Tier 2 – The Harbinger of Chaos at the Lumina Carnival
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic dances in the air like fireflies at dusk, the annual Lumina Carnival has arrived, drawing crowds from every corner of the kingdom. Colorful tents flutter in the breeze, filled with enchanting games, mesmerizing performances, and tantalizing aromas of exotic foods. Yet, beneath the surface of this joyous celebration lies a dark secret that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the carnival.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the festivities, whispers of unease ripple through the crowd. Local law enforcement, tasked with ensuring the safety of the revelers, have reported a series of unsettling incidents. A recent survey revealed that 28% of the officers working at the carnival have been assaulted, and a staggering 88% feel unsafe in their duties. Rumors circulate of a shadowy figure, known only as the Harbinger, who has been seen lurking around the carnival grounds, sowing fear and chaos.
Your party arrives at the carnival, drawn by the allure of adventure and the promise of excitement. As you step through the entrance, the sounds of laughter and music envelop you, but an undercurrent of tension hangs in the air. The carnival's vibrant colors seem to clash with the grim reports of violence and fear.
The local sheriff, a stout dwarf named Sheriff Brannor, approaches your group, his brow furrowed with concern. "Adventurers! Thank the stars you've come! We need your help. The Harbinger has been terrorizing the carnival, and if we don’t stop him soon, the festivities will turn into a nightmare. We’ve tried to investigate, but every time we get close, he vanishes into thin air."
Your quest begins with gathering information. You can choose to speak with carnival performers, who may have seen the Harbinger, or investigate the various attractions where incidents have occurred. The fortune teller, Madame Zaria, offers cryptic insights, while the strongman, Grom, recounts a chilling tale of a shadowy figure that appeared during his act.
As night falls, the carnival transforms. Lanterns glow like stars, and the laughter of children echoes through the air. But the tension escalates when the Harbinger strikes again, causing a panic that sends the crowd scattering. It’s time for your party to confront this mysterious foe.
**Encounter: The Harbinger**
– **Type:** Shadow Sorcerer
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Abilities:**
– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged spell attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage.
– **Fear Aura:** All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
– **Shadow Step:** Can teleport to any shadow within 60 feet as a bonus action.
– **Illusory Duplicate:** Creates an illusory copy of himself, granting disadvantage on attacks against him until the end of his next turn.
As the party engages the Harbinger, they must navigate through the chaos of the carnival, using their skills and wits to uncover the truth behind his motives. Is he merely a harbinger of chaos, or does he have a deeper connection to the carnival's dark past? The fate of the Lumina Carnival rests in their hands, and the choices they make will determine whether joy or despair reigns over Eldoria.
Prepare for an evening of intrigue, excitement, and high-stakes adventure as your party delves into the heart of the carnival and confronts the shadows that threaten to consume it.