Tier 2 – The Heart of the River A Quest in Rivermoor

**Tier 2 play**

In the high fantasy realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a vibrant town known as Rivermoor has gained renown for its enchanting festivals. However, a shadow hangs over the festivities this year. Local whispers speak of a mysterious artifact, the Heart of the River, said to grant unimaginable power to whoever possesses it. Rumors have spread that a dark figure known only as "The Brickmaster" has taken it, using its magic to fuel chaos and unrest among the townsfolk.

The adventurers find themselves in Rivermoor during the annual Festival of Lights, where the air is thick with the scent of festival treats and the sound of joyful laughter. But as they mingle with the townspeople, a sudden commotion erupts. An eerie stillness cloaks the atmosphere, as thick clouds gather above the square, swirling ominously. Then, without warning, bricks begin to rain down on the celebrating crowd, hurled by invisible hands. Panic ensues as people scatter in every direction.

Amid the chaos, an elder approaches the party, desperate for help. She speaks of the Brickmaster, a rogue mage who wielded the Heart of the River, and how he has used its power to unleash his wrath upon the city. With the festival ruined and fear taking root among the townsfolk, the adventurers must find a way to confront this malevolent force.

**Objective:** The party must unravel the mystery of the Brickmaster, discover his lair, and reclaim the Heart of the River before the town succumbs to his tyranny.

### Exploration Component

– **Setting:**

– **The Forest of Whispers:** Dense woods surround Rivermoor, filled with magical flora and fauna. Strange sounds echo through the trees, and lights flicker between trunks. The party must navigate these lands, dealing with trickster fey creatures while following clues left behind by the Brickmaster’s minions.

– **The Bricked Den:** The lair of the Brickmaster, found in a hidden cave adorned with brickwork that pulses with arcane energy. Confronting illusions and traps, the party must make their way past guards made of stone and animated bricks.

### Investigation Component

As the party gathers information from the townsfolk, they can uncover:

– **Clue 1:** A frantic merchant saw a cloaked figure entering the Forest at dusk.

– **Clue 2:** A local bard speaks of a song that reveals the Heart’s true nature, providing hints about its vulnerabilities.

– **Clue 3:** An injured guard mentions strange symbols etched into the bricks scattered around town, revealing a pattern that might lead to the Brickmaster’s weaknesses.

### Enemy Encounter

As the adventurers reach the Brickmaster's lair, they are met with:

**The Brickmaster**

– **HP:** 95

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:**

– **Brick Barrage:** +6 to hit, 2d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage.

– **Arcane Shield:** Grants himself +2 AC for one round, usable twice per encounter.

– **Special Ability:**

– **Brickstorm (Recharge 5-6):** Unleashes a swirling storm of bricks in a 30-foot radius. Creatures must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 damage on a failed save or half on a success.

### Conclusion

Upon defeating the Brickmaster and recovering the Heart of the River, the party can restore peace to Rivermoor, leading a triumphant return to a town full of grateful faces. In gratitude, the townsfolk celebrate their heroes with a festival of lights like no other, where tales of bravery and magic are spun into the night sky, ensuring that the legends of the adventurers will echo through Eldoria for generations to come.

Prepare your dice, gather your props, and let the adventure unfold!