Tier 2 – The Shadow Weaver’s Curse (5)

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the vibrant city of Eldoria, where magic flows through the streets like the river that nourishes its lands, a dark shadow looms. The once-celebrated Festival of Lights is upon the city, a time when citizens gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. However, this year, a sinister force threatens to extinguish the joy of the festival.

Rumors have spread of a mysterious figure known only as the Shadow Weaver, a malevolent sorcerer who has been abducting children during the festival preparations. The city guards are overwhelmed, and whispers of fear echo through the marketplace. The mayor, desperate to save the festival and the children, has put out a call for brave adventurers to investigate the disappearances and confront this dark threat.

As the party gathers in the mayor's office, they are greeted by a sense of urgency. The mayor, a stout dwarf with a silver beard, explains the situation, his eyes filled with worry. "We must act quickly! The festival begins in just a few days, and if we do not find the children, the darkness will consume our city!"

The adventurers are given a map leading to the last known location of the Shadow Weaver, an abandoned tower on the outskirts of Eldoria, shrouded in an eerie mist. The tower, once a place of learning, now stands as a monument to despair, its crumbling walls covered in dark vines that seem to pulse with malevolence.

As the party approaches the tower, they notice the air grows colder, and the sounds of the festival fade into an unsettling silence. The entrance is guarded by enchanted shadows, remnants of the sorcerer's dark magic. These shadows lash out at the party, attempting to ensnare them in their grasp.

**Enemy Encounter: Enchanted Shadows**

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 30

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage.)

– **Ability:** Shadow Cloak (As a bonus action, the shadow can become invisible until it attacks or until the end of its next turn.)

Once the shadows are defeated, the party can explore the tower. Inside, they find remnants of the children's laughter, faded drawings on the walls, and a magical barrier blocking the way to the upper floors. To dispel the barrier, they must solve a riddle inscribed on a stone tablet:

"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"

The answer is "an echo." Upon solving the riddle, the barrier dissipates, revealing a spiral staircase leading to the tower's summit.

At the top, they confront the Shadow Weaver, a tall figure cloaked in darkness, with glowing eyes that pierce through the gloom. "You dare interrupt my work?" he hisses, revealing his twisted plan to harness the children's pure essence to fuel his dark magic.

**Boss Encounter: The Shadow Weaver**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 80

– **Attack:** Dark Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) necrotic damage.)

– **Ability:** Shadow Manipulation (As an action, the Shadow Weaver can create an area of darkness that lasts for 1 minute, heavily obscuring the area.)

The battle unfolds amidst flickering shadows and bursts of magical energy. The party must use their skills and teamwork to overcome the Shadow Weaver, rescue the children, and restore light to the Festival of Lights.

As the final blow is struck, the shadows dissipate, and the children, trapped in a magical slumber, awaken with joy. The city rejoices as the festival continues, brighter than ever, thanks to the bravery of the adventurers. The mayor rewards them with treasures and a place of honor in the city, ensuring their names will be remembered in Eldoria for generations to come.