Tier 2 – The Heart of Aeloria (2)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a shadow has begun to creep across the land. The once-bustling town of Willowbrook, known for its lush fields and joyous festivals, now lies shrouded in an unsettling silence. Rumors swirl of a mysterious artifact, the Heart of Aeloria, said to possess the power to heal or destroy, depending on the hands that wield it.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves drawn to the town square, where a gathering of townsfolk whispers anxiously about the recent disappearance of their beloved mayor, Elara. Her absence has left the town vulnerable, and the people fear that dark forces are at play.
The party is approached by a desperate villager named Thom, his eyes wide with worry. “Please, brave adventurers! You must help us find Mayor Elara. She was last seen near the old ruins to the east, where the Heart of Aeloria is said to be hidden. They say a dark sorcerer has taken her, seeking the artifact for his own nefarious purposes!”
As the party sets off towards the ruins, the air thickens with tension. The path winds through dense woods, where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the ground is carpeted with vibrant, bioluminescent flowers that glow softly in the twilight. The atmosphere is charged with magic, and the party can feel the weight of destiny upon them.
Upon reaching the ruins, they discover a crumbling stone structure, overgrown with vines and pulsating with a faint, eerie light. Inside, the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and ancient magic. The party must navigate through traps and illusions, solving puzzles that guard the Heart of Aeloria.
As they delve deeper, they encounter the sorcerer, a figure cloaked in shadows, his eyes glowing with malevolence. He stands before a pedestal, where the Heart of Aeloria pulses rhythmically, casting an otherworldly glow. “Fools! You’ve come to your doom! With the Heart, I will reshape this world!”
**Boss Enemy: Sorcerer Malakar**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as Fireball, Shield, and Hold Person.
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged spell attack, +7 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage.
– **Illusory Duplicate:** Creates a duplicate of himself that distracts the party (DC 15 Wisdom saving throw to discern the real Malakar).
The battle is fierce, with the party needing to work together to overcome Malakar’s dark magic and protect the Heart of Aeloria. As they fight, they must also keep an eye out for Mayor Elara, who may be trapped within the ruins, her fate intertwined with the artifact.
Once the sorcerer is defeated, the Heart of Aeloria can be reclaimed. The party must decide whether to use its power to heal the town or to destroy it, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands again. Their choice will shape the future of Willowbrook and echo throughout Eldoria, leaving a lasting legacy of their adventure.
As the session concludes, the party emerges from the ruins, the dawn breaking behind them, casting light on a new beginning for Willowbrook. The townsfolk await their return, hope rekindled in their hearts, ready to celebrate the heroes who dared to face the darkness.