Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldoria (13)
**Tier 2 play**
In the bustling city of Eldoria, known for its vibrant markets and mystical wonders, whispers of a strange occurrence have begun to circulate. The annual Festival of Lights is approaching, where the citizens celebrate the arrival of the summer solstice with music, dance, and magical displays. However, this year, an unsettling mystery has emerged: several citizens have gone missing in the days leading up to the festival, and a sense of dread looms over the festivities.
The party finds themselves in Eldoria, drawn by the allure of the festival and the promise of adventure. As they enter the lively marketplace, they are greeted by the sounds of laughter, the aroma of spiced meats, and colorful banners swaying in the warm breeze. Yet, beneath the jubilant atmosphere lies an undercurrent of fear. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones about a shadowy figure seen lurking in the alleys at night, believed to be responsible for the disappearances.
### Hook:
As the party engages with the locals, they are approached by a frantic woman named Elara. Her brother, a street performer known for his dazzling illusions, has vanished without a trace. Elara believes he was last seen near the old abandoned theater on the outskirts of town. She pleads with the party to investigate and offers a magical trinket as a reward—a crystal that can illuminate the darkest of paths.
### Exploration Component:
The party sets off towards the abandoned theater, a crumbling structure overgrown with vines and shrouded in an eerie silence. As they explore the dilapidated building, they encounter remnants of its former glory: faded posters of past performances, broken chandeliers, and the lingering scent of dust and decay. The atmosphere thickens with tension as they discover hidden rooms and secret passages, revealing clues about the missing performers.
### Investigation Element:
While searching, the party uncovers a series of strange symbols etched into the walls, hinting at a dark ritual. They find a diary belonging to the missing brother, detailing his fascination with a powerful artifact rumored to dwell within the theater—a relic said to grant unimaginable power to its possessor. However, the diary also warns of a malevolent spirit that guards the artifact, demanding a sacrifice from any who dare to claim it.
### Enemy Encounter:
As the party delves deeper, they are confronted by the spirit of the former theater owner, a vengeful ghost determined to protect the artifact at all costs. The encounter becomes a test of both strength and wits, as the spirit can manipulate shadows and create illusions to confuse the party.
**Boss Stats:**
– **Name:** The Wraith of the Theater
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attacks:**
– **Shadow Grasp:** Melee attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.
– **Illusory Phantom:** Creates a duplicate of one party member, forcing them to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened.
– **Special Ability:** **Spectral Illusion (Recharge 5-6):** The Wraith can create a zone of magical darkness, obscuring vision and creating an opportunity to escape or reposition.
### Conclusion:
If the party succeeds in defeating the Wraith, they will discover the artifact—a shimmering crystal orb that pulses with energy. As they claim it, the ghost’s spirit is released, allowing the missing performers, including Elara’s brother, to return and the festival to proceed in peace. The grateful townsfolk celebrate the party as heroes, rewarding them with the magical trinket and an invitation to the festival’s grand finale.
This one-shot offers a blend of exploration, investigation, and combat, allowing players to engage with the enchanting world of Eldoria while unraveling the mystery of the missing performers.