Tavern Press — Cursed Forest Encounter
Whispers of the Withered Wood
Your full one-shot module is unlocked and ready to run.
📖 Read Aloud to Players
A cursed forest blocks the path to a dying village; the party must survive its horrors and decide whether to lift the curse or flee.
Setting
A dense, mist‑shrouded forest with twisted oaks, broken statues, and a silent lake that reflects nightmares.
Lore
The forest was once a sanctuary; a forgotten druid's spell backfired, binding the land to a restless spirit. The curse drains life and feeds on fear.
Notable NPCs
Eldric the Hermit
GuideA gaunt old man with a cracked staff, eyes flickering with unseen fire.
To free his village from the curse
Mara the Shade
AntagonistA translucent woman in tattered robes, whispering promises of power.
To keep the curse alive for her own gain
The Whispering Tree
NeutralA massive oak whose bark murmurs in an ancient tongue.
To protect the forest's secrets
Encounters
| Encounter | Type | Difficulty | Enemies / Hazards |
|---|---|---|---|
Misty Ambush Swarm of spectral wolves emerges from fog. | ⚔️ Combat | Medium | Spectral Wolves |
Echoing Hall A ruined clearing where every step echoes with distant screams. | 🔍 Exploration | Medium | None |
Cursed Clearing Mara offers a pact to lift the curse at a cost. | 💬 Social | Hard | Mara |
Map Description
A winding trail marked by broken stones, leading to a central clearing with a stone altar, surrounded by eerie landmarks: a weeping willow, a cracked statue, and a silent lake.
Treasure
Ancient druidic amulet, 200 gold, and a cursed relic that can be destroyed to break the curse.
Pacing Guide
Act I
Start with survival checks, then combat, followed by exploration, culminating in a tense social choice.