Tier 2 – The Trials of Glimmerwood Confronting the Shadowthorn
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets beyond the horizon, painting the sky in hues of violet and gold, the party finds themselves standing at the entrance of the enchanted Glimmerwood Forest. Whispers of ancient magic linger in the air, and the soft rustle of leaves seems almost alive with secrets waiting to be uncovered. The forest is said to be home to the elusive Moonblossom, a flower that blooms only once every century and is rumored to hold the power to grant wishes. However, acquiring this rare bloom has its challenges, as the forest is also the lair of a cunning foe—the Shadowthorn, a creature born from dark magic and twisted ambition.
As the adventurers step deeper into the forest, the bioluminescent flora illuminates their path, casting eerie but beautiful shadows. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, a stark contrast to the danger that lurks within. The party must navigate through the treacherous terrain, solving riddles posed by the forest spirits and avoiding the traps laid by the Shadowthorn.
The Shadowthorn, a humanoid figure cloaked in shifting shadows, is a master of illusion. It wields dark magic and can manipulate the surroundings to confuse and mislead the adventurers. Its eyes glow with a menacing light, and its voice echoes like a distant thunder, instilling fear in those who hear it.
**Shadowthorn Boss Stats:**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Step:** The Shadowthorn can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see, evading attacks.
– **Illusory Escape:** Once per encounter, it can create three illusory duplicates of itself. The duplicates last for one minute and can confuse the players, making them doubt which is the real Shadowthorn.
– **Attacks:**
– **Shadow Grasp:** Melee Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) necrotic damage.
– **Whispers of Dread:** Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or be frightened until the end of its next turn.
As the party delves deeper, they will uncover clues about the Shadowthorn's origins, revealing that it was once a guardian of the Glimmerwood, corrupted by its own desire for power. To defeat it, the adventurers must not only combat its formidable magic but also confront the moral ambiguities of the forest's past.
The culmination of their journey will lead them to the Moonblossom, a magnificent sight encircled by ethereal light, but only those who can navigate the trials set before them and defeat the Shadowthorn will be worthy to claim its wish-granting power. Will they seek personal glory, or use the wish to restore the balance of the Glimmerwood? The choice lies in their hands as they prepare for the final confrontation amidst the radiant glow of the Moonblossom.