Tier 2 – The Mystery of the Enchanted Glade

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like a river and the air is thick with the scent of blooming nightshade, a peculiar mystery has begun to unravel. The once-peaceful village of Eldergrove has been plagued by a series of bizarre occurrences. Livestock have gone missing, strange lights flicker in the woods at night, and villagers whisper of an ancient artifact hidden deep within the Enchanted Glade that could be the source of their troubles.

As the adventurers arrive, they are greeted by the anxious eyes of the townsfolk, who implore them to investigate the disturbances. The village elder, a wizened elf named Thalion, speaks urgently. "The artifact is said to be a relic of the Ancients, a powerful gem that grants unimaginable magic to its possessor. We fear that someone is trying to harness its power for dark purposes. Will you help us?"

The party's investigation begins in the heart of the village, where they gather clues from the locals. They learn about the last known sighting of the artifact: a mysterious figure dressed in dark robes was seen heading towards the Enchanted Glade just before the disturbances began. The adventurers must decide which path to take—explore the woods for tracks, question the villagers further, or perhaps search the local tavern for rumors over a pint of ale.

As they delve deeper, the party encounters eerie phenomena: trees whisper secrets in the wind, and ghostly shapes flit between the shadows. They find remnants of a campfire, suggesting that the dark figure had companions. A successful investigation check reveals a map leading deeper into the forest, where the Glade lies shrouded in mist.

Upon reaching the Enchanted Glade, the adventurers uncover a hidden altar, overgrown with vines and pulsating with arcane energy. At its center rests the fabled gem, glowing ominously. However, before they can claim it, they must confront the mastermind behind the chaos: a rogue sorceress named Selene, who seeks to wield the gem's power for herself.

**Boss Enemy: Selene the Shadowbinder**

– **Hit Points:** 70

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Selene can cast spells up to 3rd level. She has a spell save DC of 14.

– **Notable Spells:**

– *Shadow Bolt* (1d8 necrotic damage, ranged attack)

– *Misty Step* (teleport up to 30 feet)

– *Hold Person* (paralyze a humanoid)

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Cloak:** Once per encounter, Selene can become invisible for 1 round.

– **Dark Command:** As a bonus action, she can attempt to charm an enemy; they must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or be charmed for 1 minute.

As the battle ensues, the glade fills with a cacophony of magic and mayhem. The adventurers must work together, using their skills and spells to overcome Selene and her dark magic, and ultimately secure the gem to restore peace to Eldergrove.

With the sorceress defeated, the party can choose to either keep the gem, return it to the village, or even seek further knowledge about its origins. The choices they make will ripple through the fabric of Eldoria, shaping their legacy in this high magic, high fantasy world. Will they emerge as heroes, or will the allure of power lead them down a darker path? The adventure awaits!