Tier 2 – The Vanishing of Jollis A Quest to Restore Joy

**Tier 2 play**

In a world where magic dances in the air like fireflies on a summer night, the village of Eldergrove has long stood as a bastion of joy and prosperity, thanks to the benevolence of its guardian spirit, Jollis, the Festive Gnome. Every year, during the Winter Solstice, the villagers leave out treats—spiced cookies and warm cider—hoping to entice the spirit to bless them with a bountiful year ahead. This year, however, things have taken a dark turn.

The once-vibrant village square now lies shrouded in an ominous fog, and whispers of dread creep through the stone streets. Children who once laughed and played have fallen silent, their spirits dimmed. The source of this malaise? Jollis has vanished, and with him, the village's holiday cheer. Without his blessings, shadows gather, and the land grows increasingly bleak.

Your party finds themselves in Eldergrove, drawn by the tales of missing magic and a desperate plea for help. As you step into the village, the chill in the air seems to cling to your skin, and the scent of burnt sugar wafts through the streets, remnants of a once-celebrated feast. Villagers, once lively, now shuffle about with hollow eyes, their hopes dashed.

You are approached by Mira, a young villager with determination burning in her eyes. “Please, you must help us find Jollis! The village elder spoke of a dark force that has taken him, a malevolent entity that thrives on despair. If we don’t act soon, Eldergrove will be lost forever.”

As your party gathers around Mira, she leads you to the ancient Oak of Wishes, a colossal tree at the village’s edge, rumored to be a portal to the realm of spirits. Its gnarled branches stretch toward the sky like pleading hands, and the air crackles with latent magic.

However, before you can approach, the ground shakes, and a creature of shadow emerges—a malevolent Shadow Beast, drawn to the spirit’s absence. With glowing red eyes and tendrils of darkness swirling around it, the creature snarls, “You dare disturb the realm of despair? You shall not pass!”

**Enemy Stats: Shadow Beast**

– **HP**: 45

– **AC**: 13

– **Attack**: Shadow Bite (Melee Attack: +5 to hit, 15 (2d10) necrotic damage)

– **Special Abilities**:

– **Fear Aura**: Any creature within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

– **Shadow Step**: Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.

The party must defeat the Shadow Beast to access the Oak of Wishes. Once vanquished, the ancient tree begins to glow, its bark shimmering with ethereal light. A portal appears, revealing a glimpse of the spirit realm, where Jollis is trapped within a crystal prison, guarded by dark forces.

Fueled by the villagers’ hope, your party can enter the realm, navigating through glittering paths of light and shadow. They will face trials that test their courage and kindness, ultimately leading them to confront the true source of the darkness—a corrupted spirit intent on harnessing the joy of others to fuel its own power.

As the party battles through, they will discover that the key to freeing Jollis lies not in brute force but in acts of goodwill and sacrifice. They must recreate the warmth of the villagers’ traditions—baking cookies, sharing tales, and offering heartfelt wishes—before they can break the prison’s enchantment.

Once Jollis is freed, he will return to Eldergrove, showering the village with blessings and restoring joy. In gratitude, the villagers will offer the party enchanted gifts, potent with the spirit's magic, ensuring that their deeds are remembered long after the Solstice has passed.

Prepare to weave a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair. Let the laughter of Eldergrove echo in your hearts as you embark on this enchanting quest.