Tier 2 – Beneath the Shadows The Quest for Redemption
**Tier 2 play**
As the party steps into the grand hall of the ancient castle, the air is thick with the scent of incense and the faint sound of distant chanting. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the rise and fall of empires, and the flickering torches cast dancing shadows that seem to whisper secrets of the past. A chill runs down your spine as you realize you are not alone.
At the far end of the hall, a figure cloaked in dark robes stands before a massive altar, illuminated by a glowing crystal that pulses with an eerie light. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the energy of powerful magic. As you draw closer, the figure turns, revealing a face twisted by malice and ambition—the Evil Queen, a sorceress of unmatched power who has long sought to dominate the realm.
"Ah, my dear adventurers," she croons, her voice dripping with honeyed malice. "I’ve been expecting you. You see, I have a little problem that requires… your unique talents."
With a wave of her hand, the crystal flares brightly, revealing a vision of a nearby village engulfed in shadows. Villagers are disappearing, taken by a dark force that the Queen has summoned to consolidate her power. "Eliminate the source of this darkness, and I will reward you handsomely. Fail, and you will join the shadows."
The party must venture to the village of Eldermoor, known for its lush fields and vibrant markets, now shrouded in an unnatural gloom. As they arrive, they find the streets deserted, the air thick with despair. A few brave souls remain, whispering of a creature that lurks in the old forest, stealing away the villagers at night.
**Exploration Component:** The party can gather information from the villagers, uncovering clues about the creature's lair, a hidden cave deep within the forest, protected by powerful wards. They might encounter a few remnants of the villagers' last stand—abandoned weapons and eerie signs of struggle.
**Enemy Encounter:** As the party delves into the forest, they are confronted by the Dark Wraith, an ethereal being that feeds on fear and despair. It can phase through trees and strike from the shadows, making it a formidable foe.
**Dark Wraith Stats:**
– **AC:** 15
– **HP:** 75
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee) – +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability:** Fear Aura – Creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
Once defeated, the party can retrieve a shard from the Wraith's essence, which they can return to the Evil Queen. However, upon their return, they must decide whether to trust her promise of reward or uncover her true intentions.
**Conclusion:** The session can culminate in a moral choice—will the party accept the Queen's reward, or will they seek to expose her dark schemes? The choices they make will echo throughout the realm, shaping their legacy in this high magic, high fantasy world.