Tier 2 – The Enchanted Mystery of Pleasley
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark cloud looms over the quaint village of Pleasley. The townsfolk whisper of a tragic incident that has left the community shaken—a beloved local, Alana Armstrong, was struck down by a reckless 4×4 vehicle while riding her enchanted e-bike. The vehicle, now a twisted wreck, was abandoned at the scene, and rumors swirl that it was no mere accident.
As the party arrives in Pleasley, they are greeted by the somber atmosphere. The air is thick with grief, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the faint aroma of wildflowers. The villagers, clad in muted colors, gather in small groups, their hushed voices filled with sorrow and suspicion. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, serves as the heart of the village, where the party can gather information and perhaps uncover the truth behind Alana's untimely demise.
### Investigation Component
The party can begin their investigation by speaking with key NPCs:
1. **Elder Rowan**: The village elder, a wise and gentle soul, who can provide insight into Alana's character and the events leading up to the accident. He mentions seeing a shadowy figure near the scene just before the crash.
2. **Mira, the Blacksmith**: A fiery woman with a strong sense of justice, she was one of the first to arrive at the scene. She claims to have seen a strange glow emanating from the 4×4 just before it sped away. She suspects foul play and urges the party to investigate further.
3. **Finn, the Local Bard**: A charming storyteller who frequents the tavern, Finn has heard rumors of a rival faction in the nearby town of Eldergrove, known for their disdain for Pleasley. He hints that they may have a motive for causing chaos in the village.
### Exploration Component
The party can explore the following locations:
– **The Crash Site**: A small clearing where the accident occurred. Here, they can find remnants of Alana's e-bike, which glows faintly with residual magic. A successful Arcana check reveals that it was enchanted for speed and agility, suggesting that Alana was not at fault.
– **The Enchanted Forest**: A mystical woodland bordering Pleasley, rumored to be home to mischievous fey creatures. The party may encounter magical beings who can provide clues or mislead them, depending on their approach.
– **Eldergrove**: The rival town, where the party can gather more information about the faction that may be behind the incident. They may face hostility from locals but can also find allies willing to help uncover the truth.
### Enemy Encounter
As the investigation unfolds, the party discovers that the 4×4 was enchanted by a rogue sorcerer named **Malakar**, who seeks to sow discord between Pleasley and Eldergrove. Malakar, a cunning and ruthless foe, has taken refuge in a hidden lair within the Enchanted Forest.
**Malakar's Basic Stats**:
– **Armor Class**: 15
– **Hit Points**: 60
– **Speed**: 30 ft.
– **Spellcasting**: Can cast spells such as *Firebolt*, *Mage Armor*, and *Invisibility*.
– **Actions**:
– **Firebolt**: Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 fire damage.
– **Shadow Step**: Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.
### Conclusion
The party must confront Malakar, unravel the mystery of Alana's death, and restore peace to Pleasley. Will they bring the rogue sorcerer to justice, or will the shadows of deceit continue to loom over the village? The fate of Pleasley rests in their hands, and the choices they make will echo through the realm of Eldoria.