Tier 2 – The Shadows of Mistwood Hollow (2)

**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 townsfolk of Mistwood Hollow. Whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the depths of the Whispering Woods have spread like wildfire, igniting fear and uncertainty. The once-bustling village now echoes with the anxious murmurs of its inhabitants, who speak of shadowy figures and eerie sounds that haunt the night.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves summoned to the village square. An elderly woman, her gnarled hands trembling, stands before them. "Please, brave adventurers," she implores, her voice quivering with urgency. "My granddaughter, Elara, has gone missing in the woods. She was last seen gathering herbs near the old stone circle. We fear she may have encountered the dark sorcerer who has taken residence there."

The party is tasked with venturing into the Whispering Woods to uncover the truth behind Elara's disappearance and confront the sorcerer, known only as Malakar. The woods are alive with magic, filled with luminescent flora and ethereal creatures that flit between the trees. However, the deeper they venture, the more the air thickens with an ominous presence, and the vibrant colors fade into muted tones.

As they approach the stone circle, they find it surrounded by a swirling mist that seems to pulse with dark energy. Here, the party must navigate through a series of challenges: enchanted traps, illusions that play tricks on the mind, and magical beasts that guard the sorcerer's lair. They may encounter a mischievous sprite who offers riddles or a wise old treant who provides cryptic guidance.

Finally, the party confronts Malakar, a tall figure draped in tattered robes, his eyes glowing with a sinister light. He wields dark magic, summoning shadowy minions to do his bidding.

**Malakar's Basic Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 75

– **Attack:** Dark Bolt (Spell Attack +7, Range 120 ft., 3d10 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Minions (Summons 2d4 shadow creatures to fight alongside him)

As the battle ensues, the party must use their wits and teamwork to overcome Malakar's dark magic and rescue Elara, who is trapped in a magical slumber at the center of the stone circle. The fate of Mistwood Hollow hangs in the balance, and the adventurers must rise to the challenge, proving their mettle in this high-stakes confrontation.

With the sorcerer defeated and Elara saved, the party returns to the village as heroes, their names forever etched in the annals of Eldoria. The townsfolk celebrate their bravery, and the adventurers are left with a sense of accomplishment, knowing they have restored peace to Mistwood Hollow once more.