Tier 2 – The Curse of Gloomkeep Barracks
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, a land steeped in rich history and vibrant magic, a troubling rumor reverberates through the taverns of Silverhold. Whispers abound of a cursed military housing complex, known as the Gloomkeep Barracks, where soldiers have mysteriously vanished, and an oppressive darkness now settles over the grounds. The local military MPs, unable to secure the funds needed for repairs, are desperate to resolve the mystery that shrouds the barracks and restore hope to their weary troops.
Your party finds themselves in Silverhold, drawn together by fate and the allure of adventure. As they gather in the bustling tavern, the air filled with the scent of roasted meats and the laughter of patrons, a panicked soldier bursts through the door. His armor is tarnished, eyes wide with fear.
“Adventurers!” he calls, “The Gloomkeep Barracks need your help! Soldiers have disappeared, and strange sounds echo through the halls at night. Please, will you investigate?”
The party, intrigued by the challenge, sets off toward the barracks. As they approach, the atmosphere shifts; the air grows thick and cold, and a biting wind howls through the crumbling stone walls. Shadows seem to dance along the edges of their vision, and an eerie silence envelops the complex.
Inside the barracks, the dampness is palpable, and the smell of mold mingles with the scent of burnt incense—a remnant of protective wards long since faded. The corridors are lined with rusted armor and tattered banners, remnants of a proud military legacy now turned to dust.
As they explore, the party encounters remnants of the soldiers' last moments: overturned furniture, scattered equipment, and a flickering light at the end of a darkened hallway. The source reveals itself—a spectral figure, the lingering spirit of a soldier consumed by despair.
“You must help us!” the ghost pleads, his voice a haunting echo. “The darkness grows stronger each night. Find the source of the curse and free us!”
As they delve deeper, the party discovers a hidden chamber where an ancient relic—a cursed amulet—lies dormant upon a pedestal. However, it has awakened a formidable guardian, the Wraith of Despair, a spectral being drawn to the anguish of the fallen soldiers.
**Boss Enemy: Wraith of Despair**
– **HP:** 50
– **AC:** 13
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (+5 to hit, 2d6 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Aura of Despair – All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
To add depth to the adventure, clues about the amulet and the soldiers' fate can be found throughout the barracks—scraps of paper with hastily written notes, remnants of a heartfelt letter, or old, faded maps that hint at hidden passages.
As the party confronts the Wraith of Despair, they must use their wits and strength to navigate through the dark magic that binds the spirit. Successfully defeating the wraith will not only free the trapped souls but also restore peace to the barracks.
With the curse lifted, the party can then return to Silverhold as heroes, earning respect and rewards from the military, and perhaps even discovering further quests awaiting them in the magical land of Eldoria.
Prepare your players for an adventure filled with mystery, spectral foes, and a chance to uncover the secrets that haunt the Gloomkeep Barracks!