Tier 2 – The Restless Sorcerer of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like water and mythical creatures roam the land, the party finds themselves in the bustling town of Valenwood. The air is thick with the scent of fresh bread and blooming flowers, and the sounds of laughter and music echo through the cobblestone streets. However, a sense of unease has begun to creep into the heart of the town.

The townsfolk have been whispering about a series of bizarre occurrences: boulders mysteriously falling from the sky, causing chaos and destruction. The most recent incident involved a local merchant whose cart was crushed under a massive rock, leaving him gravely injured and unable to work. The townspeople are terrified, fearing that something sinister is at play.

As the party gathers in the town square, they notice a frantic crowd surrounding a makeshift stage where a desperate town elder, Elara, is pleading for help. She explains that the boulders appear to be coming from a nearby mountain known as the Crag of Whispers. Legends tell of an ancient sorcerer who was buried beneath the mountain, his spirit restless and vengeful.

Elara implores the adventurers to investigate the mountain and put an end to the mysterious rockfalls. She provides them with a crude map leading to a cave at the mountain's base, where the sorcerer's spirit is said to dwell. The party is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the boulders, and if possible, to find a way to calm the restless spirit.

### Exploration Component

The journey to the Crag of Whispers is fraught with challenges. The party must navigate through dense forests filled with magical creatures and treacherous terrain. Along the way, they encounter a group of mischievous fae who offer riddles in exchange for safe passage. Solving their riddles grants the party helpful items, while failure may lead to minor mischief or even a temporary curse.

Upon reaching the cave, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The air grows cold, and an eerie silence envelops the entrance. Inside, the walls are adorned with ancient runes that pulse with a faint blue light. As the adventurers delve deeper, they find remnants of the sorcerer's past—old tomes, shattered crystals, and a spectral apparition that guards the inner sanctum.

### Enemy Encounter

As the party approaches the heart of the cave, they are confronted by the sorcerer's spirit, now twisted into a malevolent entity. The spirit manifests as a swirling mass of shadows and glowing orbs, its voice echoing with rage and sorrow.

**Boss Enemy: Restless Sorcerer**

– **HP:** 85

– **AC:** 15

– **Attacks:**

– Shadow Bolt: +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.

– Rockfall: Targets a 10 ft. radius; DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 3d10 bludgeoning damage, half on success. (Recharge 5-6)

The party must defeat the Restless Sorcerer by using both combat prowess and clever tactics. They can also attempt to communicate with the spirit, uncovering the reason behind its fury—an ancient betrayal that left it trapped and angry.

### Resolution

Once the sorcerer's spirit is either defeated or calmed, the cave begins to stabilize, and the boulders cease their fall. The party returns to Valenwood as heroes, greeted by the grateful townsfolk. Elara rewards them with enchanted trinkets and the promise of friendship from the town.

This one-shot adventure invites players to explore themes of redemption and the consequences of the past, all while engaging in thrilling battles, clever puzzles, and the enchanting beauty of Eldoria.