Tier 2 – The Shadow Wyrm’s Menace
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun dips below the horizon in the enchanting realm of Eldarion, the air crackles with the energy of magic. The village of Glimmerwood, known for its vibrant festivals and shimmering lakes, has recently been plagued by inexplicable occurrences. Whispers of dark forces lurking in the shadows have spread through the taverns and marketplaces, enticing adventurers to delve into the mystery threatening the peace of the land.
Your party finds themselves gathered in the bustling tavern, "The Dancing Sprite." The lively atmosphere is filled with laughter, music, and the scent of roasted meats, yet an underlying tension ripples through the crowd. Villagers speak in hushed tones about strange happenings—cattle disappearing, crops wilting overnight, and shadowy figures seen darting through the woods. Amidst the revelry, a cloaked figure approaches your table, their face obscured by a hood.
“My friends,” the figure begins, their voice low and urgent, “the harmony of Glimmerwood is at stake. I have seen the darkness creeping closer, drawn by an unnatural surge of magic. I implore you—bring an end to this menace before our village is lost.”
With that, the figure reveals a tattered map, marked with a mysterious symbol depicting a twisted tree surrounded by dark clouds. “Follow this path into the Whispering Woods. You will find the source of this chaos, but be warned: it is not just a mere spirit you face. An ancient entity, known as the Shadow Wyrm, has awakened, and it feeds on the essence of our land.”
As you embark on your journey, the woods loom ahead, filled with gnarled trees and a palpable silence, broken only by the rustling leaves and distant howls. The magic that was once vibrant in this place feels tainted, heavy, as though the very air is saturated with dread.
Upon reaching the heart of the woods, you find the twisted tree described in the map, its branches reaching toward the sky like clawed fingers. Dark clouds swirl above it, and you can sense an immense power radiating from within. As you approach, the ground trembles, and the Shadow Wyrm emerges—a massive serpent-like creature shrouded in darkness, with glowing red eyes that pierce the gloom.
### Boss Stats: Shadow Wyrm
– **Type:** Huge Dragon
– **Armor Class:** 16
– **Hit Points:** 120
– **Speed:** 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Breath Weapon:** 3d10 necrotic damage (DC 16 Dexterity saving throw for half damage, recharges on a 5-6).
– **Darkness Aura:** Creatures within 30 ft. have disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws.
– **Multiattack:** The Wyrm can make three attacks: one with its bite and two with its tail.
### Encounter Notes:
– Use the environment to your advantage. The woods can provide cover for players, and the swirling dark clouds can create areas of difficult terrain or obscure vision.
– The Wyrm is intelligent and may attempt to negotiate or trick the party—players may roll Insight to discern its true intentions.
– As they defeat the Wyrm, they uncover a hidden gem of pure essence, restoring balance to Glimmerwood.
The fate of Glimmerwood now rests in your hands, adventurers. Will you conquer the darkness and restore peace, or will the Shadow Wyrm's grip tighten with each passing moment? The choice is yours!