Tier 2 – The Haunting Melody of Glimmerdale
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the air like the sweet scent of blooming flowers, a peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of the local populace. The once-bustling town of Glimmerdale, known for its enchanting festivals and lively markets, has fallen under a pall of shadow. Rumors swirl of a mysterious figure haunting the outskirts, a being who bears an uncanny resemblance to the legendary bard, Elton the Enchanter, who was said to have vanished decades ago.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, the townsfolk gather in hushed tones at the local tavern, The Silver Lyre. Here, they speak of strange music echoing through the woods, luring children and adventurers alike into the depths of the forest. Your party, intrigued by the tales and hoping to uncover the truth, decides to investigate the source of this haunting melody.
Upon entering the forest, the air thickens with magic, and the trees seem to sway in rhythm with an unseen tune. The path ahead is illuminated by bioluminescent flowers, their glow pulsating in time with the music. As you delve deeper, the melody grows louder, leading you to a clearing where a grand, ancient tree stands, its bark shimmering with ethereal light.
At the base of the tree, you find the source of the music—a spectral figure resembling Elton the Enchanter, dressed in flamboyant attire, strumming a lute that glows with arcane energy. However, something is amiss. The figure's eyes are clouded with sorrow, and as you approach, it reveals itself to be a spirit trapped between worlds, cursed to play the same haunting melody until a powerful artifact, the Lute of Lost Harmonies, is recovered.
The spirit implores your party for help. "To break this curse, you must defeat the Shadow Conductor, a malevolent entity that seeks to harness the Lute's power for its own dark purposes. It lurks nearby, hidden within the shadows of the forest. Only by confronting it can you free me and restore the music to Glimmerdale."
### Encounter: The Shadow Conductor
**Boss Enemy Stats:**
– **Name:** Shadow Conductor
– **Type:** Undead
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 70 (10d10 + 20)
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Strength:** 14 (+2)
– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)
– **Constitution:** 15 (+2)
– **Intelligence:** 12 (+1)
– **Wisdom:** 10 (+0)
– **Charisma:** 18 (+4)
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Shadow Conductor makes two attacks with its Shadowy Lute.
– **Shadowy Lute:** Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.
– **Melodic Whispers (Recharge 5-6):** The Shadow Conductor unleashes a wave of haunting music. Each creature within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.
As your party prepares to confront the Shadow Conductor, the air crackles with tension, and the melody shifts to a discordant tune, signaling the impending battle. Will you be able to defeat this dark entity, recover the Lute of Lost Harmonies, and free the spirit of Elton the Enchanter? The fate of Glimmerdale hangs in the balance, and the music of the realm awaits your courage and skill.