Tier 2 – The Shadows of Lumina

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where the streets are lined with vibrant stalls and the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices, a dark shadow looms. The once-celebrated Festival of Lumina is upon the city, a time when citizens gather to honor the celestial spirits with music, dance, and feasting. However, this year, whispers of a sinister plot have begun to circulate among the townsfolk.

The party finds themselves in the midst of this celebration, but soon they discover that a series of mysterious disappearances have marred the festivities. Children have gone missing, and the only clue left behind is a strange, glowing sigil etched into the ground where they vanished. The local authorities are at a loss, and fear grips the hearts of the citizens.

As the adventurers delve deeper into the mystery, they learn of a powerful sorcerer named Malakar, who has recently returned to Eldoria after years of exile. Malakar, shunned for his dark practices, is rumored to be behind the abductions, using the children to fuel a nefarious ritual that will grant him unimaginable power. The party must gather information, speak to frightened witnesses, and perhaps even confront Malakar’s minions lurking in the shadows.

**Exploration Component:**

The adventurers can explore the vibrant market square, where they might encounter a nervous merchant who has seen too much, or a group of children playing near the site of the latest disappearance. They could also venture into the nearby Whispering Woods, where strange creatures have been sighted, leading them closer to Malakar's hidden lair.

**Investigation Component:**

To uncover the truth, the party will need to piece together clues from various sources. They might find a torn page from an ancient tome in a dusty library, detailing the sigil's origin, or overhear a conversation between two townsfolk discussing a strange figure seen near the old ruins outside of town.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party gathers their wits and prepares to confront Malakar, they will face off against his minions: shadowy figures known as the Night Stalkers. These creatures are agile and stealthy, using the cover of darkness to their advantage.

**Night Stalker Stats:**

– **HP:** 30

– **AC:** 14

– **Attack:** Shadow Blade (Melee, +5 to hit, 1d8 + 3 psychic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Meld (can become invisible in dim light or darkness as a bonus action)

**Boss Encounter:**

Upon locating Malakar’s lair, the party will face the sorcerer himself, who stands at the center of a dark chamber filled with flickering candles and arcane symbols.

**Malakar Stats:**

– **HP:** 70

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as Fireball, Hold Person, and Shadow Bolt (1d10 necrotic damage)

– **Legendary Action:** Can use a spell slot to regain 10 HP once per encounter.

As the adventurers engage Malakar, they must disrupt his ritual while also battling the shadows that rise to protect him. The fate of the missing children—and the city—rests in their hands. Will they be able to thwart his dark ambitions and restore peace to Eldoria? The clock is ticking, and the Festival of Lumina hangs in the balance.