Tier 2 – The Curse of Glenwood 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 peculiar disturbance has arisen in the quaint village of Glenwood Hollow. The villagers, once filled with laughter and joy, now whisper tales of a shadowy figure that haunts the outskirts of their home. Crops have begun to wither, and livestock has gone missing, leaving the townsfolk in a state of despair.
As the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the rolling hills, the party finds themselves at the village tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale, but the atmosphere is heavy with worry. An elder, a frail woman named Elara, approaches the adventurers, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Please, brave souls,” she implores, “our village is cursed. A dark sorcerer named Malakar has taken residence in the ancient ruins of Eldenspire, just beyond the forest. He seeks to drain the life from our land to fuel his dark magic. We need you to confront him and put an end to this nightmare!”
The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to murmur secrets and the path is fraught with magical creatures. As they navigate through the dense foliage, they encounter mischievous fae who may offer guidance—or trickery. The party must decide whether to trust these enigmatic beings or forge their own path.
Upon reaching Eldenspire, the ruins loom ominously, covered in vines and shrouded in mist. The air crackles with arcane energy, and the party can feel the weight of Malakar’s presence. Inside, they must solve ancient puzzles and avoid traps that guard the sorcerer’s lair. Echoes of long-forgotten spells resonate through the stone halls, hinting at the power that lies within.
Finally, the adventurers confront Malakar in his dark sanctum, a chamber filled with swirling shadows and flickering candles. The sorcerer, a tall figure clad in tattered robes, wields a staff crackling with dark energy. His eyes burn with malevolence as he sneers at the intruders.
**Malakar, the Dark Sorcerer**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells up to 3rd level (e.g., Fireball, Hold Person, Magic Missile)
– **Actions:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged spell attack, +5 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.
– **Dark Whispers (Recharge 5-6):** All creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d6 psychic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.
As the battle rages, the party must use their wits and teamwork to overcome Malakar’s dark magic. Will they be able to defeat the sorcerer and restore peace to Glenwood Hollow, or will they succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf the land? The fate of the village rests in their hands.