Tier 2 – The Heart of Revelry A Night of Shadows
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where towering spires of crystal and shimmering streets of enchanted stone weave through the landscape, whispers of a dark presence have begun to circulate among the townsfolk. A once-thriving establishment known as the Groucho Club, famed for its lavish gatherings and magical soirées, has been shrouded in mystery following a series of unsettling events. The club was abruptly closed by the council after a request from the Metropolitan Police, who spoke of a sinister force lurking within its opulent halls.
Your party finds themselves drawn to the mystery, either out of a sense of duty or sheer curiosity. The air crackles with magic as you approach the club, its grand entrance adorned with intricate carvings that seem to shift and shimmer under the moonlight. The once-vibrant music is now replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional flicker of enchanted lanterns.
As you step inside, the atmosphere thickens with tension. The grand ballroom, once filled with laughter and merriment, now lies in disarray. Tables are overturned, and the remnants of a lavish feast are scattered across the floor. A chilling breeze sweeps through the room, carrying with it the faint echoes of laughter that turn into anguished cries.
Your investigation leads you deeper into the club, where you discover a hidden chamber behind a tapestry depicting the club's illustrious history. In this chamber, the source of the disturbance becomes clear: a powerful artifact known as the Heart of Revelry, which was said to amplify the joy and magic of the club, has been corrupted. Its once-bright glow is now a sickly green, pulsating with dark energy.
As you attempt to purify the artifact, a formidable foe emerges from the shadows: the Wraith of Despair, a spectral being born from the anguish of those wronged within the club's walls. With hollow eyes and a voice that echoes like thunder, it seeks to drain the joy and hope from your party.
**Wraith of Despair Stats:**
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) necrotic damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Aura of Despair – Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Wraith must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.
To defeat the Wraith, your party must not only engage in combat but also uncover the truth behind the artifact's corruption. Clues scattered throughout the club reveal that a former member, consumed by jealousy and greed, attempted to harness the Heart of Revelry's power for themselves, leading to the chaos that ensued.
As the battle rages on, the party must also find a way to cleanse the Heart of Revelry, using their skills and spells to restore its true nature. Will they succeed in banishing the Wraith of Despair and restoring joy to the Groucho Club, or will they succumb to the darkness that has taken root within its walls? The fate of the club—and perhaps the city—rests in their hands.