Tier 2 – The Heart of Verdance (3)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the air hums with the whispers of ancient spells, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local guilds. The once-bustling town of Eldenwood has fallen under a shadow, as its crops wither and the townsfolk grow restless. Rumors swirl of a powerful artifact, the Heart of Verdance, hidden deep within the Enchanted Grove, said to be the source of the town's prosperity. However, it has been stolen by a malevolent entity known as the Blight Wraith, a creature born from the very decay it spreads.
### Adventure Hook
The party finds themselves in Eldenwood, where they are approached by the desperate mayor, a stout dwarf named Thrain. He pleads for their help, offering a handsome reward of 500 gold pieces and the promise of a rare magical item from the town's vault. The townsfolk are suffering, and time is of the essence. The Blight Wraith must be confronted before it can unleash its full power upon the land.
### Exploration Component
The Enchanted Grove is a mystical forest filled with bioluminescent flora and fauna. As the party ventures deeper, they encounter various magical creatures, both friendly and hostile. They may come across:
– **Whispering Willows**: Trees that share secrets of the forest. If the party listens closely, they can learn about the Wraith's weaknesses.
– **Pixie Guardians**: Mischievous but helpful, these tiny fey can provide guidance or mislead the party, depending on how they are treated.
– **The Crystal Stream**: A shimmering waterway that can heal minor wounds or grant temporary enhancements if the party takes a moment to rest and commune with nature.
### Investigation Component
As they explore, the party can gather clues about the Blight Wraith's whereabouts. They might find:
– **A Corrupted Totem**: A once-sacred object now tainted by the Wraith's magic. Investigating it reveals the Wraith's connection to the Heart of Verdance.
– **Torn Pages from a Druid's Journal**: These pages detail the Wraith's origins and its vulnerability to pure nature magic.
### Confrontation with the Blight Wraith
After gathering enough information, the party tracks the Blight Wraith to its lair, a darkened glade where the Heart of Verdance pulsates with a sickly green light. The Wraith, a swirling mass of shadow and decay, looms before them, its eyes glowing with malice.
**Blight Wraith Stats:**
– **Armor Class**: 15
– **Hit Points**: 85
– **Speed**: 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
– **Attack**: Shadow Strike (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.)
– **Special Ability**: **Decay Aura**: Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Wraith takes 5 (1d10) necrotic damage.
### Conclusion
Upon defeating the Blight Wraith, the Heart of Verdance is restored to its rightful place, and the town of Eldenwood begins to heal. The grateful townsfolk celebrate the party as heroes, and the mayor presents them with their promised rewards. However, whispers of other disturbances in the realm linger in the air, hinting at further adventures to come.
This one-shot offers a blend of exploration, investigation, and combat, allowing players to engage with the world of Eldoria in a meaningful way while facing a formidable foe.