Tier 2 – Whispers in the Woods The Shadow Enchantress
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the bustling town of Eldrath, the air is thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine. The townsfolk bustle about, laughter ringing through the winding streets, yet an undercurrent of unease lingers. Whispers of strange happenings have taken root among the populace, tales of shadows creeping through the night, and a string of thefts from the local magic shop has set hearts racing.
Your party, a group of adventurers drawn together by fate, finds themselves in this vibrant yet troubled town. As the clock strikes sunset, a frantic townsman bursts into the tavern where you are gathered. His name is Elric, a frail figure with wide, terrified eyes. “Please, you must help us!” he implores. “It’s my sister, Rhea! She was the last to see the magical artifacts that were stolen, and she hasn’t returned. The guards won’t help, they think it’s just a prank, but I know something sinister is afoot!”
Elric leads you through the cobbled streets, where lanterns glow softly against the encroaching darkness. The trail of the missing people has led to the Whispering Woods, an ancient forest known for its enchanting melodies that can lure the unwary deeper into its grasp. The party must prepare for an investigation, gathering clues that will lead them to the heart of this mystery.
As you enter the woods, the trees tower above like silent sentinels, their twisted branches creating a natural maze. The air is thick with enchantment; the rustling leaves seem to murmur secrets, and ghostly lights flit just beyond your vision. Your party must check for signs of struggle or faint traces of magic—a broken branch, a scrap of clothing, or a strange shimmer in the air.
After a time, you stumble upon a glade illuminated by shimmering orbs of light. Here, a malevolent presence reveals itself: **The Shadow Enchantress**, a formidable foe with a mysterious agenda. A once-benevolent spirit corrupted by dark magic, she now seeks to harness the powers of the stolen artifacts to fuel her nefarious plans.
### **Boss Enemy: The Shadow Enchantress**
– **HP:** 100
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Charisma-based (Spell save DC 14)
– **Spells:**
– *At-will*: *Eldritch Blast* (1d10 force damage)
– *Spell slots*: *Charm Person*, *Invisibility*, *Hold Person*, *Darkness*, *Phantasmal Force*
The light fills the glade, and the enchantress commands her shadowy minions to protect her. The party must defeat her and dispel the enchanting illusions of the forest to save Rhea and recover the stolen artifacts. Each move should be strategic as the party navigates her spells and minions, unearthing the truth behind this magical heist.
As they advance, subtle hints about the enchantress’s former self and her tragic fall from grace emerge, gradually peeling back layers of her story. The resolution will hinge not just on battle but on the adventurers’ ability to understand her plight, making for an unforgettably complex encounter.
Victory over the Shadow Enchantress leads to the safe return of Rhea, who holds vital information about the whereabouts of the remaining artifacts. She reveals that other forces are also pursuing them, setting the stage for an even greater adventure beyond the Whispering Woods.
With a heartwarming reunion and a deeper understanding of the forest's magic, the session concludes, leaving your players eager to explore the lingering mysteries of Eldrath and beyond.