Tier 2 – The Fog of Glimmerbrook
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where towering spires of crystal and lush, enchanted forests intertwine, a curious event has begun to unfold. The once-bustling town of Glimmerbrook is now shrouded in a mysterious fog, whispered to be the work of a rogue sorcerer known as Malakar the Veiled. His dark magic has ensnared the townsfolk, causing them to vanish into the mist, leaving only echoes of their laughter behind.
As the party ventures into Glimmerbrook, they are greeted by an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of an unseen brook. The streets, once lined with colorful market stalls, are now empty, with the remnants of daily life scattered about—an overturned cart, a half-eaten loaf of bread, and a flickering lantern swinging in the wind.
The party must investigate the source of the fog and the fate of the missing townsfolk. They soon discover that the fog is not merely a natural phenomenon but a magical barrier concealing Malakar’s lair deep within the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to whisper secrets and shadows dance just beyond sight.
**Investigation Component:**
1. **Gathering Clues:** The party can search the abandoned market, where they find a tattered notice board filled with frantic messages from the townsfolk. Among them is a cryptic note hinting at a hidden entrance to Malakar’s domain, marked by the ancient oak tree at the edge of the woods.
2. **Encounters:** As they delve deeper into the Whispering Woods, they may encounter enchanted creatures—some friendly, like the mischievous sprites who offer riddles, and others hostile, like the shadowy wraiths that guard the path to Malakar’s lair.
3. **Environmental Challenges:** The fog itself poses a challenge, obscuring vision and disorienting the party. They must navigate through it carefully, using perception checks to avoid getting lost or ambushed.
**The Final Confrontation:**
Upon reaching Malakar’s lair, an ancient stone structure draped in vines and illuminated by flickering will-o'-the-wisps, the party must face the sorcerer himself. Malakar, cloaked in shadows, wields dark magic and commands the wraiths to protect him.
**Malakar the Veiled:**
– **HP:** 70
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells like *Fog Cloud*, *Shadow Blade*, and *Fear*.
– **Actions:**
– **Shadow Strike:** Melee spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage.
– **Wraith Summon:** Calls forth 1d4 wraiths to aid him in battle.
As the battle unfolds, the party must use their skills and teamwork to overcome Malakar’s dark magic and free the captured townsfolk. Upon defeating him, the fog dissipates, revealing the town in its former glory and the grateful townsfolk who emerge from the shadows, ready to celebrate their heroes.
The session concludes with a festive gathering in Glimmerbrook, where the party is honored with a grand feast and the promise of future adventures in the enchanting world of Eldoria.