Tier 2 – The Celestial Tear of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant and mystical realm of Eldoria, a legendary artifact known as the Celestial Tear has resurfaced. This gem, said to possess the power to control the very fabric of magic, has drawn the attention of various factions across the land. The party finds themselves in the bustling town of Elden Hollow, where rumors swirl of dark forces seeking to claim the Tear for themselves.

As the players gather in the local tavern, The Twinkling Star, they overhear hushed whispers about a cult known as the Shadowed Hand. This sinister group has been kidnapping townsfolk, believed to be part of a ritual to awaken an ancient evil. The party must investigate these abductions, uncover the cult’s plans, and ultimately confront their leader, a formidable foe known as Malakar the Enshadowed.

**Setting the Scene:**

The tavern is alive with the sounds of laughter and clinking tankards, but a sense of unease hangs in the air. The flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows on the walls, and the smell of roasted meat mingles with the musty scent of old wood. As the adventurers converse, a hooded figure approaches their table, revealing herself to be Lirael, a desperate villager.

“I’ve lost my brother to the Shadowed Hand,” she begs, her voice trembling. “They took him to the old ruins outside town. Please, you must help us!”

**The Investigation:**

The party sets out at dusk, the sky painted in hues of purple and gold. As they reach the outskirts of Elden Hollow, they find the remnants of an ancient temple, overgrown with vines and shrouded in an ominous fog. The air crackles with magic, and the whispers of the lost echo through the trees.

– **Clue Gathering:** The players can search the area for clues, such as strange symbols etched in stone or remnants of dark rituals. They may encounter shadowy creatures that guard the ruins, challenging them to combat or clever negotiation.

**Confronting the Cult:**

As the party delves deeper into the ruins, they discover a hidden chamber where the cultists gather. The flickering light of torches reveals Malakar, a sinister figure draped in flowing black robes, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

“Fools! You dare to disrupt our sacred rite?” he sneers, summoning shadowy tendrils to ensnare the party.

**Boss Encounter: Malakar the Enshadowed**

– **Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged Spell Attack (+7 to hit, 2d8+4 necrotic damage)

– **Darkness:** Casts the spell to create a 15 ft. radius of magical darkness.

– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport up to 30 ft. to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness.

Lirael joins the fight, providing support with her healing magic. The party must strategize to overcome Malakar’s shadowy defenses while rescuing the captured villagers, who are bound in magical chains, their life force slowly being drained.

**Conclusion:**

Upon defeating Malakar, the party finds the Celestial Tear hidden among the cult’s relics. They face a choice: will they return it to Elden Hollow to protect the realm from future threats, or will they harness its power for their own purposes? As they leave the ruins, the sky begins to clear, hinting at a new dawn and the choices that lie ahead.

The adventure concludes with the party heralded as heroes, but the shadows of Eldoria still linger, promising new challenges and stories yet to unfold.