Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldergrove (6)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has unsettled the peaceful town of Willowbend. The townsfolk whisper of a shadowy figure seen lurking near the ancient ruins of Eldergrove, a place said to be steeped in forgotten magic and guarded by the spirits of the past.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the party gathers at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale, but the atmosphere is tense. A desperate villager approaches the party, his eyes wide with fear. “Please, brave adventurers! My sister has gone missing near the ruins. They say a dark sorcerer has returned, seeking to harness the power of the ancient relic hidden within. You must help us!”
The party must venture into the Eldergrove Ruins, a place where the very air crackles with latent magic. As they approach, the trees seem to whisper secrets, and the ground is littered with remnants of past civilizations. The ruins are overgrown with vibrant, bioluminescent flora, illuminating the path ahead in a surreal glow.
Upon entering the heart of the ruins, the party discovers a grand, crumbling temple, its walls adorned with intricate carvings that tell the tale of a powerful sorcerer who once ruled the land. However, the atmosphere shifts as they sense a malevolent presence.
Suddenly, the ground trembles, and from the shadows emerges the sorcerer, Malakar the Cursed. His form is wreathed in dark energy, and his eyes burn with a fierce hunger for power. “Foolish mortals! You dare to interrupt my resurrection? The relic will be mine, and with it, I shall reign supreme!”
**Boss Enemy: Malakar the Cursed**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Dark Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack, +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Step (Once per turn, Malakar can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.)
As the party engages Malakar, they must also navigate the magical traps laid throughout the temple, which can ensnare or confuse them. The air is thick with tension as they battle not only the sorcerer but also the very magic of the ruins, which seeks to protect its secrets.
Throughout the encounter, the party can discover clues about the relic’s true nature, leading to a deeper mystery that could unfold beyond this one-shot. Will they save the villager’s sister and thwart Malakar’s dark ambitions, or will they fall victim to the ancient magic that guards the ruins? The fate of Willowbend hangs in the balance!