Tier 2 – The Heart of Decay

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the mystical realm of Eldoria, where shimmering rivers weave through ancient forests and the air thrums with arcane energy, a dark shadow looms over the village of Willowbend. Once a vibrant community known for its enchanting festivals and lush gardens, it now stands eerily silent, its inhabitants gripped by a creeping dread. Whispers of a malevolent force have spread like wildfire, drawing the attention of brave adventurers seeking to uncover the truth.

The party finds themselves summoned by the village elder, a frail but wise figure named Elowen. She recounts the tale of a cursed artifact known as the Heart of Decay, a relic that has been unearthed from the depths of the nearby Verdant Hollow. This artifact, said to be a remnant of an ancient necromancer, has begun to corrupt the land, causing crops to wither and the very essence of life to drain from the village. The once vibrant flora now exudes a sickly, gray hue, and the villagers have begun to fall ill, their spirits dimmed.

As the adventurers gather in the village square, they can feel the weight of the villagers' despair pressing down upon them. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and a chilling wind rustles through the trees, carrying with it the distant echoes of sorrowful wails. Elowen implores the party to venture into the Verdant Hollow, where the Heart of Decay is believed to be hidden. She warns them of the undead creatures that now roam the forest, twisted remnants of those who once thrived in the vibrant land.

The journey into the Verdant Hollow is fraught with danger. As the party navigates through the dense underbrush, they encounter animated skeletons and ghastly wraiths, remnants of the necromancer's dark magic. The forest is alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant moans, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease. The adventurers must rely on their wits and skills to survive the onslaught of these undead foes.

**Encounter: The Guardian of the Heart of Decay**

At the heart of the Verdant Hollow, the party discovers a clearing shrouded in mist. In the center lies an ancient stone altar, upon which the Heart of Decay pulses with a sickly green light. Guarding it is the boss enemy: **Rotting Wraith**, a powerful undead entity that embodies the essence of decay.

**Rotting Wraith Stats:**

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Attack:** Necrotic Touch (Melee Attack: +7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Aura of Decay – Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Rotting Wraith takes 5 necrotic damage.

– **Legendary Actions:** The Rotting Wraith can take one legendary action to move up to half its speed or make one attack.

As the adventurers confront the Rotting Wraith, they must strategize and work together to overcome this formidable foe. The battle is fierce, with the wraith using its necrotic powers to sap the strength of the party. However, if they can defeat the wraith and destroy the Heart of Decay, they will not only save Willowbend but also restore balance to the land.

Once the Heart is destroyed, a wave of rejuvenating energy sweeps through the forest, banishing the undead and revitalizing the land. The villagers will celebrate the adventurers as heroes, their spirits lifted once more. As the sun sets over Willowbend, the party can reflect on their victory, knowing they have made a lasting impact on this enchanted realm.