Tier 2 – The Mystery of Eldergrove

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where the sun-drenched hills cradle ancient secrets and the air is thick with the scent of blooming nightshade, a peculiar mystery has captured the attention of the local townsfolk. The once-vibrant village of Eldergrove, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, has been shrouded in an unsettling gloom since the untimely demise of its beloved elder, Villa Legend.

Rumors swirl like autumn leaves caught in a tempest, whispering tales of a cursed relic that may have played a role in his tragic fall. The villagers, desperate for answers, have turned to you, a band of intrepid adventurers, to uncover the truth behind this dark cloud that looms over their home.

As you arrive in Eldergrove, the sun sinks low, casting long shadows that dance upon cobblestone streets. The air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and the distant sound of a mourning flute. Villagers gather in hushed groups, their eyes filled with worry and suspicion. You learn that Villa had recently acquired an ancient artifact from a traveling merchant—a shimmering amulet said to hold the power of foresight. The night of his death, he hosted a gathering of friends, celebrating the amulet's arrival, but by dawn, he was found lifeless at the foot of the stairs, the amulet missing.

Your investigation leads you to the heart of Eldergrove, where the tavern, The Gilded Griffin, buzzes with whispers of the past. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Borin, recounts the events of that fateful night. He mentions a shadowy figure seen slipping away just before the accident—a cloaked individual with an aura of malevolence.

As you delve deeper, you uncover a series of clues hidden in the tavern's cellar: a torn piece of fabric caught on a nail, a faint trail of shimmering dust leading into the woods, and a cryptic note hinting at a gathering of dark forces seeking the amulet for their own nefarious purposes.

Your journey takes you into the depths of the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to whisper secrets of their own. The air grows cooler, and the path becomes twisted and treacherous. Here, you encounter the first of your challenges: a band of enchanted wolves, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light, guarding the entrance to a hidden glade.

**Enemy Stats: Enchanted Wolves**

– HP: 30 each

– AC: 13

– Attack: Bite (+5 to hit, 1d8+3 piercing damage)

– Special Ability: Pack Tactics (advantage on attack rolls if an ally is within 5 feet of the target)

Once you defeat the wolves, you find yourself in a clearing illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight. At the center stands a stone altar, where the missing amulet pulsates with a dark energy. But you are not alone. The cloaked figure, revealed to be a sorcerer named Malakar, stands before you, intent on claiming the amulet for himself.

**Boss Enemy Stats: Malakar the Shadowbinder**

– HP: 70

– AC: 15

– Attack: Shadow Bolt (+6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)

– Special Ability: Dark Veil (once per encounter, can become invisible for one turn)

As the confrontation unfolds, the fate of Eldergrove hangs in the balance. Will you uncover the truth behind Villa Legend's death and restore peace to the village, or will the shadows of Malakar consume the light of Eldoria? The choice is yours, brave adventurers.