Tier 2 – The Curse of Lady Isolde
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a dark pall has descended upon the realm. The sun rises each day, casting its golden rays upon the bustling markets and verdant fields, yet a shadow looms over the hearts of its citizens. Each dawn, a wealthy noble falls lifeless, their fortune and power rendered meaningless by an unseen force. The streets buzz with fear and speculation, and whispers of a dire curse spread like wildfire through the taverns and noble halls.
As the party gathers in the quaint town of Silverbend, the air is thick with tension. The townsfolk, clad in muted colors, exchange worried glances, their eyes darting to the grand estate of Lord Alaric, the latest victim. His lavish mansion, once a beacon of opulence, now stands silent, draped in black banners. The party is drawn to the estate, compelled by a sense of duty—or perhaps the promise of a reward offered by the grieving townspeople.
Upon entering the mansion, the atmosphere shifts. The air is heavy with the scent of damp wood and lingering incense, a stark contrast to the cheerful exterior of the town. Flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows on the walls, and the sound of distant sobbing echoes through the halls. The party discovers a once-gleaming ballroom now draped in sorrow, where the last gathering of the noble elite took place just before Lord Alaric's untimely demise.
As the adventurers explore, they uncover a series of clues leading them deeper into the mystery. A shattered crystal ball, a torn letter hinting at betrayal, and strange arcane symbols etched into the floorboards tell a story of dark magic and treachery. The party learns of a secret gathering of nobles who dabbled in forbidden arts, seeking immortality through a ritual that has gone horribly wrong.
The investigation leads them to the heart of the estate’s garden, where a once-majestic fountain has withered into a grotesque statue, its water now a murky black. Here, they encounter the source of the curse: a powerful specter, the vengeful spirit of a long-forgotten sorceress named Lady Isolde. Consumed by jealousy and rage, she seeks to punish the wealthy for their greed and excess.
**Boss Enemy: Lady Isolde, the Cursed Sorceress**
– **HP:** 120
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 4 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Curse of Wealth – Each round, she can target a player; that player must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d6 psychic damage and become frightened until the end of their next turn.
– **Legendary Actions:** Lady Isolde can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below:
– **Move:** Move up to half her speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
– **Necrotic Grasp:** Make one Ethereal Touch attack.
– **Haunting Whispers:** Target one player within 30 feet; they must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated until the end of their next turn.
The party must confront Lady Isolde, using their wits and skills to unravel the curse that binds her to this world. As they battle her, they will face not only her spectral might but also the emotional weight of the lives lost due to her wrath. To defeat her, they must uncover the truth behind her tragic past and find a way to offer her peace.
Will the adventurers succeed in breaking the curse and restoring balance to Eldoria, or will they become another set of victims in Lady Isolde’s relentless quest for vengeance? The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance as they delve into the dark heart of greed and sorrow.