Tier 2 – Murder in Eldoria The Quest for Truth

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where cobblestone streets wind through vibrant markets brimming with exotic wares and the air is thick with the scent of spices and magic, a tragedy has struck. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting golden rays that flicker through the canopies of colorful awnings, but the shadows grow long in the alleyway where Lisa Hession's lifeless body was discovered. Whispers of her mysterious death ripple through the city, and sorrow hangs heavy in the air.

Your adventure begins in the tavern known as The Gilded Griffin, a cozy refuge for adventurers and townsfolk alike. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting heroic deeds, while the warm glow of enchanted lanterns casts a welcoming light. As your party settles in with frothy mugs of ale, a distressed figure approaches—a fellow patron, eyes wide with concern and desperation.

"Have you heard?" he implores, his voice trembling. "Lisa Hession was killed in cold blood, and the police are at a loss. They say it was no mere mugging; they found her with a strange symbol etched on her wrist. A bounty of 50,000 gold pieces has been offered to anyone who can uncover the truth behind her death."

As you absorb his words, a sense of urgency ignites within your party. The allure of adventure and the promise of gold beckons. The townsfolk offer various leads: some believe it was the work of a notorious gang known as The Shadowed Blades, while others whisper of a dark sorcerer who has recently come to town. Each clue leads deeper into the city's underbelly, where danger lurks in every shadow.

The investigation takes you to the alley where Lisa was found, a narrow passageway strewn with discarded refuse. The air is damp, and the sound of distant laughter fades into an eerie silence as you examine the scene. You notice the strange symbol—a twisting serpent coiling around a dagger—repeatedly drawn in chalk, leading to an old, decrepit warehouse at the edge of the docks.

As you approach the warehouse, the atmosphere thickens with tension. The door creaks ominously as you push it open, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with crates marked with the same serpent symbol. Suddenly, a pair of glowing eyes pierce the darkness, revealing a shadowy figure—an assassin of The Shadowed Blades, clad in leather armor and wielding twin daggers.

**Boss Enemy: Shadowblade Assassin**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Dual Dagger Strike (+6 to hit, 1d6+4 damage each)

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness as a bonus action.

– **Cloak of Shadows:** Advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.

The assassin smirks, revealing a glimpse of the serpent tattoo on their arm. "You should have stayed out of this," they hiss, before lunging at your party.

In the midst of battle, the true nature of the conspiracy surrounding Lisa's death begins to unravel. As you fight against the assassin, clues will surface—perhaps a diary hidden among the crates or a discarded letter revealing a deeper plot involving political intrigue and dark magic.

As the dust settles and the assassin lies defeated, your party stands at the precipice of a discovery that could change Eldoria forever. Will you delve deeper into this web of crime and magic, or will you return to the tavern with tales of your valor and the promise of the reward? The choice is yours, and the city of Eldoria awaits your next move.