Tier 2 – Shadows of Greendale
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic dances through the air like shimmering fireflies, whispers of a dark shadow spreading through the peaceful town of Greendale have reached the ears of adventurers. Rumors abound of a sinister figure operating from the heart of the town's only hospital, Dr. Selene's Sanctum. This once-revered healer, now shunned by the townsfolk, is said to have been experimenting with forbidden magics, resulting in the unexplained deaths of several newborns.
The adventurers find themselves summoned by the town’s mayor, a stout dwarf named Borin Stonefist, who appears worn and anxious. In a dimly lit room filled with the scent of burning herbs, he urges them to investigate the string of mysterious infant deaths that has gripped Greendale in fear. "We need you to confront Dr. Selene and discover the truth behind these tragedies," he implores, his eyes pleading for hope. The party is offered a modest reward and the gratitude of the town but is aware that the stakes are much higher than gold.
As the party approaches the hospital, they feel an eerie chill in the air. The once-bright façade of Dr. Selene’s Sanctum now looms forebodingly, its windows darkened as if the very soul of the place has been snuffed out. An unsettling silence envelops the building, broken only by the soft, distant wails of the wind. Inside, the halls are lined with cracked walls and flickering sconces that cast dancing shadows; the atmosphere is thick with a sense of dread and sorrow.
Upon entering, the adventurers must navigate through the dimly-lit corridors, overcoming traps set by Dr. Selene to deter intruders. They may find clues in the form of journal entries scattered throughout the rooms, detailing her descent into madness and her obsession with creating a perfect being out of the innocent lives lost. The party will encounter frightened staff members who can either be allies or foes, depending on how the adventurers approach them.
As they delve deeper into the hospital, the party encounters the first major challenge: a spectral guardian manifested from the lingering souls of the lost infants. This ghostly figure, known as the Wailing Apparition, seeks to protect the secrets of the establishment.
**Wailing Apparition Stats:**
– HP: 45
– AC: 12
– Attack: Ethereal Touch (Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage)
– Special Ability: Wail of Grief (Recharge 5-6; Each creature within a 30-foot radius must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.)
After confronting the Wailing Apparition and learning about the tragic events from its mournful whispers, the adventurers push forward to confront Dr. Selene herself. In her laboratory, they find her standing over a glowing altar, surrounded by vials of strange liquids and remnants of her twisted experiments. Dr. Selene, now transformed into something both beautiful and horrifying by her dark pursuits, believes she is on the verge of creating life anew.
**Dr. Selene Boss Stats:**
– HP: 80
– AC: 15
– Attack: Alchemical Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8) acid damage)
– Special Ability: Infusion of Life (Recharge 4-6; Dr. Selene can revive one fallen infant as a Shadow Spawn that fights alongside her for 3 rounds.)
The climactic battle ensues, but the party has the chance to appeal to Selene’s lost humanity. They may choose to fight her to the death or attempt to persuade her to abandon her twisted path, perhaps even redeem her in the process.
As the dust settles, the adventurers either emerge victorious, securing peace for Greendale, or they may find themselves entwined in the tragic fate of a healer lost to darkness. The choices they make will resonate throughout the town, shaping its future and their own tales in the magical tapestry of Eldoria.