Tier 2 – The Shadow of Veridra
**Tier 2 play**
In the enchanted realm of Eldoria, where magic pulses through the very air and ancient secrets lie hidden in the whispers of the wind, a great disturbance has captured the attention of the Council of Elders. The once peaceful village of Duskwood, nestled between the Emerald Woods and the Crystal River, has been plunged into chaos. A dark sorceress named Veridra, known for her cunning and malevolent charm, has resurfaced after decades of silence, casting a shadow over the land.
Your party gathers in the bustling town square, filled with the vibrant colors of market stalls laden with exotic goods. The air is thick with the aroma of roasted spices and the sound of laughter, but beneath the surface, a tension hangs palpable. Villagers huddle together, sharing rumors of Veridra's return and the strange occurrences haunting their peaceful lives—cattle going missing, crops wilting overnight, and eerie lights flickering in the woods after dusk.
As your group enters the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, the warm glow of lanterns offers a brief respite from the looming threat. Here, you meet Elara, the village healer, whose eyes betray a deep sorrow. “Please,” she implores, “you must help us. Veridra is seeking something—an ancient artifact hidden in the ruins of the Temple of Vesper. It is said that whoever possesses it can bend the very fabric of reality to their will.”
The party must venture into the Emerald Woods, where the trees loom heavily, their branches twisted like the fingers of an ancient giant. The deeper you go, the more the air thickens, buzzing with latent magic. Shadows dance at the edge of your vision, and the rustle of leaves hints at unseen watchers.
As night falls, the party reaches the Temple of Vesper, a crumbling structure draped in vines and bathed in silver moonlight. Here, the walls pulse with runes that glow faintly, remnants of a long-lost civilization. But the moment you step inside, a sense of dread blankets the air. The temple is not unguarded—Veridra has summoned twisted creatures to guard her prize.
In the heart of the temple, the party encounters Veridra, a tall woman draped in dark robes that shimmer like starlit skies. Her eyes, cold and calculating, lock onto your party. “Foolish mortals,” she hisses, “you dare challenge me? The artifact will be mine!”
**Boss Enemy Stats: Veridra, the Dark Sorceress**
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Level 7 Sorceress (Spell Save DC 15)
– **Spells:** Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Shield, Invisibility, Hold Person
– **Actions:**
– **Dark Bolt:** Ranged Spell Attack, +7 to hit, 3d10 necrotic damage on a hit.
– **Summon Shadows (Recharge 5-6):** Calls forth 2 Shadow creatures to assist in battle.
The encounter with Veridra will test the party’s mettle, forcing them to utilize their skills and teamwork to overcome her dark magic. Beyond the battle, an investigation component lies in the temple’s depths, where cryptic inscriptions hint at the artifact's true nature and the consequences of its power. The atmosphere is tense, with time running out as the villagers’ fate hangs in the balance.
Will your party uncover the truth, recover the artifact, and save Duskwood from an impending doom, or will they succumb to Veridra's grasp? The fate of Eldoria rests in your hands.