Tier 2 – The Scepter of Accord A Quest for Harmony in Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as easily as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the shadows of mythical creatures, your party of brave adventurers finds themselves drawn to the illustrious Zephyr Academy of Magic. Renowned for its diverse curriculum, the Academy is a sanctuary of knowledge, bustling with students eager to master spells of flame and steel. However, whispers of a growing unease ripple through its hallowed halls.

Recently, a rare artifact known as the Scepter of Accord has gone missing from the Academy's vaults. This powerful relic, capable of amplifying the wielder's diplomatic spells, is said to have been stolen by a band of rogue students who have sworn allegiance to the notorious crime lord, Barak the Relentless. These wayward mages, believing themselves to be above the laws of magic and society, plan to use the scepter to rally other factions under their chaotic banner.

Your party is tasked with investigating the theft, navigating the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the Academy. To do this, you must explore the following locations:

1. **The Council Chambers**: A grand hall adorned with portraits of the Academy's prestigious alumni. Here, your party can interview faculty members, seeking knowledge about the circumstances surrounding the theft.

2. **The Arcane Library**: Shelves tower high, filled with tomes and scrolls. While searching for clues, players can roll for investigation checks to uncover hidden knowledge about the scepter's powers and the potential location of the thieves.

3. **The Gathering Grounds**: An outdoor arena where students practice their magical duels. Rumors swirl of a secret gathering led by the rogue students. Engaging with the student populace might reveal valuable intel, or perhaps lead to a confrontation.

As the heroes piece together the whereabouts of the Scepter of Accord, an infiltration into the rogue students’ hideout becomes inevitable. The lair is located beneath the Academy, carved into the roots of the ancient Whispering Tree, said to be imbued with ancient magic.

**Encounter: Barak the Relentless**

The rogue leader, Barak the Relentless, is a charismatic but ruthless figure, adept at manipulating magic to enforce his will.

– **HP**: 70

– **AC**: 15

– **Spells**:

– **Charm Person**: DC 15

– **Mirror Image**:

– **Thunderwave** (3d8 damage, DC 15 for half)

– **Suggestion**: DC 15

**Tactics**: Barak uses his charm spells to sow discord among the party, turning them against each other momentarily. He relies on Mirror Image to evade attacks while directing his rogue followers to engage the party.

Once the party confronts him, they must use their diplomatic skills, combat prowess, or shadowy guile to thwart his plans, reclaim the Scepter of Accord, and restore peace to the Zephyr Academy.

Creative roleplay, tactical combat, and the unraveling of magical mysteries await your players in this immersive one-shot. Will they restore harmony to the Academy, or will chaos reign as Barak’s ambitions threaten to uproot the very foundation of magical education? The choice is theirs!