Tier 2 – The Curse of Notre-Dame Cathedral
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where the scent of blooming violets mingled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries, a mysterious aura has enveloped the once-gleaming Notre-Dame Cathedral. After years of renovations, the grand reopening is set to take place, drawing in nobles, commoners, and adventurers alike. However, whispers of an ancient curse tied to the cathedral's foundations have begun to circulate, casting a shadow over the festivities.
As the party gathers in the vibrant marketplace, colorful banners flutter in the breeze, and the distant sound of a lute playing a merry tune fills the air. Each player is drawn to the cathedral, their curiosity piqued by the tales of ghostly apparitions and relics long thought lost. The atmosphere is electric, but something feels off—a chill in the air that sends shivers down their spines.
Upon reaching the cathedral, the party witnesses the grandeur of the structure, its spires reaching for the sky like fingers of stone. However, a gathering storm looms overhead, and dark clouds swirl ominously. The party learns from a nervous local, a baker named Elara, that the night before the reopening, a group of shadowy figures was seen entering the cathedral. Since then, strange occurrences have plagued the area: flickering lights, unsettling whispers, and sightings of a spectral figure haunting the bell tower.
The players must decide whether to investigate the cathedral before the grand ceremony or to gather more information from the townsfolk. If they choose to explore, they will encounter various challenges, including navigating through secret passages, solving cryptic riddles left by the cathedral's original architects, and battling animated constructs that guard the forgotten relics.
**Enemies to Defeat:**
1. **Shadow Wraith**
– **HP:** 40
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +5 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Meld (Can become invisible in dim light or darkness)
2. **Animated Guardian**
– **HP:** 30
– **AC:** 16
– **Attack:** Slam (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d6 + 3 bludgeoning damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shield of Faith (Grants +2 AC to itself and allies within 10 feet)
As the party delves deeper into the cathedral, they uncover a hidden chamber beneath the altar, revealing a powerful artifact—the Heart of the Cathedral—said to protect Eldoria from malevolent forces. However, the artifact has been tainted by the dark energy of the Shadow Wraith, who seeks to corrupt it and unleash chaos upon the city.
The session culminates in a dramatic confrontation within the cathedral's heart. The players must work together to defeat the Shadow Wraith and purify the Heart of the Cathedral, restoring balance and ensuring the reopening ceremony can proceed without further incident. The stakes are high, and their choices will determine the fate of Eldoria.
As the dust settles, the cathedral bells ring out, signaling a new dawn for the city, forever changed by the bravery of its defenders. The players are hailed as heroes, and the festivities commence, filled with laughter, music, and tales of their daring adventure.