Tier 2 – The Wrath of Ygathor

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the sun-drenched valley of Eldoria, where the air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers and the sounds of laughter echo from nearby towns, an ancient evil stirs. The villagers of Willowbend have reported strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock disappearing, and a shadowy figure seen prowling the outskirts at dusk. The only clue left behind is a cryptic symbol burned into the earth, resembling a twisted tree intertwined with a serpent.

As your party arrives in Willowbend, the atmosphere crackles with urgency. The villagers, a mix of fear and hope in their eyes, share tales of a forgotten deity known as Ygathor, the Keeper of the Lost. Once a benevolent protector, Ygathor has grown wrathful due to the neglect of the lands. It is said that those who trespass on his sacred ground face dire consequences, and the villagers fear they are on the brink of his full-blown wrath.

Your party must investigate the origins of the deity's anger while navigating the delicate politics of the village. As night falls, the air becomes electric with tension. Flickering lanterns cast shadows that dance ominously, and the whispers of the wind seem to carry Ygathor's voice, warning intruders to turn back.

### Exploration Component:

The party can choose to explore several areas:

1. **The Whispering Woods**: Lush and vibrant, the woods are filled with strange glowing mushrooms and ethereal creatures. Here, they might encounter a talking animal who holds knowledge of Ygathor’s past.

2. **The Ruined Temple**: An overgrown structure dedicated to Ygathor, filled with ancient texts and forgotten relics. The party must decipher these texts to uncover the deity’s grievances and find a way to appease him.

### Investigation Component:

As the party gathers information, they learn that the villagers have unwittingly disturbed Ygathor's sacred ground by expanding their farmlands. They must decide whether to convince the villagers to return to the old ways or seek a more dangerous path.

### Enemy Encounter:

As night deepens, the party faces the manifestation of Ygathor's fury—a **Corrupted Guardian**. Once a noble protector of the forest, this creature is now twisted and shadowy, its form a blend of bark and stone.

**Corrupted Guardian Stats:**

– **HP**: 50

– **AC**: 15

– **Attack**:

– **Bark Slam**: +6 to hit, 1d10+3 bludgeoning damage

– **Shadow Whip**: Reach 10 ft., +5 to hit, 2d6 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Abilities**:

– **Nature’s Wrath**: Once per encounter, the Guardian can summon vines to restrain a target within 15 ft. (DC 14 Strength saving throw to escape).

– **Guardian’s Roar**: As a bonus action, the Guardian can unleash a terrifying roar; all creatures within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

### Conclusion:

How the party chooses to approach the anger of Ygathor will shape the outcome of their adventure. Will they negotiate with the deity using wit and wisdom, or will they confront his wrath directly? Their choices will not only determine their fate but also the future of Willowbend and its fragile connection to the ancient powers that govern the land. The echoes of magic ripple through the air, and the fate of the valley hangs in the balance.