Tier 2 – The Groom of Shadows
**Tier 2 play**
The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the quaint village of Eldergrove, where the air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers and freshly baked bread. The townsfolk bustle about, their laughter and chatter creating a lively atmosphere. However, a sense of unease lingers beneath the surface, as whispers of dark happenings have begun to circulate.
As your party arrives, you are drawn to the grand stone church at the center of the village. Its towering spires reach for the heavens, adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings. Today, the church is abuzz with activity, as a wedding ceremony is set to take place. But as you approach, a strange energy crackles in the air, and a chill runs down your spine.
Suddenly, the doors swing open, and you find yourself face-to-face with a scene that turns your heart to ice. A figure in a flowing white gown stands at the altar, radiant yet eerily still. The groom, a tall man with an unsettling smile, stands beside her, his eyes glinting with something sinister. You hear the priest begin the ceremonial words, but before he can finish, you burst through the doors, shouting, "I OBJECT!"
The room falls silent, and all eyes turn to you. But as the words leave your lips, a wave of dark energy surges through the church. The deceased, who was meant to be laid to rest in the crypt below, suddenly rises from the casket, looking as if he has just awakened from a deep slumber. His eyes glow with an unnatural light, and a wicked grin spreads across his face.
The villagers gasp, and chaos erupts as the undead figure begins to advance toward you. The groom's smile widens, revealing sharp teeth, and he steps forward, clearly reveling in the chaos.
**Boss Enemy: The Groom of Shadows**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Blade: +7 to hit, 2d10+4 necrotic damage
– **Special Ability:** Necrotic Embrace – Once per encounter, the Groom can summon 1d4 undead minions from the shadows to aid him in battle.
As the villagers flee in panic, you must navigate the chaos and confront the Groom of Shadows. The church is filled with pews, altars, and stained glass windows that cast colorful patterns on the stone floor, providing both cover and obstacles.
To defeat the Groom, your party will need to work together, utilizing both strategy and creativity. Perhaps one of you can distract him while others attempt to subdue the undead. Or maybe a clever spell can turn the tide of battle.
As you fight, the stakes grow higher. Will you save the bride from a fate worse than death? Can you unravel the dark magic that has corrupted this sacred space? The fate of Eldergrove hangs in the balance, and only you can stop the Groom of Shadows from claiming more souls for his dark master.
The clock is ticking, and the wedding bells are about to toll. Will you emerge victorious, or will the shadows claim you as their own?