Tier 2 – The Shadow Weaver of Eldergrove
**Tier 2 play**
In the high magic realm of Eldoria, where the winds whisper secrets and the rivers sing ancient songs, the fate of its inhabitants is intricately woven into the very fabric of their names. In this world, names are not merely labels; they are powerful symbols that shape destinies and influence the course of lives.
The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling town of Eldergrove, where the streets are alive with the vibrant colors of market stalls and the sweet aroma of baked goods fills the air. However, an unsettling tension hangs over the town as rumors of a dark force begin to circulate. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a mysterious figure known only as the Shadow Weaver, a malevolent sorceress whose very name strikes fear into the hearts of the bravest souls.
Your party finds themselves drawn to Eldergrove, where the mayor has summoned adventurers to investigate the strange occurrences plaguing the town. Crops are wilting overnight, livestock are disappearing, and shadows seem to dance unnaturally in the corners of the villagers' eyes. The mayor, a stout man with a worried brow, pleads for your help, offering a modest reward for any information or assistance you can provide.
As you delve deeper into the mystery, you learn that the Shadow Weaver has been stealing the names of the townsfolk, rendering them powerless and lost. Each stolen name is a thread pulled from the tapestry of their existence, leaving them adrift and vulnerable. The townsfolk believe that if the Shadow Weaver is not stopped, she will soon turn her gaze upon the royal family, targeting Queen Reina and King Archibald Dominic Frances III themselves.
Your investigation leads you to the outskirts of Eldergrove, where the dense forest looms ominously. The trees whisper warnings as you venture deeper, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. Eventually, you stumble upon an ancient ruin, overgrown with vines and shrouded in an eerie mist. It is here that the Shadow Weaver conducts her dark rituals, drawing power from the stolen names.
**Encounter: The Shadow Weaver**
As you approach the heart of the ruin, the air crackles with dark energy, and the Shadow Weaver materializes before you, cloaked in shadows. Her eyes glint with malice as she brandishes a staff adorned with the names of her victims, each one glowing faintly in the dim light.
**Shadow Weaver Stats:**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Spell Save DC:** 14
– **Attacks:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged spell attack, +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.
– **Name Drain (Recharge 5-6):** Target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or lose one ability score point (chosen by the Shadow Weaver) and take 3d6 psychic damage.
As the battle unfolds, the Shadow Weaver taunts you, her voice echoing with the cries of those she has wronged. "You think you can stop me? Your names are already mine!"
To defeat her, you must not only rely on your combat skills but also find a way to reclaim the stolen names. Perhaps a clever bard can weave a song that resonates with the power of names, or a wise cleric can invoke a spell of protection to shield the townsfolk from her dark influence.
Once you defeat the Shadow Weaver, the stolen names will return to the townsfolk, restoring their power and vitality. As a reward for your bravery, the grateful citizens of Eldergrove will celebrate your victory with a grand feast, and you may even find your own destiny intertwined with that of Queen Reina and King Archibald Dominic Frances III, as the realm of Eldoria flourishes once more.
Prepare for a night filled with intrigue, magic, and the thrill of adventure as you guide your players through this captivating one-shot!