Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldenwood (5)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic dances in the air and mythical creatures roam the lush landscapes, a shadow has fallen over the town of Eldenwood. The once-bustling marketplace, filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of exotic spices, now echoes with whispers of fear. A series of mysterious disappearances has plagued the town, and the townsfolk are desperate for heroes to uncover the truth.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves drawn to the heart of Eldenwood. A local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, buzzes with anxious chatter. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Borin, beckons the adventurers over. His eyes are filled with concern as he recounts the tale of a missing noblewoman, Lady Elara, who vanished after attending a lavish soirée at the Groucho Club, a renowned private members' establishment known for its opulence and secrecy.
The party learns that Lady Elara was last seen in the company of a mysterious figure, rumored to be a powerful sorcerer with a penchant for dark magic. The townsfolk believe he may have taken her to a hidden lair deep within the enchanted Whispering Woods, where the trees themselves seem to murmur secrets of ancient power.
To aid their investigation, the party must gather clues from the tavern patrons, each with their own stories and suspicions. They might encounter a nervous bard who claims to have seen strange lights in the woods, or a grizzled hunter who speaks of eerie sounds echoing through the trees at night. As they piece together the puzzle, they must also navigate the social intricacies of the Groucho Club, where magic-infused cocktails flow freely and secrets are traded like currency.
Once they gather enough information, the party will embark on a perilous journey into the Whispering Woods. The forest is alive with magic, filled with shimmering fae lights and the distant sounds of creatures lurking in the shadows. As they delve deeper, they must overcome enchanted traps and confront magical beasts that guard the path to the sorcerer's lair.
**Boss Enemy: The Dark Sorcerer, Malakar**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as Fireball, Hold Person, and Shadow Blade.
– **Abilities:**
– **Dark Magic:** Deals 2d8 necrotic damage on a hit.
– **Illusory Duplicate:** Creates an illusory copy of himself to confuse the party (DC 15 Intelligence saving throw to discern the real Malakar).
As the party confronts Malakar, they must use their wits and teamwork to defeat him and rescue Lady Elara. The fate of Eldenwood hangs in the balance, and the adventurers will need to harness their skills and bravery to emerge victorious.
With the threat vanquished and the noblewoman saved, the party will return to Eldenwood as heroes, their names etched into the annals of the town's history, forever remembered for their courage in the face of darkness.