ADVENTURE TITLE & HOOK The Hollow King’s Lantern Read Aloud Hook: The village of Briarthorn has not seen moonlight in seven nights. A silver fog clings to the trees beyond the old forest road, and each dawn another villager vanishes without a trace—except for strange gifts left behind: wreaths of glowing mushrooms, animal bones tied with red thread, and tiny footprints that stop abruptly at tree trunks. Last night, the village bell rang on its own at midnight, and witnesses swear they saw children laughing deep within the woods where no child should wander. Why the Party Gets Involved (Choose One) A missing loved one or acquaintance disappeared into the forest two nights ago. The local reeve offers a substantial reward for anyone who ends the disappearances. One party member receives a dream invitation from a masked figure carrying a lantern made of antlers and moonlight. OVERVIEW Premise The enchanted forest of Elderhollow is slowly merging with the Feywild after an ancient pact was broken. Villagers are being abducted by mischievous fey servants under the command of a forgotten archfey known as the Hollow King. To stop the disappearances, the party must investigate strange clues, navigate deceptive fey politics, and uncover the truth behind the forest’s corruption. Main Villain The Hollow King — a forgotten archfey spirit bound centuries ago beneath Elderhollow. Motivation: Restore his dominion over the mortal realm and reclaim memories stolen from him by humans. Secret Weakness: His power collapses if his true name is spoken while his lantern flame is extinguished. Central Conflict & Stakes The boundary between the mortal world and Feywild is collapsing. If the Hollow King fully manifests during the coming moonless night, Elderhollow Forest will permanently transform into hostile fey territory and the missing villagers will lose their identities forever. ACT STRUCTURE ACT I — “Whispers Beneath the Pines” Objective Investigate the disappearances and uncover the trail leading into Elderhollow Forest. Key Scene 1: Briarthorn Village Square Location: Rain-soaked village center beneath a silent bell tower. What Happens Villagers argue, accuse one another of witchcraft, and refuse to enter the forest. The party gathers clues from witnesses and examines strange offerings left behind. Possible Outcomes Gain trust of villagers and supplies. Discover tracks leading into the woods. Accidentally offend fearful locals and lose support. Key Scene 2: The Abandoned Miller’s Hut Location: Moss-covered hut beside a black-water creek. What Happens Inside are signs of struggle, tiny muddy footprints on the ceiling, and a journal describing “laughing shadows with deer eyes.” Possible Outcomes Discover hidden fey symbols. Trigger illusion magic causing hallucinations. Find evidence that victims left willingly. Key Scene 3: The Crooked Path Location: Forest trail that subtly changes direction when unobserved. What Happens The party realizes the forest itself is misleading travelers. Possible Outcomes Use survival or magic to stay oriented. Become separated temporarily. Encounter a helpful woodland spirit. Major Combat Encounter Redcap Ambush (CR Appropriate) Enemies: 2–4 Redcaps 1 Twig Blight swarm Tactics Redcaps use intimidation and terrain, attacking isolated targets from mushroom-covered roots while blights restrain spellcasters. Social / Exploration Challenge Convincing Old Mara A paranoid herbalist knows the forest’s history but believes the party serves the Hollow King. Skills: Persuasion, Insight, Nature Complication: She tests them with fey riddles. Plot Twist / Revelation The missing villagers were not dragged away—they followed enchanting music willingly. ACT II — “The Court of Stolen Smiles” Objective Reach the hidden fey gathering and discover the Hollow King’s plan. Key Scene 1: The Lantern Market Location: A secret twilight bazaar between giant roots. What Happens Fey merchants trade memories, emotions, and names instead of coins. Possible Outcomes Learn the Hollow King’s true name fragment. Bargain away a personal memory. Get cursed for breaking market etiquette. Key Scene 2: The Dancing Clearing Location: Moonlit glade where enchanted villagers dance endlessly. What Happens Victims appear joyful but cannot remember who they are. Possible Outcomes Break enchantment peacefully. Cause panic and chaos. Learn the villagers are feeding magical energy into the forest. Key Scene 3: The Mirror Pond Location: Still black pond reflecting impossible futures. What Happens Each character sees a tempting personal vision offered by the Hollow King. Possible Outcomes Gain cryptic clues. Become charmed briefly. Resist and earn fey respect. Major Combat Encounter The Gleam Hounds Enemies: 2 Fey Blink Dogs corrupted by moon magic 1 Satyr hunter Tactics Blink dogs teleport constantly to harass ranged characters while the satyr uses pipes to disorient the party. Social / Exploration Challenge Bargain with Lady Thistlemere A powerful fey noble opposes the Hollow King but never helps for free. Challenge: Negotiate without lying. Possible Costs: A cherished memory, future favor, or secret. Plot Twist / Revelation The Hollow King was originally imprisoned by Briarthorn’s founders, who stole his name and memories to gain fertile land. ACT III — “The Lantern Beneath the Roots” Objective Descend into the Hollow King’s domain and stop the merging of worlds. Key Scene 1: The Hollow Gate Location: Massive dead tree split open like a doorway. What Happens The gate opens only during silence; loud noise awakens hostile spirits. Possible Outcomes Sneak through safely. Trigger spirit attack. Learn ancient runes revealing the final name fragment. Key Scene 2: The Root Catacombs Location: Underground tunnels intertwined with enormous glowing roots. What Happens Time behaves strangely; characters may lose or