Tier 2 – The Shadow of Morgathia A One-Shot Adventure in Eldoria

**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 dark shadow looms over the town of Eldergrove. The once-peaceful village is now gripped by fear, as a series of mysterious disappearances have left the townsfolk in a state of panic. Whispers of a malevolent sorceress, rumored to be hiding in the depths of the Whispering Woods, have spread like wildfire. It is said that she possesses the power to manipulate the very essence of dreams, trapping her victims in a nightmarish realm from which they cannot escape.

As the party arrives in Eldergrove, they are greeted by anxious faces and hushed conversations. The mayor, a stout man with a greying beard, approaches them with desperation in his eyes. "Adventurers! You must help us! Our loved ones have vanished, and we fear they have fallen prey to the sorceress, Morgathia. She is said to dwell deep within the Whispering Woods, where the trees themselves seem to whisper her name."

The party is tasked with investigating the woods, uncovering the truth behind the disappearances, and confronting Morgathia. As they venture into the forest, they are enveloped by an otherworldly atmosphere. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade, while the trees twist and turn, their branches forming eerie shapes against the twilight sky. Strange sounds echo through the foliage—soft whispers, rustling leaves, and the distant cries of unseen creatures.

As they delve deeper, the party encounters various magical phenomena: glowing mushrooms that pulse with light, ethereal wisps that dance around them, and illusions that test their resolve. They must navigate through these challenges, using their wits and skills to avoid traps and uncover clues about Morgathia's whereabouts.

Eventually, they stumble upon a clearing where the ground is littered with remnants of past victims—torn clothing, shattered dreams, and the faint echoes of laughter turned to screams. Here, they find a portal shimmering with dark energy, a gateway to Morgathia's dream realm. But before they can enter, they are confronted by Morgathia's minions—nightmarish creatures that embody the fears of the townsfolk.

**Boss Enemy: Morgathia, the Dream Weaver**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Dream Snare (Melee Attack, +7 to hit, 2d10 psychic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Nightmare Realm (Once per encounter, Morgathia can trap a player in a nightmare, forcing them to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or take 3d8 psychic damage and be incapacitated for one round.)

As the party battles Morgathia and her minions, they must also confront their own fears, which manifest as illusions in the heat of battle. Only by overcoming these personal challenges can they hope to defeat the sorceress and free the trapped souls.

Once Morgathia is defeated, the portal collapses, releasing the captured villagers in a burst of light. The grateful townsfolk celebrate their return, and the party is hailed as heroes. The mayor rewards them with treasures from the town's vault, and the adventurers leave Eldergrove with their spirits lifted, knowing they have restored peace to the realm once more.

This one-shot adventure is designed to challenge the party's abilities, encourage teamwork, and immerse them in a world of high magic and fantasy.