An Old Tree
The Elder Oak, a sentient tree that acts as the guardian of the forest, has begun to weep black ichor. The local druids are baffled. The party must shrink down to the size of insects (via a provided potion) to enter the tree's bark and clear out a parasitic infestation of gloom-beetles eating the tree's heart. Inside, the geography is a vertical wooden dungeon where gravity is disorienting.
Suggested NPCs
Cassandra Brightblade
Human Other Elderly
Motivation: Maintaining order and justice
Personality: Absentminded genius
Background: Town guard dedicated to protecting citizens
Quirk: Collects interesting pebbles
Speaking style: Talks to themselves softly
Private fear: Small locked rooms
Julian Silverleaf
Human Female Elderly
Motivation: Maintaining order and justice
Personality: Deceptive and two-faced
Background: Town guard dedicated to protecting citizens
Quirk: Knows everyone's birthday but pretends not to
Speaking style: Uses nautical metaphors constantly
Private fear: Thunder during a confession