Tier 2 – The Cosmic Gala A Quest for Truth
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant world of Elysara, where magic intertwines with technology, the cosmos is a playground for the wealthy elite. Amongst the glittering spires of Celestia City, a place known for its gravity-defying architecture and enchanted neon lights, a crisis unfolds that begs for the intervention of brave adventurers.
The story begins in an opulent ballroom, where members of the high society gather to celebrate the annual Cosmic Gala. Laughter and the clinking of crystal glasses fill the air as nobles flaunt their wealth and power. However, beneath the glamour lies a palpable tension. The first space-born teenager, a young prodigy named Astrae, has mysteriously vanished amidst the festivities, leaving no trace behind. Whispers of a new and dangerous side effect of space births ripple through the crowd, casting doubt on the genetic miracle that many have come to idolize.
As the players navigate the gala, they must investigate Astrae’s disappearance. They can gather information by mingling with guests, eavesdropping on hushed conversations, and utilizing their skills to uncover hidden truths. Some guests may reveal that Astrae was last seen arguing with a mysterious figure draped in shadows, a known advocate against space births who claims to possess knowledge that could unravel the elite’s grip on power.
The investigation leads the party to the Phosphor District, a neon-lit area known for its underground dealings and secrets. Here, they encounter a group of disgruntled space-born teens who are grappling with their identities and the consequences of their existence. They provide a lead to a black market surgeon rumored to have performed illegal modifications on space-born children.
As the party delves deeper, they discover a dark plot: a faction known as the Celestial Disciples seeks to expose the truth about space births and plans to unleash a powerful artifact known as the Void Crystal to disable the magic that sustains the elite's luxury—leaving them vulnerable to their secrets being unveiled.
The climax of the one-shot takes place in an abandoned spaceport, where the party confronts the faction’s leader, Aelion the Voidbinder. Aelion, a once-prominent scientist turned rogue, believes that space-born individuals possess untapped abilities that could shift the balance of power in the universe. He wields the Void Crystal, a relic that grants him control over gravitational forces, enabling him to manipulate the battlefield.
**Basic Stats for Aelion the Voidbinder:**
– **HP:** 120
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Gravitational Pulse (Melee or Ranged): +7 to hit, 2d10 + 4 force damage
– **Abilities:**
– **Void Step:** Once per turn, Aelion can teleport up to 30 feet as a bonus action.
– **Gravity Well:** Aelion can create a zone of distorted gravity in a 20-foot radius that affects all creatures within. Each creature must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC 15) or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
As the party battles Aelion, they must also navigate the environment, avoiding collapsing platforms and gravitational anomalies. Their choices will determine the outcome of Astrae’s fate and whether the truth about space births comes to light, reshaping the future of Elysara.
In the end, the adventurers may find themselves questioning the very fabric of society—what it means to be “perfect” and the moral implications of their actions in an ever-changing world. Will they side with the elite, or become champions for the oppressed? The fate of an entire generation rests in their hands.