Tier 2 – Shadows of Arindale The Quest for the Shattered Echo Stone

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the air like a shimmering veil, lies the bustling town of Arindale. Known for its vibrant markets and spirited celebrations, it’s also notorious for the sudden disappearances of its residents. Recently, the townsfolk have been plagued by nightmarish visions of shadowy figures roaming the streets under the cover of darkness, leading to panic and unrest.

The adventurers find themselves at the local tavern, The Wandering Wyvern, where rumors swirl around a fabled artifact known as the Shattered Echo Stone. Legend tells that this stone holds the memories and souls of those it has consumed, granting its wielder incredible power. However, it has fallen into the wrong hands, and it’s believed that the Shadow Syndicate, a clandestine group of thieves and sorcerers, has taken possession of the stone.

### **Adventure Hook:**

As the players enjoy their evening, a desperate villager stumbles into the tavern, breathless and panicked. She reveals that the leader of the Shadow Syndicate, an ambitious and cunning sorceress named Morwenna Shadeveil, is planning to unleash the stone's destructive power during the upcoming festival of lights. The adventurers must ally themselves with the townsfolk to locate and confront Morwenna before it’s too late.

### **Exploration Component:**

The players can gather information about Morwenna by interacting with the locals. They might hear tales of a hidden lair in the nearby Mistwood Grove, rumored to be a sanctuary for outcasts and miscreants. As they navigate the labyrinthine paths of the grove, they encounter enchanted flora and fauna, each with its own secrets. They may find enchanted pools, whispering trees, or mischievous fey creatures who can either hinder or aid their journey depending on how the players handle the interaction.

### **Investigation Component:**

While exploring, the adventurers might uncover clues related to Morwenna’s whereabouts. These clues could take the form of:

– A torn page from a spellbook that hints at her plan.

– Cryptic messages left behind by her minions.

– An enchanted mirror that shows visions of the past, revealing Morwenna’s true intentions.

### **Confrontation:**

As the players close in on Morwenna’s lair, they must face her elite guards—darkly cloaked figures wielding eldritch powers. Each encounter will test the party’s tactics and teamwork.

#### **Boss Enemy: Morwenna Shadeveil**

– **Type:** Human Sorceress

– **AC:** 15

– **HP:** 100

– **Spell Slots:** 3 levels of 1st, 3 levels of 2nd, and 2 levels of 3rd

– **Attacks:**

– Shadow Bolt: Ranged spell attack (+6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)

– Ensnaring Shadow: Casts *Entangle* (DC 15)

– Darkness: Can cast *Darkness* centered on herself to obscure the battlefield.

### **Resolution:**

Upon defeating Morwenna, the adventurers can either destroy the Shattered Echo Stone or attempt to harness its power for themselves, prompting a moral dilemma. The fate of Arindale rests in their hands, and how they choose to act will have lasting repercussions on the town and its people.

Will they restore peace, or will they plunge the world further into darkness? The outcome lies in the decisions they make throughout their adventure.