Tier 2 – The Great Ale Conning Festival A Quest for the Elixir of Joy
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through every aspect of life, a peculiar event has captured the attention of its residents—the Great Ale Conning Festival. This ancient tradition, held once every hundred years, celebrates the art of brewing and the joyous spirit of camaraderie. However, whispers of a dark plot threaten to shatter the festive occasion.
As your party gathers in the bustling town square of Goldengrove, the air is thick with the aroma of spiced ale and roasted meats. Colorful banners flutter in the wind, and laughter echoes around you. Yet beneath this veneer of merriment, a sense of unease stirs. The festival's head brewer, Old Man Barkley, has gone missing, and with him, the secret recipe for the festival’s signature brew, the Elixir of Joy. Rumors swirl that an ancient rival of the brewery, a covetous sorcerer named Malgrath, seeks to sabotage the festival and seize the power of the Elixir for himself.
Your players, drawn by the thrill of adventure and a desire to protect the festival, soon find themselves at the center of a mystery. They must investigate Old Man Barkley’s disappearance, navigating through the festival's colorful stalls and interacting with its eccentric characters. Each encounter offers clues that lead them deeper into the heart of Goldengrove's secrets. Perhaps a tipsy bard knows of a late-night rendezvous, or a suspicious merchant speaks in riddles about the shadowy figure seen near the old brewery.
As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the town, the party discovers a hidden chamber beneath the brewery. Here, they confront Malgrath, who has captured Old Man Barkley in a magical trap, intent on using the Elixir’s power to amplify his own dark sorcery.
**Boss Encounter: Malgrath the Sorcerer**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:**
– Arcane Blast: +6 to hit, 3d8 force damage
– Ensnaring Spell (1/day): Target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute.
– **Abilities:**
– Spellcasting (Can cast spells up to level 3, including Magic Missile, Mage Armor, and Fireball.)
– Dark Visions: Advantage on perception checks in dim light or darkness.
As the battle rages, the players will need to use their wits and teamwork to free Old Man Barkley and stop Malgrath from ruining the festival. Victory will not only restore the Elixir of Joy but also earn the respect and gratitude of the townsfolk, culminating in a grand celebration where the players are hailed as heroes. They will partake in the first taste of the Elixir, a moment that will be remembered long after the festival’s lights fade, sealing their place in the annals of Goldengrove's history.