Tier 2 – The Curse of the Elden Tree
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar event has drawn the attention of adventurers far and wide. The once-peaceful village of Eldenwood has been beset by a series of strange occurrences: livestock disappearing, crops withering overnight, and an eerie mist that rolls in from the nearby Whispering Woods, thickening with each passing day. The villagers whisper of a dark force awakening, and they seek brave souls to uncover the truth.
As your party arrives in Eldenwood, the air is thick with tension. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows that dance across the cobblestone streets. Villagers peer from behind closed doors, their faces etched with worry. At the heart of the village stands the ancient Elden Tree, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. It is said that the tree is a guardian of the land, but now it appears to be wilting, its leaves turning a sickly shade of gray.
Your quest begins with a visit to the village elder, a wise woman named Elara. She sits beneath the Elden Tree, her silver hair flowing like a waterfall. As she speaks, her voice trembles with urgency. “Adventurers, a malevolent spirit has taken residence in the Whispering Woods. It is said to be the remnant of a long-forgotten dragon, bound to this realm by a curse. We need you to investigate the woods, find the source of this darkness, and put an end to its reign of terror.”
With a map in hand, your party sets off toward the Whispering Woods. The trees loom tall and twisted, their branches intertwining like the fingers of ancient giants. As you delve deeper, the mist thickens, wrapping around you like a shroud. Strange sounds echo through the air—whispers that seem to call your name, urging you to turn back. But your resolve is strong, and you press on.
After navigating the labyrinthine paths, you stumble upon a clearing bathed in an otherworldly glow. At its center lies a crumbling stone altar, adorned with runes that pulse with a faint light. Here, the spirit of the dragon, a spectral figure with shimmering scales and piercing eyes, materializes before you. It speaks in a voice that resonates like thunder, “I am bound to this place, cursed by those who feared my power. Free me, and I shall grant you a boon; defy me, and face my wrath!”
**Boss Enemy: Cursed Dragon Spirit**
– **Type:** Undead Dragon
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 90
– **Speed:** 40 ft., fly 60 ft.
– **Attack:** Breath of Shadows (Recharge 5-6): 4d10 necrotic damage in a 30 ft. cone (DC 15 Dexterity saving throw for half damage).
– **Legendary Actions:** The spirit can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below:
– **Shadow Step:** Move up to half its flying speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
– **Haunting Whispers:** Each creature within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
– **Spectral Claw:** Make a melee attack against one target within reach.
The choice is yours: will you seek to free the dragon spirit from its curse, or will you confront it in battle? The fate of Eldenwood hangs in the balance, and the echoes of the past await your decision. As you prepare for the encounter, remember that the power of friendship and strategy will be your greatest allies in this high-stakes adventure.