Tier 2 – The Cursed Wishes of Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of the aurora, a tale of intrigue and ambition unfolds. The players find themselves in the bustling market square of Luminara, where the air is thick with the aroma of spiced meats and sweet pastries, and the lively chatter of merchants fills the atmosphere. Colorful stalls adorned with enchanted trinkets and rare potions line the streets, drawing in curious adventurers and townsfolk alike.
As the party navigates the market, they overhear a commotion emanating from the town square. A crowd has gathered around a large, ornate lamp resting atop a pedestal. Its surface glimmers under the midday sun, and the air is charged with an electric anticipation. Rumors swirl that a powerful genie has been summoned, capable of granting immense wishes. The townsfolk whisper tales of extraordinary desires being fulfilled, but with each wish, the stories hint at a dark consequence—something sinister lurking in the shadows.
Curiosity piqued, the party joins the throng and witnesses a local nobleman, Lord Eldrin, making his wish: "I wish for you to create a perfect copy of yourself." The genie, a magnificent being with swirling patterns of light and dark upon its form, nods and complies. To the astonishment of the crowd, a second lamp materializes, and the nobleman eagerly rubs it, summoning the new genie.
But the atmosphere shifts abruptly as the first genie's expression twists into horror. “Three wishes,” the second genie announces, its voice smooth yet chilling. Panic erupts, and the crowd disperses, leaving the party amidst the chaos. They soon discover that the first genie, once a benevolent being, is now cursed. With each wish granted, the balance of magic in Eldoria is threatened, and dark forces begin to stir.
The party must embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the genies’ curse. They will need to investigate the origins of the lamp, seeking out ancient tomes and wise sages. Clues will lead them to the Whispering Woods, where a reclusive sorceress, known for her knowledge of arcane artifacts, resides. However, the woods are home to mischievous fey creatures and dangerous fauna, testing the party's resolve and resourcefulness.
As they delve deeper into the lore, the adventurers will learn of a malevolent entity, the Shadow Wisher, who seeks to harness the power of the genies for its own nefarious ends. The party must confront this dark force before it corrupts the very fabric of magic in their world.
**Boss Enemy: The Shadow Wisher**
– **Type:** Undead Sorcerer
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 90 (12d8 + 36)
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Dark Magic:** Spellcasting (Can cast spells up to 5th level)
– **Cursed Touch:** Melee Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll.
– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 ft. to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.
The party’s choices will affect the outcome: will they destroy the cursed lamp, releasing the genies from their torment, or will they attempt to bargain with the Shadow Wisher, risking the balance of magic in Eldoria? The fate of the realm hangs in the balance as they navigate this web of ambition, consequence, and the true nature of wishes.