Tier 2 – Shadows Over Eldoria The Festival of Lights

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where towering spires glimmer with arcane energy and the streets hum with the chatter of merchants and adventurers alike, a shadow looms over the annual Festival of Lights. This year, the festival promises to be the grandest yet, celebrating the union of two powerful magical factions—the Celestial Circle and the Arcane Guild. However, as the preparations unfold, whispers of a dark force plotting to disrupt the festivities have begun to circulate.

Your party finds themselves drawn into this intrigue as they receive a mysterious invitation to the festival’s grand opening ceremony. The invitation is sealed with a sigil of a broken star, a symbol long associated with a notorious group of rogue sorcerers known as the Umbral Cabal. Rumors suggest that the Cabal seeks to harness the festival’s magical energies to unleash chaos upon Eldoria.

As the sun sets and the festival lights flicker to life, the air is filled with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter. Colorful banners flutter above the streets, and performers showcase their talents. However, amidst the revelry, a sense of foreboding lingers. Your party must navigate through the vibrant crowds, gathering information and clues about the Cabal’s plans.

**Investigation Component:**

– **Gathering Clues:** Players can interact with festival-goers, performers, and vendors to gather information. Successful Insight or Persuasion checks may reveal rumors about strange occurrences, such as flickering lights or missing performers.

– **Hidden Secrets:** As they explore, players might discover a hidden alleyway leading to a secret meeting spot of the Umbral Cabal. Here, they can overhear plans for a ritual intended to siphon the festival’s magic.

**Exploration Component:**

– **The Enchanted Market:** The players can explore various stalls selling magical items, potions, and artifacts. They may find a unique item that could aid them in their confrontation with the Cabal.

– **The Celestial Tower:** A towering structure at the center of the festival, where the leaders of the Celestial Circle are preparing to perform a protective spell. Players can choose to assist in the preparations, gaining allies for the upcoming confrontation.

**The Confrontation:**

As the festival reaches its climax, the sky darkens, and a rift opens above the festival grounds, spilling forth shadowy figures—the Umbral Cabal! The players must confront the rogue sorcerers and stop their ritual before it’s too late.

**Boss Enemy:**

– **Zarathos, Shadow Sorcerer**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as *Darkness*, *Misty Step*, and *Fireball* (3/day).

– **Special Ability:** *Shadow Veil* – Once per encounter, Zarathos can become invisible in dim light or darkness for 1 minute.

As the party engages in this climactic battle, they must utilize their skills and teamwork to overcome the Cabal and save the festival from impending doom. Will they succeed in restoring the light to Eldoria, or will the shadows consume the city? The fate of the festival—and the realm—rests in their hands.