Tier 2 – The Emberstone Heist
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where enchanted forests whisper secrets, and the glimmering peaks of the Crystal Mountains touch the skies, an unsettling tale has emerged. The tranquil village of Sunhaven, known for its lush landscapes and jovial folk, has been thrown into chaos following the mysterious disappearance of the revered Eldorian artifact—the Emberstone.
The Emberstone, a brilliant gem said to be forged in the heart of a dying star, has been the lifeblood of Sunhaven for centuries. It brings prosperity and harmony to the land, and without it, the villagers are gripped by despair. Whispers fill the air as rumors spread that a notorious figure, Aled Evans, known for dubious dealings and a penchant for the arcane, is behind the theft. But what is more alarming is that Aled was seen in the company of a shadowy figure believed to be an alleged terrorist, recently escaped from the grasp of the law.
Your party, drawn to Sunhaven by the allure of adventure and the promise of a heroic quest, arrives just as the sun dips low, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets. The village square is bustling with worried faces; the elders consult among themselves, while children cast nervous glances at the darkening woods. There’s an urgent plea in the air for heroes to reclaim the Emberstone and restore peace.
### Objectives:
1. **Investigate the Disappearance**: Gather information from the villagers to learn more about Aled Evans and the whereabouts of the Emberstone. Use charisma and insight to navigate conversations, with successful skill checks revealing vital clues about Aled’s last known location and his troubling associates.
2. **Explore the Whispering Woods**: Venture into the nearby Whispering Woods, where it's said Aled has set up a hidden lair. The woods are alive with magical flora and fauna, some of which may offer guidance or mislead the party. Introduce environmental challenges and magical creatures to overcome as the party makes their way deeper into the haunted woods.
3. **Confront Aled and His Ally**: Deep within the woods, the party discovers Aled's lair, an ancient ruin draped in vines and illuminated by the faint glow of the Emberstone, now dimmed and flickering. As they approach, a significant confrontation awaits with Aled and his mysterious accomplice, a rogue spellcaster named Corvus who aims to harness the stone's power for nefarious purposes.
### Boss Encounter:
**Aled Evans**
– **Class**: Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
– **HP**: 45
– **AC**: 14
– **Attacks**: Dagger (1d4+3) / Magic Missile (3d4)
**Corvus**
– **Class**: Sorcerer
– **HP**: 32
– **AC**: 13
– **Spells**: Fire Bolt (1d10), Shield, Mage Armor
### Conclusion:
Should the party succeed in retrieving the Emberstone and defeating Aled and Corvus, they will return as heroes, greeted by cheers and gratitude from the villagers. The Emberstone will be restored to its rightful place, illuminating the village once more with its warm glow, and the party will leave Sunhaven knowing they have averted a disaster. But shadows linger, hinting at greater threats in the high magic world, setting the stage for future adventures.
With this engaging one-shot, the adventurers will experience the thrill of investigation, the danger of exploration, and the satisfaction of a hard-fought victory in a beautifully crafted fantasy setting.