Tier 2 – The Heart of the Forest (36)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant world of Eldoria, a land where magic flows like the rivers and fantastical creatures roam the verdant forests, a dense fog blankets the quaint village of Silverwood. Whispers among the townsfolk speak of a powerful artifact, the Heart of the Forest, rumored to be hidden deep within the ancient Whispering Grove. This relic is said to possess the ability to control nature itself, and it has attracted the attention of both benevolent and malevolent forces.
As the adventurers arrive in Silverwood, they are greeted by the anxious eyes of the villagers. A local herbalist, a frail old woman with a knowing glint in her eye, approaches the party. "You must help us!" she pleads, her voice trembling. "The Heart of the Forest is our village's lifeblood. But a dark sorceress, Morwenna, has come to claim it for herself. She has twisted the grove's creatures to her will, and they now attack any who dare enter."
The party learns that the Whispering Grove is guarded by enchanted beasts, once protectors of the forest, now corrupted by Morwenna's dark magic. To reclaim the Heart of the Forest, the adventurers must venture into the grove, navigate its mysterious paths, and face the sorceress herself.
### Adventure Outline:
1. **Exploration of Silverwood:**
– The party can gather information from the villagers, learning about the grove's history and the sorceress's last known whereabouts.
– They might discover clues hidden in the herbalist's shop or even face minor challenges from corrupted creatures in the woods surrounding the village.
2. **Journey to the Whispering Grove:**
– The path to the grove is shrouded in fog and illusions. The adventurers must solve riddles or overcome magical traps that test their wits and teamwork.
– They encounter twisted creatures, such as enchanted wolves or aggressive treants, each battle revealing more about the sorceress's power.
3. **Confrontation with Morwenna:**
– Deep within the grove, the party finds Morwenna, a figure cloaked in shadows, channeling her magic to manipulate the Heart of the Forest.
– **Boss Enemy: Morwenna, Dark Sorceress**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Spells:**
– *Eldritch Blast* (Ranged Attack, +6 to hit, 1d10+4 damage)
– *Hold Person* (1d4 creatures, DC 15 Wisdom save)
– *Summon Corrupted Creature* (Summons a twisted creature to fight alongside her)
– **Abilities:**
– *Shadow Step:* Morwenna can teleport up to 30 feet as a bonus action.
– *Nature's Wrath:* Once per battle, she can unleash a wave of corrupted energy, dealing 3d8 necrotic damage to all creatures within a 15-foot radius (DC 15 Dexterity save for half damage).
4. **Resolution:**
– Upon defeating Morwenna, the party can cleanse the Heart of the Forest, restoring balance to the grove. The enchanted creatures return to their original forms, and the grateful villagers reward the adventurers with unique magical items and the gratitude of Silverwood.
5. **Conclusion:**
– The story can lead to further adventures, whether it be exploring the wider implications of Morwenna's actions or facing other dark forces that threaten Eldoria.
As the adventurers step into the grove, the air thickens with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, the leaves whispering secrets long forgotten. Will they rise to the occasion and protect Silverwood from the encroaching darkness? The fate of the Heart of the Forest lies in their hands.