Tier 2 – The Enchanted Carnival Shadows of Despair

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, a magical fairground known as the Enchanted Carnival has captivated adventurers and townsfolk alike. Amidst the laughter and excitement, a sinister shadow looms over the festivities, threatening to turn joy into despair. The party finds themselves in the quaint town of Willowdale during the peak of the carnival season.

As the sun sets and the colorful lights of the fairground flicker to life, a chilling scream pierces the air. The adventurers rush towards the sound and discover a crowd gathered near the Grand Fantasia, a towering, enchanted roller coaster that has mysteriously derailed. Among the onlookers is Louise Brown, a visibly shaken woman who has just emerged from the wreckage, her clothes torn and her face pale.

"I—I saw something!" she stammers, her eyes wide with terror. "As the ride was climbing, a shadowy figure appeared! It felt as if something cursed the ride, and then it crashed! You must help us!"

The fairground is filled with whimsical sights: stalls adorned with glowing baubles, acrobats performing dazzling feats, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted chestnuts hanging in the air. Yet, beneath this veneer of merriment, a dark magic has been unleashed. As the heroes investigate, they learn from Louise and other witnesses that several riders have gone missing, their fates unknown.

### Investigation Component

The adventurers must gather clues around the fairground. They can speak with various NPCs, such as:

– **Merrick the Jester**: A flamboyant performer who claims he saw the shadowy figure lurking near the Ferris wheel. He might know of a secret entrance to the ride.

– **Elda the Fortune Teller**: An enigmatic woman who offers cryptic insights. She hints at a hidden curse that may tie the shadow to an ancient artifact.

– **Bruno the Strongman**: A reluctant participant who was supposed to be on the ride but had to use the restroom just before it took off. His guilt leads him to share a rumor about a rival who wants to sabotage the carnival.

### Exploration Component

The adventurers can explore different areas of the fairground, such as:

– **The Haunted House**: Odd noises and flickering lights may lead to hidden passages or enchanted creatures guarding secrets.

– **The Funhouse**: A maze of mirrors and illusions that may confuse or mislead the party. They could discover a magical item or a clue to the villain’s motive.

– **The Ferris Wheel**: Perhaps the source of the curse resides here, where the party might encounter spectral patrons who were once part of the carnival.

### The Boss Enemy

Ultimately, the party will discover that the shadowy figure is the spirit of a vengeful former performer who died in a tragic accident years ago. Transformed by bitterness, they now seek revenge on those who celebrate while ignoring their memory.

**Boss Stats:**

– **Name**: The Shadowed Illusionist

– **Type**: Undead Spirit

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 65

– **Attack**: Shadowy Grasp +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10) psychic damage.

– **Special Ability**: **Soul Shatter** (Recharge 5-6). The Spirit unleashes a wave of despair. Each creature in a 30-foot radius must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 21 (6d6) psychic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.

### Conclusion

As the party confronts the Shadowed Illusionist amidst the twisted remains of the Grand Fantasia, they must use their skills and creativity to unravel the tragedy's mystery. If they can free the spirit from its bitterness, the carnival will be restored to its former glory, allowing joy and celebration to flourish once more. If they fail, the fairground may become a haunting ground, forever shrouded in the shadow of despair.

Your journey into the Enchanted Carnival awaits, adventurers! Will you bring light to the darkness, or will the shadow consume you?