Tier 2 – The Quest for the Healer in Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and fantastical creatures roam the lands, an urgent call for heroes echoes through the bustling town of Verenthia. The townsfolk are abuzz with whispers of a dire situation involving their beloved bard, Max George, the renowned singer of the famed group, The Wanted. A recent scan has revealed a critical heart condition that requires immediate surgery, and the only skilled healer capable of performing the operation is rumored to be trapped in the haunted ruins of Eldrath Keep.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, you gather at the local tavern, The Silver Lute, where the air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of merry laughter. A notice hangs on the wall, hastily written and adorned with a crude drawing of Max, pleading for help. The townsfolk offer a bounty for the safe return of the healer, and the atmosphere is charged with a sense of urgency.

Your adventure begins as you step outside the tavern, the cool evening breeze brushing against your skin. The path to Eldrath Keep is fraught with danger, winding through the Whispering Woods, where shadows dance and creatures of the night lurk. As you traverse the forest, the trees seem to close in around you, their gnarled branches twisting like skeletal fingers. Eerie sounds echo through the underbrush, and the faint glow of will-o'-the-wisps beckons you deeper into the woods.

Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes draws your attention. Emerging from the thicket is a band of mischievous fey creatures, their eyes glinting with mischief. They demand a riddle be solved in exchange for safe passage. If you fail, they’ll lead you astray, forcing you to navigate the woods longer than necessary.

Upon successfully convincing the fey, you continue your journey, eventually reaching the crumbling stone walls of Eldrath Keep. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, and a chill runs down your spine as you step inside. The keep is dark and foreboding, with shadows flickering against the walls from the light of your torches.

As you explore the ancient halls, you discover remnants of a once-great civilization: faded murals depicting battles, decaying furniture, and the echo of long-lost voices. However, your search is interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps. From the depths of the keep emerges the boss enemy: a spectral knight, once a guardian of the ruins, now cursed to defend the secrets of Eldrath.

**Boss Enemy: Spectral Knight**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Longsword (melee): +5 to hit, 2d8 + 3 slashing damage

– **Special Ability:** Ethereal Step – The Spectral Knight can phase through walls and reappear up to 30 feet away, making it difficult to pin down.

To defeat the knight, you must weaken its resolve by uncovering the tragic history of its curse, which can be done through exploration and finding hidden scrolls scattered throughout the keep. As you piece together the knight's past, your party must also fend off spectral minions that rise to defend their master.

Once the knight is defeated, you will find the healer imprisoned in a hidden chamber, surrounded by ancient wards. After a tense negotiation, the healer agrees to return to Verenthia, but not before imparting a gift of magic to each of you as thanks for your bravery.

With the healer in tow, you make your way back through the Whispering Woods, the townsfolk awaiting your return with bated breath. The fate of Max George hangs in the balance, and the adventure has only just begun. Will you succeed in saving the bard and restoring harmony to Verenthia? The choice is yours!