relive memories. Possible Outcomes Gain insight into the King’s past. Become briefly aged or de-aged. Find imprisoned villagers. Key Scene 3: The Lantern Throne Location: A cathedral-like cavern filled with floating lights and suspended memories. What Happens The Hollow King offers bargains instead of immediate violence. Possible Outcomes Negotiate peace. Destroy the lantern. Accept a dangerous pact. Major Combat Encounter Final Battle: The Hollow King Enemies: The Hollow King 2 Animated Lantern Wisps Tactics The Hollow King avoids direct combat, using illusion magic, fear effects, and teleportation through shadows while wisps blind targets and protect the lantern. Social / Exploration Challenge Speaking the True Name The players must piece together clues gathered throughout the adventure to weaken the Hollow King. Failure: The King gains additional powers. Success: His defenses collapse and villagers awaken. Plot Twist / Revelation The Hollow King is not purely evil—he is a fragmented spirit driven mad after centuries without identity. KEY NPCs Elric Vane Race/Role: Human reeve Personality: Exhausted, stubborn Wants / Fears / Secret Wants the disappearances stopped. Fears the village turning against him. Secretly knows the village founders betrayed the fey. Dialogue “People vanish quieter each night. That’s what scares me most.” “The woods used to sing kindly. Now they whisper.” “Some debts do not stay buried.” Old Mara Race/Role: Human herbalist Personality: Sharp-eyed, bitter Wants / Fears / Secret Wants balance restored. Fears the Hollow King’s return. Secretly made offerings to the fey for years. Dialogue “Never thank a fey twice. First thanks is courtesy. Second is surrender.” “The trees remember better than people do.” “You smell like crossroads and bad decisions.” Lady Thistlemere Race/Role: Eladrin noble Personality: Playful, predatory Wants / Fears / Secret Wants political advantage over the Hollow King. Fears losing influence in the Feywild. Secretly admired the King before his downfall. Dialogue “Mortals always trade what matters most.” “Truth is expensive here.” “Smile carefully. Fey courts sharpen teeth on weakness.” The Hollow King Race/Role: Archfey spirit Personality: Melancholic, theatrical Wants / Fears / Secret Wants his identity restored. Fears oblivion more than death. Secretly regrets harming innocents. Dialogue “Do you know what becomes of forgotten gods?” “Your world stole my name and called it peace.” “I remember laughter. I cannot remember why.” LOCATIONS Elderhollow Forest Twisted silver-barked trees arch overhead like cathedral pillars while drifting spores glow faintly in the darkness. The forest shifts subtly between moments, causing paths to move when unseen. Atmosphere & Sensory Details Cold mist, distant laughter, wet moss smell, rustling leaves without wind. Hidden Secrets / Hazards Travelers may walk in circles unknowingly. Certain mushrooms induce vivid hallucinations. The Lantern Market Dozens of hanging lanterns sway above impossible stalls made from roots, feathers, and bone. Fey merchants smile too widely while trading memories captured in glass jars. Atmosphere & Sensory Details Sweet perfume mixed with rot, overlapping whispers, flickering gold-green light. Hidden Secrets / Hazards Speaking your full name aloud allows fey bargains. Time flows differently inside the market. The Lantern Throne An underground cavern where floating lights contain stolen memories from centuries of victims. The Hollow King’s throne is carved from blackened roots wrapped around an extinguished oak. Atmosphere & Sensory Details Echoing voices, warm lantern glow, scent of smoke and rain. Hidden Secrets / Hazards Destroyed lanterns release hostile spirits. Characters may accidentally relive another person’s memories. ENCOUNTERS TABLE Combat Encounters Encounter CR Tactics Redcap Ambush 2–3 Uses terrain, isolates weaker targets Gleam Hound Hunt 3 Teleportation and confusion tactics Hollow King Finale 4–5 Illusions, fear, battlefield manipulation Social Encounters Encounter Stakes Possible Outcomes Convince Old Mara Gain forest lore Earn guidance or lose local trust Bargain with Lady Thistlemere Learn true name fragment Gain ally, owe dangerous favor, or anger fey court Exploration Challenges Challenge Skills & DCs Consequences Navigate the Crooked Path Survival DC 13, Nature DC 12 Become lost or separated Resist Mirror Pond Temptation Wisdom Save DC 14 Gain clue or become charmed REWARDS Magic Items Lantern of Returning Uncommon Once per long rest, reveals invisible fey or illusion magic within 30 feet. Mosscloak Brooch Common Allows wearer to cast Druidcraft and advantage on one stealth check per day in forests. Thorn Ring of Memory Rare Wearer can recall forgotten information perfectly once per day, but suffers unsettling dreams. Gold & Treasure 120 gp in antique moon-stamped coins Silver jewelry woven with living ivy Bottled “summer memories” valuable to collectors Story Rewards Briarthorn becomes a friendly refuge for the party. Fey factions may view the characters as diplomats—or enemies. Rescued villagers spread tales of the party across nearby settlements. DM TIPS If Players Go Off-Script Let the forest redirect them subtly through magical path distortions. Move important clues onto NPCs or objects they do investigate. Use dreams or enchanted music to steer them toward critical locations naturally. Pacing Advice Keep Act I grounded and eerie. Increase surreal and emotional elements in Act II. Make Act III tense but tragic rather than purely heroic combat. Scaling Difficulty Easier Reduce enemy numbers. Allow NPC allies to assist. Reveal the Hollow King’s weakness earlier. Harder Add environmental hazards during combat. Increase charm and illusion effects. Give the Hollow King legendary-style reactions such as teleporting between lantern shadows.