Tier 2 – The Heart of the Ancients (4)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of reality, a peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of the kingdom's scholars. Whispers of a mysterious artifact known as the Heart of the Ancients have reached the ears of adventurers far and wide. This legendary gem, said to pulse with the life force of the world, has been hidden away in the depths of the Whispering Woods, a forest teeming with enchantment and danger.

As the sun sets beyond the horizon, casting an amber glow over the land, the party finds themselves in the quaint village of Elden Hollow. The villagers, anxious and fearful, speak of strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock disappearing, and an ominous shadow that looms over the woods. The local herbalist, an elderly woman named Maelis, approaches the party with a plea for help. She believes the Heart of the Ancients is tied to the forest's plight and fears that a dark force seeks to claim its power.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, guided by the cryptic clues left behind by ancient druids. Maelis provides them with a map marked with peculiar symbols leading to the heart of the forest. However, the woods are alive with magic, and the path is fraught with challenges.

As the party navigates the forest, they encounter enchanted creatures—some friendly, others hostile. The trees whisper secrets, and the air shimmers with arcane energy. The party must solve puzzles that require clever thinking and teamwork, such as deciphering the druidic symbols or calming a raging elemental that guards a vital path.

**The Boss Enemy:**

Deep within the heart of the Whispering Woods, the party confronts the source of the darkness: a corrupted Treant named Grivathorn. Once a guardian of the forest, Grivathorn has been twisted by a malevolent spirit seeking to harness the Heart of the Ancients for itself.

**Grivathorn's Basic Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Attack:** Multiattack (two slam attacks)

– **Slam:** +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

– **Abilities:**

– **Corrupting Touch:** If Grivathorn hits a creature with a slam attack, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute.

– **Rejuvenation:** If defeated, Grivathorn can return to life after 24 hours unless the Heart of the Ancients is restored.

**Conclusion:**

Upon defeating Grivathorn or finding a way to purify him, the party can access the Heart of the Ancients. They must choose whether to restore it to its rightful place in the forest or harness its power for themselves. Their decision will shape the future of Eldoria, determining whether the land thrives in harmony or succumbs to darkness.

As they return to Elden Hollow, the villagers await with bated breath, their fate resting in the hands of the adventurers. Will they be hailed as heroes, or will the shadows of the Whispering Woods consume them? The choice is theirs to make in this high-stakes adventure filled with magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas.