Tier 2 – The Deception of the Trickster
**Tier 2 play**
In the high-fantasy realm of Eldoria, a shadow has fallen over the once-harmonious Brotherhood of the Radiant Shield, a prestigious order of paladins sworn to uphold justice and purity. Recently, the divine connection that bound them to their god has been severed, and a chilling message has echoed through the hearts of the paladins: “All other paladins but you are corrupt, cleanse them.”
This unsettling command has led to months of violence, as the paladins, driven by their fervor, have turned against one another. Now, only one paladin remains untainted by this dark influence—an unlikely hero thrust into a conflict that threatens to consume the entire order. The paladin, your party’s leader, has received a new message from their god: “The Trickster stole my divine link, what did he tell you?”
### Adventure Hook
The party finds themselves in the bustling town of Valemoor, where whispers of betrayal and corruption fill the air. The streets are alive with the scent of spiced meats and the sound of laughter, but beneath the surface, tension simmers. Rumors have spread that the Trickster, a cunning deity known for his deceit and mischief, has taken refuge in the nearby Whispering Woods, a place where reality bends and illusions reign.
The party must investigate the sudden corruption of their fellow paladins and uncover the truth behind the Trickster’s deception. They will need to gather clues from the townsfolk, confront the remaining paladins, and ultimately face the Trickster himself.
### Key Locations
1. **The Temple of the Radiant Shield**: A once-sacred place now filled with doubt and fear. Here, the party can speak to the remaining paladins, who are torn between loyalty and suspicion. Investigating the temple may reveal hidden messages or artifacts left behind by the Trickster.
2. **The Tavern of the Laughing Lantern**: A lively establishment where rumors flow as freely as the ale. The party can gather information from the patrons, some of whom may have witnessed strange happenings in the woods or encountered corrupted paladins.
3. **Whispering Woods**: A mystical forest where the trees seem to whisper secrets. The deeper the party ventures, the more reality warps around them. Here, they will face illusions and traps set by the Trickster to deter intruders.
### Encounter: The Trickster
As the party navigates the woods, they will confront the Trickster himself, a shape-shifting entity who revels in chaos. He appears as a jester, adorned in vibrant colors, his eyes glinting with mischief. The Trickster will taunt the party, challenging them to see through his illusions and reveal the truth.
**Boss Stats: The Trickster**
– **HP**: 80
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**:
– **Illusionary Blade**: +7 to hit, 2d8+3 piercing damage.
– **Trickster’s Charm**: Once per encounter, the Trickster can force a player to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed for 1 minute, believing they are fighting alongside him.
### Conclusion
Once the party defeats the Trickster, they will uncover the truth behind the corruption of their fellow paladins. The Trickster had sown discord, whispering lies that turned brother against brother. With the divine link restored, the paladin will receive guidance from their god, and the party can help heal the rift within the Brotherhood of the Radiant Shield.
This adventure is a test of wits and valor, where the party must navigate deception and uncover the light within the darkness. Will they cleanse the order and restore harmony, or will the Trickster's chaos reign supreme? The fate of the Brotherhood lies in their hands.