Tier 2 – Whispers of the Woods A Tale of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where sunlit forests whisper ancient secrets and the skies shimmer with magical hues, a new adventure beckons. As the party gathers in the bustling town of Elden Hollow, tales of strange occurrences have reached their ears—rumors of a sinister force haunting the nearby Whispering Woods. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of missing villagers, spectral figures, and an eerie glow that dances among the trees at night.

Your journey begins in the heart of Elden Hollow, where the air is thick with the scent of rich spices and the sounds of laughter mingle with the clatter of merchants selling colorful wares. The party is approached by a desperate villager, an elderly woman named Maelis, who pleads for their help. Her grandson, a curious lad named Finn, has vanished into the woods, and she fears he has become yet another victim of the dark magic that shrouds the forest.

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, the party ventures into the Whispering Woods. The trees loom tall and twisted, their gnarled branches forming a canopy that filters the fading light. The air is thick with enchantment, and the rustle of leaves seems to carry a voice, beckoning the adventurers deeper into the woods.

As they delve further, the atmosphere grows heavy with an unsettling energy. Shadows dance between the trees, and the whispers grow louder, echoing secrets long forgotten. The party soon discovers remnants of a campsite—a flickering campfire, scattered belongings, and faint footprints leading deeper into the woods. Here, they must decide: will they investigate the camp for clues, or follow the trail of footprints?

If they choose to investigate the camp, they might uncover a journal belonging to Finn, filled with scribbles about his fascination with the fabled Crystal Glade, a rumored sanctuary of magic hidden within the woods. The journal hints at strange creatures that guard the glade and a powerful artifact said to grant wishes.

Should they follow the footprints, they will soon encounter a group of mischievous fae, using illusions to confuse and lead travelers astray. The fae are playful but can turn dangerous if provoked. To gain their trust, the party might need to solve a riddle or offer a small token of goodwill.

As they approach the Crystal Glade, the air crackles with anticipation. But lurking within the glade is a formidable foe—a corrupted treant named Bramblethorn, twisted by dark magic. Bramblethorn now seeks to protect the glade at all costs, using his powers to ensnare intruders.

**Bramblethorn Stats:**

– **HP:** 85

– **AC:** 15

– **Attacks:**

– **Multiattack:** Bramblethorn can make two slam attacks.

– **Slam:** +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

– **Special Ability:**

– **Entangling Roots:** Once per day, Bramblethorn can summon roots to restrain up to three creatures in a 20-ft radius. DC 15 Strength saving throw to escape.

As the party confronts Bramblethorn, they will need to employ strategy and teamwork to overcome him. This encounter not only tests their combat skills but also offers an opportunity for diplomacy, as Finn may be found hiding behind the treant, having befriended the creature in hopes of protecting the glade from outside threats.

Through a blend of combat, exploration, and problem-solving, the party will uncover the truth behind the dark magic of the Whispering Woods and rescue Finn, restoring peace to Elden Hollow. The choices they make will shape their legacy in Eldoria, and the bonds forged in this adventure will echo in their future endeavors.