Tier 2 – Mysteries of Grendale

**Tier 2 play**

In the sprawling realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through every blade of grass and the air shimmers with the whispers of ancient spells, your party finds themselves in the quaint yet mysterious town of Grendale. Once a bustling center of trade and culture, Grendale has fallen into a shadowy lull, plagued by the recent disappearance of its noble residents and the rise of strange occurrences that unsettle the townsfolk.

As your characters gather in the dimly lit tavern, The Gilded Griffin, the atmosphere is thick with tension. The locals murmur tales of ghostly apparitions and enchanted beasts roaming the outskirts of town. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Thrain, approaches your party with a look of desperation in his eyes.

“Adventurers! Please, listen! The noble families of Grendale have vanished without a trace, and strange creatures have taken their place. We need brave souls to investigate their estates and uncover the truth behind their disappearances. If you succeed, I can offer you a handsome reward… and perhaps even a way to lift this dark curse hanging over our town.”

Your party agrees, and as you step out into the cool night air, the moon bathes the cobblestone streets in silver light. You make your way to the grand estate of the Ravenshade family, known for their affinity with magical beasts. The once-magnificent gardens are now overgrown and wild, filled with the rustle of unseen creatures.

As you approach the estate, you sense a powerful aura. A chilling wind sweeps through the trees, and a low growl emanates from the shadows. Suddenly, a massive creature bursts forth—a spectral hound, its eyes glowing with an ethereal light. It seems to guard the estate, a fierce protector of whatever secrets lie within.

**Boss Enemy: Spectral Hound**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Ethereal Bite (Melee, +7 to hit, 2d10+5 piercing damage)

– **Abilities:**

– **Ghostly Howl:** All creatures within a 30-foot radius must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.

– **Incorporeal Movement:** The hound can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain.

As your party engages with the hound, the battle rages amidst the shadows of the estate. The spectral hound’s attacks are swift and deadly, but your party’s skills and unity will determine the outcome. The hound, once defeated, collapses into a shimmering mist, revealing a hidden path leading down into the estate’s depths.

Descending into the darkened halls, your party discovers a secret chamber adorned with ancient runes. In the center lies a shimmering portal, pulsing with energy. It becomes clear that the noble families were not merely lost; they were transported to another realm, trapped by a powerful sorceress seeking revenge on the nobility for past wrongs.

Your quest now is twofold: to gather the necessary artifacts scattered throughout the estate to activate the portal and confront the sorceress in her dark domain. With each artifact, the mysteries of Grendale unravel, leading to an epic showdown that will determine the fate of the town and its people.

Prepare for a night filled with magic, danger, and the thrill of exploration as your party plunges into the heart of Grendale’s secrets!