Tier 2 – The Heart of the Forest (38)

**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 caught the attention of the local townsfolk. The once-peaceful village of Willowbrook, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Rumors swirl of a shadowy figure lurking in the forest, and whispers of an ancient artifact, the Heart of the Forest, have begun to surface.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the village, the party finds themselves gathered in the bustling tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter, but the mood is somber. An elderly woman, her eyes filled with worry, approaches the party. “Please, brave adventurers,” she implores, “my granddaughter, Elara, has gone missing! She was last seen near the edge of the Whispering Woods. They say a dark sorcerer has returned, seeking the Heart of the Forest to unleash chaos upon our land.”

The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the air crackles with magic. As they navigate the twisting paths, they encounter strange creatures—glowing fae, mischievous sprites, and even a wise old treant who offers cryptic advice. The deeper they go, the more they feel the presence of the dark sorcerer, whose name is whispered among the trees: Malakar.

**Exploration Component:**

The party must gather clues about Elara’s whereabouts. They can investigate the following locations:

1. **The Glade of Echoes:** A serene clearing where the party can hear echoes of past events. A successful Wisdom (Perception) check reveals a vision of Elara being taken by Malakar’s minions.

2. **The Crystal Pool:** A shimmering pool that reflects not only the physical but also the emotional state of those who gaze into it. A successful Intelligence (Arcana) check allows the party to discern the sorcerer's intentions and the location of his lair.

3. **The Hollow Tree:** A massive tree with a hollow trunk that serves as a hideout for a group of friendly forest spirits. If the party helps them with a small task (like gathering lost trinkets), they will share vital information about Malakar’s defenses.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party approaches Malakar’s lair, they are ambushed by his minions—shadowy wraiths that drain the light from their surroundings. The wraiths are swift and cunning, using the shadows to their advantage.

**Wraith Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 45 (6d8 + 18)

– **Speed:** 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or have its maximum hit points reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken until it finishes a long rest.

**Boss Encounter:**

Upon defeating the wraiths, the party finally confronts Malakar in his lair, a dark cavern filled with pulsating shadows and the faint glow of the Heart of the Forest, which he has corrupted.

**Malakar Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85 (10d10 + 30)

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Spellcasting:** Malakar is a 7th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following spells prepared:

– Cantrips: *Chill Touch, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion*

– 1st level (4 slots): *Magic Missile, Shield*

– 2nd level (3 slots): *Misty Step, Hold Person*

– 3rd level (3 slots): *Counterspell, Fear*

– 4th level (3 slots): *Greater Invisibility, Blight*

As the battle rages, the party must use their wits and teamwork to overcome Malakar’s dark magic and save Elara. If they succeed, the Heart of the Forest will be restored, and peace will return to Willowbrook. The villagers will celebrate their bravery, and the party will leave with newfound fame and perhaps a few magical trinkets as tokens of gratitude.

Will the party uncover the truth behind the disappearances and defeat the dark sorcerer? The fate of Willowbrook lies in their hands!