Tier 2 – Shadows Over Eldoria The Academy’s Dark Secret

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun sets over the vibrant city of Eldoria, its streets are alive with the colors and sounds of the bustling marketplace. Merchants hawk their wares, from shimmering potions that bubble with arcane energy to exotic fruits that emit a sweet, intoxicating aroma. However, beneath this lively facade, a shadow looms. Whispers of a dark force have begun to spread, unsettling the citizens. Parents are pulling their children from the local academy, claiming that the school system is "broken" and that a sinister influence has taken root within its walls.

You find yourselves gathered at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where rumors swirl like the smoke from the hearth. A frantic mother approaches your table, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, you must help! My child has gone missing from the academy. They say something is wrong with the teachers, that they’re not who they seem. I fear they’re being taken by a dark force!"

Your quest begins with a decision: Will you investigate the academy and uncover the mystery? Or will you delve deeper into the city’s underbelly, seeking out those who have knowledge of the strange happenings? The choice is yours, but time is of the essence.

### The Academy of Eldoria

As you arrive at the academy, a grand structure of ivy-covered stone, you notice the air is thick with an unsettling energy. The once-happy laughter of children has been replaced by an eerie silence. The large wooden doors creak open, revealing a dimly lit corridor lined with portraits of stern-looking headmasters. The smell of old books and dust fills your nostrils.

**Exploration Component:** As you explore the academy, you can choose to investigate various areas: the library, the classrooms, or the headmaster's office. Each location offers clues, hidden passages, and encounters with strange creatures that have taken residence in the school.

### The Enigmatic Teachers

Throughout your exploration, you encounter the teachers, who seem strangely aloof and unwelcoming. They possess an unnatural charm that makes it difficult to discern their true intentions. Some may offer cryptic advice, while others may try to dissuade you from digging too deep.

**Enemy Encounter:** As you confront the teachers in the main hall, it becomes clear that they are not what they seem. They reveal themselves to be **Illusionary Wraiths**, dark entities feeding off the fears of the children.

**Basic Stats for Illusionary Wraith:**

– **AC:** 13

– **HP:** 45

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee attack, +5 to hit, 1d8+3 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Fear Aura – All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

### The Final Confrontation

As you gather evidence and confront the wraiths, you discover that they are attempting to siphon the life force of the children to gain power and maintain their hold over the academy. The final showdown occurs in the grand auditorium, where the wraiths summon dark illusions to confuse and frighten you.

To defeat them, you must work together, using your skills and spells to break their hold on the children and dispel the illusions. As you vanquish the wraiths, the children are freed from their grasp, and the true nature of the academy is revealed.

### Conclusion

With the wraiths defeated, the academy begins to heal, and the parents can feel safe sending their children back. The grateful townsfolk celebrate your bravery, and you are hailed as heroes. As you leave Eldoria, you know that the bonds of friendship forged during this adventure will last a lifetime, and the tales of your deeds will resound throughout the land.

Prepare for an evening filled with mystery, excitement, and the thrill of high magic as you embark on this unforgettable journey!