Tier 2 – The Curse of The Happy Mug
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the bustling town of Eldervale, a peculiar air of unease has swept through the cobblestone streets, altering the once merry atmosphere into one of whispers and hushed notes. The charming little tavern, The Happy Mug, known for its exceptional brews and jovial atmosphere, stands eerily quiet, its windows dimmed as rumors swirl about its beleaguered owner, Old Man Grimbold.
Just yesterday, the local watch discovered Grimbold, inebriated and slumped behind his own counter, empty tankards cluttering the floor. The authorities, with little patience for such breaches of decorum, promptly revoked his license to sell alcohol, leaving the townsfolk in a state of shock. Now, with spirits dampened, the residents fear that the already dwindling festivals and merry gatherings may dwindle entirely.
As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting golden beams through the trees, you find yourself drawn to the tavern by both concern and curiosity. The village rumor mill has spun tales of a dark force hanging over The Happy Mug, perhaps a malevolent spirit angry at being deprived of its favored haunt.
Upon entering the tavern, you’re greeted by an eerie stillness. The usual warmth and laughter have been replaced with shadows dancing across the walls. Grimbold, despite his current state, shambles forward, his eyes glistening with a mix of fear and resignation. "Help me! I don’t know what darkness has come upon my tavern, but it’s bad business indeed. I fear that something sinister has cursed my establishment, driving me to drink and despair. If only someone could investigate… you brave souls, perhaps?"
### Adventure Components:
**Investigation:**
As you explore the tavern, your investigation reveals clues that suggest something more than mere misfortune. You find:
– **Faint Whispers**: Eerie whispers filter through the cracks, hinting at a hidden cellar where “sour spirits” are said to lie trapped.
– **Cursed Tankards**: Each tankard you examine gives off an unsettling aura, suggesting they were once part of a magical concoction gone awry.
– **A Hidden Room**: Behind a wall of shelves, you discover a concealed door that leads to a dimly lit cellar.
**Exploration**:
The cellar holds many secrets. As you delve deeper, you uncover:
– **The Spirit of Celebration**: A ghostly figure of an old reveler trapped by a malevolent force, seeking freedom to restore joy to the tavern.
– **Echoes of the Unfinished**: Scattered parchment inscribed with chaotic arcane formulas suggesting a conclave of sorcerers once used the tavern for imbibing potent brews intended to summon joy and revelry.
### Encounter:
As you piece together the truth, you discover that Grimbold’s drinking caused a rupture in the magic binding the spirit. The party must now confront the **Spirit of Fractured Revelry**, a remorseful entity consumed by heartbreak and chaos, seeking revenge on the tavern and its patrons.
**Boss Enemy Stats:**
– **Name:** Spirit of Fractured Revelry
– **Type:** Undead
– **Armor Class:** 13
– **Hit Points:** 60
– **Speed:** 0 ft. (hovering)
– **Actions:**
– *Chill of Despair*: Ranged spell attack to drain hope from one target (1d10 necrotic damage).
– *Ethereal Dissent*: Lingers in the space of players, dealing 1d4 psychic damage to all within a 15-foot radius.
– **Legendary Action**: Once per round, can cause an object in the room to animate and attack (treat as a minor minion).
### Resolution:
Defeating the spirit allows the townsfolk to regather their spirits and reinstates Grimbold’s tavern to its former glory, resulting in renewed festivities and celebrations. The townspeople’s gratitude is immense, offering you tokens of appreciation, restoring hope to Eldervale, and possibly a new home base for future adventures.
The laughter and cheers once echoing off the tavern walls returns, weaving tales of your bravery—a worthy saga to mark on your own journey!