Tier 2 – The Shadowed Hand of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant and enchanted realm of Eldoria, a place where the air crackles with magic and the trees whisper ancient secrets, a troubling disturbance has arisen. The once-peaceful village of Eldermere, nestled at the foot of the Misty Mountains, is shrouded in an unsettling aura. The villagers speak in hushed tones of strange figures seen lurking in the shadows and the sudden disappearance of livestock. It is said that an ominous cult, known as the Shadowed Hand, has taken root in the nearby Whispering Woods, drawing power from dark and ancient forces.

Your party finds themselves in Eldermere, summoned by the village elder, a wise old woman named Elara. She sits before a flickering fire in the town hall, her face lined with worry. "Brave adventurers," she implores, "we need your help. The Shadowed Hand seeks to awaken a long-forgotten entity, one that could bring calamity upon us all. We have reason to believe they are using the old ruins deep within the Whispering Woods as their base of operations. Please, will you investigate and put an end to their sinister plans?"

As you set out into the woods, the atmosphere shifts. The trees grow denser, their branches twisting like gnarled fingers, and the air hums with a palpable tension. The further you venture, the more you can hear the faint echo of chanting carried on the wind, a chilling melody that sends shivers down your spine.

You arrive at the ruins, crumbling stone structures overrun with vines and dark, creeping shadows. The chanting grows louder, guiding you deeper into the heart of the cult's lair. As you explore, you uncover disturbing altars adorned with strange symbols and offerings of freshly picked herbs and bones. The air grows thick with the scent of incense and something foul, hinting at the dark rituals taking place within.

As you prepare to confront the cultists, you are met with their leader, a sinister figure cloaked in shadows, known as Morwen the Veilwalker. Her eyes glimmer with an unnatural light, and around her, a swirling mass of dark energy pulsates.

**Morwen the Veilwalker**

– **HP:** 70

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack, +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Cloak (Once per encounter, Morwen can become invisible for 1 turn, reappearing at a location within 30 feet)

As the confrontation begins, the party must navigate the chaotic energy of the cultists, who are determined to protect their leader at all costs. Will you disrupt their dark ritual and save Eldermere, or will the Shadowed Hand succeed in their nefarious designs? The fate of the village rests in your hands, brave adventurers. The echoes of the past and the whispers of the woods await your decision.