Tier 2 – The Clones of Havenbrook

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the flourishing kingdom of Eldoria, whispers of a strange phenomenon have begun to circulate among the people. In the shadow of the grand castle, a series of mysterious events has gripped the town of Havenbrook, where identical figures have been spotted appearing and disappearing at the break of dawn. Each morning, a nameless figure garbed in mismatched armor emerges from the mist, only to be swiftly dispatched by the guards who patrol the castle walls. However, for every one that falls, another appears in its place, causing panic and confusion among the townsfolk.

Rumors suggest that these strange beings are manifestations of a powerful sorcerer who seeks to challenge the very essence of Kingship itself. As the party enters Havenbrook, the air is thick with tension and magic, casting an ethereal glow over the cobblestone streets. The enchanting aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the scent of damp earth, while villagers speak in hushed tones, their eyes darting nervously toward the castle.

The party is soon approached by Elara, a brave local guard who has witnessed the strange phenomena firsthand. She implores the adventurers to investigate the occurrences and put an end to the cycle of terror that grips the town. As they delve deeper, they discover that the sorcerer is using a forbidden spell—a twisted form of cloning—to create these identical challengers. The clones are not just mindless beings; they retain fragments of the sorcerer’s consciousness, making them cunning and unpredictable.

**Investigation Component:**

As the party gathers intelligence, they will need to explore various locations around Havenbrook, including:

1. **The Ancient Library:** Here, they can uncover dusty tomes detailing the sorcerer's past and the dark magic he wields.

2. **The Marketplace:** Engaging with local merchants may reveal rumors of strange trades and items linked to the sorcerer's activities.

3. **The Enchanted Forest:** Locals speak of an ancient ruin hidden within, where the sorcerer is rumored to conduct his experiments.

Each location can lead to clues about how to confront the sorcerer and the source of his powers. Players will also encounter challenges such as puzzles in the library, negotiating with wary merchants, or navigating through magical barriers in the forest.

**Encounter Component:**

Eventually, the party will face the Sorcerer himself—a wizened figure draped in dark robes, surrounded by a swirling vortex of energy. He wields the power of illusion and duplication, making it difficult for the party to discern the real threat.

**Boss Enemy:**

**Name:** Malakar the Duplicitous

**Race:** Human Sorcerer

**AC:** 15

**HP:** 85

**Attack:**

– **Arcane Bolt:** +7 to hit, 2d10+3 force damage.

– **Clone Summon:** Once per combat, Malakar can summon 1d4 clones that mimic his attacks. Each clone has 20 HP and acts on his initiative.

**Abilities:**

– **Illusionary Veil:** Malakar can create illusory duplicates of himself, causing disadvantage on attacks against him for one round.

– **Magical Escape:** When reduced to 20 HP or less, Malakar can teleport up to 60 feet away, leaving behind a duplicate that absorbs one attack.

The party will need to use strategy and teamwork to defeat Malakar, dispelling the illusion that shrouds him and putting an end to his nefarious plans. Victory will restore peace to Havenbrook, and the townspeople will hold a celebration in honor of the heroes who faced down the darkness and emerged victorious.

Will the party rise to the challenge, unravel the mystery of the clones, and confront the sorcerer in an epic showdown? The fate of Havenbrook rests in their hands!