Tier 2 – The Curse of the Archmage
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar mystery has begun to unfold. The once-revered Archmage Althorian, a figure of wisdom and power, has been accused of dark sorcery after a series of bizarre events. The townsfolk of Eldoria whisper in hushed tones, their eyes darting nervously as they recount tales of strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock disappearing, and a shadowy figure seen lurking near the ancient Whispering Woods.
Your party finds themselves in the heart of Eldoria, where the air is thick with tension and uncertainty. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, buzzes with rumors, and the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale fills the air. As you gather around a table, a frantic villager bursts through the door, his eyes wide with fear. "You must help us! The Archmage has gone mad! He’s turned into a monster!"
The villagers believe that Althorian has succumbed to dark magic, but the truth is far stranger. Unbeknownst to them, the Archmage has been cursed, transformed into a sheep by a vengeful spirit. His only hope of returning to his true form lies in the recovery of a lost artifact: the Celestial Bell, hidden deep within the Whispering Woods.
Your quest begins as you venture into the woods, where the trees loom tall and ancient, their gnarled branches whispering secrets of the past. The air is thick with enchantment, and the path ahead is fraught with challenges. As you delve deeper, you encounter mischievous fae creatures who guard the secrets of the forest. They challenge you with riddles and illusions, testing your wits and resolve.
As you navigate through the woods, you must also confront the true enemy: a corrupted guardian spirit, once a protector of the forest, now twisted by the same dark magic that afflicted Althorian. This spirit, known as the Shadow Warden, has taken on a monstrous form, a swirling mass of darkness with glowing eyes that pierce through the gloom.
**Boss Enemy: Shadow Warden**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Dark Veil (Once per encounter, the Shadow Warden can create a zone of darkness that obscures vision and imposes disadvantage on attack rolls for all but itself.)
As you engage in battle with the Shadow Warden, the very essence of the forest seems to shift around you. The air crackles with magic, and the whispers of the trees grow louder, urging you to fight for the light. Defeating the Warden will not only free the forest from its torment but also reveal the location of the Celestial Bell.
Once you retrieve the artifact, you must return to the Archmage’s tower, where Althorian awaits, trapped in his sheep form. The final challenge lies in using the Celestial Bell to break the curse, confronting the vengeful spirit that cursed him in the first place.
Will your party uncover the truth behind the Archmage’s transformation and restore peace to Eldoria? The fate of the realm rests in your hands, and the adventure has only just begun!