Tier 2 – The Drones of Eldenwood
**Tier 2 play**
In the mystical realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a peculiar phenomenon has gripped the village of Eldenwood. Nestled near the ancient military stronghold of Fort Draken, the villagers have reported strange aerial vehicles—drones—hovering ominously above their homes. These mechanical wonders, glimmering with an otherworldly light, have sparked fear and curiosity among the townsfolk.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the quaint thatched roofs, the party finds themselves drawn to the village square, where anxious whispers fill the air. The village elder, a wise woman named Elara, stands before a gathering of concerned citizens. Her silver hair glimmers like starlight, and her voice trembles with urgency.
“Brave adventurers,” she implores, “we need your help. These drones are not mere machines; they are harbingers of something dark. They’ve been appearing nightly, and last week, one of our own vanished without a trace. We believe they are connected to an ancient artifact hidden within the ruins of the old temple, deep in the Whispering Woods.”
The party must embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the drones and their connection to the mysterious disappearance. As they venture into the Whispering Woods, the air thickens with magic, and the trees seem to whisper secrets of old. The path is fraught with challenges, from enchanted creatures to treacherous terrain.
Upon reaching the temple ruins, the party discovers a hidden chamber, illuminated by the soft glow of magical crystals. In the center lies the artifact—a shimmering orb pulsating with energy. However, as they approach, the ground trembles, and a menacing figure emerges from the shadows.
**Boss Enemy: The Arcane Warden**
– **Type:** Construct
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Multiattack:** The Arcane Warden makes two melee attacks.
– **Arcane Blast (Recharge 5-6):** Ranged spell attack, +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (4d8) force damage.
– **Shielding Aura:** Allies within 10 ft. gain +2 to AC.
The Warden, a guardian of the artifact, believes the party seeks to misuse its power. A fierce battle ensues, with the party needing to strategize and use their abilities wisely to overcome this formidable foe.
Upon defeating the Arcane Warden, the party can investigate the orb, discovering that it is a beacon, drawing the drones to the village. They must decide whether to destroy the artifact, risking the wrath of the ancient magic, or to harness its power to protect Eldenwood from future threats.
As they return to the village, the sky clears, and the drones vanish, leaving behind a sense of peace. The villagers celebrate their heroes, but the party knows that in a world of high magic and mystery, new adventures await just beyond the horizon.