Tier 2 – Shadows Over the Festival of Lights

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant city of Eldoria, where the air is thick with the scent of blooming arcane flowers and the streets hum with the chatter of magical creatures, a shadow looms over the annual Festival of Lights. The city, known for its dazzling displays of magic and celebration, has recently been plagued by mysterious disappearances. Citizens are vanishing without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a dark figure seen lurking in the alleys.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the city, the party finds themselves drawn to the central square, where colorful lanterns dance in the evening breeze. The festival is in full swing, with performers showcasing their talents—illusionists conjuring dazzling lights, musicians strumming enchanting melodies, and vendors peddling magical trinkets. But an air of unease hangs over the festivities, and the mayor, a stout gnome named Mayor Bramblefoot, stands at the center, desperately seeking brave souls to investigate the disappearances.

The party is approached by a frantic young woman named Elara, whose brother was one of the missing. Her eyes shimmer with tears as she pleads for their help, revealing that the last place he was seen was near the old abandoned tower at the edge of the city, rumored to be haunted by a malevolent spirit. She believes that the tower holds the key to the mystery, and if they can uncover the truth, they may be able to save her brother and the others.

As they make their way to the tower, the atmosphere shifts. The cobblestone path is overgrown with luminescent moss, illuminating the way with an eerie glow. The tower itself looms above them, its crumbling stone walls draped in thick vines and shrouded in mist. The air grows colder, and the sound of distant whispers fills their ears, beckoning them closer.

Inside the tower, the party discovers a series of rooms filled with remnants of ancient magic—bookshelves lined with dusty tomes, strange artifacts pulsating with energy, and a central chamber that holds a swirling portal. As they investigate, they are confronted by the source of the disappearances: a powerful sorceress named Lirael, who has been using the captured souls to fuel her dark magic in a bid for immortality.

**Boss Enemy: Lirael the Soulbinder**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Lirael can cast spells up to 5th level, with a focus on necromancy and illusion.

– **Abilities:**

– **Soul Drain:** Melee spell attack, +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3d8 necrotic damage, and Lirael regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.

– **Illusory Duplicate:** Lirael creates two illusory duplicates of herself. Attackers must roll a d20; on a roll of 11 or higher, they hit a duplicate instead (duplicates disappear after being hit).

– **Dark Binding:** Lirael can attempt to bind a player, forcing them to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they are paralyzed until the end of their next turn.

As the party engages Lirael, the tower begins to tremble, and the portal starts to destabilize. They must not only defeat her but also find a way to close the portal to prevent more souls from being lost. The tension builds as they navigate the room, dodging spells and illusions, while trying to free the trapped souls and save Elara's brother before time runs out.

Will the party uncover the truth behind Lirael's dark magic and restore peace to Eldoria, or will they become yet another tale of woe whispered among the festival lights? The fate of the city rests in their hands.