Tier 2 – The Mystery of the Missing Toddler
**Tier 2 play**
The sun sets over the bustling city of Eldoria, casting long shadows through the cobbled streets. Street vendors call out, hawking their magical wares, while the laughter of children rings through the air, oblivious to the dark events unfolding just beyond the city's walls. The party finds themselves in the heart of Eldoria, drawn together by whispers of a grim tale: a missing toddler, the son of a well-respected merchant, has been reported dead. Rumors swirl that the child's body is hidden, and those suspected of foul play are on the run.
As the players gather in a dimly lit tavern known as The Winking Wyvern, the atmosphere is thick with tension. A mysterious cloaked figure approaches their table, presenting a letter sealed with wax bearing the merchant’s crest. The figure introduces themselves as Seraphine, the merchant’s assistant, her voice quivering with urgency. She explains that the toddler was last seen near the edge of the city before vanishing without a trace and reveals she has seen the couple—now suspected murderers—fleeing towards the nearby Whispering Woods.
The party must decide whether to pursue the couple into the woods, investigate leads in the city, or gather intel from the merchant himself. The campaign's objectives can be split into three distinct paths, each leading to exciting encounters and revealing new pieces of the mystery.
### Exploration Component
If the party chooses to delve into the Whispering Woods, they will encounter enchanted flora and fauna. The woods are alive with magic, shimmering in soft hues of blue and green. However, the air is also thick with an unsettling energy: the whispers of lost souls echo through the trees, warning the adventurers of the dangers that lie ahead.
**Encounters:**
1. **Forest Spirits:** Playful but mischievous, these spirits might lead the party astray or offer valuable guidance depending on how they interact with them.
2. **Giant Spiders:** As the party navigates deeper into the woods, they are ambushed by a pack of giant spiders, crafted from shadow and silk. (Stats: AC 14, HP 20, Attack: Bite (1d6+2), Poison effect: DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 poison damage.)
### Investigation Component
If the party opts to investigate the city, they can glean information from various NPCs. They may visit the child’s mother, a distraught woman with an unsettling glint of madness in her eyes, or the local guard, who may have been bribed to stay silent. Each interaction can provide clues or lead to unexpected confrontations.
### Enemy Encounter
Should the players track down the couple, they find them hiding in a decrepit cabin on the outskirts of the woods. The couple—Gareth and Elara, once simple townsfolk—are now desperate and armed. They plan to flee the city with their dark secret hidden in a nearby grave.
**Boss Stats:**
– **Name:** Gareth, the Desperate Father
– **HP:** 50
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Short Sword (1d8+3), can use a Charm spell (DC 13 Wisdom saving throw) to attempt to sway one player to his aid, believing in his innocence.
– **Name:** Elara, the Cunning Mother
– **HP:** 45
– **AC:** 14
– **Attack:** Dagger (1d6+2), can cast Illusion (DC 13 Intelligence saving throw) to create diversions, allowing escape or gaining tactical advantage.
### Conclusion
The success of the party lies in uncovering the truth about the toddler's death and confronting the couple. Depending on their actions, they could either bring justice to the grieving family or uncover a deeper conspiracy that threatens the very heart of Eldoria. As the players navigate through emotional stakes, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes encounters, they will forge bonds that could last a lifetime, all within the captivating world of high magic and fantasy.