Tier 2 – The Whispering Woods Quest for the Forgotten Temple
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where enchantment and intrigue dance through the air, whispers of a forgotten temple have surfaced from the depths of the Whispering Woods. This ancient structure, once the site of a powerful arcane ritual, is now said to be the lair of a renegade sorceress named Lyra Frostwhisper. Her unquenchable thirst for power has led her to harness the lost magic of the temple, causing disturbances in the delicate balance of nature in the surrounding area.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the landscape, your party gathers at the edge of the Whispering Woods. The scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers fills the air, but beneath it lies an unsettling chill that sends shivers down your spine. The trees seem to whisper secrets, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The locals have reported strange phenomena: crops wilting overnight, animals acting erratically, and shadows lurking just beyond the firelight.
Your quest begins with a call to action from the village elder, a wise and weathered woman named Elara. She beseeches the party to investigate the temple and put an end to Lyra's dark machinations before her magic spreads further, threatening the village and beyond. Elara provides the party with a map detailing the location of the temple, nestled deep within the woods, but warns of the various magical traps and creatures that now guard its entrance.
### Exploration Component:
The journey to the temple is fraught with challenges. As the party navigates through the woods, they encounter:
– **Illusions**: Mysterious mirages that lead them astray, requiring Wisdom saving throws to discern reality from illusion.
– **Fey Creatures**: Mischievous sprites that offer both aid and hindrance. They may provide cryptic hints or attempt to mislead the party with riddles.
– **Arcane Anomalies**: Pockets of unstable magic that warp the environment, causing unexpected effects, such as sudden gusts of wind or bursts of light that momentarily blind adventurers.
### Confrontation:
Upon reaching the temple, the adventurers face a series of challenges, including enchanted guardians and puzzles that must be solved to unlock the inner sanctum. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the air crackles with raw magical energy.
At the heart of the temple, they confront **Lyra Frostwhisper**, the sorceress herself. She stands amidst swirling arcane energies, her long silver hair flowing like liquid ice, and her eyes gleaming with malevolent power.
#### Boss Stats (Lyra Frostwhisper):
– **Hit Points**: 85
– **Armor Class**: 15
– **Spellcasting**: Spell save DC 15
– **Spells**:
– **Fireball** (3rd-level spell) – Deals 8d6 fire damage in a 20 ft radius.
– **Shield** – +5 to AC until the start of her next turn.
– **Charm Person** – Attempts to charm one humanoid she can see within 30 ft.
#### Tactics:
Lyra will use her environment to her advantage, summoning elemental creatures to assist her and manipulating the temple's magic to create hazardous terrain. She may retreat into shadows or barriers to heal and regain her strength, using her spells strategically to control the battlefield.
### Conclusion:
Upon defeating Lyra, the party discovers an ancient tome containing the secrets of the temple's magic. With her defeat, the natural balance begins to restore itself, and the forest gradually returns to its serene state. The villagers, grateful for the party's bravery, offer them treasures and the knowledge they need to continue their adventures in the high magic, high fantasy world of Eldoria.
This one-shot is designed to be an engaging blend of exploration, combat, and magic, perfect for a party eager to delve into mystery and excitement.