Tier 2 – The Heart of the Forest (35)

**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 peculiar disturbance has arisen in the quaint village of Eldenwood. The once-peaceful hamlet, nestled between the Whispering Pines and the Crystal Lake, is now shrouded in an unsettling aura. The townsfolk whisper of strange occurrences: livestock disappearing, eerie lights flickering in the woods at night, and a chilling wind that carries the scent of burnt herbs.

Your party finds themselves drawn to Eldenwood, lured by tales of a powerful artifact rumored to be hidden within the ancient ruins of the Elden Temple, located deep within the forest. This artifact, known as the Heart of the Forest, is said to grant its wielder the ability to control nature itself. However, it has attracted the attention of a nefarious group known as the Shadow Cult, who seek to harness its power for dark purposes.

As the sun sets, casting long shadows through the trees, your party arrives at the village square. The air is thick with tension, and the villagers, their faces pale with fear, gather around a flickering bonfire. An elder approaches, her voice trembling as she recounts the recent events. "The Shadow Cult has been seen near the ruins, performing dark rituals. We fear they will awaken something ancient and malevolent."

Your quest is clear: investigate the Elden Temple, uncover the truth behind the Shadow Cult, and retrieve the Heart of the Forest before it falls into the wrong hands. The journey will lead you through enchanted glades, across treacherous ravines, and into the heart of the forest where the ruins lie.

**Exploration Component:**

As your party navigates the forest, they encounter various magical phenomena: glowing mushrooms that illuminate the path, mischievous fae that play tricks, and ancient trees that seem to whisper secrets. Each encounter can provide clues about the Shadow Cult's activities or lead to hidden treasures.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Deep within the ruins, the party confronts the leader of the Shadow Cult, a dark sorceress named Selene Nightshade. She wields powerful magic and commands a group of shadowy minions.

**Selene Nightshade Stats:**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as *Darkness*, *Ray of Enfeeblement*, and *Hold Person*.

– **Minions:** 3 Shadow Cultists (HP: 30 each, AC: 12, melee attack: +5 to hit, 1d8+2 damage).

As the battle ensues, Selene attempts to use the Heart of the Forest to summon dark creatures from the shadows, creating a sense of urgency for the party to defeat her before she can complete her ritual.

**Conclusion:**

If the party succeeds in defeating Selene and retrieving the Heart of the Forest, they will have the choice to either return it to the villagers for safekeeping or use its power to protect the realm from future threats. The villagers will celebrate their heroes, and the forest will once again be at peace, but the echoes of the Shadow Cult's ambitions will linger, hinting at future adventures to come.