Tier 2 – The Blood Reaver of Elden Hollow

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a small village nestled in the heart of the Whispering Woods has been plunged into chaos. The air is thick with tension, and the once cheerful sounds of laughter and song have been replaced by the haunting echoes of despair.

The village of Elden Hollow, known for its lush fields and friendly folk, has fallen victim to a malevolent force. Reports tell of a monstrous creature, a hulking beast with claws stained crimson, that has been terrorizing the villagers, leaving destruction in its wake. The villagers whisper of a dark curse that has befallen their home, and they plead for heroes to rise and restore peace.

As the party arrives at Elden Hollow, they are greeted by the sight of smoldering homes and the palpable fear that hangs in the air. The villagers gather in the town square, their faces etched with worry. Among them stands a small girl, her eyes ablaze with a mix of fear and determination. She steps forward, her voice trembling with both rage and sorrow.

"You should be running," she sneers, her small frame shaking as she points towards the woods. "But I won't let that monster take anyone else. We need to stop it!"

The party learns that the creature, known as the Blood Reaver, has made its lair in the depths of the Whispering Woods, a place filled with ancient trees that seem to whisper secrets of old. The villagers describe the beast as a towering figure, its body covered in matted fur and scars, with eyes that glow like embers in the night. It is said to be a guardian turned rogue, twisted by dark magic.

**Adventure Components:**

1. **Investigation**: The party must gather information from the villagers. They can ask about the creature’s last known whereabouts, any strange occurrences leading up to the attacks, and the history of the woods. Clues may lead to a hidden shrine where the creature was once a protector of the forest.

2. **Exploration**: The journey into the Whispering Woods is fraught with magical anomalies. As the party ventures deeper, they encounter enchanted flora and fauna, as well as illusions that may mislead them. They must navigate through these challenges while keeping an eye out for signs of the Blood Reaver.

3. **Confrontation**: The climax of the adventure occurs when the party finally confronts the Blood Reaver in its lair, a clearing illuminated by ghostly lights. The beast, towering at 10 feet tall, snarls as it senses the intruders.

**Boss Enemy Stats:**

– **Name**: Blood Reaver

– **Type**: Large Monstrous Beast

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 85

– **Speed**: 40 ft.

– **Abilities**:

– **Multiattack**: The Blood Reaver makes two claw attacks.

– **Claw Attack**: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

– **Blood Frenzy**: The Blood Reaver has advantage on melee attack rolls against any creature that doesn't have all its hit points.

As the battle ensues, the party must not only defeat the creature but also uncover the source of its corruption. Perhaps a dark artifact lies within the shrine, or a rival faction has been manipulating the beast to sow discord. The resolution of the encounter will determine the fate of Elden Hollow and its people, and whether the village can be restored to its former glory.

Will the heroes prevail, or will the Blood Reaver's reign of terror continue? The fate of Elden Hollow rests in their hands.