Tier 2 – The Corrupted Fae of Willowbend
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the bustling town of Eldergrove, a faint echo of music fills the air, drawing the attention of the townsfolk. The annual Harvest Festival is in full swing, with vibrant stalls overflowing with colorful produce, handmade crafts, and tantalizing aromas wafting from food vendors. Laughter and cheers resonate as children dance around a bonfire, while adults enjoy the festivities. However, amidst the joy, an unsettling tension lingers just beneath the surface.
A local bard, known for her haunting melodies, suddenly hushes the crowd. With a worried expression, she shares startling news: the nearby village of Willowbend has gone silent. Once lively with laughter and song, it now stands eerily quiet, shrouded in mystery. Villagers whisper of strange shadows seen at the edge of the forest and eerie lights flickering in the night. The mayor of Eldergrove, desperate to uncover the truth, implores the adventurers to investigate.
The party sets off under a cloak of twilight, guided by the soft glow of fireflies. As they venture deeper into the woods, the trees grow denser, their branches twisting like gnarled fingers against the sky. The air grows thick with magic, and a faint whisper seems to beckon them forward.
Upon reaching Willowbend, the adventurers discover the village in disarray. Homes are abandoned, doors ajar, and the smell of decay hangs heavy in the air. Investigating the village, players can find clues leading them to a hidden cave just beyond the village border. Within, they encounter remnants of a dark ritual—a circle of stones inscribed with ancient runes, pulsating with a malevolent energy.
As the party delves deeper, they uncover the source of the disturbances: a mischievous fae named Thistledown, who has been corrupted by dark magic and is harnessing the villagers’ fears to amplify her power. Thistledown has taken refuge in the heart of the cave, surrounded by shadowy minions that dance around her, feeding off the fear she creates.
To defeat Thistledown, the adventurers must not only combat her shadow minions but also uncover the truth behind her corruption. They can use their skills to dispel the magic binding her, perhaps through persuasion or clever use of spells, before confronting her in a final showdown.
**Boss Stats: Thistledown, Corrupted Fae**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 14
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Abilities:**
– **Frightening Visage:** All creatures within 30 ft. must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or become frightened for 1 minute.
– **Shadow Minions:** Summons 2 shadow minions (use stats of Shadows) to aid her in battle.
Once the party overcomes Thistledown, they will face the consequences of their choices: either redeem her and restore the village, or banish her and break the curse. As the first rays of dawn pierce through the trees, the adventurers emerge victorious, having brought light back to Willowbend and earned the gratitude of its people.
Back in Eldergrove, they will be celebrated as heroes, their names sung by the bard around the bonfire, as the sweet scent of crumpets wafts through the air—a reminder that even in a world of magic and danger, simple joys still exist.