Tier 2 – The Curse of Willowbend
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic dances in the air like fireflies at dusk, a peculiar disturbance has stirred the peaceful village of Willowbend. Once a serene place known for its lush meadows and bubbling brooks, the village now finds itself beset by a series of strange occurrences. Crops are wilting overnight, livestock are disappearing, and whispers of shadowy figures lurking in the woods have spread fear among the villagers.
The party arrives at Willowbend, greeted by the anxious faces of its residents. An elder, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, approaches the adventurers with a plea. “Please, brave souls,” she implores, “our village is cursed! We believe the source of our troubles lies in the ancient Forest of Whispers. The trees speak of a dark entity that has awakened from its slumber, a creature that thrives on despair.”
As the party ventures into the Forest of Whispers, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves. Glimmers of magic flicker in the underbrush, revealing hidden paths and ancient runes carved into the bark of trees. The deeper they go, the more the forest seems alive, watching their every move.
After navigating through the twisted branches and vibrant flora, the adventurers stumble upon an ancient stone altar, overgrown with vines and pulsating with dark energy. Atop the altar lies a sinister artifact—a cursed amulet that radiates malevolence. As they approach, a chilling laugh echoes through the clearing, and from the shadows emerges the boss enemy: **Morgath the Soulbinder**, a twisted sorcerer who feeds on the life force of the land.
**Morgath the Soulbinder**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells up to level 3, including *Shadow Bolt* (1d8 necrotic damage) and *Fear* (DC 14 Wisdom saving throw).
– **Abilities:**
– *Life Drain:* Melee spell attack, 2d10 necrotic damage, heals Morgath for half the damage dealt.
– *Summon Shadows:* Summons 2 shadow minions to aid in battle.
The confrontation with Morgath is not just a test of strength but of wits. The party must find a way to disrupt the dark energy surrounding the altar while fending off Morgath and his minions. As they engage in battle, the forest seems to react, with branches moving to entrap the unwary and magical anomalies shifting the very ground beneath them.
Once Morgath is defeated, the amulet crumbles to dust, releasing a wave of revitalizing energy that washes over the forest. The trees sigh in relief, and the whispers of the woods turn from ominous to joyous. The party emerges victorious, having lifted the curse from Willowbend and restored balance to the realm.
Returning to the village, the adventurers are hailed as heroes. The elder rewards them with enchanted trinkets and the gratitude of the villagers, who can now once again enjoy the peace of their home. As the sun sets over Eldoria, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the party knows that their journey has just begun, with new adventures waiting just beyond the horizon.