Tier 2 – The Great Pie Heist
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like a river and the air is thick with the scent of adventure, a peculiar incident has captured the attention of the local populace. The renowned chef Tommy Banks, celebrated for his exquisite culinary creations, has found himself in a dire predicament. His enchanted pie van, a marvel of craftsmanship that could magically keep pies warm and fresh, has been stolen! This van was not just any vehicle; it was a treasure trove containing nearly a tonne of his famous pies, each imbued with magical properties that could heal wounds, bolster courage, or even grant temporary abilities.
As the sun sets over the bustling town of Glimmerstone, the party gathers in the dimly lit tavern known as The Silver Spoon. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted meats and the sound of laughter, but the mood is somber as whispers of the theft circulate among the patrons. Tommy, a stout man with flour-dusted clothes and a worried expression, approaches the adventurers, desperation etched on his face.
"Please, brave souls! I need your help!" he implores. "My van was taken by a band of mischievous goblins who have set up camp in the Whispering Woods. They plan to use my pies for their nefarious schemes! If they succeed, the entire region could be plunged into chaos!"
### Adventure Hook:
The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to murmur secrets and the shadows play tricks on the eyes. As they navigate through the dense foliage, they will encounter various magical phenomena, including glowing mushrooms and mischievous fae creatures that may either aid or hinder their progress.
### Exploration Component:
The woods are not just a path to the goblin camp; they are alive with enchantments. The party may stumble upon a hidden glade where a wise old treant offers them guidance in exchange for a favor, or they might find a shimmering pond that reflects their deepest desires, providing clues about the goblins’ whereabouts.
### Encounter:
As the adventurers approach the goblin camp, they will face a band of raucous goblins, led by a cunning goblin boss named Grizzle. Grizzle is a small but fierce creature, adorned with stolen trinkets and wielding a jagged dagger. He has a knack for trickery and will use the environment to his advantage, calling upon his goblin minions to swarm the party.
**Grizzle's Basic Stats:**
– **Armor Class:** 14
– **Hit Points:** 45
– **Attack:** Dagger (Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Goblin Trickery – Once per encounter, Grizzle can create an illusory duplicate of himself, causing confusion among the party.
### Conclusion:
Once the party defeats Grizzle and his goblin minions, they will find the stolen pie van hidden behind a thicket, surrounded by a pile of half-eaten pies. The van is enchanted to return to its rightful owner, and upon their return to Tommy, he rewards the adventurers with a selection of magical pies, each granting unique benefits.
This one-shot offers a blend of exploration, combat, and problem-solving, allowing the players to immerse themselves in the whimsical and high-stakes world of Eldoria. Will they be able to retrieve the stolen van and save the day? The fate of the region rests in their hands!