Tier 2 – The Prism of Illuminara A Festival of Shadows

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the mystical realm of Eldoria, the vibrant town of Brighthaven is buzzing with excitement. The annual Festival of Lights is upon them, a celebration filled with enchanting displays, magical performances, and feasts that tantalize the senses. However, this year’s festivities are overshadowed by an ominous cloud—the magical artifact known as the Prism of Illuminara, which powers the festival’s wondrous displays, has been stolen!

As the party arrives in Brighthaven, they are greeted by frantic townsfolk and flickering lanterns casting playful shadows on cobblestone streets. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries, but the laughter of children is tinged with fear. The mayor, a rotund man with a twinkle in his eye, approaches the party with urgency.

“Adventurers, I implore you! Our beloved Prism has been taken by a nefarious band of shadow thieves, led by a cunning rogue named Maristella. She’s hiding out in the Ruins of Eldrak, just beyond the Whispering Woods. Without the Prism, the festival will be a tragedy, and the town will lose its magic forever!”

### Adventure Outline

1. **Investigation in Brighthaven**:

– The party starts by gathering information. They can interview townsfolk, visit the local tavern, or consult with a wise old sage who knows of the ruins. Clues can lead them to potential traps or hidden routes through the Whispering Woods.

2. **The Whispering Woods**:

– As the party makes their way through the woods, they encounter mischievous forest sprites who will only allow passage if the adventurers can solve their riddles or complete a challenge involving nature or illusion magic. Successful completion grants them a boon, while failure may result in a temporary enchantment or playful obstacle.

3. **The Ruins of Eldrak**:

– Upon reaching the ruins, the party discovers an ancient structure entwined with vines and glowing with residual magic. Mysterious echoes and shadows whisper secrets of the past. Here, the players will confront traps, illusions, and the shadow thieves.

4. **The Confrontation with Maristella**:

– As the party navigates the ruins, they will eventually face Maristella, who stands surrounded by her shadowy henchmen—two shadow thieves (stats: AC 15, HP 30, attacks +5 to hit, 1d6+3 dagger damage). The rogue, shrouded in darkness, uses deception and agility. Maristella’s cunning ability allows her to become invisible once per encounter, and she employs sneak attacks to make her presence felt.

5. **Final Showdown**:

– The climax occurs when the party confronts Maristella. She has the Prism in her possession, charging the very shadows around her. Should the adventurers defeat her, they must grapple with the decision to either return the Prism to the town or keep its power for themselves, leading to potential consequences for the realm.

### Conclusion

If the party succeeds in retrieving the Prism, the Festival of Lights is saved! As they return to Brighthaven, they are hailed as heroes, and the townsfolk celebrate with a grand feast. If they decide otherwise, the shadows seem to stretch, signifying that the light may forever be dimmed.

This one-shot combines investigation, exploration, and combat, immersing players in a world where their choices have immediate and far-reaching consequences. Allow the sensory richness of Brighthaven and the perilous intrigue of Eldrak to transport your players to a high-magic, high-fantasy adventure!