Tier 2 – The Heart of the Glen
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers that carve through the land, an urgent whisper ripples through the enchanted glades. The village of Mistwood, cloaked in a perpetual twilight, has been plunged into chaos. The once-luminescent trees have dimmed, and the air is thick with an ominous chill. The townsfolk murmur of an ancient artifact known as the Heart of the Glen, said to be the source of the forest's magic, which has been stolen by a malevolent sorcerer named Kalthor the Shadowbinder.
As the players arrive in Mistwood, the scent of damp earth and wildflowers fills the air. They are greeted by Elara, the village elder, whose silver hair glimmers like starlight. Her eyes, filled with worry, dart between the players as she implores them for help. “Please, brave souls! Our forest is dying, and our magic wanes. Kalthor has taken the Heart to his lair, deep within the Cinderspire, a mountain shrouded in dark clouds and treacherous paths. Without it, our realm will fall into darkness.”
The players must venture through the Cinderspire, navigating treacherous terrain and overcoming magical barriers. They face various challenges, from ethereal wisps that lead them astray to animated flora that defends the path. Along the way, they make allies of mystical creatures—talking beasts and treefolk—who provide guidance and a glimpse of the heart’s power.
Upon reaching Kalthor's lair, a towering fortress of obsidian stone, the players find themselves in a chamber filled with swirling shadows and flickering lights, where Kalthor awaits. He is a tall figure, draped in tattered robes, with eyes like burning coals.
**Kalthor the Shadowbinder**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 80
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Spell Attack: +6 to hit, Range: 120 ft, Damage: 3d8 necrotic)
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.
– **Dark Aura:** Creatures within 10 feet of Kalthor must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
The battle is fierce, with Kalthor summoning shadows to fight alongside him. The players must use their skills and wit to outmaneuver him, exploiting the weaknesses in his dark magic. As they defeat Kalthor, the Heart of the Glen, a radiant crystal pulsating with life, emerges from the depths of the shadows.
With the Heart reclaimed, the magic of the forest begins to restore itself. The players return to Mistwood as heroes, greeted with joyous celebration. The vibrant flora flourishes once more, and the villagers express their deepest gratitude, offering gifts of enchanted artifacts and blessings of the land. The tale of their brave deeds will echo through Eldoria, inspiring future generations of adventurers.
In this magical one-shot, the players explore a rich landscape, encounter whimsical creatures, and ultimately confront a dark sorcerer, making choices that impact the fate of Mistwood and its magical heart.