Tier 2 – Shadows of Eldoria The Eldenwood Mystery

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark cloud looms over the peaceful town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk whisper of a sinister presence that has emerged from the shadows, casting fear into the hearts of those who once roamed the sunlit streets without a care.

The adventure begins in the bustling marketplace of Eldenwood, where the scent of fresh bread mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. As the party gathers, they are approached by a distraught villager named Elara, her eyes wide with fear. She recounts the tale of Bhim Kohli, an elderly man known for his wisdom and kindness, who was brutally attacked in Franklin Park just days ago. The townsfolk believe it was no ordinary assault; they suspect dark magic at play, and whispers of a young boy, only 15, being involved in the crime have spread like wildfire.

Elara implores the party to investigate the park, where the attack occurred. She hands them a small charm, a token of protection, and warns them of the strange occurrences reported in the area—disembodied whispers, flickering shadows, and a chilling aura that seems to envelop the trees.

As the party ventures into Franklin Park, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows thick with tension, and the vibrant colors of the flowers seem muted, as if the very essence of life is being drained away. The trees sway unnaturally, their branches twisting like gnarled fingers reaching out for the intruders.

Upon reaching the site of the attack, the party discovers remnants of a struggle: a broken cane, a torn piece of fabric, and faint traces of magical energy lingering in the air. As they investigate, they are ambushed by a group of shadowy figures—spectral manifestations of the boy’s guilt, twisted by dark magic.

**Enemy Stats: Shadow Wraiths**

– **HP:** 30 each

– **AC:** 12

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

– **Special Ability:** Guilt's Grasp (Once per encounter, can attempt to grapple a player, causing disadvantage on their next attack roll)

After defeating the wraiths, the party uncovers a hidden glade where they find the boy, trembling and terrified. He confesses that he was indeed present during the attack but insists he did not murder Bhim. Instead, he reveals that he was trying to protect the old man from a dark sorcerer who had been manipulating him, using his fears to turn him against the townsfolk.

The party must now confront this sorcerer, who lurks in the shadows, seeking to harness the boy’s latent magical abilities for his own nefarious purposes. The final confrontation takes place in an ancient ruin deep within the park, where the sorcerer awaits, surrounded by swirling dark energy.

**Boss Enemy Stats: Dark Sorcerer**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Arcane Bolt (Ranged, +7 to hit, 2d10 force damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Manipulation (Can create difficult terrain in a 20-foot radius, forcing players to make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw to avoid being restrained)

As the party battles the sorcerer, they must use their wits and teamwork to overcome his dark magic and free the boy from his grasp. Will they succeed in unraveling the mystery and restoring peace to Eldenwood, or will they fall victim to the shadows that threaten to consume them all? The fate of the town rests in their hands.