Tier 2 – The Shadow Warden of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a dark shadow looms over the annual Festival of Lights. The festival, a celebration of unity and joy, has been marred by a series of mysterious disappearances. Citizens whisper of a figure cloaked in darkness, an orphaned child with extraordinary powers, who has taken it upon themselves to protect the city from those they deem unworthy. This child, known only as the Shadow Warden, possesses abilities that can bend the very fabric of reality, and their wrath has become a source of both fear and admiration.

As the sun sets and the festival begins, the players find themselves drawn to the heart of Eldoria, where lanterns illuminate the streets and laughter fills the air. However, the joyous atmosphere is tainted by the anxiety of the townsfolk, who fear for their loved ones. The players are approached by a distraught mother, pleading for their help. Her son, a young boy who was last seen near the festival grounds, has vanished without a trace.

The players must investigate the area, using their skills to gather clues. They can speak to festival-goers, examine the scene of the disappearance, or even use magic to sense lingering energies. As they delve deeper, they uncover a series of enchanted sigils etched into the ground, leading them to a hidden entrance beneath the festival stage.

Descending into the darkness, the players find themselves in a labyrinthine underground chamber, filled with echoes of laughter and sorrow. Here, they must navigate traps and illusions created by the Shadow Warden, who is both protector and punisher. The players may encounter magical creatures, such as mischievous fae or shadowy specters, as they search for the missing boy.

Eventually, they confront the Shadow Warden in a grand hall, where the child stands surrounded by swirling shadows. The Warden, with eyes that shimmer like starlight, reveals their tragic backstory: abandoned and alone, they have harnessed their powers to protect the innocent but have become consumed by their own grief and anger.

**Boss Enemy: Shadow Warden**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d8+4 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Veil (Once per encounter, the Warden can become invisible for 1 minute, reappearing at will)

– **Legendary Action:** Grasp of Shadows (The Warden can target one player, forcing them to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn)

The players must decide how to confront the Warden. Will they fight to subdue the child, or will they seek to understand and help them find peace? Their choices will determine the fate of the missing boy and the future of the Festival of Lights. As the encounter unfolds, the players will learn that sometimes, the greatest battles are not fought with swords, but with compassion and understanding.

As the session concludes, the players will have the opportunity to either free the Shadow Warden from their pain or join them in a new quest to protect Eldoria from the true threats lurking in the shadows. The fate of the city rests in their hands, and the bonds they forge will echo through the ages.