Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldoria (18)

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant city of Eldoria, where the spires of crystal and stone touch the sky and magic flows through the streets like a living river, a shadow has begun to loom. The Council of Eternal Youth, guardians of the city’s strict laws against childbirth, has summoned the party to investigate a series of mysterious events that have shaken the very foundation of their society.

Rumors swirl through the market square of a couple who, against the law, have miraculously given birth to a child. The couple, Aeliana and Thorne, are now hiding in the depths of the Whispering Woods, pursued by the relentless Enforcers of the Council. The party must navigate through the bustling city, gathering information from the townsfolk, who are torn between their loyalty to the Council and their compassion for the couple.

As the party delves deeper into their investigation, they uncover a plot orchestrated by a rogue faction within the Council, known as the Purifiers. This group believes that the birth of the child is an abomination and seeks to eliminate the couple, believing that their death will restore balance to their society. The party learns that the Purifiers are led by a charismatic and ruthless figure named Seraphis, who possesses the ability to manipulate the minds of others with his potent charm magic.

### Encounter: The Confrontation

The party must confront Seraphis and his followers in a hidden glade deep within the Whispering Woods, where the couple is hiding. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the air crackles with magic. The glade is illuminated by bioluminescent flowers that pulse with a soft glow, casting eerie shadows on the faces of the party and the Purifiers.

**Seraphis, Leader of the Purifiers**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 45

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Spellcasting:** Seraphis can cast spells up to 3rd level. His spell list includes *Charm Person*, *Hold Person*, and *Suggestion*.

– **Mind Control:** Once per encounter, Seraphis can attempt to charm a player character, forcing them to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or become charmed for 1 minute.

**Minions:** 3 Purifier Acolytes

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 9 each

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Spellcasting:** Each Acolyte can cast *Guiding Bolt* and *Healing Word*.

### The Choice

As the party engages in battle with Seraphis and his followers, they must also make a moral choice. Aeliana and Thorne, the parents, plead with the party to help them escape, but they also express a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. The party must decide whether to protect the family at all costs or to consider the implications of their actions on the society that has raised them.

### Conclusion

Depending on the party’s choices, the outcome can vary. If they defeat Seraphis and save the couple, they may spark a revolution against the Council's oppressive laws. If they allow the couple to sacrifice themselves, they may gain the Council's favor but lose the chance to change the hearts of the people.

As the session concludes, the party is left to ponder the weight of their decisions and the future of Eldoria, a city on the brink of transformation. The echoes of their choices will resonate throughout the land, forever altering the course of its history.