Tier 2 – The Baroness of Eldenwood
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a shadow looms over the peaceful town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk whisper of a mysterious figure known only as the Baroness, a once-revered noblewoman whose recent scandal has cast a pall over her reputation. Rumors swirl that she has been dabbling in dark magic, seeking to harness the power of ancient artifacts to elevate her status and exact revenge on those who dare to defy her.
As the adventurers gather in the bustling marketplace, the air is thick with the scent of spiced meats and sweet pastries. Colorful banners flutter overhead, and the laughter of children fills the streets. However, the atmosphere is tinged with unease. A town crier stands on a crate, shouting about the Baroness's impending trial and the strange occurrences plaguing Eldenwood: crops withering overnight, livestock disappearing, and eerie lights flickering in the woods at dusk.
The party is approached by a desperate villager, an elderly woman named Maelis, who pleads for their help. "Please, brave souls! The Baroness has taken my son! He was last seen near her estate, and I fear she intends to use him in her dark rituals!" She hands them a tattered map, marking the path to the Baroness's opulent but foreboding manor, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods.
As the adventurers make their way through the dense forest, they encounter strange phenomena: trees that seem to whisper secrets, shadows that dart just beyond their vision, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. The deeper they venture, the more they sense the magic in the air, a palpable energy that tingles against their skin.
Upon reaching the Baroness's manor, they find it shrouded in an unnatural mist. The grand entrance is adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, but the beauty is marred by the decay of neglect. Inside, the party must navigate through lavish yet eerie halls, filled with enchanted mirrors that reflect their deepest fears and desires.
In the heart of the manor, they confront the Baroness, a striking figure cloaked in dark robes, her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. She stands before a swirling portal, pulsating with energy. "You dare intrude upon my domain?" she hisses, her voice echoing with power. "I will not allow you to thwart my ascension!"
**Boss Enemy: Baroness Meyer**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Dark Bolt (Spell Attack +6, Range 120 ft, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Ensnaring Shadows – Once per encounter, the Baroness can summon shadows to restrain a player (DC 15 Strength saving throw to escape).
– **Legendary Action:** Cast a spell (1 spell per round, can be any spell of 3rd level or lower).
The party must defeat the Baroness and close the portal before her dark magic consumes Eldenwood. As they battle, they can use the environment to their advantage, knocking over enchanted artifacts that explode in bursts of magical energy or triggering traps that the Baroness has set to deter intruders.
Once the Baroness is defeated, the party can rescue Maelis's son and uncover the truth behind her dark ambitions. They may also find clues leading to a larger conspiracy that threatens the entire realm, setting the stage for future adventures in the high magic, high fantasy world of Eldoria.