Tier 2 – Mystery in the Lift The Haunting of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the air is thick with the scent of spices and enchantments, a dark shadow looms. The once-vibrant marketplace, filled with laughter and the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, has fallen silent. Whispers of a recent tragedy ripple through the streets, drawing the attention of adventurers eager to uncover the truth.

Your party finds themselves in the midst of a growing unease. A young boy named Tyler Kerry stands at the center of it all, his tear-streaked face a haunting image of grief. His older brother, a well-liked local alchemist, was found dead in the lift of their apartment building, and Tyler is convinced it was murder. The authorities have deemed it an accident, but Tyler knows better. He pleads for your help, his voice trembling with desperation as he recounts the events leading up to his brother's untimely demise.

As the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets, you gather your party and follow Tyler to the scene of the crime. The lift, a magical contraption that glides silently between floors, stands ominously still. The air around it is thick with tension, and the faint smell of burnt herbs lingers, hinting at the alchemical experiments that once filled the space with life.

Upon entering the lift, you notice strange markings etched into the walls—arcane symbols that pulse with a faint, eerie light. A successful Arcana check reveals that these symbols are part of a forbidden ritual, one that could have been used to summon dark forces. As you investigate, you discover a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards, containing a journal filled with cryptic notes and a list of names. Among them is a notorious rival alchemist known for his ruthless ambition and jealousy.

Suddenly, the lift shudders, and the doors slam shut, trapping you inside. A voice echoes through the chamber—an ominous laugh that sends chills down your spine. The rival alchemist, having learned of your investigation, has set a trap. He appears as a spectral figure, his eyes glowing with malice, and he taunts you, revealing his intent to harness the power of the dark ritual for himself.

**Boss Enemy: The Vengeful Alchemist**

– **Type:** Undead (Spectral)

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage.)

– **Special Ability:** Dark Ritual (Once per encounter, the alchemist can attempt to summon a shadowy creature to aid him. Roll a d6; on a 4-6, a Shadow appears to fight alongside him.)

As the spectral figure lunges at your party, the lift begins to descend rapidly, creating a sense of urgency. You must defeat the alchemist and uncover the truth behind his dark machinations before the lift reaches the depths of the building, where even darker secrets await.

Will your party unravel the mystery of the alchemist's death, or will you fall victim to the vengeful spirit that haunts the lift? The fate of Tyler and the city of Eldoria rests in your hands. Prepare for a night of intrigue, danger, and high-stakes adventure!