Tier 2 – The Shadows of Mistwood Hollow (1)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar disturbance has unsettled the townsfolk of Mistwood Hollow. The once-peaceful village, nestled between the Whispering Woods and the Crystal Lake, now finds itself plagued by strange occurrences. Livestock has gone missing, crops wilt overnight, and eerie whispers echo through the trees after dusk.
The village elder, a wise but weary gnome named Elder Thistlefoot, has summoned brave adventurers to uncover the source of this malevolence. He believes that a dark pact has been forged, one that threatens not just Mistwood Hollow but the entire realm.
As the party arrives, the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming nightshade. Elder Thistlefoot, with his twinkling eyes and trembling hands, implores the adventurers to investigate the old ruins at the edge of the Whispering Woods.
"Long ago," he explains, "a sorcerer named Malakar sought power beyond comprehension. He made a bargain with the Voidwalkers, entities from the dark corners of the cosmos. Though he was vanquished, it seems his legacy lingers, and the Voidwalkers have returned to claim what was promised."
The party must navigate the treacherous woods, where the trees seem to whisper secrets and shadows dance just beyond the corner of their eyes. As they delve deeper, they encounter strange creatures twisted by dark magic—shadow hounds that stalk silently and ethereal wisps that lead them astray.
Upon reaching the ruins, the adventurers discover a hidden chamber, its walls adorned with ancient runes pulsating with a sinister energy. Here, they confront the remnants of Malakar's dark magic—a powerful entity known as the Void Warden. This creature, a swirling mass of darkness with glowing eyes, seeks to complete the sorcerer's unfinished pact.
**Void Warden Stats:**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (ranged spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Dark Grasp (once per encounter, the Void Warden can attempt to ensnare a target within 30 feet, forcing them to make a DC 14 Strength saving throw or take 3d8 necrotic damage and be restrained until the end of their next turn).
As the battle ensues, the party must not only defeat the Void Warden but also unravel the mystery of the sorcerer's bargain. Clues scattered throughout the ruins hint at a way to sever the connection to the Voidwalkers, perhaps through a ritual that requires the party to gather specific components from the surrounding woods.
With each victory, the adventurers will restore balance to Mistwood Hollow, earning the gratitude of its people and perhaps uncovering a deeper conspiracy that threatens the entire realm. Will they succeed in their quest, or will the shadows of the past consume them? The fate of Eldoria hangs in the balance, and the adventure awaits!