Tier 2 – Shadows Over Eldoria (7)

**Tier 2 play**

As the moon hangs high in the star-studded sky, casting an ethereal glow over the cobblestone streets of Eldoria, a sense of unease blankets the town. The air is thick with tension, and the usual sounds of laughter and merriment have been replaced by an eerie silence. The townsfolk huddle in their homes, peering through curtains, their faces pale with fear. A chilling proclamation echoes through the night, reverberating off the ancient stone walls: "To all citizens, this is a midnight warning. Please stay inside and do not interact with any beings outside no matter what or who it is or claims to be. We will notify you later once the threat has subsided."

The party finds themselves in the heart of Eldoria, summoned by the mayor, a stout dwarf named Balin Stonefist, who is desperate for help. He explains that strange creatures have been spotted lurking in the shadows, whispering dark secrets and luring unsuspecting citizens into the night. These beings, known as the Shadow Wraiths, are said to be the remnants of those who fell victim to their own desires, twisted by dark magic. The townsfolk are terrified, and the mayor fears that if the threat is not contained, the very essence of Eldoria will be consumed by darkness.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party must investigate the source of the Shadow Wraiths. They will need to gather information from the townsfolk, explore the eerie surroundings, and uncover the truth behind the midnight warning. Clues may lead them to the abandoned Temple of Luminara, a once-sacred site now shrouded in mystery and malevolence.

**Exploration Component:**

As the party navigates the dimly lit streets, they encounter frightened townsfolk who share tales of strange occurrences: flickering lights in the forest, shadows moving against the grain of reality, and whispers that call out to them in the dead of night. The party can choose to visit the tavern, where they might overhear rumors of a hidden artifact that could banish the Wraiths, or they could venture to the outskirts of town, where the forest looms ominously.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Upon reaching the Temple of Luminara, the party is confronted by a powerful Shadow Wraith, the embodiment of their fears and desires. This Wraith, known as Malakar, is a formidable foe with the following stats:

– **Name:** Malakar, the Shadow Wraith

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 10 (-1)

– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)

– **Constitution:** 14 (+2)

– **Intelligence:** 12 (+1)

– **Wisdom:** 16 (+3)

– **Charisma:** 18 (+4)

– **Actions:**

– **Shadow Strike:** Melee Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10) necrotic damage.

– **Whispers of Despair:** Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Ethereal Jaunt (Recharge 5-6):** Malakar can shift into the Ethereal Plane, becoming invisible and untouchable for one round.

**Conclusion:**

The party must defeat Malakar to free Eldoria from the grip of the Shadow Wraiths. Upon victory, they will discover the artifact hidden within the temple—a radiant crystal that can cleanse the darkness from the town. As dawn breaks, the townsfolk emerge, their faces filled with hope, and the party is hailed as heroes, their names forever etched in the annals of Eldoria.

This one-shot promises a blend of investigation, exploration, and combat, all set against the backdrop of a high magic, high fantasy world where the light must triumph over the encroaching shadows.