Tier 2 – The Shadows of Llynwyn The Hunt for Caleb Blackthorn
**Tier 2 play**
In the enchanting realm of Eldrath, a land steeped in arcane wonders and ancient mysteries, the whispers of a long-lost fugitive have resurfaced. For two decades, the name Caleb Blackthorn has echoed through taverns and shadowy corners of the realm, a notorious rogue wanted by the crown for a multitude of crimes—most outrageously, the theft of a fabled artifact said to hold the power of time itself. As fate would have it, rumors now suggest that Caleb has taken refuge in the remote village of Llynwyn, nestled between the misty peaks of the Gloomshade Mountains and the shimmering shores of the Crescent Sea.
The players find themselves summoned to Llynwyn by a cloaked figure, a member of the elusive Arcane Watch—a secretive organization dedicated to capturing criminals who wield forbidden magic. The village is a picturesque yet melancholic place, draped in mist and dotted with quaint cottages, but the atmosphere is thick with paranoia. Villagers keep their heads down, casting wary glances towards the darkened woods that encircle their home, for it is known that Blackthorn has allies—shadowy beings that feed on the fears of the innocent.
As the adventurers delve into the village, they encounter a series of strange occurrences: livestock found drained of life, ethereal whispers echoing through the trees at night, and flickering lights leading deeper into the woods. Investigating these strange phenomena reveals a network of enchanted traps set by Blackthorn's mischievous allies—fey creatures who delight in chaos and confusion.
The players can choose to explore the village to gather clues, speaking with the anxious townsfolk, or they can venture directly into the Gloomshade Woods, where the very air crackles with magical energy. As they navigate the terrain, they must overcome illusions and fend off trickster fey, learning that Blackthorn is not just a fugitive; he is entangled in a deeper plot involving a powerful artifact—the Hourglass of Aeternum, which he seeks to reclaim.
After unraveling the mystery, the party will confront Caleb Blackthorn in his hidden lair, a cave adorned with glimmering crystals that pulse with an otherworldly glow. Here, they find him surrounded by his fey allies, using the artifact to manipulate time and evade capture.
**Boss Encounter: Caleb Blackthorn**
– **Type:** Human Rogue (Level 5)
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 60
– **Attack:**
– **Shadow Dagger:** +7 to hit, 1d6 + 4 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take an additional 2d6 necrotic damage.
– **Special Abilities:**
– **Fey Trickery:** As a bonus action, Blackthorn can become invisible until the start of his next turn.
– **Time Slip:** Once per encounter, Blackthorn can shift time, allowing him to take an additional action on his turn.
The confrontation will force the adventurers to balance combat with strategic thinking, as they navigate the illusions and traps set by the fey, all while trying to subdue Blackthorn and recover the stolen Hourglass. Will they be able to navigate this high-stakes encounter, or will they too become lost in the shadows of the Gloomshade Woods? The fate of Eldrath hangs in the balance as they rise to the challenge!