Tier 2 – The Dark Cult of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil village of Eldenwood. The townsfolk whisper of strange occurrences: livestock disappearing, eerie lights flickering in the nearby Whispering Woods, and a chilling chant echoing through the night. The local innkeeper, a stout dwarf named Thrain, has summoned your party to investigate these unsettling events.

As you gather in the dimly lit corner of the Rusty Tankard Inn, the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale fills the air. Thrain leans in, his voice low and urgent. "I fear a cult has taken root in our woods, seeking to summon a dark god known as Malakar. They perform their rituals under the cover of darkness, and if they succeed, it could spell doom for us all."

Your quest begins at the edge of the Whispering Woods, where the trees loom tall and twisted, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. The path is overgrown, and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and moss. As you delve deeper, the sounds of the forest fade, replaced by an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.

Suddenly, you stumble upon a clearing illuminated by flickering torches. In the center stands a stone altar, adorned with dark symbols and surrounded by hooded figures chanting in a language you cannot comprehend. The leader, a sinister-looking sorceress named Seraphine, raises her hands to the sky, calling upon the powers of Malakar.

**Boss Enemy: Seraphine, Cult Leader**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as *Darkness*, *Hold Person*, and *Fireball*.

– **Actions:**

– **Eldritch Blast:** Ranged spell attack, +7 to hit, 1d10 + 4 force damage.

– **Cultist Minions:** Summons 2d4 cultists (HP: 9 each, AC: 12) to aid her in battle.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, you must decide whether to confront Seraphine and her cultists directly or attempt to disrupt their ritual from the shadows. The fate of Eldenwood hangs in the balance, and your choices will determine whether the village is saved or plunged into darkness.

As the battle unfolds, the air crackles with magic, and the ground trembles beneath your feet. Will you emerge victorious, or will the dark god Malakar be unleashed upon the world? The adventure awaits, and the choices you make will shape the destiny of Eldoria.