Tier 2 – The Quest for the Moonstone
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the vibrant city of Eldoria, the air is thick with the scent of blooming nightflowers and the distant echoes of laughter and music waft from the taverns lining the cobblestone streets. The party finds themselves in the heart of the city, drawn together by a mysterious summons from a cloaked figure who promised both adventure and intrigue.
Your journey begins at the Whispering Willow Tavern, where the flickering candlelight dances across the faces of patrons lost in their own stories. The cloaked figure, now revealed to be a local informant named Elara, leans closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "There’s a darkness creeping into our city," she warns, her emerald eyes glinting with concern. "The Moonstone, a powerful artifact that protects Eldoria, has been stolen from its shrine. Without it, our city will fall into chaos."
Elara explains that the artifact was last known to be in the possession of a notorious thief named Kael the Shadow, who has taken refuge in the treacherous Shadowveil Forest. The forest is known for its illusions and dangerous creatures, and many who have ventured there have not returned. The party must retrieve the Moonstone before the upcoming lunar festival, or Eldoria will be plunged into despair.
As they prepare to embark on their quest, the party is given a map marked with potential routes through the forest and a few leads on Kael’s whereabouts. They can choose to gather information from the tavern's patrons, purchase supplies from the bustling market, or head straight into the forest. Each decision will shape their adventure, leading to unique encounters and challenges.
### Exploration Component
As the party makes their way through Shadowveil Forest, they encounter a series of illusions designed to mislead and confuse them. Ethereal whispers beckon them deeper into the woods, while shadowy figures dart between the trees. The players must use their skills—whether through perception checks to see through the illusions or insight checks to discern truth from deception—to navigate the forest and find their way to Kael’s hideout.
### Enemy Encounter
Upon locating Kael’s lair, the party is ambushed by his loyal band of thieves, led by Kael himself.
**Kael the Shadow**
– **Type:** Medium humanoid (human)
– **Armor Class:** 15 (Leather Armor)
– **Hit Points:** 50 (9d8 + 9)
– **Speed:** 30 ft.
**Abilities:**
– **STR:** 12 (+1)
– **DEX:** 18 (+4)
– **CON:** 14 (+2)
– **INT:** 15 (+2)
– **WIS:** 12 (+1)
– **CHA:** 16 (+3)
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** Kael makes two attacks with his dagger.
– **Dagger:** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 8 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
– **Shadow Step (Recharge 5-6):** Kael can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see that is in dim light or darkness. He then has advantage on the next melee attack he makes before the end of his turn.
### Conclusion
Once Kael is defeated, the party can reclaim the Moonstone. However, they must decide how to handle Kael—will they show mercy or bring him to justice? The choices they make in this moment will ripple through Eldoria, potentially altering the course of its history. As they return the Moonstone to the shrine, the city erupts in celebration, and the party is hailed as heroes, forever remembered in the annals of Eldoria.
With the festival approaching, the party has the opportunity to enjoy the festivities, forge alliances, and perhaps uncover further mysteries waiting to be explored in this high-magic world.