Tier 2 – The Shadowthorn’s Curse

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the air hums with the whispers of ancient spells, the party finds themselves in the bustling town of Eldenwood. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the cobblestone streets, where merchants hawk their wares and townsfolk bustle about their daily lives. However, beneath the cheerful facade, a dark shadow looms.

Rumors have spread like wildfire through the taverns and marketplaces: a series of mysterious disappearances has plagued Eldenwood. Villagers have vanished without a trace, leaving behind only their belongings and a lingering sense of dread. The local authorities are at a loss, and whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods have begun to circulate.

As the party gathers in the town square, they are approached by a frantic villager named Elara. Her eyes are wide with fear, and her voice trembles as she recounts the tale of her brother, who disappeared while gathering herbs in the woods. She pleads for the party's help, offering a small reward of gold and the gratitude of the townsfolk.

The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, a place known for its enchanting beauty and treacherous secrets. The trees tower high above, their leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow. As they delve deeper, the air grows thick with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant whispers that seem to beckon them further in.

**Exploration Component:**

The party will need to navigate the woods, facing natural obstacles such as thick underbrush, hidden ravines, and magical illusions that distort their sense of direction. They may encounter magical creatures, both friendly and hostile, who can provide clues or mislead them.

**Investigation Component:**

As they search for clues about the disappearances, the party may come across remnants of a campsite, where they can find personal belongings of the missing villagers. They might also discover strange symbols carved into the trees, hinting at a dark ritual being performed in the heart of the woods.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Eventually, the party will confront the source of the disappearances: a powerful Fey creature known as the Shadowthorn. This malevolent being has been luring villagers into the woods to feed on their life force, using their essence to maintain its own twisted existence.

**Shadowthorn Stats:**

– **Type:** Fey

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 75

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 14 (+2)

– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)

– **Constitution:** 16 (+3)

– **Intelligence:** 12 (+1)

– **Wisdom:** 18 (+4)

– **Charisma:** 20 (+5)

– **Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** The Shadowthorn makes two attacks with its Shadow Tendrils.

– **Shadow Tendrils:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.

– **Life Drain (Recharge 5-6):** The Shadowthorn targets one creature it has grappled. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 3d10 necrotic damage, and the Shadowthorn regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.

As the party confronts the Shadowthorn, they must use their wits and teamwork to overcome this formidable foe. Will they save the missing villagers and put an end to the creature's reign of terror, or will they become its next victims? The fate of Eldenwood hangs in the balance, and the adventure awaits!