Tier 2 – The Curse of the Stray Cat
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the air shimmers with enchantment, a peculiar incident has caught the attention of the local adventurers. The streets are alive with the chatter of townsfolk, but a shadow looms over the marketplace—a grim tale of a woman named Fran Oborski, who has suffered a fate most dire after a seemingly innocent encounter with a stray cat.
Two years ago, Fran was scratched by a stray feline while tending to her herb garden. What began as a minor inconvenience spiraled into a debilitating infection that ultimately led to the amputation of her leg. Now, she walks with a wooden prosthetic, but whispers of dark magic surrounding the cat have reached the ears of the adventurers. Some say the cat is a harbinger of misfortune, while others believe it is a cursed creature, harboring a sinister power that must be unraveled.
The adventurers are summoned by the local healer, a wise old gnome named Elowen, who has heard of their prowess. She implores them to investigate the stray cat, which has been spotted lurking in the alleys of Eldoria, and to discover the truth behind Fran’s affliction. Elowen believes that the cat may be a familiar of a malevolent sorcerer who has been conducting dark experiments in the shadows of the city.
As the party sets out, they navigate the bustling market, where the scent of spices and fresh bread fills the air, mingling with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares. They must gather information from the townsfolk, piecing together clues about the cat’s whereabouts. Some may offer assistance, while others may be too frightened to speak of the creature, fearing its wrath.
The investigation leads them to the Whispering Alley, a narrow path shrouded in shadows and mystery. Here, they encounter a group of street urchins who have seen the cat darting in and out of a crumbling old building at the alley's end. The children speak of strange noises and flickering lights emanating from within, suggesting that the cat is not merely a lost animal but a key to something much darker.
Upon entering the dilapidated structure, the adventurers find themselves in a dimly lit room filled with arcane symbols and remnants of magical experiments. In the center, they discover the stray cat—a sleek, black creature with glowing green eyes—sitting atop a pile of tomes and vials. As they approach, the cat hisses, revealing its sharp teeth, and the air crackles with latent magic.
Suddenly, the room shifts as a shadowy figure materializes—the sorcerer, a twisted being named Malakar, who has been using the cat’s essence to fuel his dark spells. He seeks to harness the power of the stray to create a potion of immortality, regardless of the lives he destroys in the process.
**Boss Enemy: Malakar the Shadowbinder**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (ranged spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Cloak (once per encounter, Malakar can become incorporeal for one turn, avoiding all damage)
The adventurers must confront Malakar and his shadowy minions, battling not only for the cat’s freedom but also for the safety of Eldoria. As they engage in combat, they can use the environment to their advantage, knocking over shelves of vials to create distractions or harnessing the magical energy in the room to bolster their own spells.
In the heat of battle, the cat watches, its eyes glinting with an otherworldly light. If the party successfully defeats Malakar, the cat transforms into a spectral being, revealing itself as a guardian spirit. Grateful for their bravery, it offers to lift the curse from Fran and bestow a boon upon the adventurers.
As the session concludes, the party returns to Fran, who is overcome with gratitude. The streets of Eldoria are once again filled with joy, and the adventurers are left with a sense of accomplishment, knowing they have not only saved a life but also uncovered the dark secrets lurking in the shadows of their beloved city.