Tier 2 – The Mystery of Maplewood

**Tier 2 play**

In the verdant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a peculiar series of events has unfolded in the peaceful village of Maplewood. The party finds themselves drawn to this quaint hamlet, known for its sprawling orchards and the annual Harvest Festival, which celebrates the bounty of nature and the magic within it. However, an unsettling shadow looms over the festivities; a series of mysterious robberies has plagued the villagers, leaving them frightened and desperate.

The adventure begins as the players gather in the bustling town square, the aroma of spiced cider and freshly baked goods filling the air. As they mingle with the locals, they overhear hushed whispers of a strange dog seen lurking around the edges of the festival. The dog, they say, appears to be no ordinary creature—it seems to vanish and reappear at will, and some claim it possesses an uncanny intelligence.

Their investigation takes them to the heart of the village, where they meet the village elder, a wise old woman named Elara. She explains that the robberies began after the arrival of a traveling merchant who had set up a stall at the festival. Rumors suggest that he may be involved in some dark magic, and the villagers fear that he has been cursed.

As the party delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter a stray dog—a scruffy, golden-furred creature with soulful eyes. The dog seems to be drawn to the party, and as they bond over their shared experiences, the players may sense that there’s something extraordinary about this animal. Little do they know, the dog is a skinwalker, a shapeshifter capable of taking on human form, and it has been watching over the village, seeking help to reveal the truth.

The party must track down the merchant, who lives in a lavish tent at the edge of the festival grounds. As they confront him, the merchant reveals his true nature: he is a malevolent sorcerer, using a powerful artifact to cloak himself from detection and manipulate the villagers into handing over their valuables. He intends to use their fear to fuel his dark magic and expand his influence over the region.

**Boss Enemy:**

– **Name:** Kael the Deceiver

– **Race:** Human Sorcerer

– **HP:** 50

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as Fire Bolt, Charm Person, and Shield.

– **Special Ability:** Illusory Guise – Once per encounter, Kael can create illusory duplicates of himself, causing the party to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw to discern the real Kael from his illusions.

As the players engage in a climactic battle against Kael and his illusions, the stray dog reveals its true form—a majestic skinwalker with shimmering fur and a powerful presence. Together, they combine their strengths to defeat the sorcerer, breaking the curse over the village and restoring peace to Maplewood.

In the aftermath, the villagers celebrate their newfound freedom, and the bond between the party and the skinwalker deepens. They learn that this creature, once a mere stray, is now a guardian of the realm, vowing to protect the village from any future threats. The session concludes with the party receiving tokens of gratitude from the villagers, setting the stage for further adventures in the magic-laden world of Eldoria.