Tier 2 – The Insectile Harbinger of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanted realm of Eldoria, where vibrant forests hum with the whispers of ancient magic and the skies shimmer with the hues of the setting sun, a peculiar event has captured the attention of the local townsfolk. It is said that a mysterious figure has been seen wandering the outskirts of the quaint village of Greenbriar—a figure who is rumored to be a harbinger of doom.

As the party arrives in Greenbriar, they are greeted by nervous glances and hushed conversations. The village elder, a wise but frail woman named Elara, approaches them with urgency in her eyes. “Adventurers! You must help us! A swarm of shadowy insects has been plaguing our village, stealing our crops and haunting our dreams. They seem to be led by a strange entity—a creature clad in a trenchcoat that moves with an unnatural grace. We fear it may be a harbinger of something far worse.”

The party learns that the figure, known only as the Insectile Harbinger, has been seen near the old ruins at the edge of the Whispering Woods. The townsfolk believe that the ruins hold an ancient artifact—the Heart of the Hive—that the Harbinger seeks to control the swarms and unleash chaos upon the land.

### Objective:

The party must investigate the ruins, confront the Insectile Harbinger, and retrieve the Heart of the Hive before it falls into the wrong hands.

### Exploration:

As the party journeys through the Whispering Woods, they are enveloped in a tapestry of sights and sounds. The air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers, while the melodic chirping of crickets and distant rustle of leaves create a symphony of the wild. Occasionally, they may come across swarms of harmless fireflies, illuminating their path and guiding them deeper into the woods.

Upon reaching the ruins, they find moss-covered stones, crumbling pillars, and the remnants of a once-great temple dedicated to a forgotten deity. Strange carvings line the walls, depicting insects in various forms, hinting at a connection between the artifact and the natural world.

### Encounter:

As the party explores, they are ambushed by a swarm of Shadow Insects—small, ethereal creatures that drain the life force of their victims. The insects buzz menacingly, their translucent wings glimmering ominously in the dim light.

**Shadow Insects (x6)**

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 10 (3d6)

– **Speed:** 30 ft., fly 30 ft.

– **Attack:** Bite. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6+1 piercing damage and the target must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take an additional 1d4 necrotic damage.

After defeating the Shadow Insects, the party finds a hidden passage leading deeper into the ruins.

### Boss Encounter:

In the heart of the ruins, the Insectile Harbinger awaits—a tall figure clad in a tattered trenchcoat, its face obscured by a shadowy hood. From beneath the coat, countless insects scuttle and crawl, merging into a swirling mass of wings and legs.

**Insectile Harbinger**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 60 (8d10)

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Attack:** Swarm Attack. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 piercing damage. Additionally, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of their next turn.

– **Special Ability:** Summon Swarm (Recharge 5-6). The Harbinger can summon a swarm of Shadow Insects (as above) to aid it in battle.

### Conclusion:

Upon defeating the Insectile Harbinger, the party discovers the Heart of the Hive—a pulsating crystal that radiates warmth and life. They have the choice to return it to Elara and the village, restoring balance and peace, or to keep it for themselves, wielding its power for their own purposes. Whichever path they choose, the fate of Greenbriar—and perhaps the entire realm—rests in their hands.

As the adventure concludes, the party reflects on their choices and the consequences that may arise, knowing that in Eldoria, magic and mystery are forever intertwined.