Tier 2 – The Vanishing Bard of Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar event has captured the attention of the realm's inhabitants. The once-celebrated bard, Alex Salmond, has mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions. Rumors swirl through the taverns and marketplaces, whispering of a dark force that has taken hold of the land, threatening to silence the music forever.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills, the party finds themselves summoned to the quaint village of Melodale. The townsfolk, clad in their finest attire, gather at the town square for a memorial service dedicated to Alex. Lanterns flicker to life, illuminating the faces of mourners who share their tributes through song and story, yet a palpable tension hangs in the air.
Suddenly, the mournful melodies are interrupted by a chilling howl that echoes through the night. Shadows twist and writhe as a malevolent figure emerges from the darkness—a Wailing Harbinger, a creature born from the sorrow of lost songs and the despair of the villagers. This spectral being, draped in tattered robes and adorned with ghostly chains, seeks to consume the joy of music and laughter from Eldoria.
**Encounter: The Wailing Harbinger**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Wail (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 psychic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Lament of the Lost (Recharge 5-6) – The Harbinger unleashes a wave of sorrowful energy. Each creature within a 30-foot radius must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
As the party rallies to confront the Wailing Harbinger, they must navigate the chaos of the memorial, where the mourners are caught between their grief and the threat before them. The players can choose to protect the villagers, using their skills to shield them from harm, or they may opt to investigate the source of the Harbinger's power, seeking to uncover the truth behind Alex Salmond's disappearance.
**Exploration Component: The Hidden Melody**
After defeating the Harbinger, the party discovers a hidden path leading to the Whispering Woods, where the echoes of Alex's last song linger. Here, they must solve a series of musical puzzles, each unlocking a piece of the bard's legacy. As they delve deeper, they encounter enchanted creatures and magical phenomena, all while piecing together the mystery of Alex's fate.
With each puzzle solved, the party learns more about the bond between music and magic in Eldoria, ultimately leading them to a climactic confrontation with the source of the Harbinger's power—a cursed artifact that once belonged to Alex himself. To restore harmony to the realm, the party must decide whether to destroy the artifact or find a way to cleanse it, allowing Alex's spirit to finally rest and the music to flow once more.
As the session unfolds, the party will experience the rich tapestry of Eldoria, filled with vibrant characters, emotional stakes, and the enchanting power of music that weaves through every encounter. Will they restore the lost melodies and bring joy back to the hearts of the villagers? The fate of Eldoria rests in their hands.