Tier 2 – The Shadowbinder of Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with the hues of magic and the air hums with the whispers of ancient spells, a shadow looms over the quaint village of Willowbrook. The townsfolk have been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances, with each night bringing more tales of lost loved ones and eerie lights flickering in the nearby Eldenwood Forest. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, fills with hushed conversations and fearful glances as rumors swirl about a malevolent force stirring in the depths of the forest.
Your party arrives in Willowbrook on the eve of the Harvest Festival, a time when joy should fill the air. Instead, the villagers are preparing for a somber gathering, hoping to ward off whatever darkness lurks beyond their homes. As you step into The Gilded Griffin, the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale mingles with the tension that hangs thick in the air. A weathered villager, eyes wide with fear, approaches your group.
“Adventurers! You must help us! My daughter, Elara, went missing last night. She was last seen near the Eldenwood. The woods are alive with magic, but something foul has taken root. Please, we need brave souls to venture into the forest and bring her back!”
As you agree to help, the tavern owner, a stout dwarf with a bushy beard, hands you a map of the Eldenwood. “Beware of the creatures that dwell within. The forest is enchanted, and not all who enter return. But if you can find the source of the darkness, I believe you’ll find Elara.”
### The Eldenwood Forest
The forest is a maze of towering trees, their branches entwined like the fingers of ancient giants. Bioluminescent flowers bloom in shades of blue and purple, illuminating your path as you delve deeper. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the sound of rustling leaves. As you navigate the winding paths, you encounter various magical creatures—some friendly, some not.
Your investigation leads you to the heart of the forest, where you discover a clearing bathed in an otherworldly glow. In the center stands a sinister figure cloaked in shadows—a malevolent fey known as Malakar, the Shadowbinder. He is the source of the dark magic that has ensnared the villagers and trapped Elara.
### Encounter: Malakar, the Shadowbinder
**Malakar**
– **Type:** Fey
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 65
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Spellcasting:** Malakar can cast spells like *Entangle*, *Darkness*, and *Fear*.
– **Shadow Step:** As a bonus action, Malakar can teleport to an unoccupied space within 30 feet that is in dim light or darkness.
– **Fey Resilience:** Advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
**Actions:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 3d8 necrotic damage.
– **Ensnaring Roots (Recharge 5-6):** Malakar summons magical roots to restrain targets in a 20 ft. radius. Targets must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC 15) or be restrained for 1 minute.
### Conclusion
As you confront Malakar, the air crackles with energy. The battle will test your party’s resolve and teamwork. If you manage to defeat him, the dark magic dissipates, revealing Elara, trapped but unharmed. She thanks you with tears of joy, and the villagers will celebrate your bravery during the Harvest Festival, forever grateful for your heroism.
The adventure concludes with the promise of new tales and future quests, as the bond between your party strengthens amidst the magic and mystery of Eldoria.