Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldoria (24)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where the air is thick with the scent of blooming wisteria and the streets are alive with the chime of laughter and music, a shadow has fallen. The once-celebrated bard, Lyra Windwhisper, has been found dead in her opulent chambers at the Glittering Muse Inn. The news has sent ripples through the city, stirring both fear and intrigue among its citizens.

Your party, drawn together by fate, finds themselves in the heart of Eldoria at the behest of the city’s council. In their desperation to restore peace and uncover the truth behind Lyra’s untimely demise, they offer you a handsome reward—a pouch of shimmering gold coins and an artifact said to have belonged to the legendary bard herself.

As your adventurers step into the inn, they are greeted by the murmur of hushed voices and the flickering glow of enchanted lanterns. The vibrant decor, once a backdrop for joyous gatherings, now feels heavy with sorrow. The room where Lyra was found is cordoned off, but the lingering echoes of her last song seem to dance in the air.

The party quickly learns that the inn’s staff and patrons are both afraid and suspicious. Here are the key figures to interrogate:

1. **Eldon the Innkeeper**: A burly man with a heart of gold, his deep-set eyes betray his worry about the inn’s reputation. He might know more than he lets on.

2. **Mira the Waitress**: A young woman with a keen ear for gossip, Mira witnessed Lyra’s last moments and may have seen suspicious figures lurking in the shadows.

3. **Garrick the Bard**: An envious rival of Lyra, Garrick’s jealousy is palpable, and his alibi seems a little too convenient.

As your players investigate, they will uncover clues hidden among Lyra’s belongings—a torn piece of parchment with a mysterious song, a jewel-encrusted dagger that seems out of place, and a locked trunk that may hold secrets of her past.

However, tension mounts as a storm brews outside and a sudden power outage plunges the inn into darkness. As the party gathers their thoughts, a chilling howl echoes from the shadows—an ominous warning that they are not alone.

While the party pieces together the clues, they will need to confront an unexpected enemy: **The Whispering Shade**, a vengeful spirit of a former bard who seeks to reclaim the spotlight stolen by Lyra.

**Whispering Shade Stats:**

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 50

– **Speed**: 0 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover)

– **Attack**: Ethereal Dagger +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) psychic damage.

– **Special Ability**: *Dissonant Whispers* – Once per encounter, the Shade can force a player to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14). On a failed save, they take 14 (4d6) psychic damage and must use their reaction to flee.

As the party battles the Whispering Shade, they must also decipher the mystery of Lyra’s murder. Was it a crime of passion, jealousy, or something more sinister? Each decision they make will lead them deeper into the heart of Eldoria’s secrets, and they must work together to unveil the truth before the dawn breaks over the city, forever altering its fate.

Will your adventurers unravel the mystery and bring peace to the restless spirit, or will they fall victim to the shadows that linger within the Glittering Muse Inn? The choice is theirs—let the adventure begin!