Tier 2 – The Broker’s Deceit Unraveling the Eldoria Car Finance Scandal
**Tier 2 play**
In the bustling, vibrant city of Eldoria, where soaring spires of crystal and marble glimmer under a perpetual twilight sky, a cloud of discontent has settled over the populace. Whispers of a nefarious car finance scandal have begun to circulate, turning the once-celebrated merchants of Eldoria into figures of suspicion. Gleaming carriages powered by magical crystals, once symbols of status and wealth, now stand abandoned in the streets, their owners trapped in a web of deceit spun by unscrupulous lenders.
As the party gathers in the lively marketplace, they overhear a group of aggrieved citizens speaking in hushed tones, their faces etched with worry. "They promised us fair terms, but now we are drowning in debt! We were misled!" one cries, clenching a crumpled contract in hand. The party learns of a shadowy figure known only as The Broker, who is rumored to be the mastermind behind this scandal, manipulating both buyers and sellers for his own gain.
The adventurers are approached by a determined journalist, Elara, who seeks their help in exposing The Broker. She believes that the key to unraveling the scandal lies within the hidden vaults of The Golden Ledger, a notorious bank run by a cabal of corrupt financiers. However, the vault is protected by powerful wards and magical guardians, and only those with the right knowledge can breach its defenses.
**Adventure Components:**
1. **Investigation Phase**: The party begins their quest by interviewing distraught car buyers to gather clues about The Broker's identity and whereabouts. They may uncover leads that take them to various locations, such as a tavern frequented by shady dealers, an underground market for magical artifacts, or even a hidden library containing forbidden knowledge about financial magic.
2. **Exploration Phase**: Guided by the information they collect, the players must navigate the city’s labyrinthine streets, avoiding traps set by The Broker’s henchmen. They may encounter enchanted street performers, rogue elementals, or mischievous fey who offer cryptic riddles that could either aid or hinder their progress.
3. **Confrontation Phase**: Upon locating The Golden Ledger, the party faces the bank’s defenses. They must solve magical puzzles and navigate through illusions before confronting The Broker himself.
**Boss Encounter: The Broker**
– **HP**: 120
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Arcane Bolt (2d10 damage, ranged spell attack)
– **Special Ability**: Illusory Duplicates (creates 3 illusory copies of himself, each with 1 HP; the duplicates can distract and confuse the party).
– **Legendary Actions**: The Broker can take one legendary action per round to cast a spell or create a duplicate.
As the party delves deeper into the vault, they must confront not only The Broker but also the ethical implications of their findings. Will they expose the truth and restore justice to the citizens of Eldoria, or will they be tempted by the wealth and power that the corrupt financiers offer?
With the fate of many hanging in the balance, the adventurers must rely on their wits, courage, and teamwork to navigate this high-stakes investigation, ultimately shaping the future of Eldoria itself.