Tier 2 – The Shadow Merchant’s Plot
**Tier 2 play**
As you gather around the table, the air crackles with anticipation. The kingdom of Eldoria, renowned for its vibrant magic and sprawling landscapes, is wrapped in a wintry embrace. Snowflakes dance through the air, glistening like diamonds under the warm glow of lanterns that line the cobblestone streets of the quaint village of Wynthorpe. The townsfolk, adorned in their finest winter garb, bustle about, preparing for the Royal Pre-Christmas Luncheon, an event that promises to be the highlight of the season.
However, a shadow looms over the festivities. The townsfolk whisper of a sinister plot that threatens not only the royal family but the very essence of the holiday spirit. Rumors swirl of an elusive figure known as the Shadow Merchant, who has been dealing in dark magic and manipulating the hearts of the people, sowing discord and mistrust. With whispers of betrayal reaching the ears of the nobility, it is up to your party to uncover the truth behind the merchant and save the kingdom from impending chaos.
Your adventure begins in the bustling town square, where cheerful melodies fill the air. As you approach the central fountain, you notice a group of anxious villagers gathered around a notice board. A hastily written proclamation announces that Prince Andrew will not be attending the royal luncheon, raising suspicions about the prince's safety and the potential influence of the Shadow Merchant.
### Encounter: Investigating the Shadow Merchant
**Objective:** Uncover the identity and intentions of the Shadow Merchant.
**Setting:** The party can choose to investigate three locations, each offering clues or challenges.
1. **The Snow-Covered Tavern:** A warm refuge filled with the scent of mulled wine and roasted meats. The barkeep, an older man with a twinkle in his eye, knows more than he lets on. A successful Persuasion check (DC 14) will coax him into revealing that he overheard a mysterious figure speaking cryptically about enchanting a magical amulet during the last full moon.
2. **The Abandoned Mines:** Located on the outskirts of town, these mines are said to be haunted. The deeper you go, the more you can hear whispers of the past. Inside, the party can encounter shadowy figures (use Shadow stats) who guard the secrets of the mines. Defeating them will lead to a hidden chamber where a map revealing the merchant’s hideout can be found.
3. **The Enchanter's Workshop:** A dilapidated building filled with broken potions and shimmering artifacts. The eccentric enchanter, a disheveled gnome named Flix, is frantic and paranoid. He believes he’s being watched. If the party can calm him down (DC 12) and gain his trust, he’ll share information about the Shadow Merchant’s dealings and provide a magical item (a Potion of Invisibility) that could aid in the final confrontation.
### Final Confrontation: The Shadow Merchant
Once the party has gathered enough information, they will track down the Shadow Merchant's lair, hidden within the depths of a frozen forest. Here, they will face the Merchant, a cunning figure cloaked in shadows, with a dark aura surrounding him.
**Boss Enemy: Shadow Merchant**
– **HP:** 70
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack, +7 to hit, 2d8 + 3 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Manipulation (Once per encounter, can create an area of darkness, granting disadvantage on attacks for 1 minute)
– **Minions:** Summons 2 Shadows to fight alongside him.
As the final battle ensues, the party must navigate through the shifting shadows and unravel the Merchant's dark magic to save the prince and restore peace to the kingdom. Will they succeed in thwarting the Shadow Merchant’s plans and bring back the joy of the holiday season? The fate of Eldoria lies in their hands!