Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldergrove (11)
**Tier 2 play**
In the high fantasy realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with magical auroras and ancient forests whisper secrets, a dire situation has unfolded in the quaint village of Eldergrove. The villagers, once vibrant and full of life, are now cloaked in fear and despair. A dark shadow looms over them, as children have begun to disappear under mysterious circumstances, and whispers of a sinister cult have surfaced.
The party finds themselves summoned to Eldergrove by the village elder, a wise and weathered gnome named Elder Thistlewood. He explains that the disappearances coincide with the return of a long-banned priest, Father Malachai, who was once revered but fell from grace due to his dark affiliations. Despite being forbidden from interacting with children, he has returned to the village, and the elder fears he may be involved in the recent events.
As the party enters Eldergrove, they are greeted by the scent of damp earth and the sound of distant weeping. The villagers, with hollow eyes, share their stories of dread. The party learns that the cult, known as the Shadowed Veil, is rumored to be conducting dark rituals to summon a powerful entity. The priest's return has rekindled fears of a resurgence of this malevolent force.
To uncover the truth, the party must investigate the village and gather clues. They can explore the following locations:
1. **The Abandoned Chapel**: A crumbling structure on the outskirts of the village, once a place of worship, now overgrown with vines. Inside, they may find remnants of the cult’s activities, such as dark symbols etched into the stone and a hidden chamber that holds a journal detailing the priest's twisted beliefs.
2. **The Whispering Woods**: A dense forest where the children were last seen. The party might encounter enchanted creatures that have witnessed the cult's rituals. They could also find traces of the children, such as toys left behind, leading them deeper into the woods.
3. **The Village Square**: Here, the party can interact with the villagers, gathering information and possibly recruiting allies. They may discover that some villagers are sympathetic to Father Malachai, believing he has been wrongly accused, complicating their investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the party will face challenges, including encounters with cultists who guard the secrets of the Shadowed Veil. The tension rises as they piece together the clues, leading them to the cult’s hidden lair.
**Boss Encounter: Father Malachai**
– **HP**: 75
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Dark Blessing (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability**: Shadow’s Grasp (Once per encounter, can immobilize a target for 1 turn, DC 15 Wisdom saving throw to resist)
As the party confronts Father Malachai, they must navigate his dark magic and the desperation of the cultists who believe they are serving a greater purpose. The battle will test their resolve and teamwork, as they fight not only for the children but also to free the village from the grip of fear.
With the fate of Eldergrove hanging in the balance, the party will need to use their wits, skills, and courage to unravel the mystery and confront the darkness that threatens to consume the village. Will they succeed in their quest, or will the shadows of the past claim them as well? The adventure awaits!