Tier 2 – The Shadow of Malakar A Quest for the Lumina Revelry

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where the air thrums with magic and ancient secrets whisper through the trees, a mystical festival known as the Lumina Revelry is approaching. This annual celebration draws the most talented mages from across the land to showcase their arcane prowess. However, this year, a shadow has fallen over the festivities. A notorious sorcerer named Malakar, known for his dark ambitions and cunning, has mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a trail of chaos.

The elders of Eldoria are anxious. They have summoned your party to investigate Malakar's whereabouts and put a stop to his wicked schemes before the festival begins. As you gather at the crumbling stone table in the elders' chamber, the flickering torches cast dancing shadows on the walls, highlighting the intricate runes carved into the ancient stones.

Your journey begins in the heart of the Whispering Woods, rumored to be the last place Malakar was seen before his disappearance. The dense foliage envelops you as you navigate through the enchanting yet treacherous terrain. Glowing mushrooms illuminate the path, and the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and moss. The sounds of distant laughter and music from the festival mingle with the rustling leaves, creating an eerie contrast to the unfolding mystery.

As you delve deeper into the woods, you encounter a series of magical illusions designed to disorient intruders. Characters might hear echoing laughter, see fleeting shadows, or feel a tugging sensation as if the forest itself is trying to protect its secrets. The party must use their wits and skills to dispel these illusions, perhaps relying on Arcana checks or clever roleplay to discern reality from trickery.

Eventually, the group stumbles upon a clearing bathed in silver moonlight, where they find Malakar's hidden lair—an ancient, vine-covered ruin pulsating with dark energy. Inside, the air crackles with magic, and the walls are adorned with runes that shift and change like the tides. Here, they face Malakar's loyal minion, a Shadow Wraith, a formidable foe determined to protect its master.

**Shadow Wraith Stats:**

– Hit Points: 65

– Armor Class: 15

– Attack: Shadow Strike (+7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage)

– Special Abilities: Ethereal Jaunt (can move through walls and obstacles, reappearing up to 30 feet away)

Upon defeating the Shadow Wraith, the party discovers Malakar's journal, filled with cryptic notes about a dark ritual he plans to perform during the festival. The stakes are raised as time runs short, and the party must decipher the journal's clues to thwart Malakar's sinister plot before the Lumina Revelry is engulfed in darkness.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the Whispering Woods, your players feel the urgency of their mission. With each step, they are reminded that the fate of Eldoria rests upon their shoulders, and perhaps they’ll uncover more than just a villain—but the true power of friendship, unity, and the light that shines even in the darkest of times.