Tier 2 – The Curse of the Crystal Fountain

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil town of Willowbrook. The townsfolk, once bustling with life, now whisper in hushed tones, their faces drawn with worry. A mysterious water outage has left 58,000 properties dry, and the local wellspring, known as the Crystal Fountain, has gone eerily silent. Legends speak of its magical waters, said to grant vitality and clarity to those who drink from it. Without it, the town is withering, and the people are desperate for a solution.

As the party arrives in Willowbrook, they are greeted by the sight of worried villagers, their eyes darting towards the fountain that once sparkled under the sun. The mayor, a stout dwarf named Balin Stonefist, approaches the adventurers, his voice thick with concern. “Please, brave souls, we need your help! The fountain has been cursed by a malevolent spirit, and our water supply has been cut off. If we do not restore it soon, our town will perish!”

The adventurers must investigate the source of this curse. They learn from the villagers that the fountain has been guarded by a benevolent water spirit for centuries, but recently, a dark force has taken hold. Rumors suggest that a rogue sorceress, known as Lirael the Drowned, has been siphoning the fountain's magic to fuel her own nefarious ambitions.

The party sets off towards the Crystal Fountain, navigating through the lush, enchanted forest that surrounds Willowbrook. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of rustling leaves. As they approach the fountain, they notice the once-clear waters have turned murky, and a chilling mist hangs in the air.

Upon reaching the fountain, the adventurers are confronted by Lirael the Drowned, a striking figure with flowing hair that resembles cascading water. Her eyes glint with malice, and she wields a staff adorned with shimmering blue crystals. “Fools! You dare challenge me? This fountain’s power will be mine!” she cackles, summoning swirling tendrils of water to attack.

**Boss Enemy: Lirael the Drowned**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Water Whip (Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 4 bludgeoning damage and the target is pulled 10 feet closer.)

– **Special Ability:** Misty Escape (Once per encounter, Lirael can vanish into a mist, becoming invisible until the start of her next turn.)

To defeat Lirael, the party must use their wits and skills to navigate the treacherous battlefield, avoiding her water attacks while finding ways to disrupt her magic. They can interact with the fountain itself, perhaps discovering a way to channel its energy against her.

Once Lirael is defeated, the curse will lift, and the waters of the Crystal Fountain will begin to flow once more, restoring life to Willowbrook. The grateful townsfolk will celebrate the adventurers as heroes, offering them magical trinkets and the promise of friendship.

As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the rejuvenated town, the party will leave with not just treasures, but the knowledge that they have made a lasting impact in a world where magic and adventure intertwine.