is thickest, and the children are entranced, swaying to the haunting melody. The party must defeat the Mistcaller and dispel the enchantment to free the children, all while navigating the illusions and fears that threaten to overwhelm them.

With courage, cleverness, and teamwork, the adventurers can save the children and lift the curse from Elden Hollow, earning the gratitude of the villagers and perhaps uncovering deeper mysteries that lie within the enchanted woods. The echoes of their adventure will resonate through Eldoria, a tale of bravery and magic that will be told for generations to come.