Tier 2 – The Legend of Kael the Lava-Born

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the land. The once-peaceful village of Ember Hollow, nestled at the foot of the fiery Mount Pyros, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Villagers whisper of a shadowy figure seen lurking near the lava flows, and the air is thick with fear and uncertainty.

As the party arrives in Ember Hollow, the sun hangs low in the sky, casting an orange glow that dances off the cobblestone streets. The scent of charred wood and sulfur fills the air, a reminder of the nearby volcano's restless nature. The villagers, weary and anxious, gather in the town square, their eyes filled with desperation. They plead for help, recounting tales of a fearsome figure—a human warrior who has taken to battling Pokémon without any of his own, relying solely on his raw strength and cunning.

This warrior, known as Kael the Lava-Born, has become a local legend, feared for his ability to harness the molten power of the volcano. He bathes in lava to gain strength, and his skin bears the marks of his fiery trials. The villagers believe he is responsible for the disappearances, capturing those who dare to challenge him in combat.

The party must investigate the truth behind Kael's actions. They can gather clues from the villagers, explore the surrounding areas, and perhaps even venture into the treacherous caverns beneath Mount Pyros, where the heat is intense and the air thick with magic. As they delve deeper, they may encounter remnants of Kael's battles—scorched earth, remnants of Pokémon battles, and perhaps even the echoes of those who have gone missing.

**Encounter: Kael the Lava-Born**

As the party confronts Kael, they find him standing at the edge of a bubbling lava pool, his body radiating heat and energy. He is a formidable foe, driven by a desire to prove his worth in a world that has cast him aside.

**Kael the Lava-Born Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 18 (+4)

– **Dexterity:** 14 (+2)

– **Constitution:** 16 (+3)

– **Intelligence:** 10 (+0)

– **Wisdom:** 12 (+1)

– **Charisma:** 8 (-1)

**Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** Kael makes two melee attacks.

– **Lava Strike:** Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 4) fire damage.

– **Molten Shield (Recharge 5-6):** Kael surrounds himself with a shield of lava, gaining temporary hit points equal to 1d10 + 10 and dealing 5 (1d10) fire damage to any creature that hits him with a melee attack.

As the battle unfolds, the party must not only defeat Kael but also uncover the truth behind his actions. Is he truly the villain the villagers believe him to be, or is there a deeper story of survival and desperation? The outcome of this encounter will shape the fate of Ember Hollow and reveal the true nature of heroism in a world where magic and might collide.

Will the party emerge victorious, or will they fall to the fiery wrath of Kael the Lava-Born? The choice is theirs, and the adventure awaits!