Tier 2 – The Cursed Werewolf of Willowbend
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local townsfolk. The once-peaceful village of Willowbend is now shrouded in mystery and fear, as a series of strange occurrences have plagued its inhabitants. Livestock has gone missing, eerie howls echo through the night, and shadows flit just beyond the edge of the forest.
Your party arrives in Willowbend at dusk, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the faint aroma of wildflowers. As you approach the village square, you notice a gathering of anxious villagers, their faces etched with worry. An elderly woman steps forward, her voice trembling as she recounts the tale of a cursed creature that roams the nearby Silverwood Forest—a werewolf, once a protector of the land, now twisted by dark magic.
The villagers plead for your help, offering a modest reward of gold and the promise of gratitude. They speak of a hidden glade deep within the forest, where the werewolf is said to retreat during the day. It is rumored that a powerful artifact, the Moonstone Amulet, lies within the glade, capable of breaking the curse that binds the creature to its monstrous form.
As you venture into the Silverwood Forest, the atmosphere shifts. The trees loom tall and ancient, their gnarled branches intertwining like the fingers of giants. The path is overgrown, and the sounds of the forest—chirping crickets, rustling leaves—seem to fade into an eerie silence. You can feel the weight of magic in the air, a palpable energy that tingles against your skin.
Upon reaching the glade, you find a serene pond surrounded by luminescent flowers that glow softly in the twilight. In the center of the pond, the Moonstone Amulet rests on a pedestal of stone, shimmering with an ethereal light. However, as you approach, the tranquility is shattered by a low growl. Emerging from the shadows is the werewolf, its eyes glowing with a mix of fury and sorrow.
**Boss Enemy: The Cursed Werewolf**
– **HP:** 70
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Bite (Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Howl of Despair (Recharge 5-6): The werewolf emits a terrifying howl. Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
The werewolf, torn between its human heart and beastly instincts, is not inherently evil. It lunges at you, not out of malice, but desperation. The party must decide whether to subdue the creature or find a way to communicate and break the curse. The fate of the werewolf—and the village—rests in your hands.
As the battle unfolds, the glade becomes a battleground of magic and might. Will you defeat the creature and claim the Moonstone Amulet, or will you uncover the truth behind its curse and seek a more compassionate resolution? The choices you make will shape the destiny of Willowbend and the legacy of the werewolf forever.