Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldermere (2)
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets behind the towering peaks of the Eldergreen Mountains, the vibrant hues of orange and purple illuminate the quaint village of Eldermere. Nestled between lush forests and shimmering streams, this idyllic settlement has recently been plagued by mysterious occurrences. Livestock have gone missing, strange lights flicker in the woods at night, and whispers of a dark figure haunting the outskirts have sent a wave of fear through the townsfolk.
Your party arrives at Eldermere just as the last light of day fades, greeted by anxious villagers who speak of the enigmatic “Horizon,” a figure rumored to possess dark magic and an insatiable appetite for chaos. The villagers implore your group to investigate the strange happenings and restore peace to their home. Questing for answers, you gather at the village tavern, The Gilded Lantern, where the scent of roasted meat and the sound of clinking mugs fill the air.
As the party discusses their plan, an elderly woman named Agatha approaches. Her gnarled hands tremble as she speaks of a dark cave in the nearby woods where the lights have been seen. She warns that many have entered but few have returned, and those who did spoke of a powerful being known as the "Horizon Ex-Post," a sorcerer who once served the village but was corrupted by an ancient artifact.
Your party decides to venture into the woods, following the trail marked by strange, glowing mushrooms that pulse with an otherworldly light. As you delve deeper, the air grows thick with tension, and the ambient sounds of nature fade away. You soon arrive at the cave entrance, a gaping maw in the mountainside, lined with ominous runes that seem to shimmer with malevolence.
Inside the cave, the atmosphere shifts as shadows dance along the walls. Flickering torches reveal a series of chambers filled with remnants of the sorcerer’s power—arcane symbols etched into the stone, remnants of failed experiments, and a lingering chill that raises the hairs on your neck. As you explore, you discover clues left behind by previous adventurers: torn pages from a spellbook detailing the sorcerer's descent into madness and a map leading to their lair deeper within the cave.
Suddenly, the ground trembles as you enter a vast chamber lit by shards of glowing crystal. At the far end stands the Horizon Ex-Post, a figure cloaked in shadows, their face obscured by a hood. With a voice that echoes through the chamber, they declare, “You dare disturb my domain? You will pay the price for your insolence!”
**Boss Enemy: Horizon Ex-Post**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Spellcasting (Level 5 Spells)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Bolt (1d10 necrotic damage, range 60 ft)
– **Legendary Actions:** Can cast Misty Step or summon Shadow Minions (2d4 shadow creatures) once per turn after reaching half HP.
Prepare for battle as the Horizon Ex-Post unleashes their magical prowess, manipulating the shadows around them and summoning dark creatures to aid in the fight. Your party must work together to defeat this powerful foe, utilizing strategy and their unique abilities to overcome the odds.
As the battle unfolds, the fate of Eldermere hangs in the balance. Will your heroes reclaim the light and banish the darkness, or will they succumb to the very shadows they seek to destroy? The adventure awaits!