Tier 2 – The Guardian of Thistledown
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the lush, vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, nestled between emerald hills and sparkling rivers, lies the quaint village of Thistledown. For generations, this peaceful settlement has thrived under the watchful gaze of a magnificent dragon named Zephyra. With shimmering emerald scales that catch the sunlight and majestic wings that can blanket the sky, Zephyra has long been a guardian to the villagers, warding off dangers from the wilds and ensuring prosperity.
However, tranquility shatters as a contingent of knights, clad in gleaming armor and bearing banners of a distant kingdom, rides into Thistledown. Their intentions are clear: they seek to slay Zephyra, whom they deem a threat. Whispers of greed and glory fill the air, as tales of the dragon’s hoard—glistening with ancient treasures—spread among the knights like wildfire. The villagers, torn between their loyalty to their protector and the fear of the knights, plead for help.
As adventurers, your party is called upon to mediate this escalating conflict. You arrive just as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The scent of baked bread wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods. Villagers gather, their faces etched with worry, as they recount tales of Zephyra’s benevolence.
Your quest begins with an investigation. Speak with the villagers to gather information about Zephyra’s recent behavior and the knights’ intentions. As you delve deeper, you uncover that the dragon has been acting strangely, retreating to her lair more often and hoarding her treasures tighter than usual. Is something amiss? Could she be protecting something beyond mere gold?
Meanwhile, the knights, led by the zealous Sir Cedric, are preparing to confront the dragon. You must find a way to broker peace, whether through diplomacy or by uncovering the truth behind Zephyra’s actions. Perhaps there is a hidden threat in the woods that even the dragon fears—a dark sorcerer seeking to harness her power for his own nefarious purposes.
As the sun rises on the day of confrontation, your party must decide: will you confront the knights and plead for Zephyra’s life, or will you venture into the depths of the forest to uncover the truth?
### Encounter: Sir Cedric and the Knights
**Sir Cedric, Knight Commander**
– **Armor Class:** 18 (plate armor)
– **Hit Points:** 65 (10d10 + 10)
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Attack:** Longsword +7 to hit, 1d8 + 4 slashing damage
– **Abilities:**
– **Divine Smite:** Once per turn, Sir Cedric can expend a spell slot to deal an extra 2d8 radiant damage on a hit.
– **Inspiring Leadership:** As a bonus action, he can grant up to 6 allies within 30 feet temporary hit points equal to 1d4 + his Charisma modifier.
### Conclusion
The fate of Zephyra and the village hangs in the balance. Will your party unite the knights and the dragon against the true threat, or will the greed for treasure lead to ruin? With the fate of Thistledown resting on your shoulders, the choices you make will echo through the ages. Prepare for a session filled with intrigue, exploration, and the thrill of high fantasy adventure!