Tier 2 – The Heart of Lumina (1)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where shimmering rivers flow with ethereal light and towering castles pierce the skies, a shadow has fallen upon the idyllic town of Greenvale. The annual Festival of Lumina, a celebration of magic and unity, has been sullied by a sinister force that seeks to extinguish the radiant spirit of the event.

As the gentle glow of twilight blankets the meadows, rumors swirl through the cobblestone streets. Whispers of a nefarious sorcerer named Maldrick, who once sought to harness the power of the festival's enchanted lights for his own dark purposes, have resurfaced. It is said that he has returned, lurking within the Whispering Woods, plotting to shroud Greenvale in eternal darkness unless he is stopped.

Your party gathers within the warm confines of the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where the air is fragrant with roasted meats and the laughter of townsfolk fills the room. An aged bard, with a voice like honey and tales that dance like firelight, regales patrons with the history of the Festival of Lumina. The tavern keeper approaches your group, urgency in his eyes. “Adventurers! It is said that Maldrick has stolen the Heart of Lumina, the magical gem that fuels the festival's lights. Without it, the town will perish in shadows. Will you help us?”

### Adventure Components

1. **Investigation at the Festival Grounds:**

As your party begins their quest, they must first gather information from the townsfolk. Engaging in roleplay and skill checks (Investigation, Persuasion) will reveal clues about Maldrick’s recent activities and lead them to the edge of the Whispering Woods.

2. **Exploration of the Whispering Woods:**

The woods are a mystical place filled with bioluminescent flora and mischievous fey creatures. As the party ventures deeper, they might encounter enchanted animals, illusions to navigate, and magical traps. They’ll need to use their wits and skills (Nature, Arcana) to traverse the enchanted landscape safely.

3. **Confronting Maldrick:**

As they draw closer to the source of the darkness, the air becomes heavy with tension. In a clearing bathed in flickering shadows, the adventurers find Maldrick, cloaked in darkness, surrounded by swirling wisps of illusory magic. The final confrontation will take place here.

### Boss Enemy: Maldrick the Shadowcaster

– **HP:** 45

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (spell attack, ranged, +5 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Abilities:**

– **Illusionist’s Trick:** Can create a minor illusion to confuse the party as a bonus action.

– **Darkness Aura:** All creatures within 10 feet of him have disadvantage on perception checks.

As the conflict ensues, the party must strategize and exploit the environment, perhaps using light-based spells to neutralize Maldrick's dark powers. The fate of Greenvale rests on their shoulders—will they restore the Heart of Lumina and save the festival, or will the town be plunged into eternal night?

### Conclusion

Upon defeating Maldrick and retrieving the Heart of Lumina, the adventurers return to a joyous Greenvale, where the festival is reignited with dazzling lights and gratitude. The townsfolk celebrate their heroes, offering rewards and heartfelt thanks, ensuring that the legend of their courageous deeds will echo through Eldoria for generations to come.