Tier 2 – The Shard of Anathema A Quest in Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a peculiar phenomenon has caught the attention of the Grand Council. Reports have emerged from the bustling city of Eldenbrook that the once-peaceful populace is now gripped by an insidious fear. Shadows flit through the streets at night, and whispers of a powerful artifact known as the Shard of Anathema have surfaced, said to be hidden within the depths of the abandoned Aetherium Prison.

The prison, an ancient structure that once held the realm's most dangerous criminals, has been shut for decades. Rumors suggest that the Shard, a gem of immense power, has been awakened within its walls, calling forth the restless spirits of those who were imprisoned unjustly. The Council believes that if the Shard is not retrieved, it could unleash chaos throughout Eldoria, leading to an uprising of the spectral prisoners.

Your party is summoned to investigate the prison, armed with the knowledge that they must confront both the spectral forces and the lingering echoes of the prison's dark past. As they approach the stone fortress, the air thickens with an electric tension. The sky darkens, and an unnatural chill seeps into their bones.

**Exploration Component: The Aetherium Prison**

1. **The Exterior**: The prison looms tall, with jagged spires piercing the sky. Vines twist around its crumbling walls, and the entrance is flanked by two statues of long-forgotten wardens, their eyes glowing faintly with blue ethereal light.

2. **The Hall of Echoes**: As the party steps inside, they find themselves in a vast hall filled with whispers—fragments of the prisoners' last moments. Shadows dart across the walls, and the air is thick with sorrow. Here, the party must navigate through illusions that test their resolve and sanity, forcing them to confront their own pasts.

3. **The Warden's Chamber**: The heart of the prison holds the Warden's throne, an imposing structure where the last Warden, Darion Blackthorn, ruled with an iron fist. As they investigate, the party uncovers clues about the Shard's location—hidden beneath the prison's depths, guarded by Darion’s ghostly essence.

**Enemy Encounter: The Spectral Warden**

As the party delves deeper, they encounter the Spectral Warden, a formidable foe shaped by the anguish of those he wronged.

– **Name**: Spectral Warden Darion Blackthorn

– **Type**: Undead (Ghost)

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 85 (10d10 + 30)

– **Speed**: 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities**:

– **Strength**: 10

– **Dexterity**: 14

– **Constitution**: 16

– **Intelligence**: 12

– **Wisdom**: 18

– **Charisma**: 20

**Actions**:

– **Multiattack**: The Warden makes two attacks with his Ethereal Blade.

– **Ethereal Blade**: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 4) necrotic damage.

– **Horrifying Visage (Recharge 5-6)**: Each creature of the Warden’s choice within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

**Conclusion**:

Once the Spectral Warden is defeated, the party discovers the Shard of Anathema, pulsating with energy. They must decide whether to destroy the Shard or harness its power for their own purposes. The choice they make will have far-reaching consequences for Eldoria, potentially leading to new adventures or dire consequences in the realm of magic.

As the session concludes, the players reflect on their choices, the haunting echoes of the past, and the future that lies ahead in a world filled with magic and mystery.