Tier 2 – The Heart of Shadows (5)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark shadow looms over the town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk have been gripped by fear as a series of mysterious disappearances plague the village. Whispers of an ancient artifact, the Heart of Shadows, have surfaced, believed to be hidden deep within the enchanted Whispering Woods. This artifact is said to grant immense power to its wielder, but it comes at a terrible cost.

As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by the anxious faces of the villagers. A frantic elder, Maelis, approaches the adventurers, her voice trembling. "Please, brave souls! Our children have gone missing! They ventured into the Whispering Woods, drawn by a strange melody that beckons them deeper into the forest. We fear they may have encountered the Dark Harbinger, a malevolent spirit who seeks to claim the Heart of Shadows for himself."

The party must decide whether to investigate the woods immediately or gather more information from the townsfolk. As they explore Eldenwood, they can uncover clues about the Dark Harbinger’s past and the nature of the Heart of Shadows. The villagers speak of a once-great wizard, Eurichalsus, who fell from grace after attempting to harness the artifact’s power. His spirit is said to linger in the woods, tormented by his hubris.

Once the party is ready, they venture into the Whispering Woods, where the air is thick with magic and the trees seem to whisper secrets. As they delve deeper, they encounter various magical creatures, some friendly and others hostile, including mischievous sprites and shadowy wolves. The party must navigate through illusions and traps set by the Dark Harbinger, who seeks to protect the Heart of Shadows at all costs.

**Encounter: The Dark Harbinger**

As the adventurers reach a clearing, they find the Dark Harbinger—a towering, shadowy figure with glowing red eyes and a voice that echoes like thunder. He wields the power of darkness and can manipulate shadows to confuse and ensnare his foes.

**Basic Stats:**

– **Name:** Dark Harbinger

– **Type:** Undead Spirit

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 70

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Strike:** +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage.

– **Darkness Aura:** All creatures within 10 ft. must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 ft. to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.

As the party battles the Dark Harbinger, they must also contend with the enchanted melody that fills the air, which can either bolster their resolve or confuse their minds. The adventurers will need to use their wits and teamwork to defeat the Harbinger and rescue the missing children, who are entranced by the Heart of Shadows.

Upon defeating the Dark Harbinger, the party can choose to destroy the Heart of Shadows, freeing the spirits trapped within, or claim it for themselves, risking the same fate as Eurichalsus. Their choice will have lasting consequences, shaping the fate of Eldoria and its magic for generations to come.

The one-shot concludes as the party emerges from the woods, forever changed by their encounter with the darkness, and the villagers of Eldenwood celebrate their bravery, offering them a place in their hearts and a promise of adventure that awaits in the realms beyond.