Tier 2 – The Shadow Hands of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

Welcome to the vibrant streets of Eldoria, a bustling city filled with magical wonders and hidden dangers. As the sun sets, casting an orange hue over the cobblestone paths, an air of tension grips the once-thriving marketplace. Whispers of chaos have traveled through the alleyways, speaking of a gang of reckless thieves known as the Shadow Hands. These nefarious criminals have plagued the retailers, striking fear into the hearts of merchants who once thrived in the lively Morningside district.

The party finds themselves in the midst of this turmoil, drawn by tales of disappearing goods and a recent incident where a shopkeeper was left battered and bruised on the cold floor of his own store. As the adventurers gather in the dimly lit tavern, the barkeep, a stout dwarf with a bushy beard, shares the plight of Morningside’s merchants. “You lot look like you can handle a bit of trouble,” he says, leaning in closer. “If you’re willing, you could put an end to the Shadow Hands’ reign of terror. They’ve been targeting the most vulnerable—those who don't stand a chance against their magic and blades.”

As the party steps outside, the cool evening air is heavy with anticipation. The flickering lanterns provide just enough light for the adventurers to navigate through the winding streets. They hear the distant sounds of laughter and music emanating from a nearby tavern, but that comfort is quickly overshadowed by the screams of a merchant fleeing from the alleyway. The party rushes to investigate.

In the shadows, they find a group of three thieves—dressed in dark, tattered cloaks with glinting daggers at their sides. The leader, a lithe figure with piercing green eyes named Kira, sneers at the party. “You think you can stop us? This city is ours now!” With a wave of her hand, she conjures a shimmering illusion, casting it over the alley to create the sense of multiple attackers. A trick to confuse and terrify.

**Enemy Stats:**

– **Kira, Shadow Hand Leader**

– HP: 45

– AC: 15

– Attacks:

– Dagger: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 piercing damage

– Spellcasting: Can cast *Mage Hand* and *Minor Illusion* at will.

– **Shadow Thief (2)**

– HP: 30 each

– AC: 14

– Attacks:

– Dagger: +4 to hit, 1d4+2 piercing damage

The encounter begins, and the party must use their skills and abilities to overcome the thieves and navigate the illusion. As the battle ensues, the adventurers can also choose to investigate the remnants of a nearby shop, uncovering clues that hint at a larger conspiracy involving a powerful artifact stolen by the Shadow Hands—a magical relic said to bend the will of those who possess it.

As the adventurers defeat Kira and her gang, they learn of a secret hideout where the artifact is being kept. This leads to an exploration component, where they must navigate through the thieves' lair, filled with traps, lingering shadows, and perhaps even an unexpected ally who seeks to end the gang’s tyranny.

The party must decide whether to retrieve the artifact for the merchants of Eldoria or use its power for their own ends. The choices they make will shape the future of Morningside and perhaps even lead them to greater adventures beyond the city’s walls. Will they restore peace to the marketplace or plunge it deeper into chaos? The fate of Eldoria rests in their hands.