Tier 2 – The Curse of Eldermere
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the sun dances upon the emerald hills and the air is thick with the scent of magical blossoms, whispers of a peculiar phenomenon have reached the ears of your party. Reports have surfaced of a once-peaceful village, Eldermere, now plagued by strange occurrences. The sky has darkened with ominous clouds, and townsfolk speak of ethereal creatures roaming the woods at night, their mournful wails echoing through the still air.
As your group arrives at Eldermere, the atmosphere is charged with tension. The cobbled streets are eerily quiet, save for the distant sound of rustling leaves. You stand at the entrance of the village, greeted by a weathered elder named Aeliana, her silver hair flowing like cascading waterfalls. Her hands tremble as she recounts the tale of the Starfall – a celestial event that some say has disrupted the balance of magic in the area, awakening slumbering spirits and creatures of darkness.
Under the pale light of the moon, Aeliana leads you to the heart of Eldermere, where a grand oak tree stands, its branches stretching towards the heavens. But something is amiss. The tree, once a source of life, now appears twisted and cursed, its bark darkened and its leaves withering. The villagers have noticed that the tree's sap has begun to pulse with a strange, eerie glow, seeping into the ground and corrupting the very soil.
Your mission is clear: investigate the source of this dark magic and uncover the mystery surrounding the Starfall. As you delve deeper into the village, you encounter villagers in desperate need of assistance. Some have lost loved ones to the strange creatures, while others beg for help in reclaiming their homes from the encroaching shadows.
To uncover the truth, you must explore the dense forest surrounding Eldermere. As you journey through the verdant wilderness, you stumble upon a hidden glade illuminated by bioluminescent flowers. Here, a powerful entity known as Malakar, an ancient treant corrupted by the darkness, awaits. Once a guardian of the forest, Malakar's mind has been twisted by the malevolent energy released during the Starfall.
**Boss Enemy: Malakar, the Corrupted Treant**
– **HP:** 85
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Slam (Melee): +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Root (Recharge 5-6): Malakar can ensnare a target within 30 feet, forcing them to make a DC 15 Strength saving throw or become restrained until the end of their next turn.
As the confrontation begins, the forest comes alive with the sounds of rustling branches and whispers of the wind. The battle is intense, with Malakar calling forth roots to ensnare your party and shadows to confuse your senses. The stakes rise as you work together to uncover the weakened core of Malakar's corruption, using your wits and abilities to save him from the darkness.
In the aftermath of the battle, if you succeed, the light of the stars will return to Eldermere, and the balance of magic will be restored. The villagers will offer their eternal gratitude, and Aeliana will share the secrets of the forest, bestowing upon you a unique boon that will guide your heroes on their next adventure.
This one-shot is designed to engage your players in a tale of mystery and exploration, encouraging teamwork and creativity in a world where every choice has the potential to change the fate of Eldoria.