Tier 2 – The Floodbringer’s Curse
**Tier 2 play**
In the verdant kingdom of Eldoria, where the rivers flow like shimmering silver and the forests hum with the magic of ancient trees, a dark omen has cast its shadow. The once-bountiful village of Willowbend, nestled at the edge of the Eldorian Woods, is facing an unprecedented threat. A mysterious entity known as the Floodbringer has emerged, stirring the waters of the Great River and summoning torrential rains that threaten to engulf the village.
The party arrives in Willowbend, greeted by frantic villagers who plead for aid. The normally cheerful streets are drenched in worry, with children clutching their toys as fathers and mothers huddle together, discussing the rising waters. As the sun dips below the horizon, an eerie fog rolls in over the village, carrying whispers of despair. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant rumble of thunder.
In the heart of Willowbend, an old druid named Elowen stands by a faded map, her fingers trembling as she traces the outlines of the river’s flow. “The Floodbringer seeks to drown us all,” she explains, her voice quavering with urgency. “We must find the source of its power before it’s too late! I suspect it lies within the Shrine of Tides, an ancient temple rumored to be hidden within the depths of the Eldorian Woods.”
The players are tasked with embarking on a journey to locate the Shrine of Tides. Their path will be fraught with challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain, dealing with the unstable weather, and confronting creatures that have been twisted by the Floodbringer’s influence.
### Exploration Component
As the party delves into the Eldorian Woods, they must overcome various obstacles:
– **Enchanted Marshes:** Thick fog obscures visibility and sinking patches of quicksand threaten to trap unwary adventurers.
– **Cursed Beasts:** Corrupted wildlife, such as waterlogged wolves and vengeful dryads, attack the party in defense of their territory.
### Investigation Component
In their quest, the party can gather clues from the environment:
– **Ancient Ruins:** Crumbling structures hint at the history of the Shrine, where murals depict the Floodbringer’s rise to power.
– **Friendly Spirits:** A will-o’-the-wisp named Lirael can guide them if they manage to earn her trust, leading them to a hidden entrance.
### The Boss Enemy: The Floodbringer
Once the party reaches the Shrine, they encounter the Floodbringer, a massive water elemental infused with dark energies.
**Floodbringer Stats:**
– **Type:** Elemental (AC: 15, HP: 100)
– **Attacks:**
– **Watersurge:** Melee Attack – +6 to hit, 2d10 + 3 bludgeoning damage.
– **Drowning Wave:** Area Attack (15 ft radius) – Deals 4d6 damage; players must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
– **Special Ability:** **Flood of Terror** – Once per encounter, the Floodbringer can summon a wave that causes all players to roll a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they are frightened for 1 minute.
As the party faces this elemental menace, they must utilize their wits, skills, and teamwork to overcome the Floodbringer. Only by defeating this creature can they restore peace to Willowbend and save the village from certain doom.
Will the heroes find the strength to stand against the tide, or will they be swept away in a flood of despair? The fate of Willowbend rests in their hands.