Tier 2 – The Toll of Mistwood Forest
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the vibrant town of Eldergrove, a soft twilight envelops the streets, and the air hums with the mingling scents of freshly baked bread and blooming nightflowers. The townsfolk move about, laughter and music spilling from the tavern, but beneath the surface, a shadow looms. Rumors have been whispered of a mysterious figure causing chaos in the nearby Mistwood Forest—someone or something that has been charging an exorbitant fee to travelers wishing to pass through.
You gather at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where the wood beams are festooned with colorful banners, and patrons exchange tales of adventure over tankards of frothy ale. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Braum, approaches your table, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Strangers,” he begins, voice low and urgent, “you’ve arrived at a troubling time. Something sinister lurks in the Mistwood. A car park operator named Rosey Hudson has been charging an outrageous fee for safe passage—nearly two thousand gold pieces! The townsfolk can’t afford such a rip-off, and yet, travelers are being trapped, forced to pay this unjust toll. We need brave souls to put an end to this madness!”
As you listen, a shiver runs down your spine. The tales speak of Rosey not just as a mere operator but as a cunning sorceress who has enchanted the land, manipulating the very essence of the forest to protect her domain. It is said that those who attempt to cross her path find themselves lost in a maze of illusions, never to return.
With the quest laid before you, you gather your gear and set off towards the Mistwood Forest. The path is winding, overgrown, and filled with the sound of rustling leaves and distant creatures. As you enter the forest, the air thickens with magic, and the trees seem to whisper secrets of ages past.
Deeper into the woods, the tranquility shatters as you encounter a group of enchanted forest creatures—squirrels and rabbits transformed into guardians of the forest, ready to defend their mistress. They stand in your way, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.
**Enemies to Defeat: Enchanted Guardians**
– **Squirrel Guardian**
– HP: 15
– AC: 12
– Attack: Bite (1d4)
– **Rabbit Guardian**
– HP: 12
– AC: 10
– Attack: Kick (1d6)
After a fierce battle, you press on until you reach a clearing bathed in an eerie light. There, surrounded by a shimmering veil, stands Rosey Hudson. Her eyes flash with mischief and power as she greets you with a sly smile.
“Ah, the brave souls come to challenge the toll! Tell me, what do you offer instead of gold? Or shall you join the ranks of my enchanted guardians?”
**Boss Enemy: Rosey Hudson**
– HP: 60
– AC: 15
– Attack: Spellcasting (Firebolt, 2d10 damage)
– Special Ability: Illusionary Maze (Creates a 30-foot illusionary maze around the party, forcing a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw to escape)
As the confrontation begins, the clearing fills with the tension of impending conflict. Will you confront Rosey and free the travelers caught in her web of deceit, or will you become her next victims? The fate of Eldergrove hangs in the balance, and only your courage and ingenuity can save the day.
Prepare your spells, ready your weapons, and step forth into the magical chaos of Mistwood Forest!