Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldoria (15)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a shadow looms over the town of Eldenbrook. The once-bustling market square, filled with laughter and the aroma of freshly baked bread, now whispers of unease. Rumors have spread like wildfire about a sinister force that has infiltrated the local trade, with merchants mysteriously vanishing and strange products appearing on the shelves, linked to dark practices far beyond the borders of Eldoria.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves drawn to the town square, where a gathering of concerned townsfolk has formed. They speak in hushed tones about the recent disappearance of several merchants who dared to question the origins of their goods. An elderly woman, her eyes filled with worry, approaches the adventurers. “Please, brave souls, we need your help. My son, a merchant, has gone missing after he discovered something terrible about the goods we’ve been selling. We fear he has been taken by those who wish to keep their secrets hidden.”

The party is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearances and uncovering the truth behind the tainted goods. They must navigate through the town, speaking to frightened merchants and gathering clues. Each interaction reveals more about the shadowy organization known as the Veiled Hand, which is rumored to be trafficking in goods produced by slave labor in distant lands. The party learns that the Veiled Hand operates from a hidden lair beneath the town, accessible only through a series of secret tunnels that wind beneath Eldenbrook.

As night falls, the adventurers must venture into the depths of the tunnels, where the air grows cold and the walls echo with the distant sounds of despair. The tunnels are filled with traps and illusions meant to deter intruders, testing the party’s wit and resolve. They encounter enchanted creatures guarding the secrets of the Veiled Hand, including shadowy figures that can meld into the darkness and strike unexpectedly.

At the heart of the lair, the party confronts the leader of the Veiled Hand, a cunning and ruthless figure known as Malakar the Shadowbinder. Malakar, a dark sorcerer with a penchant for manipulation, seeks to expand his influence by exploiting the suffering of others. He stands before them, surrounded by crates filled with the tainted goods, and a sinister grin spreads across his face as he prepares to defend his operation.

**Malakar the Shadowbinder**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Spells:**

– *Shadow Bolt* (Attack: +6 to hit, Range: 120 ft, Damage: 2d8 necrotic)

– *Darkness* (Casts a 15 ft radius of magical darkness)

– *Charm Person* (DC 14 Wisdom saving throw)

The battle with Malakar is fierce, with the party needing to use their skills and teamwork to overcome his dark magic and the minions he summons from the shadows. As they fight, the adventurers must also be mindful of the crates around them, which can be used as cover or even as improvised weapons.

Upon defeating Malakar, the party discovers a hidden chamber containing evidence of the Veiled Hand’s operations, including documents detailing the sources of their goods and the fates of the missing merchants. They can choose to free any captives they find and return to Eldenbrook as heroes, revealing the truth to the townsfolk and restoring hope to the community.

As dawn breaks over Eldenbrook, the adventurers emerge from the shadows, their hearts filled with the light of justice. The townsfolk gather to celebrate their bravery, and the party is hailed as champions, their names forever etched in the annals of Eldoria’s history. The adventure may have come to an end, but the echoes of their deeds will resonate throughout the realm for ages to come.