Tier 2 – The Shadows of Gloomhollow

**Tier 2 play**

**Setting:** The kingdom of Eldrath, a realm shimmering with magic and teeming with wondrous creatures. The sky often dances with vibrant hues as radiant magical ley lines ripple through the atmosphere. The townsfolk spin tales of otherworldly adventures, and ancient ruins litter the lush forests. However, a new threat looms on the horizon, casting a shadow over the jubilant celebrations.

**Hook:** As fate would have it, a peculiar letter arrives, addressed to the party members. It bears the seal of the Archmage Orinthal, a figure revered for his wisdom and mastery of the arcane arts. Within the letter, he pleads for assistance—reports whisper of strange happenings in the nearby village of Gloomhollow, where once-cheerful spirits have turned hostile, and a corruption spreads like wildfire through the magical ley lines.

**Adventure Overview:**

The party arrives in Gloomhollow, where an ominous aura hangs over the village. Shadows flit through the streets, and the vibrant flowers that used to grow around the winding pathways are wilting and fading. The villagers speak of a cursed artifact unearthed from the ancient ruins nearby—a dark crystal that pulses with malevolence.

**Investigation Component:**

To uncover the mystery, the party must interact with the townsfolk, piecing together their fragmentary tales. They learn of a local herbalist named Elara who had the misfortune of touching the crystal and has since fallen victim to its dark magic. Those who approach her have their minds clouded by fear and chaos. The players may investigate her shop, finding strange ingredients twisted by dark energy. Here, they could use skills such as Arcana to identify the curse or Insight to discern truth from the villagers’ frightened murmurs.

**Exploration Component:**

The path leads the party to the ancient ruins, where enchanted flora and fauna protect the site. As they traverse the overgrown path, they encounter magical beasts—perhaps a mischievous Faerie Dragon or a pair of Guardians made of living stone, challenging the party with riddles or combat to prove their worthiness.

**Boss Encounter:**

Deep within the ruins, the party confronts the true origin of the darkness—a powerful Demon known as Xalgrim, a lesser servant of the Devil, drawn by the crystal’s chaotic energy. Xalgrim seeks to claim dominion over Gloomhollow by corrupting its ley lines, using the village as a foothold to spread his influence.

**Xalgrim, the Corruptor**

– **Type:** Demon

– **HP:** 70

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Infernal Lash (Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage)

– **Special Ability:** Dark Grasp – Once per combat, Xalgrim can drain the lifeforce of a player within 15 feet; that character must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 18 (4d8) necrotic damage.

– **Lair Actions:** Xalgrim can manipulate the environment, summoning shadows to impede players or creating fear-based illusions to disorient them.

**Conclusion:**

Once Xalgrim is defeated, the corrupting influence of the crystal dissipates, and the ley lines begin to heal. The villagers, now freed from fear, express immense gratitude. As a reward, the party is gifted magical items from the Archmage Orinthal, whose radiant eyes gleam with appreciation. The adventure ends with laughter echoing through Gloomhollow, a village once again alive with hope and harmony, and perhaps hints of further adventures to unfold in the magical realm of Eldrath.