Tier 2 – The Auction of Shadows
**Tier 2 play**
In the magical realm of Eldoria, where enchantments dance through the air and ancient beasts roam the forgotten lands, a whisper of adventure beckons a group of intrepid heroes. The lush valleys of Verdant Hollow are stirred by an unusual phenomenon: the recent auction of rare dinosaur skeletons, two Allosaurus and one Stegosaurus, has drawn attention from across the kingdom. Rumors swirl that these skeletal remains are not merely relics of a bygone age, but hold the key to unlocking a long-lost power that could change the fate of Eldoria.
As the sun sets behind the towering peaks of the Skyreach Mountains, casting an amber glow over the land, your party finds themselves at the gates of the prestigious Eldorian Museum of Natural History. Eager patrons bustle about, their laughter and chatter echoing against the grand stone walls adorned with ancient tapestries depicting legendary creatures and forgotten heroes.
But beneath the festivities, a sinister plot brews. The skeletons, once safely displayed, have mysteriously vanished from their exhibit. In their place, a chilling note has appeared, marked with the sigil of an infamous group of rogue archaeologists known as the Obsidian Guild. They seek the skeletons to harness their power, triggering a wave of chaos across the realm.
Your party must navigate through the bustling auction, gathering clues from nervous patrons and disgruntled museum staff. The scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries wafts through the air, mingling with the tension that lingers like a storm cloud. As they delve deeper, they uncover a hidden agenda: the Obsidian Guild plans to use the dinosaurs' power to resurrect them and unleash their fury upon the world.
Adventure unfolds as your players must confront the cunning leader of the Obsidian Guild, a charismatic yet ruthless figure named Vesper Nightshade. With a dark glint in her eyes, Vesper commands the loyalty of her followers, each skilled in the arts of deception and sabotage.
**Boss Enemy: Vesper Nightshade**
– **AC:** 15
– **HP:** 120
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +7 to hit, 2d10+4 damage)
– **Special Ability:** Call of the Dinosaurs – Once per encounter, Vesper can summon spectral Allosaurus to fight alongside her for 3 turns. Each Allosaurus has AC 12 and 40 HP.
In a race against time, your party must gather evidence to thwart Vesper's plans while battling her minions and navigating the intricate web of lies spun within the museum. They must decide whether to confront Vesper directly or find a way to outsmart her before the auction comes to a climactic end and the dinosaurs are unleashed.
As the heroes delve into the heart of the museum, enchanted artifacts and arcane traps litter their path, urging them to think creatively. Do they use charm and persuasion to rally the auction-goers against the Obsidian Guild, or do they take the stealthy route, slipping unnoticed through the shadows?
The fate of Eldoria hangs in the balance, and only the cleverest and bravest will prevail. Will your heroes restore peace, or will Vesper Nightshade unleash a terror that echoes through the ages? The adventure awaits!