Tier 2 – The Cursed Sculptures of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the high magic realm of Eldoria, a tapestry of vibrant colors and enchanting melodies fills the air. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling market square of the town of Eldenbridge. Here, merchants hawk their wares, from shimmering potions to intricate jewelry, while children laugh and chase one another through the cobblestone streets. However, beneath this lively facade lies a dark secret that has begun to unravel.

Recently, the town has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Locals whisper of eerie sculptures that have appeared overnight in the nearby Whispering Woods, each one eerily lifelike, capturing the essence of those who have vanished. The townsfolk are too frightened to investigate, believing the sculptures are cursed, and they turn to the party for help.

As the party gathers at the local tavern, "The Gilded Griffin," an old woman named Maelis approaches them, her eyes filled with worry. She explains that her grandson, a bright young lad named Finn, has gone missing after wandering into the woods to explore the newly appeared sculptures. Maelis offers the party a small pouch of gold and a tattered map that marks the location of the sculptures, pleading for them to bring Finn back.

Upon entering the Whispering Woods, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The air grows thick and heavy, and a strange silence envelops the trees. As the party ventures deeper, they encounter the sculptures—each one representing a missing villager, their expressions frozen in fear. But as they approach, they realize these are no mere stone figures; they are animated guardians, infused with dark magic, protecting the heart of the woods.

**Enemy Encounter: Sculpted Guardians**

– **Number of Guardians:** 3

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 30 each

– **Attack:** Slam (Melee Weapon Attack): +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

– **Special Ability:** Stone Form – When reduced to 0 hit points, a guardian crumbles into stone shards, dealing 5 (1d10) bludgeoning damage to all creatures within 5 feet.

As the party battles the Sculpted Guardians, they must also search for clues leading to Finn's whereabouts. They can roll investigation checks to uncover hidden paths or magical signatures that reveal the source of the curse. Perhaps they discover an ancient altar deep within the woods, where a malevolent spirit has taken residence, using the villagers' life force to empower itself.

To defeat this spirit, the party must confront it in a climactic showdown at the altar. The spirit, known as the Warden of Shadows, seeks to ensnare them with illusions and dark magic.

**Boss Enemy: Warden of Shadows**

– **Armor Class:** 17

– **Hit Points:** 100

– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack): +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10) necrotic damage.

– **Special Ability:** Illusory Duplicates – The Warden can create 1d4 illusory copies of itself. Each duplicate has 1 hit point and can confuse the party.

As the party battles the Warden, they must dispel its illusions and strike at its core to free the trapped spirits, including Finn. With clever tactics and teamwork, they can restore peace to Eldenbridge and unravel the mystery of the cursed sculptures, earning the town's gratitude and a place in its legends.

The adventure ends with a celebration in Eldenbridge, where the townsfolk honor the party with a feast, and Maelis presents them with a magical trinket as a token of gratitude, ensuring their names will be remembered for generations to come.