Tier 2 – The Eldritch Harbinger of Solestara
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where mystical energies weave through every element of nature, a newfound tension spans the land. The harmonious tunes of the lunar symphony that once filled the air have been silenced, replaced by a low, unsettling hum – the harbinger of chaos. As the moon wanes, dark clouds gather over the quaint village of Solestara, where townsfolk whisper of a looming malevolence surrounding their sacred Moonstone Grove.
The party is summoned to investigate strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock disappearing without a trace, and the appearance of eerily twisted vines edging toward the settlement. Villagers speak of a dark figure seen lurking in the shadows, their eyes flickering like embers in the night. They claim that it bears an otherworldly aura, exuding an unsettling charm that puts unwitting souls under its thrall.
Arriving in Solestara, the players are greeted by the anxious mayor, a stout half-elf named Elowen. She shares a crucial piece of lore: the Moonstone Grove stands as the heart of the village, a sanctuary where ethereal creatures and nature's spirits once thrived, drawing on the lunar energy of the moon. However, this sanctuary has recently been corrupted by a figure dubbed the "Eldritch Harbinger."
### Objectives:
1. **Investigation**: Speak with villagers, gather clues, and piece together the full story behind the Eldritch Harbinger. Possible investigation areas include:
– The old oak tree at the edge of the village, known for its whispered legends.
– The local tavern, where weary travelers may hold secrets from beyond the borders.
– The herbalist’s shop, where potions could offer insights or amplify dangers.
2. **Exploration**: Journey to the Moonstone Grove. Here, the twisted vines stretch ominously, and the once-luminous stones now resonate with a sinister energy. Players must navigate through various terrain obstacles, dodging sharp, thorny vines, and dealing with the remnants of woodland creatures warped by the dark energy.
3. **Confrontation**: The party will eventually face the Eldritch Harbinger, revealed to be a being once tied to the grove, corrupted by cosmic forces. The boss creature appears as a mass of swirling shadows, its constantly shifting form reminiscent of both compassion and dread.
### Boss Stats: Eldritch Harbinger
– **AC**: 15
– **Hit Points**: 70
– **Speed**: 30 ft.
– **Abilities**:
– **Shadow Stride**: Can teleport to an unoccupied space within 30 ft. as a bonus action.
– **Eldritch Lash**: *Melee Attack*: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) psychic damage.
– **Warping Whispers**: Each creature within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of its next turn.
### Resolution:
As players confront and confront corrupt nature, they must choose to destroy or redeem the Harbinger, understanding its connection to both the grove and the flow of magic in Eldoria. Depending on their choices, the village may either flourish under the moon's influence once more, or fall deeper into despair—a foreshadowing of darker days ahead.
With every sensory detail in mind—from the rustling leaves underfoot to the haunting echoes of the eldritch being's voice—the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure that melds mystery, exploration, and high-stakes combat in a world teeming with magic and wonder. Players will need both wit and bravery to unravel the truth hidden within the shadows of the Moonstone Grove.