Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldergrove (7)
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the quaint village of Eldergrove, a sense of unease settles in the air. The townsfolk whisper of shadows that stretch unnaturally long and of a figure seen lurking near the edge of the Whispering Woods. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, buzzes with hushed conversations, and the faint scent of spiced ale and roasted meats fills the room.
Rumors swirl about a series of mysterious disappearances plaguing Eldergrove. Children have gone missing, and the villagers are desperate for answers. The party finds themselves drawn to the tavern, where an elderly woman named Maelis, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, beckons them to her table. With trembling hands, she reveals a tattered map, marked with the locations of the disappearances.
"Please, brave adventurers," she implores, "my grandson is among the missing. I fear something dark is afoot in the woods. They say a sorceress has taken residence there, weaving spells of confusion and dread. Will you help us?"
As the party agrees, they gather their gear and prepare to venture into the Whispering Woods. The trees loom tall and gnarled, their branches twisting like skeletal fingers against the twilight sky. A chill wind rustles the leaves, whispering secrets of the forest. The deeper they go, the more the air thickens with magic, causing their senses to heighten.
Suddenly, the party stumbles upon a clearing illuminated by the silvery light of the moon. In the center stands a stone altar, surrounded by flickering candles and strange symbols etched into the ground. Atop the altar lies an ancient tome, pulsating with energy. But before they can approach, a figure emerges from the shadows—a dark sorceress draped in flowing robes, her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.
"I see you have come to meddle in my affairs," she sneers, her voice echoing like thunder. "You seek the lost, but you shall find only despair!"
**Boss Enemy: The Sorceress of Shadows**
– **HP:** 70
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells like *Magic Missile*, *Hold Person*, and *Darkness*.
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.
– **Confusion Aura:** Creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be confused for 1 minute (repeat save at the end of each turn).
As the party engages in battle, they must navigate the sorceress's dark magic while trying to uncover the truth behind the disappearances. Will they be able to defeat her and rescue the missing children before it’s too late? The fate of Eldergrove rests in their hands.
The adventure unfolds with exploration, combat, and the chance to unravel the mysteries of the Whispering Woods, all while the villagers anxiously await their return.