Tier 2 – The Wishing Hour
**Tier 2 play**
### One-Shot Adventure: "The Wishing Hour"
#### Adventure Overview
In the vibrant, high-magic realm of Eldoria, a quaint village named Whimberlock thrives by the banks of the Silverstream River. Known for its enchanting landscapes and inexplicable magical phenomena, this is a place where dreams often intertwine with reality. Recently, however, the village has been plagued by strange occurrences linked to an ancient artifact known as the Wishstone, a fabled gem said to grant wishes to whoever holds it. Unfortunately, the wishes come with a dark twist: the whims of fate can lead to unintentional chaos.
#### Hook
The adventurers find themselves drawn to Whimberlock, where villagers are whispering anxiously about the sudden disappearance of a beloved child named Elara. Rumors suggest that she was last seen near the old wishing well, and it is believed that the Wishstone, once protected by the village, has fallen into the hands of a sinister cult known as the Shadowed Hand. They seek to harness the Wishstone’s power to unleash chaos in Eldoria.
#### Scene Setting
As your players enter the village, the air is thick with an unusual blend of fragrant wildflowers and the sour tang of fear. They pass through a bustling marketplace, where vendors sell exotic goods—glimmering potions, colorful charms, and enchanted trinkets—yet the sounds of laughter are overshadowed by the worried murmurs of the townsfolk. Stalls are abandoned as worried eyes dart toward the well at the village center.
#### Investigation Component
The players can investigate the market and speak with the townsfolk to gather clues about Elara's disappearance. Key NPCs include:
– **Mayor Thalia Brightwood:** A stern yet motherly woman who is desperate for help. She recounts tales of the Wishstone and its potential danger.
– **Old Man Garrick:** A local hermit who knows the well’s lore. He warns of the Shadowed Hand and hints at the well being a gateway to another realm.
#### Exploration Component
The adventurers will need to explore the well, which is surrounded by age-old runes and a magical aura that pulsates with energy. Peering into the well, they discover shimmering reflections of their hearts' desires, luring them deeper. As they descend, they must navigate a series of magical traps and illusions designed to either entrap intruders or reveal deeper truths about their own desires.
#### Encounter: The Shadowed Hand
At the bottom of the well, the party confronts a cult of Shadowed Hand members led by a formidable enemy—a rogue sorceress named Morgathra, who has taken control of the Wishstone.
**Boss Enemy: Morgathra the Enigmatic**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 75
– **Spell Save DC:** 14
– **Actions:**
– **Spellcasting:** Casts spells such as *Fireball*, *Hold Person*, and *Invisibility*.
– **Wishing Glare (Recharge 5-6):** Morgathra can choose one creature within 60 feet to force them to confront a deep-seated desire or fear, requiring a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or become frightened for 1 minute.
The adventurers must defeat Morgathra and retrieve the Wishstone to save Elara and restore peace to Whimberlock.
#### Conclusion
Once the Wishstone is returned to its rightful place, the villagers will celebrate the party’s bravery. Any wishes made during the encounter will have unexpected outcomes, leading to fun consequences that can set the stage for future adventures. The party may learn that power comes with responsibility, and even the biggest dreams can yield cautionary tales.
This one-shot adventure invites players to explore, investigate, and confront the complexities of desire in a mesmerizing fantasy world.