Tier 2 – The Hourglass of Eternity

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant city of Eldoria, where towering spires of crystal and granite shimmer under the ever-glowing sky, an urgent call beckons for heroes. The recently unearthed ruins of an ancient temple, dedicated to the long-forgotten goddess of time, are said to harbor secrets that could change the fate of nations. Whispers of a time-warping artifact, the Hourglass of Eternity, have ignited the curiosity and greed of various factions, each intent on wielding its power.

The party begins their journey in the bustling marketplace of Eldoria, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the sound of merchants hawking their wares. Colorful stalls line the streets, brimming with magical trinkets, potions, and enchanted creatures. In the midst of this lively chaos, the party encounters a frantic scholar, Liora, who holds a tattered map leading to the temple. She believes that an organization known as the Cult of the Timeless seeks to harness the artifact for their nefarious purposes.

As Liora explains her fears, the shadows grow long, and a chill sweeps through the market. From the depths of the alley, a figure cloaked in dark robes emerges—an omen of the threat that looms. This harbinger of doom is the cult's assassin, Seraphis, tasked with eliminating anyone who dares pursue the Hourglass. With the sun setting behind him, he draws his blade, shimmering with a magical sheen, and stares menacingly at the party.

### Encounter: Seraphis, Cult Assassin

– **Hit Points:** 75

– **Armor Class:** 16

– **Attack:**

– **Shadow Strike:** +7 to hit, 2d6 + 4 slashing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or become blinded until the end of their next turn.

– **Mist Step (Recharge 5-6):** Teleports 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.

Defeating Seraphis not only reveals the depth of the cult's influence but also provides crucial information about the temple's defenses and the location of other cult members. With newfound determination, the party must venture forth to the temple, where magical traps and guardians await.

### Exploration Component

As the adventurers navigate through the lush, enchanted forest surrounding the temple, they encounter various magical creatures and puzzles designed to test their wit and bravery. A shimmering bridge made of light stretches over an abyss, guarded by the ethereal guardians of the forest, who pose a riddle to proceed. Failure to answer correctly could lead to a battle or a daunting challenge.

Once inside the temple, the atmosphere shifts—echoes of long-lost whispers and the flicker of ghostly lights guide the party deeper into the chambers adorned with intricate carvings. Shadows dance along the walls, bringing to life the history of the goddess that once reigned. Here, the party must navigate a series of time-related puzzles, manipulating time itself to unlock the chamber housing the Hourglass of Eternity.

### Boss Encounter: Cult Leader Varyn

At the end of their journey, the party faces Varyn, the enigmatic leader of the Cult of the Timeless, who has awakened the power of the Hourglass. The room is thick with swirling magical energies, distorting time and space itself.

– **Hit Points:** 100

– **Armor Class:** 17

– **Attack:**

– **Chrono Bolt:** +9 to hit, 3d8 + 5 force damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be slowed (as per the *slow* spell) until the end of their next turn.

– **Time Warp (Recharge 6):** Create a field of distorted time in a 30-foot radius for 1 minute. Enemies within the area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or take 4d6 force damage and be knocked prone.

With each victorious moment against the cult, the adventurers unravel the deeper implications of wielding such power, challenging their understanding of fate and consequence. Will they restore the Hourglass to its rightful place, or will it fall into the hands of those who would use it for destruction?

As the sun sets over Eldoria, the party stands at the brink of destiny, faced with choices that may echo through time itself. The adventure is set; will they rise to the challenge?