Tier 2 – The Secrets of Dr. Malakar

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar rumor has begun to spread like wildfire. Whispers of a mysterious doctor known as Dr. Malakar have reached the ears of adventurers and townsfolk alike. This enigmatic figure is said to possess the ability to heal any ailment, no matter how grievous, and his clinic, nestled deep within the enchanted Whispering Woods, is a sanctuary for the desperate and the damned.

As the party embarks on their journey, they find themselves drawn to the quaint village of Elden Hollow, where the townsfolk speak in hushed tones about the doctor’s miraculous abilities. However, there’s a darker undertone to their tales. Some villagers claim that Dr. Malakar’s patients are not merely the sick and injured, but also those who have committed unspeakable acts—criminals, outcasts, and even dark sorcerers seeking redemption.

The party is approached by a frantic villager, a young woman named Elara, whose brother has fallen gravely ill after a mysterious accident. She pleads for their help, revealing that her brother was last seen near the doctor’s clinic. Elara fears that he may have been taken by the doctor’s sinister patients, who will do anything to protect their healer.

As the adventurers make their way through the Whispering Woods, they are met with an otherworldly ambiance. The trees seem to whisper secrets, and the air is thick with the scent of blooming nightshade. Strange creatures flit between the shadows, their eyes glinting with curiosity and caution. The path leads them to a clearing where the clinic stands—a quaint, ivy-covered cottage with a warm glow emanating from its windows, contrasting sharply with the eerie atmosphere surrounding it.

Upon entering the clinic, the party is greeted by Dr. Malakar, a tall figure with an air of unsettling calm. His eyes, a piercing shade of green, seem to see right through them. He offers them a warm smile, but there’s something unsettling about his presence. The walls of the clinic are adorned with strange artifacts and vials of shimmering potions, and the air is filled with the faint sound of muffled cries.

**Investigation Component:**

The party must navigate the clinic, searching for clues about Elara’s brother while avoiding the watchful eyes of the doctor’s patients. They can interact with various patients, each with their own story and secrets. Some may offer assistance, while others may try to mislead the party to protect their healer.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As they delve deeper into the clinic, they encounter the doctor’s most loyal patient, a hulking figure known as The Guardian. Once a noble knight, he was twisted by a dark curse and now serves as the doctor’s protector.

**The Guardian Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Attack:** Greatsword +7 to hit, 2d6 + 4 slashing damage

– **Special Ability:** Shield of Aegis (once per encounter, can absorb up to 20 damage dealt to an ally within 10 feet)

**Climactic Showdown:**

The confrontation with The Guardian serves as a pivotal moment for the party. They must decide whether to fight him or find a way to break his curse, revealing the moral complexity of Dr. Malakar’s practice. The players can choose to confront the doctor directly, leading to a tense negotiation or a desperate battle, depending on their approach.

As the session unfolds, the party will grapple with themes of morality, redemption, and the price of healing, culminating in a choice that could change the fate of Eldoria forever. Will they save Elara’s brother and expose the doctor’s dark secrets, or will they succumb to the allure of his forbidden magic? The fate of the Whispering Woods lies in their hands.