Tier 2 – A Dance of Hearts and Dragons

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a delicate situation unfolds in the royal court. The sun sets over the opulent castle, casting golden rays through stained glass windows, illuminating the grand hall where the annual Festival of Lights is about to commence. The air is thick with the sweet scent of blooming nightshade and the sound of laughter and music fills the atmosphere, but beneath the revelry lies a tension that could ignite like a spark in dry tinder.

Your party finds themselves summoned by Sir Cedric, a noble knight known for his valor and unwavering loyalty. He stands at a crossroads, caught between his duty to the crown and his heart's true allegiance to a magnificent female dragon named Seraphina. As the festival begins, Princess Elara, a spirited and enchanting figure, has taken a keen interest in Cedric, unaware of the fiery bond he shares with Seraphina.

The knight seeks your party's assistance in navigating this perilous predicament. He must gently decline the princess's affections without inciting her wrath or, worse, the fury of Seraphina, who is known to be fiercely protective of her beloved. The stakes are high, as the princess has a reputation for her temper, and if she feels scorned, it could lead to disastrous consequences.

### Adventure Outline:

1. **The Royal Court**: The session begins in the bustling castle, where the party mingles with nobles, magical creatures, and court jesters. They can gather information about the princess's temperament and her past suitors, learning that she has a penchant for dramatic displays of emotion.

2. **A Magical Mishap**: As the party navigates the festivities, they witness a magical mishap involving a rogue illusionist who accidentally enchants the princess, causing her to believe that she is destined to be with Cedric. The party must decide whether to intervene or let the enchantment play out, risking further complications.

3. **The Dragon's Lair**: To gain insight into how to handle the situation, the party can venture to Seraphina’s lair, a hidden cave adorned with shimmering crystals and guarded by enchanted creatures. Here, they can learn about the dragon's fierce loyalty and her expectations of Cedric. This exploration can lead to a mini-quest where they must retrieve a lost treasure to gain her favor.

4. **The Confrontation**: As the festival reaches its climax, the party must prepare for the inevitable confrontation. They can choose to help Cedric craft a heartfelt message or devise a plan to gently break the news to the princess. However, if they fail to manage the situation delicately, Seraphina may arrive, leading to a fiery showdown.

### Boss Encounter:

**Princess Elara (Boss Stats)**

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 70

– **Attack**: Enchanted Blade (Melee): +7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 slashing damage

– **Special Ability**: *Heart's Wrath* – Once per encounter, if she feels betrayed, she can unleash a wave of magical energy, dealing 3d10 psychic damage to all within 30 feet (DC 15 Wisdom saving throw for half damage).

– **Legendary Action**: *Charm* – Target one creature within 30 feet; they must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or be charmed until the end of their next turn.

### Conclusion:

The session culminates in a choice: will Cedric find a way to honor his commitment to Seraphina while gracefully letting Princess Elara down? Or will the party's interference lead to chaos in the court, forcing them to confront both the princess and the dragon? The outcome will shape the relationships between the characters and the fate of the kingdom, leaving echoes of their adventure in the annals of Eldoria’s history.