Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldrinvale
**Tier 2 play**
In a realm where magic flows as freely as the wind, your party finds themselves drawn to the enchanting city of Eldrinvale, a place renowned for its vibrant markets and mystical wonders. However, beneath its gleaming façade, a shadow looms. The annual Festival of Lights is just days away, an event that draws travelers and merchants from afar. Yet, as the festival approaches, strange occurrences plague the city—residents report missing items, haunting whispers in the alleys, and even sightings of a shadowy figure darting through the night.
As your adventurers gather at the bustling Open Market, the air is thick with the aroma of spiced meats and sweet pastries. Colorful banners flutter in the gentle breeze, but there’s an underlying tension that is palpable. Merchants are anxiously discussing the thefts, and a notable figure—the town guard captain, Mirabel Stormwatch—gathers the townsfolk to address their fears. Her voice rises above the crowd, “My friends, we must unite against this unknown threat! I am offering a reward to anyone who can uncover the source of these disturbances and ensure the festival proceeds without incident!”
The players are entrusted with the task to investigate the recent happenings, and thus the adventure begins. They may choose to interview witnesses, explore the city’s underbelly, or search the forests surrounding Eldrinvale for clues. As they delve deeper, they learn of an ancient artifact, the Shard of Shadows, believed to have been stolen from a hidden temple. Legends say that it grants immense power to its holder, able to manipulate darkness itself.
As the party follows the trail, they face several challenges along the way—a cunning street thief who tries to mislead them, a mischievous fey creature that offers riddles in exchange for assistance in retrieving its lost trinket, and even a group of rogue mages intent on harnessing the Shard’s power for themselves.
**Encounter: The Shadow Thief**
– **Boss Enemy: Selarion Shadeweaver**
– **Type:** Rogue (CR 4)
– **HP:** 72
– **AC:** 15
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Step:** Selarion can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see that is in dim light or darkness.
– **Sneak Attack (3d6):** Deals extra damage when attacking a surprised enemy or an enemy that is within 5 feet of an ally.
– **Shadow Veil:** Once per encounter, Selarion can create an area of magical darkness that heavily obscures a 15-foot radius for 1 minute.
The confrontation with Selarion Shadeweaver occurs in the ruins of a dilapidated warehouse, hidden away from prying eyes. The darkness dances, and the tension mounts as the party engages in a battle of wits and skill. Will they use their knowledge of the city and its secrets to outmaneuver him, or will they be caught in his shadowy grip?
Upon defeating Selarion, the party discovers the Shard of Shadows, pulsating with dark energy. They must decide its fate—destroy it, return it to the temple, or perhaps harness its power for themselves.
As the Festival of Lights approaches, the party's choices will determine the city's fate, and their actions ripple through the realm. Will they bring back peace, or will darkness overshadow Eldrinvale forever? The choice is theirs, and the adventure awaits!