Tier 2 – The Awakening of the Earthshaker
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with ethereal hues, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local adventurers. The once-bustling trade route along the A487 has been rendered impassable due to a massive landslide, a consequence of the recent tempest known as Storm Darragh. This calamity has not only disrupted commerce but has also awakened ancient forces long thought to be dormant.
As the party gathers in the quaint village of Windmere, they hear whispers of an ominous presence lurking within the shadowy depths of the landslide. Villagers speak of strange lights flickering at night and eerie sounds echoing from the rubble. The mayor, a stout dwarf named Balin Stonefist, approaches the party with a desperate plea. “We need brave souls to investigate the landslide and uncover what has stirred in the darkness. If you can clear the road and restore safety, there’s a handsome reward waiting for you!”
### Adventure Hook
The party sets out towards the landslide, the air thick with tension and the scent of damp earth. As they approach, the once-familiar path is now a chaotic jumble of rocks and debris, with twisted trees and shattered boulders. The sun struggles to pierce through the dense clouds overhead, casting an eerie gloom over the scene.
### Exploration Component
While navigating the treacherous terrain, the party must make skill checks to avoid hazards such as loose rocks and sudden drops. A successful DC 15 Dexterity check allows them to traverse the landslide without incident, while failure results in minor injuries or the loss of equipment.
As they delve deeper into the landslide, the party discovers a hidden cave entrance partially obscured by fallen stones. Inside, they find remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to the earth elementals, now corrupted by dark magic. The walls are adorned with glowing runes that pulse ominously, and the air crackles with energy.
### Investigation Component
The party must decipher the runes to uncover the source of the disturbance. A successful DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals that the landslide was not a mere accident but a result of a powerful elemental being, the Earthshaker, awakening from its slumber. The creature, angered by the storm, seeks to reclaim its territory and unleash chaos upon the land.
### Enemy Encounter
As the party investigates, they are ambushed by a group of corrupted earth elementals, twisted by the dark magic of the Earthshaker. These foes are fierce guardians of the temple, intent on driving intruders away.
**Corrupted Earth Elemental Stats:**
– **HP:** 45
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Slam +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
– **Abilities:** Earth Glide (can move through earth and stone), Tremorsense (can sense creatures within 60 ft. through vibrations).
### Boss Encounter
After defeating the elementals, the party reaches the heart of the temple, where the Earthshaker resides. The creature, a massive amalgamation of rock and soil, roars in fury as it senses the intruders.
**Earthshaker Stats:**
– **HP:** 120
– **AC:** 17
– **Attack:** Quake Slam +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) bludgeoning damage.
– **Abilities:**
– **Earthquake (Recharge 5-6):** The Earthshaker can cause a tremor in a 30 ft. radius around it. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 30 (6d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
– **Legendary Actions:** The Earthshaker can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below:
– **Move:** The Earthshaker moves up to half its speed.
– **Slam:** The Earthshaker makes one slam attack.
– **Rejuvenate:** The Earthshaker regains 10 hit points.
### Conclusion
Upon defeating the Earthshaker, the party can restore balance to the land. The glowing runes fade, and the cave begins to stabilize. As they exit, the villagers of Windmere celebrate their bravery, and the mayor rewards them with gold and magical trinkets.
With the road cleared and the threat neutralized, the adventurers leave a lasting legacy in Eldoria, their names forever etched in the annals of the village’s history. The adventure concludes, but the echoes of their deeds will resonate throughout the realm for ages to come.